19 April 2024 | Maria Luisa Hernández-Bule, Jorge Naharro-Rodríguez, Stefano Bacci, Montserrat Fernández-Guarino
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to modulate cellular functions and biological processes. This review summarizes recent research on PBM, LED light therapy, and their applications in dermatology over the past six years. It highlights the mechanisms of action, including interactions with cellular chromophores and activation of intracellular signaling pathways. The evidence from clinical trials and experimental studies is presented, emphasizing PBM's efficacy in dermatology. Advances in PBM technology, such as novel light sources and treatment protocols, are discussed in the context of optimizing therapeutic outcomes and improving patient care. PBM is considered a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach with broad clinical applicability. Despite the need for further research to develop standard protocols, PBM holds great potential for addressing a wide range of medical conditions and enhancing patient outcomes in modern healthcare.
PBM has been used in dermatology for various conditions, including acne, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and scar reduction. It has been shown to reduce the severity and pain of radiation dermatitis and postmastectomy lymphedema. PBM has also been used to treat hair disorders, including non-scarring and scarring alopecia. It has been proven to prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle and increase hair density and length. In acne treatment, PBM has been shown to reduce skin sebum and transepidermal water loss, and may destroy P. acnes bacteria. PBM is also used in skin rejuvenation, as it promotes collagen synthesis and elastin production. It may play a role in improving healing outcomes of wounds and scars by influencing all phases of wound healing and reducing inflammation.
Blue LED therapy has been shown to accelerate wound healing and improve dermal collagen deposition. It also modulates the inflammatory response and promotes reepithelialization through photochemical effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers activated by specific wavelengths of light to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic wounds and acne. PDT has been shown to cause an acute inflammatory response and promote wound healing through the activation of fibroblasts and mast cells. It also has immunomodulatory effects, influencing the immune system and the type of cell death induced.
LED and low-level laser light therapy are both used in PBM, with LED being a non-coherent light source and lasers being coherent. Both have different advantages and applications. LEDs are more affordable and can be used for a longer duration, while lasers deliver high energy in a short time. Both require repeated sessions, with protocols not clearly established. Most published works on PBM use lasers as light sources, but LEDs are also a valid option for PBM.
In acne treatment, PBM has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve healing. It has antimicrobial effects by inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria responsible for acne, particularly C. acnes. It also modPhotobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to modulate cellular functions and biological processes. This review summarizes recent research on PBM, LED light therapy, and their applications in dermatology over the past six years. It highlights the mechanisms of action, including interactions with cellular chromophores and activation of intracellular signaling pathways. The evidence from clinical trials and experimental studies is presented, emphasizing PBM's efficacy in dermatology. Advances in PBM technology, such as novel light sources and treatment protocols, are discussed in the context of optimizing therapeutic outcomes and improving patient care. PBM is considered a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach with broad clinical applicability. Despite the need for further research to develop standard protocols, PBM holds great potential for addressing a wide range of medical conditions and enhancing patient outcomes in modern healthcare.
PBM has been used in dermatology for various conditions, including acne, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and scar reduction. It has been shown to reduce the severity and pain of radiation dermatitis and postmastectomy lymphedema. PBM has also been used to treat hair disorders, including non-scarring and scarring alopecia. It has been proven to prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle and increase hair density and length. In acne treatment, PBM has been shown to reduce skin sebum and transepidermal water loss, and may destroy P. acnes bacteria. PBM is also used in skin rejuvenation, as it promotes collagen synthesis and elastin production. It may play a role in improving healing outcomes of wounds and scars by influencing all phases of wound healing and reducing inflammation.
Blue LED therapy has been shown to accelerate wound healing and improve dermal collagen deposition. It also modulates the inflammatory response and promotes reepithelialization through photochemical effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers activated by specific wavelengths of light to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic wounds and acne. PDT has been shown to cause an acute inflammatory response and promote wound healing through the activation of fibroblasts and mast cells. It also has immunomodulatory effects, influencing the immune system and the type of cell death induced.
LED and low-level laser light therapy are both used in PBM, with LED being a non-coherent light source and lasers being coherent. Both have different advantages and applications. LEDs are more affordable and can be used for a longer duration, while lasers deliver high energy in a short time. Both require repeated sessions, with protocols not clearly established. Most published works on PBM use lasers as light sources, but LEDs are also a valid option for PBM.
In acne treatment, PBM has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve healing. It has antimicrobial effects by inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria responsible for acne, particularly C. acnes. It also mod