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The secret of LED therapy: How NASA inspired this light therapy
Light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) is a clinical procedure that uses different wavelengths of light to treat various conditions, and these light sources are safe for the skin. Back in the 1990s, NASA was inspired by the specific narrow spectrum of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) invented by the company to provide therapeutic benefits. In clinical practice, the high precision of narrowband LED therapy has enabled it to be used in the medical field for the first time. Commonly used lights in LEDT include blue light, red light, green light, yellow light and infrared (IR). The basic mechanism of LEDT is related to the metabolism of cell receptors. Light, as an external stimulus, affects cell metabolism by initiating photobiochemical reactions within cells.
Light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) is divided into two main treatment approaches: photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT).
By combining photosensitizing compounds with LED light, PDT is able to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively target and destroy abnormal cells for use in areas such as oncology and certain skin diseases. In contrast to PDT, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) uses low-intensity LED light to promote cell repair, stimulate wound healing and reduce inflammation without the use of photosensitizers. Different wavelengths and mechanisms are used for different therapeutic effects. The therapeutic benefit of LED therapy lies in its effectiveness in a variety of treatments, including wound healing, acne treatment, sun protection, and light therapy for facial wrinkles and skin rejuvenation. LEDT is recognized for its enhanced safety profile compared to laser phototherapy, showing fewer short-term and long-term side effects.
History
The history of light therapy dates back to ancient Egypt and India, when people used natural light to treat vitiligo. In the 1850s, Florence Nightingale promoted exposure to fresh air and sunlight to restore health, which also led to the initial development of light therapy. In 1877, experiments by Darnes and Brandt showed the effect of sunlight on inhibiting fungal growth, further confirming the effectiveness of phototherapy. Modern phototherapy using artificial light began in the late 19th century when Danish Nobel Prize winner in medicine Niels Finsen pioneered the use of light to treat skin tuberculosis (lupus dermatitis). He designed the "Finsen lamp" This marked the beginning of modern light therapy.
The use of LED lights in cosmetology became more popular in the 1980s, especially in acne treatment, because it can promote collagen production.
Since the early 2000s, LED light therapy has become more diverse in the medical field, including treating skin diseases, chronic diseases and readjusting human circadian rhythms. Today, this has become a common treatment in both the cosmetic and medical fields.
Therapeutic Mechanisms
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are the most commonly used optical semiconductor devices that can convert electrical energy into light energy. LED therapy uses LEDs to deliver treatments based on mechanisms such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PBMT). PDT focuses on destroying diseased cells, while PBMT promotes cell repair and reduces inflammation. The effectiveness of LED therapy varies with the wavelength of light, allowing for diverse applications in healing, dermatology and cancer treatment.
Current Applications
Red light therapy was originally developed based on the technology used to enhance plant growth in space and assist astronauts in wound healing. It is primarily used in dermatology to improve skin condition, increase collagen production by stimulating mitochondria and improve blood circulation while reducing inflammation. In addition, red light also plays an important role in photodynamic therapy, combining with photosensitizing drugs to target and destroy cancer cells through light-induced chemical reactions. Blue light therapy is another common LED light therapy used to treat acne, skin cancer and depression. Although the mechanism of blue light therapy in improving skin is similar to red light therapy, its application in cancer treatment is different. .
Overexposure to sunlight is the most common cause of epithelial skin cancer, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to be particularly effective in treating photodamaged or precancerous lesions.
As LED light therapy becomes more popular in improving skin, various skin care devices based on this technology have been launched one after another. Common products include LED light masks, light panels, handheld devices and bandages. Usually, individuals buy these products for To address problems such as wrinkles, acne, reduce puffiness and promote hair growth.
Side Effects
Side Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy
Although photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is generally considered safe, there are a few immediate adverse effects. Common side effects of this form of light therapy include mild itching, erythema, crowding of the external ear canal walls, and mild allergic reactions, which are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
Side effects of photodynamic therapy
The side effects of photodynamic therapy can be divided into initial side effects, which usually appear after the first exposure to light, including pain and local skin reactions such as redness, edema, desquamation and pustules. These effects usually occur during or within a short period of exposure to the light source. Other less common side effects include urticaria, contact dermatitis, and erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS).
LED Light Therapy vs Laser Therapy, Low-intensity laser therapy (LLLT) and LED therapy (LEDT) are well-known non-invasive treatment options that offer treatment options for a wide range of medical conditions. Although both have similar therapeutic purposes, LEDT is valued for its outstanding performance in cost-effectiveness and can be applied on a larger scale and using a wider range of LED light panels. Laser therapy, meanwhile, is suitable for deeper tissue treatments.
However, in the development of LED therapy, can we imagine whether the potential of light therapy will be even greater in the future and how the way to fight various diseases will change?
