WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE LIGHT AND SPECIFIC WAVELENGTHS OF CELLUMA? What is Light Therapy? Light Emitting Diode (LED) phototherapy is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy is used to improve cellular performance. Phototherapy is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research has shown that phototherapy can: * Increase circulation * Accelerate tissue repair * Kill acne bacteria * Decrease inflammation * Improve skin tone, texture and clarity * Reduce muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm and arthritis Wavelengths Matter Keeping in mind that the longer the wavelength the deeper the penetration, this would indicate that red light (color), wavelengths used to upregulate the mitochondrial process in cells, are between 630 - 700nm and there will be very little difference in how cells respond to a 630 wavelength versus a 660 wavelength, meaning both will be effective, however a 660nm may reach cells at a slightly deeper depth. Likewise for near-infrared, the ideal range is 770-900nm. Most of the better devices use wavelengths in the 800-900 range for their ability to penetrate so deeply below the surface of the skin and into the sub-cutaneous layer. In Celluma light therapy devices, we use 880nm which is the near-infrared wavelength used by renowned researcher Dr. Harry Whelan in his research for NASA on the treatment of wound healing in many studies. What to Know About Acne and Blue Light In medical aesthetics, for the treatment of acne, blue wavelengths are required to kill acne causing bacteria. A blue and red light device offers a multifaceted approach to acne control. With the acne causing bacteria eliminated by the blue light energy, red light assists with the healing of the acne lesions and associated redness and inflammation. If you are interested in the treatment of acne vulgaris, then a blue wavelength (color) between 400-470nm is required. Unlike red light and near-infrared, blue light therapy is not used for upregulating mitochondrial function but to create a photo-toxic event for the C. acnes bacteria. To quote renowned researcher Dr. Michael Hamblin, (Low Level Laser (light) Therapy (LLLT) for Cosmetic Medicine and Dermatology), “One mechanism of action of phototherapy is via the excitation of porphyrins generated by C. acnes as part of its normal metabolism. These porphyrins act as endogenous (produced within the cell) photosentizers, absorbing light (specifically blue, and to a lesser extent, red) and stimulating photochemical reactions that generate free radicals and single oxygen species that are toxic for C. acnes.” Additionally, using an LED light therapy device with red light will reduce the inflammation associated with the acne lesions, stimulate healing, and reduce the potential for scarring of the skin. Near-Infrared for Pain and More Near-infrared wavelengths are often considered the “pain” wavelengths for their ability to reach deeper into the tissue where much of our pain, muscle, and joint issues reside. However, near-infrared also affects cells in a similar manner to red wavelengths. Other Factors: Effective Power Requirements When it comes to power parameters it gets very confusing. Because we are talking about low- level or LED light therapy, it’s all about how much energy is available for absorption, not the power of the device - as long as the power available for absorption by the cells is within the correct range, that is, the range known to be capable of upregulating mitochondrial function.  Pulsing Versus Continuous Wave Delivery of Light Energy (Wavelengths) The science bears out that pulsed delivery of light energy appears to enable the cells to absorb more of the light energy over the treatment session. Bottom line? Most devices are not sophisticated enough to offer pulsing as an option, so look for devices that provide this added benefit. Celluma Light Therapy devices are designed to optimize results, so all devices come with the option to turn pulsing on or off depending on your professional or personal preference.   The whole purpose of light therapy is to increase ATP which enables higher performance in cells which are compromised. Pulsing has nothing to do with excitability, it just means there is a possibility that more energy is absorbed by the cells. And more energy absorption is always favorable to increasing ATP. This is how red light and near-infrared light therapy works and benefits the body.