Let’s talk about light therapy.

Is there any evidence for blue- and red-light effectiveness for skincare?

Received this from a colleague? 👨🏿👨🏻👧🏼👵🏽👳🏾‍♂️

Our avid readers are probably wondering why discuss light therapy? Well, if you have skin problems and play sport then you know exactly why we are discussing it. If you don’t, then let’s talk briefly about the skin, and it’s importance in sport.

Beyond just being the body's largest organ, the skin:

1. Protects us from the elements: The skin helps prevent injuries from friction, impact, and abrasion by forming a barrier between the body and potential sources of harm.

2. Helps regulate our temperature: Through processes like sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), the skin helps dissipate heat and prevent overheating, allowing athletes to maintain their optimal performance and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

3. Gives us feedback: The skin contains a network of sensory receptors that provide valuable feedback. Touch, pressure, temperature, and pain, allows us to adjust our movements, maintain balance, and respond to their environment effectively.

4. Creates grip & traction: Skin texture, such as the ridges and patterns on the palms and soles, contributes to grip and traction. This is especially important in sports where grip strength and stability are essential, such as rock climbing, weightlifting, and certain team sports.

5. Prevents injury: Healthy skin helps prevent injuries by maintaining its elasticity and integrity. Properly hydrated and moisturized skin is less prone to cracking, chafing, and other skin-related issues that could impact an athlete's performance.

6. Prevents infection: The skin acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

7. Helps heal injuries: When athletes sustain minor cuts, abrasions, or bruises, the skin plays a crucial role in the healing process.

8. Helps us interact with uniforms: Skin that is prone to chafing or irritation can be problematic, so maintaining good skin health is essential for athletes' overall comfort.

Light-therapy

Here at Kit Radar we talk about controversial or interesting technologies related to sport. Light therapy for skincare, also known as phototherapy or LED therapy (Light Emitting Diode therapy), involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions and improve overall skin health.

There are two main types of light therapy used for skincare: blue light therapy and red light therapy.

Blue Light Therapy:

Blue light therapy primarily targets acne and is thought to work by targeting the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) responsible for acne breakouts. Blue light in the range of 405 to 420 nanometers (nm) can penetrate the skin and racts with oxygen to the bacteria's cell membranes.

Red Light Therapy:

Red light therapy involves the use of wavelengths ranging from 620 to 700 nm. This therapy is believed to have multiple effects on the skin, including increasing collagen production, improving blood circulation, and promoting tissue repair. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration.

EVIDENCE FOR EFFECTIVENESS:

There is some evidence suggesting that light therapy can be effective for certain skin conditions, but the results can vary based on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Here's a breakdown of our search for the evidence:

1. Acne: 7/10 : Blue light therapy has shown some promising results in reducing acne lesions, particularly in mild to moderate cases. Link: https://www.annfammed.org/content/annalsfm/17/6/545.full.pdf

2. Wrinkles and Fine Lines: 6/10 : Red light therapy has demonstrated potential in stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture, which could help with reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/pho.2013.3616

3. Hyperpigmentation: 5/10 : Light-based treatments like IPL have shown mixed results in treating hyperpigmentation. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-023-00759-7

4. Psoriasis: 9/10 : UVB phototherapy is a well-established treatment for psoriasis, with a high success rate in reducing symptoms. It's supported by a significant body of research and clinical experience. Link: https://ard.bmj.com/content/annrheumdis/64/suppl_2/ii83.full.pdf

5. Vitiligo: 7/10 : Narrowband UVB phototherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in repigmenting skin patches in some individuals with vitiligo. Link: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/4/e018649.abstract

6. Wound Healing: 6/10 : Both red and near-infrared light therapy have shown potential in accelerating wound healing. Link: https://www.scielo.br/j/abd/a/pRwVq9Z7WyJrD6ZB8zscpTG/

7. Rosacea: 6/10 : Light therapy, including IPL, has been explored as a treatment for rosacea-associated redness and visible blood vessels. Some individuals may experience improvements, but results can be inconsistent. Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/jocd.14816?download=true

8. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): 5/10 : Light therapy, such as UVB and UVA therapy, has shown mixed results in managing eczema symptoms. Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/jdv.16062

Keep in mind that these ratings are not definitive and are our opinions, and of course can change with new research and advancements in the field. It's important to consult with a medical professional before pursuing any specific light therapy treatment, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual condition and needs.

Summary

First we must stress that the skin (as well as sleep, foot health, nutrition, etc.) now forms part of athlete management. The modern athlete has access to 1000’s of technologies, and we will continue to examine these holistically.

Light-therapy could easily creep into recovery & wound management as the technology improves, then you will hear more about it on the field.

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Thanks for your support!!!! 🙌💕

Dr Bryan & Peter

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