In the final segment of this 3 part series of short articles we'll compare laser and LED based photo rejuvenation. We've discovered in the first 2 articles that lasers by their nature shine a very concentrated or focused beam of light, whereas LED's shine light, though not as powerful, over a wider unfocused area. Think of the difference between the light from a laser pointer and the light from a flashlight and you'll get the idea. Let's keep in mind the objectives of photo rejuvenation whether from lasers or LED's.
We want to apply the desired colors or wavelengths of light, in a powerful enough form that will penetrate into the skins' deeper layers. This stimulates cell metabolism, causing an increase in collagen and elastin production. This is your LED photo facial and the ultimate in skin care treatment.
The key word in the above statement is "desired". If you are using laser or LED, as long as you are applying the desired colors does it matter what the source of the color is? In a word the answer is no. Do you need the penetrating power of a laser? In my opinion, no you don't. So what it boils down to is time, cost and convenience. Lasers are typically expensive, found in salons and their session times are quite lengthy by virtue of the fact that they can only be applied by an operator (cosmetologist or aesthetician), to a very focused area then moved to another area. Even if there are multiple lasers in the appliance most of the skin surface is not receiving the light.
This fact makes them less convenient. Let's go back to the laser pointer and flashlight analogy. How much longer would it take to apply light from a laser pointer to every square millimeter of skin on the back of your hand compared to a flashlight? I rest my case. To summarize then the key to effective photorejuvenation is using the correct colors of light or wavelengths with adequate power to penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. I feel LED based devices have a distinct advantage, as many different effective colors of light can be tightly packed together and overlap each other to deliver multiple colors or wavelengths simultaneously over a large area. The LED photo rejuvenation or photo facial devices will stand on their own in fighting fine lines and wrinkles, and brings to light a new era in natural skin care products.
Dr. Stanley Stanbridge is a graduate of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He has always been actively seeking out new and innovative technologies related to the field of alternative healthcare. He began investigating the benefits of light therapy in 2003 and went on to co-develop the revolutionary LightStim photo rejuvenation device. For more information please visit www.lightstim.com.
