By: Meaghan Orellana, Nutrition and Dietetics Student
Recently, the use of red-light face masks has become a booming trend, but does it really work? The use of light therapy has been used in dermatology for many decades. Sometimes called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is the practice of using light with specific wavelengths to reach our cells and enhance beneficial processes within the cell.
Is it Safe?
This type of light therapy does not use ultraviolet (UV) light that is used in tanning beds. PBM commonly uses LED lights that do not emit heat and do not cause DNA damage that is seen in the use of tanning beds. Because of this, it is considered safe for all ages and skin types with minimal risk of side effects.
Benefits
Studies evaluating the benefits of red light and near infrared light therapy have shown many benefits to the body. PBM therapy rejuvenates skin through the production of collagen and elastin helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin tightness. It helps reduce inflammation which can improve conditions such as acne, joint pain, injuries, lung disorders and brain function. It has been found to increase hair density in thinning hair for conditions such as alopecia. The use of this therapy on muscles can improve muscular performance if used prior to exercise and helps in the healing of muscular injuries and reduction of muscle soreness if used after exercise.
How Does it Work?
PBM therapy uses wavelengths in the red-light spectrum from 620-700nm in red light and 700-1440nm in near infrared light to penetrate cells to trigger cellular responses and functions. The mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, is activated to produce energy from the light wavelengths for cell processes. This extra energy is able to reduce oxidative stress, stimulate pathways that reduce inflammation, increase cell reproduction, and create new proteins.
When we exercise, we put our muscles and body under temporary stress to allow it to heal stronger for more efficient use. The use of our muscles during exercise causes a cascade of inflammatory responses in the body to promote healing. However, our bodies sometimes create an overreaction in the inflammation process causes pain, damage to cells, muscle fatigue and soreness.
The exact mechanism of how this works is still being debated, but it is thought that red light and near infrared light penetrates our cells allowing the protein Cytochrome C Oxidase (CcO) within the mitochondria to absorb the light photons as energy. This increases the activity of CcO which release inhibitory nitric oxide, which enhances enzyme activity, electron transport, and mitochondrial respiration. In turn, this stimulates production of ATP and increases oxygen consumption in the cell allowing energy for cell maintenance and repair.
This mechanism is able to differentiate between healthy and damaged cells and react accordingly. In healthy cells this mechanism will increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which are chemically active molecules that play a role in cell signaling and protein synthesis. However, in damaged cells ROS is lowered and antioxidant pathways are stimulated to promote healing of those specific cells. ROS stimulates the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-kB) in those healthy cells which helps regulate the inflammation response and reduces inflammation in already damaged cells.
When used prior to exercise, studies have shown a delay in muscle fatigue during the workout due to the increased production in energy and Oxygen consumption in muscle cells. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory markers such as Creatine Kinase, which is released by muscle cells when they are damaged. This allows for prolonged intensity in training sessions and reduced recovery time.
When used after exercise, the same results are found in the increase in energy production and oxygenation of cells and decrease in inflammation. The pro-inflammatory marker IL-1B, which causes a cascade of inflammatory processes in the body, was decreased as was oxidative stress. It was shown to increase the synthesis of protein in the formation of new muscle fibers. These processes allow the muscle additional energy and oxygen to repair themselves while staving off inflammation and oxidative stress that can be damaging or cause pain allowing for a more efficient recovery.
The benefits of PBM have been demonstrated in many studies, though additional research is still needed to identify specific mechanisms of how it works.
For best results, regular use of the bed is recommended at least once a week. Unfortunately, since it is the light that stimulates the cellular benefits, discontinuing use of the therapy also discontinues the benefits. Check out the full PBM bed at Coastal Fitness Center to start your healing treatments!
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3065857/#:~:text=Oxygen%20acts%20as%20the%20final,responses%20(see%20Figure%205).&text=Diagram%20that%20illustrates%20the%20mechanism,which%20ultimately%20dictates%20LLLT%20effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4126803/#:~:text=From%20observation%2C%20it%20appears%20that,various%20processes%20(Figure%201).&text=Absorption%20spectra%20obtained%20for%20CCO,biological%20responses%20to%20the%20light.&text=It%20is%20hypothesized%20that%20this,)%20production%20(Figure%201).&text=In%20turn%2C%20LLLT%20alters%20the,and%20regeneration%20(Figure%201).
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