What causes aging?The aging of human skin is affected by numerous factors. As a result of internal and external factors, the skin changes constantly from infancy to adulthood. Structural and functional changes occur within the dermis layer. The dermis layer is the supporting layer and the epidermis is the outer visible layer of skin. The skin’s metabolism and natural functions start declining from the age of 25. Aging means that the cells of our skin are unable to replenish themselves properly and over time the skin’s natural protective external barrier to defend against bacteria is weakened. This results in dry complexion, wrinkles, sensitive skin and loss of skin elasticity. After the age of 45, the skin will start to become thinner – making it more vulnerable to damage caused by environmental factors. Research studies, many experts and dermatologists indicate that red light emitted by collagen lamps stimulates and activates the production of collagen and elastin. These are the main proteins that contribute to our skin’s elasticity, texture, and tone.
What is collagen?
Collagen belongs to three essential skin proteins, the others being elastin and keratin. Collagen is a fiber substance – when mature, it is a mesh of fibers. It consists of groups of white inelastic fibers with tensile strength. These include fine fibrils, which are made-up of even finer filaments to form a 3-dimensional network. The protein is found in our body’s skin, but also in most of our organs. That’s why there are various types of collagen. In essence, collagen is the fundamental “glue” that holds our bodies together. It supports and connects body tissues of the skin, muscles, tendons, cartilage, bones and event teeth.
Why is the production of collagen in our skin so important?
The amount and quality of collagen in our skin contributes to our appearance. Each body is unique and has a specific collagen composition depending on age and health. The productivity of our skin’s collagen proteins declines as we age. Natural collagen decrease is often accelerated with poor health choices, such as smoking and drinking. As collagen declines, our skin thins and weakens, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles. The thinning skin starts to lose its protective functions, which will leave it increasingly vulnerable to visible color and texture irregularity or bacterial infection.
Is red light therapy safe?
Using red light emitted from collagen lamps is one of the few methodologies that gently and harmlessly reduces the signs of aging. Red lamps are free from ultraviolet light and are considered pain free - no healing or downtime is involved. Invasive anti-aging procedures such as microdermabrasion, dermal fillers and other injections, chemical peels or laser resurfacing can have serious side effects. When using collagen fluorescent lamps, a physician should be consulted if light sensitive medication is prescribed or if the consumer suffers from increased sensitivity to light. Some people may also experience brief warmth (“glow”) following use of collagen lamps. Finally, as with all other technologies, collagen red light cannot be used indiscriminately with other products that may themselves cause side effects.
What can I expect from the use of collagen fluorescent lamps?
Based on research, collagen lamps may improve skin tone and texture, control pigmentation spots, help reduce pore size, encourage vibrant looking skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The red light also stimulates blood circulation and repairs elastin fibers within the tissue to help keep the skin firm.
Are there any precautions needed when using red light therapy?
LightSources and LightTech highly recommend the use of protective eyewear especially designed to reduce the level of brightness. We also suggest consulting with your cosmetic expert or directly contacting the manufacturer of your collagen fluorescent lamp device. Each unit is unique depending on the number, wattage and density of lamps in the system. People with the following conditions should avoid exposure to collagen red light devices:
- If you are photo-allergic or take medication or use cosmetics that may cause light sensitivity
- If you suffer from porphyria (one symptom of pophyria is light sensitivity)
- If you suffer from epilepsy
- If you take cortisone or steroid injections
What are drugs that may cause light sensitivity?
Drugs that may cause a light sensitive reaction include, for example:
- Certain anti-malarial drugs
- Digoxin (used for heart irregularities/heart failures) and photosensitizing drugs that cause cataracts (e.g., tranquilizers, sulfa drugs, oral anti-diabetic drugs, antidepressants and steroids)
Please consult with your doctor before using collagen light therapy if you take any of these medications or any other medications which may cause light sensitive reactions.
Does red light therapy produce the same light as from the sun?
Is there UV exposure? Collagen red lamps have a spectrum between 600 and 700nm. The lamps do not radiate UVA or UVB rays. There is no tanning effect
How do I have to prepare my skin before the treatment?
Prior to using, the skin in your facial and décolleté area (upper chest) should be thoroughly washed and cleansed. We recommend using a mild cleansing soap as it improves the transmission of red light into the skin. In this way it will not be blocked by any particles which can reflect the light.
How can I enhance the results of anti-aging red light therapy?
It was tested and proven that the use of anti-oxidant vitamin creams with photo rejuvenation treatment give better light therapy effects than using either alone. Anti-oxidant creams (vitamins A, E, C, K and Alpha-Lipoic Acid) may be used after cleaning the skin either before or after a collagen light therapy.
Are IPL (Intensed Pulsed Light) and Laser technologies used in the same way as collagen fluorescent lamps?
No. All of these technologies use “light” as the energy source, but the applications are highly different. IPL and Laser radiation therapies are considered as invasive treatments. Patients may suffer from swelling, bruising or long-term skin damage.
How is collagen red light therapy with fluorescent lamps different from LED treatments?
Typically, LED treatments are much more expensive and due to limits in technology and cost may only focus on small areas of the body at one time. Using red light collagen products with full body fluorescent lamps can generate a much higher level and broader spectrum of light energy to the skin giving your clients more satisfactory results.Other distinguishing characteristics between collagen fluorescent and LED technology include:
- With fluorescent red light therapy it is possible to design affordable and effective full body cosmetic appliances (opposed to facial LED light therapy devices).
- LED manufacturing, and therefore LED light therapy treatments for the end-user, are much more expensive. Anti-aging treatments can cost up to $150 or more per session, whereas collagen fluorescent red light therapy simply gives you ‘more bang for your buck’.
- Opposed to fluorescent lamps, LEDs are very heat sensitive – inappropriate applications or excessive heat can substantially reduce both, light output and lifespan.
- As many collagen red light equipment OEMs have conducted medical studies to determine the required length and time period of the treatment, it was found that sessions only need to last up to 20 minutes or less. LED anti-aging therapy can take up to 1 hour of a customer’s time.
- LEDs typically cast light in only one direction at a narrow angle compared to fluorescent lamps. Hence, additional reflectors or lenses are required in fixtures to broaden the beam. This increases the overall manufacturing costs of the cosmetic light therapy equipment plus the cost for the user.
- The red fluorescent lamps in one full body collagen bed can reach up to 3,000 watts or greater mainly in the red light range (600nm to 700nm). LED lamps in one facial unit approximately achieve only 250 watts.
- Some LED lights produce a great deal of glare, making the treatment experience unpleasant opposed to fluorescent light therapy.
Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailments. Your actual results and experience may vary from those described herein. The information provided herein is not intended to substitute for advice from your physician or health professionals. You should always consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns prior to using such devices for the indications stated.