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Skin and PBMT by Jody Mittiga DNM ANP

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) whether in the form of cold laser, or more commonly, low-level light emitting diodes (LEDs) is showing great promise in its skin healing potential. PBMT triggers the release of nitric oxide from mitochondria, increases ATP production and stimulates the production of healing substances from the cells.

Avci, et al write: “Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function. In dermatology, PBMT has beneficial effects on wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and healing of burns. Inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and acne can also benefit. The non-invasive nature and almost complete absence of side-effects encourages further testing in dermatology.” (Pinar Avci 2013)

Reference Pinar Avci, M., Asheesh Gupta, PhD, Magesh Sadasivam, MTech, Daniela Vecchio, PhD, Zeev Pam, MD, Nadav Pam, MD, and Michael R Hamblin, PhD. (2013). "Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring." Semin Cutan Med Surg 32(1): 41-52.

Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function. Although the skin is the organ that is naturally exposed to light more than any other organ, it still responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths. The photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells. Consequently electron transport, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species increase and diverse signaling pathways get activated. Stem cells can be activated allowing increased tissue repair and healing. In dermatology, LLLT has beneficial effects on wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and healing of burns. LLLT can reduce UV damage both as a treatment and as a prophylaxis. In pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo, LLLT can increase pigmentation by stimulating melanocyte proliferation and reduce depigmentation by inhibiting autoimmunity. Inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and acne can also benefit. The non-invasive nature and almost complete absence of side-effects encourages further testing in dermatology.