Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation

April 2024 in “ International journal of molecular sciences ”

María Luisa Hernández‐Bule, Jorge Naharro-Rodríguez, Stefano Bacci, M. Fernández‐Guarino

photobiomodulation PBM light-based treatment dermatology cellular chromophores signaling pathways clinical trials experimental studies non-invasive therapeutic option light therapy skin treatment

TLDR Light-based treatment, Photobiomodulation, shows promise for non-invasive skin therapy with few side effects.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy using red and near-infrared light to treat various dermatologic conditions, including acne, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and hair disorders like androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. PBM prolongs the anagen phase of hair growth, increases hair density and length, and reduces inflammatory lesions in acne by absorbing photons through mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase, promoting cellular processes without thermal damage. Despite promising results and a good safety profile, standardized treatment protocols are lacking, necessitating further research and collaboration between dermatologists and basic researchers.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Blue Light in Dermatology

23 citations , July 2021 in “Life”

Blue light can help treat skin conditions like eczema and acne without major side effects.

research Efficacy of Minoxidil Combined With Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind Half-Head Controlled Trial

May 2021 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Minoxidil and photobiomodulation together improve hair growth better than minoxidil alone.

research Home-Based Devices in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy

9 citations , May 2021 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Home-based skin care devices are generally safe and effective for hair removal, promoting hair growth, treating wrinkles and acne, but results for psoriasis treatment are mixed.

research Light Emitting Diodes Technology-Based Photobiomodulation Therapy for Dermatology and Aesthetics: Recent Applications, Challenges, and Perspectives

8 citations , March 2021 in “Optics and Laser Technology”

LED light therapy is effective for skin and hair treatments but requires careful use to minimize risks.

research Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy

33 citations , January 2021 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, wound healing, body contouring, and hair growth, but more well-designed trials are needed for confirmation.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

45 citations , August 2019 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

LLLT promotes hair growth and improves hair density safely in men and women.

research Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

31 citations , November 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair coverage, thickness, and count in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition in Cutaneous Wound Healing: Where We Are and Where We Are Heading

141 citations , September 2017 in “Developmental Dynamics”

The document concludes that a better understanding of cell changes during wound healing could improve treatments for chronic wounds and other conditions.

research Mechanisms and Applications of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Photobiomodulation

520 citations , January 2017 in “AIMS biophysics”

Photobiomodulation therapy using red and near-infrared light can reduce inflammation and aid in healing various conditions.

research Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Laser Therapy

160 citations , December 2016 in “Journal of biophotonics”

Low-level laser therapy, now called photobiomodulation, is recognized for its broad medical applications and scientific backing.

research Ultraviolet Radiation in Wound Care: Sterilization and Stimulation

106 citations , October 2013 in “Advances in wound care”

UV radiation can help sterilize wounds and promote healing but requires careful use to avoid damaging cells.

research Extended Theory of Selective Photothermolysis: A New Recipe for Hair Removal?

23 citations , December 2001 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Permanent hair removal is hard, but using longer laser pulses at lower power might improve results.