The Efficacy and Safety of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles

Dermatol Surg. 2017 Mar;43(3):371-380. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000981.

Abstract

Background: Low-level light therapy (LLLT) using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is considered to be helpful for skin regeneration and anti-inflammation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 types of LLLTs using 660 nm-emitting red LEDs and 411 to 777 nm-emitting white LEDs in the treatment of facial wrinkles.

Materials and methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, comparative clinical trial involving 52 adult female subjects was performed. The faces of the subjects were irradiated daily with 5.17 J of red or white LEDs for 12 weeks.

Results: In both groups treated with red and white LEDs, the wrinkle measurement from skin replica improved significantly from baseline at Week 12. The red LED group showed slightly better improvement, but there were no statistical differences. In assessments by blinded dermatologists, no significant differences were observed in both groups. In the global assessment of the subjects, the mean improvement score of the red LED group was higher than that of the white LED group.

Conclusion: Low-level light therapy using 660 nm LEDs or 411 to 777 nm LEDs significantly improved periocular wrinkles. Especially, 660 nm LEDs could be an effective and tolerable treatment option for wrinkles.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Equipment Safety*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Light*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Low-Level Light Therapy* / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rejuvenation*
  • Skin Aging / radiation effects*
  • Treatment Outcome