Science progresses exponentially. And so, technology progresses exponentially. What was cutting-edge technology 10 years ago is often unusable by the standards of the present moment. The processing power of computers is observed to double every two years, an observational conclusion called Moore’s Law. A new computer of 2015 is rendered obsolete by the lightning-fast processors of today. Similarly, the iphone camera has jumped from 12 megapixels in 2015 to 48 megapixels to 2025; a big leap in digital resolution. This decade has marked exponential growth across industries, but one particular component stands above the rest - no other technology compares to the growth seen in the ubiquitous - the humble - light-emitting diode or LED. The ‘microchip lightbulb’ that lights up our world and our Light Therapy devices.
Today, throughout this blog, I will take us back 10 years in the history of Light Therapy, landing us at a resource-packed clinical review that details the safe & effective results of photobiomodulation on the skin. And now, with 10 years of further developments in LED-technology, we will discuss how the products of today can pack these profound effects into sleek handheld packages. Let’s dive into the review!
The effects of narrowbands of visible light upon some skin disorders: a review [Read Here]
At a glance:
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Conclusions:
With regard to the discussed cosmetic-related disorders, the use of non-thermal and non-ablative light devices has only recently gained momentum with the marketing of a number of home LED-based devices. These devices claim significant advantages over conventional cosmetic regimen. This review of published clinical studies clearly shows that narrowbands of non-thermal, non-ablative, visible light can have some benefits and as such demonstrates the potential of LEDs to improve certain cosmetic-related disorders. Even though the characteristics of the light devices and the practical conditions used in the clinical studies are so varied that a comparison can hardly be drawn, there are common features that have be ascertained from the studies.
Significant advances have been made over the last few years in understanding the biological effects of light on skin cells and deciphering the molecular mechanisms. It is clear that more research is needed to determine the key LED parameters that control the biological effects, particularly from a safety point of view. Understanding the biological effects of light on skin cells and deciphering the molecular mechanisms that determine the clinical efficacy will be key to optimizing performance.
It is evident that there has been a significant focus on wavelengths of light at each end of the visible light spectrum (summarized in Fig. 2). The scientific rational behind these choices are clear. Considering the large number of chromophores in the skin and their potential to absorb light in the middle part of the spectrum, it is likely that we will see in the near future studies detailing the effects of other narrowbands of visible light upon skin disorders.
This diligent clinical review from 2105 has analyzed a number of studies across the wide field of dermatology, including Anit-Aging, Photorejuvenation, Acne, Oily Skin, Skin Pigmentation, Dandruff, and Hair Loss. This paper is brimming with actionable insights for consumers and dermatologists alike.
We are choosing to feature this paper now, as it serves as a useful ‘time-capsule’ to track the progress of LED-based Light Therapy options across the field of Dermatology. Almost 10 years have passed since the publication of this paper, giving us a way to mark the state of Light Therapy in 2015 compared to that in 2025. Even one decade ago, the clinical results were clear “There is little doubt that phototherapy gives statistically significant improvements from a subjective assessment point of view and that different wavelengths of light achieve different results, targeting different skin compartments.” [Greaves] While this scientific conclusion on skin rejuvenation with Light Therapy has been clear for decades, these results have still yet to achieve mass-market awareness. Within the last ten years, we have seen the world’s most-followed influencers share their testimonials with Light Therapy along with thousands of more clinical studies concluding safe & effective results - especially for skin health.
Where the 2015 paper leaves a question mark can be found here “It is clear that more research is needed to determine the key LED parameters that control the biological effects, particularly from a safety point of view. Understanding the biological effects of light on skin cells and deciphering the molecular mechanisms that determine the clinical efficacy will be key to optimizing performance.” [Greaves] The field of Light Therapy has blossomed from this time, with roughly 3,500 published studies on Photobiomodulation in 2015, compared to over 8,500 studies published today. This clinical review poses an important question, that is, ‘deciphering the key mechanisms that determine efficacy to optimize performance’.
Now, with a decade of furthering expertise, this question can be answered in the light of our modern understanding and with cutting-edge technology. The LED-Industry has grown to incredible levels over this decade - the sheer power of a light-eitting diode today blows away those of our past. For reference, the experts in LED development are familiar with Haitz’s Law. Haitz’s Law is the observation that “every decade, the cost per lumen (unit of useful light emitted) falls by a factor of 10, and the amount of light generated per LED package increases by a factor of 20…” [Haitz’s Law, Wikipedia]. In context, this means the average LED of 2015 was 10x more expensive to produce and was 20x less powerful than the average LED of 2025 capabilities.
So what? Well, what this massive improvement in LED technology reveals is that the devices studies in 2015, while still yielding significant positive benefits with no side effects, were 20x less powerful (per LED) and 10x more expensive (per LED) than the capabilities of today. What does this insight teach us? The same products of 2015 proving high-efficacy can, now, today, be packed into handheld packages that power the same punch, with 20x more power density per diode. This incredible leap forward in technology can be hard to grasp; rarely do we see this level of scientific progress be achieved in any other industry. For example, we would never expect cars to become 20x faster or food to become 10x cheaper in a decade, so this startling improvement in the LED sector can seem quite unbelievable. However, through recognizing this progress in real-world terms, we can see how now, after years of breakthroughs, even the most powerful devices of 2015 pale in power-capabilities to those of the industry leaders today.
As a Light Physicist, I am often asked about how a small Red Light Therapy device could possibly achieve the necessary power to have the drastic effects on skin health that are claimed. People see friends, celebrities and dermatologists across the world praising the benefits of Light Therapy, yet today, it can look as simple as waving a small wand over the skin’s surface for just minutes a day. However, by taking a look at the progression of LED-technology over our last few decades, the truth is illuminated. These small devices of today, sometimes even sporting just one incredible diode, are absolute powerhouses relative to the Light Therapy tools of (quite recent) past. Today marks an exciting moment in the history of human health, where the most powerful tools of healing can be packed into a small, handheld, wand. Is it magic? Is it exponential scientific progress? Have the lines become too blurry to say?
Come, see how Nuon makes the Magical, Logical.
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Interested in taking the Logical Step with us?
Click Here or Email us at ____@NuonMedical.com to get started on your product evolution.
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