How Light Effects the Body

Light is an essential nutrient and like air and water; we cannot live without it. While light is all around us, it is a special kind of coherent light, known as laser light that is used in LLLT, that promotes the natural healing process within the body. This special laser light mimics how the cells communicate instantaneously with each other via biophotons (light derived from the cell) and boosts their ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A vital energy source, ATP must be provided by each cell to carry out its many regenerative and repair functions. As a result of the light energy delivered by LLLT, mitochondria production of ATP in the cell can be enhanced by as much as 150 percent. This plays an important role in the production of proteins in the body, particularly collagen and elastin. Often referred to as nature’s repair material, collagen and elastin help to slow the aging process by regenerating damaged tissue and increasing skin tone and elasticity.
Devices that use LED technology differ from true LLLT devices. LED devices use light- emitting diodes, a non-coherent light source unable to carry information, but still offer important surface benefits resulting from the heat they produce. Lasers use penetrating, coherent light, able to carry information deep into the tissues of the body and offer a benefit and application both on the surface and within. Ronnie Weir, president of Laser Wellness PMA says, “Lasers are coherent light, meaning they are well ordered and have an organization or pattern which allows them to carry information. They are also monochromatic, meaning they never change color or fade, making them consistent. True lasers are able to penetrate deep into the tissues of the body to stimulate a cellular response and promote countless health benefits. The best systems combine both true laser diodes with LEDs for more effective application and client results.”

The Basics of Laser Light Therapy

As low level laser therapy works on a cellular level, it helps to repair and rejuvenate damaged cells in the skin, organs, bone, muscles and soft tissue. The cold lasers are hand-held devices with laser diodes, conductors that allow small, focused beams of emitting light. Some laser light systems include additional equipment, such as enhancer probes, which allow for increased range of application on bones, deep muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments. LLLT devices utilize different modes for the different types of use and have many different frequency choices, much like one would use to tune into a specific radio station. The laser devices may be used for many applications including back, neck and joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, and many skin conditions.
In a salon, spa or wellness center, professionals may incorporate laser light treatments into an existing protocol or build new services around the use of laser therapy. LLLT devices are easy to use and may be incorporated into any treatment protocol with minimal training and practice. The devices are simply held against the skin for three to twelve minutes on the area being treated. If a wound or burn is being treated, the laser would be held as closely as possible to the skin without touching. The skin should be bare and clean with no products, makeup or lotions that may interfere with the light’s ability to permeate the tissue. Low level laser therapy works to reduce inflammation, increasing anti-inflammatory enzymes in the body. It also promotes vasodilation, resulting in increased circulation by relaxing the smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls.

LLLT Skin Care Applications

Laser therapy treatments for skin care may be used for chronic skin conditions as well as for anti-aging benefits. Lasers can soothe chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and sunburn through reducing inflammation, as well as increasing blood flow and nitric oxide supply. Medical-grade LLLT devices work at the cellular level in order to restore the permeability needed for tissue healing and regeneration.
For anti-aging benefits on fine lines and wrinkles, LLLT devices reach the deepest levels of the skin to fight free radicals, stimulate collagen and elastin production as well as to help break down scar tissue. LLLT fights hyperpigmentation through the stimulation of collagen production and helps to balance pH levels of the body, decreasing the acidity that contributes to free radical formation. The body’s redox potential is increased, producing free radical fighting proteins and enzymes that help the body fight aging and also contribute to disease prevention for skin cancer. As LLLT devices soothe inflammation, they are especially helpful to apply after exfoliation, chemical peels or any treatment that inflames the skin. As a result, aestheticians can effectively incorporate LLLT into any facial or body care protocol. Laser therapy would also be extremely beneficial for post-operative skin care in a medical spa, clinic or cosmetic surgery center. The best anti-aging skin care advice is to practice prevention. Today, low level laser therapy is an effective and innovative treatment to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself, prevent illness and create an energetic balance. You will be able to provide a valuable new service to your clientele, while advancing your career to build the health and wealth of your aesthetic business!
The use of low level laser therapy is spreading rapidly in the health and wellness industries and may soon be a common addition to salon and spa service menus. Be sure to check with your state or local licensing agency to ensure you can legally use LLLT devices in your practice and that no additional accreditation is required.

Jenny Hogan is the media director for Marketing Solutions, Inc., a full-service marketing, advertising, and PR agency specializing in the professional beauty business working with manufacturers, salons, spas, medical spas, and wellness centers. As a licensed massage therapist practicing in the Washington, D.C. area, she writes on the topics of massage, skin care, health and wellness. 703-359-6000 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.