While the visible light we receive from the sun is a mixture of all the different colors of the spectrum, it appears almost white in color. When the air ends the light, a rainbow is created, causing the various wavelengths of light to become visible. Researchers are now discovering that different wavelengths of light have therapeutic effects on the skin. For example, when blue light, which is characterized by a wavelength of 400 to 500 nanometers, is applied to the skin at certain frequencies, lengths of time, and intensity, clinical improvement is noted and the skin develops a much smoother appearance. This blue light also possesses anti-inflammatory capability.

During my research, I made a startling discovery: Visible short-wavelength blue-violet light, which is of a wavelength that typically doesn’t penetrate skin well, can impart smoothness and radiance to exposed skin surfaces, resulting in a vibrant, healthy skin appearance. It can also resolve erythema (redness or inflammation of the skin due to capillary dilation), such as that produced by the UV effects of sunlight.

Scientific studies have shown that light irradiation on skin and other tissues may increase the growth and proliferation of cells, including the acceleration of wound healing and healing of skin grafts. This is important because the ultimate result of skin aging is that while individual cells enlarge, the total number of cells decreases by at least approximately 30%. This results in the loss of the regularity of tissue structure. Other benefits of this light treatment are the control of bacterial infrection and the tratment of neoplastic (the conversion of normal cells into tumor cells) tissue, pigmentations (including tatoos), psoriasis, and acne.

Do you have any skin problems that could potentially benefit from light therapy?