Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function. Based on years of study, researchers have identified a “therapeutic window” of certain wavelengths — red and near-infrared light — that appear to have significant biological benefits without any known side effects.
The longer the wavelength, the deeper the absorption into the body. Studies have shown that visible red wavelengths and NIR light (610nm - 670 nm, 810nm-850nm correspondently) can absorb up to 5 mm in depth into the skin.
Research has shown that red light wavelengths (650nm – 1400nm) are most useful for deep skin conditions such as fine and deep wrinkles, acne, wound healing, collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation.
Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive or minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis and stimulate collagen production, tighten the skin, and address various signs of aging. The treatment is popular in dermatology and aesthetic medicine due to its ability to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote a more youthful appearance.
The benefits of combining radiofrequency and red spectrum light therapy:
Synergistic Effect - Combining light therapy and radiofrequency leads to synergistic effects, where the mechanisms of action of each modality enhance the overall therapeutic outcomes
Targeting Multiple Skin Layers - Combining light therapy and radiofrequency enables the practitioner to target multiple skin layers taking advantage of the capabilities of both devices.
Collagen Stimulation – Both RF and RLT stimulates collagen production which contributes to skin tightening and leads to more profound and longer-lasting improvements in skin texture and firmness.
Anti-Aging Effects – The combination of RF and RLT address and improves fine lines, wrinkles, and photo damaged skin and also contribute to skin tightening and reduction of sagging.
Acne Treatment – Both RF and RLT contribute to reduce inflammation and to the improvement of acne scars by promoting collagen remodeling and skin regeneration.
Safety and Reduced Downtime - Non-ablative approaches like light therapy and radiofrequency are generally safe and with associated with minimal to no downtime. Combining these therapies allows to achieve the desired outcomes faster and with reduced downtime compared to other treatment protocols.
For conclusion, RF and RLT can provide a fast, safe and multi-leveled comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation resulting in more satisfied patients with improved outcomes.
Dr. Orgil Matan MD
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department
*It's important to note that the effectiveness of any treatment can vary based on individual skin types, conditions, and the specific devices or techniques used. Before undergoing any skin rejuvenation procedures, it's recommended to consult with a qualified dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
References:
Philipp Babilas, Stephan Schreml, Rolf-Markus Szeimies, Michael Landthaler. Intense pulsed light (IPL): a review. Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Feb; 42(2):93-104.
Abdias Fernando Simon Sales, Isabella Liba Pandolfo, Matheus de Almeida Cruz, Julia Risso Parisi, Lívia Assis Garcia, Cintia Cristina Santi Martignago, Ana Cláudia Muniz Renno, Patricia Gabrielli Vassão. Intense Pulsed Light on skin rejuvenation: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol Res 2022 Nov;314(9):823-838
Yanping Liang, Lili Li. The Combination of Red and Blue Light, Radiofrequency and Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Facial Postacne Erythema. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022; 15: 2383–2389.
Joseph N Mehrabi , Efrat Bar-Ilan, Shehadeh Wasim, Amir Koren, Lior Zusmanovitch, Fares Salameh, Gila Isman Nelkenbaum, Tamir Horovitz, Eyal Zur, Ting Song Lim, Jacob Mashiah, Ofir Artzi. A review of combined treatments for melasma involving energy-based devices and proposed pathogenesis-oriented combinations. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Feb;21(2):461-472.
Sarit Cohen, Omri Dominsky, Ofir Artzi, Erez Dayan, Joseph Eckstein. Deep Layer Radiofrequency Thermo-coagulative Technology for Cervicofacial Contouring: Sonographic and Clinical Results. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Dec 18;8(12):e3286.
Grace K Austin, Sarah L Struble, Vito C Quatela. Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systematic review. Lasers Surg Med. 2022 Jan;54(1):27-45.
Alexan Wunschcorresponding and Karsten Matuschka. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb 1; 32(2): 93–100.
Matteo Tretti Clementoni, Marc B-Roscher, Girish S. Munavalli. Photodynamic photorejuvenation of the face with a combination of microneedling, red light, and broadband pulsed light. Laser in surgery and medicine, Volume42, Issue2, February 2010
Caerwyn Ash, Michael Dubec, Kelvin Donne, Tim Bashford. Effect of wavelength and beam width on penetration in light-tissue interaction using computational methods. Lasers Med Sci. 2017; 32(8): 1909–1918.
Stella X Chen, Judy Cheng, Jacqueline Watchmaker, Jeffrey S Dover, Hye Jin Chung. Review of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices for Skin Rejuvenation and Scar Treatment With Histologic Correlations. Dermatol Surg. 2022 Apr 1;48(4):441-448.
Anna Kołodziejczak, Helena Rotsztejn. Efficacy of fractional laser, radiofrequency and IPL rejuvenation of periorbital region. Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Mar;37(2):895-903.
Michael H Gold, Brian S Biesman , Mark Taylor. Enhanced high-energy protocol using a fractional bipolar radiofrequency device combined with bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light for improving facial skin appearance and wrinkles. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Jun;16(2):205-209.
Carol S Yu, Chi K Yeung, Samantha Y Shek, Raymond K Tse, Taro Kono, Henry H Chan. Combined infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency for skin tightening in Asians. Lasers Surg Med. 2007 Jul;39(6):471-5.