Light waves

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as phototherapy, light therapy, luminotherapy and light therapy, uses the properties of a wave/photon duality to generate interactions with living tissue:

  • it relies on light radiation to stimulate cells in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
  • It uses the colours (waves) of light (excluding UV), each of which has a specific length and therefore a distinctive property: healing, analgaesic, anti-inflammatory, etc. 

To date, the waves mainly used by Photobiomodulation are

  • blue – which acts on the surface of the skin, on the epidermis
  • red – which acts throughout the dermis
  • infrared – which passes through the dermis and works in the hypodermis.

Blue Light waves

Antiseptic and astringent, blue stimulates the parasympathetic system, reduces blood pressure and calms breathing and heart rate, tones the nervous system and helps relaxation.

Blue light is known to be effective in treating acne and other skin eruptions: it leads to the photo-excitation of bacterial porphyrins, to the production of oxygen and subsequently to bacterial destruction. It is also used in maternity wards to treat neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia).

Green Light waves

A sedative, refreshing and restful colour, green regulates the pituitary gland, combats stress, depression, bulimia and psychosomatic disorders. By lowering blood pressure, it slows down the metabolism, thus rebalancing the nervous system and helping to relieve insomnia, combat irritability and help recover from nervous breakdowns.

Green light is appropriate for tumours, ulcers, cysts, diabetes, eye diseases, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough and arthritis. It is absorbed by melanin, which helps to reduce or prevent hyperpigmentation (discolouration of the skin that can be caused by the appearance of unsightly spots, such as red patches, and age spots).

Yellow Light waves

A toning, but not exciting colour, yellow helps with skin problems: skin retention, pore dilation, scar reduction, and helps with eczema.

The yellow light allows the reduction of the production of interstitial collagenase (MMP1) induced by UV rays or thermal shock. It calms the nervous system, accelerates digestion and transit; it is also a mental anti-fatigue and anti-melancholy agent that helps to fight depression.

Red Light waves

A so-called universal colour in phototherapy, red has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing properties. It relieves pain, muscle sprains and stress, calms burn, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, arthritis, soothes headaches, stings and bites and deflates oedema.

Red light promotes blood circulation because it increases haemoglobin, releases adrenaline, stimulates the liver and activates vital functions. It releases cytokines that stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and the production of growth factors. It also acts on the skin: rejuvenation, hydration and rehydration, toning, reduction of wrinkles and fine lines that appear on the skin tissue.

Infrareds light waves

An energetic colour, it penetrates to a depth of about 3 to 4 cm, making it effective for bones, joints and deep muscles. Its energy corresponds to the body’s own radiant energy, so that around 93% of the infrared waves that reach the skin are absorbed by the tissue.

Infrared light can be used to relieve pain in the treatment of sub-acute or chronic inflammation, trauma, adhesions due to scarring and sore nerves, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Infrared light ‘boosts’ fibroblast activity and inhibits collagenase and hyaluronidase. It is also indicated in medical studies to reverse peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing pain or numbness) that can occur in diabetics.