Home-Use Light + Laser Devices A Dermatologist's Perspective

Home-use light and laser devices are fast becoming a popular trend, thanks to the convenience, affordability and privacy afforded by ‘do it yourself’ home treatments. Consumers have a plethora of devices to choose from, with sellers touting the benefits and promising transformative results. And while it’s appealing to take skin treatments into your own hands, it’s crucial to consider whether these devices are indeed both effective and safe.

- Dr Tarryn Jacobs

Unlike medical devices (which must undergo scrupulous clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy and safety), cosmetic devices are not held to such standards. And compared to professional treatments, home devices are generally less powerful, as they are estimated to deliver five times less energy per session. Setting realistic expectations is therefore important.

How does light therapy work?

The benefits of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) were discovered in the 1970s when NASA used these devices to stimulate plant growth in space. Over the years, LEDs have been used by medical professionals to reduce inflammation, increase healing time and stimulate growth factors. LED devices are narrowband emitters of low-intensity light, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to visible and infrared. In the same way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into plant tissue, LEDs can trigger cellular reactions from light. The secret lies in a process called photomodulation, which modifies cell activity without thermal effects. The target is believed to be mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, which are stimulated to produce ATP – a compound that provides energy. This increased energy production leads to increased cellular metabolism.

Different wavelengths of light can have different biological effects on tissues. They are often referred to using their associated colour, and include:

Blue (400-470 nm)

Green (470-550 nm)

Red (630-700 nm)

Near infrared (700-1 200 nm).