We are constantly surrounded by sunlight, even when the sky is covered in clouds. However, there is still a lot we don't know about light...
We all know that some sunlight, and more particularly UV, has deleterious and even potentially dangerous effects on our skin. However, for several years now, light has been widely used in dermatological care: light therapy. This dermatological treatment uses LED lamps, emitting the visible part of sunlight, to treat skin problems such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis or to accelerate healing after surgery. But how can we explain this paradox? What is light therapy? And how does it work?What is light?
At first glance, natural light is white. But in reality, it is made up of all the colors of the rainbow. Light is actually made up of photons, extremely fine particles, which are grouped according to their energy level. The higher the energy of the photon, the lower the wavelength. These particles group together to form wavelengths. The human eye is only sensitive to part of these wavelengths, between 400 nm and 800 nm, this is the visible spectrum of light. Below 400 nm are UV, ultraviolet, and above 800 nm are infrared. If you want to learn more about light, go to our YouTube channel to discover the first episode of our new web series which tells you everything about the paradox of light! Visible spectrum of light
The dangers of light on the skin
It is common knowledge that too much exposure to ultraviolet rays is dangerous for our skin and our body. Although the epidermis blocks part of it, some manage to reach the dermis. This is the case for UVA and UVB. Because of their short wavelengths, and therefore their high energy value, they have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin. And this can lead to serious cellular damage, notably causing a modification of the DNA structure, which can lead to accelerated skin aging and also to more serious diseases. But beware ! Too little ultraviolet can have the opposite effect! Since the synthesis of vitamin D, essential for the proper maintenance of bone and muscle structure, cannot be done without UV rays. It is therefore important to find the right balance and protect yourself when exposed to the sun.The benefits of light: the example of light therapy
Light is essential to all forms of life on Earth (notably through photosynthesis), and therefore to ours. In particular, it allows us to regulate our internal biological clock and our circadian rhythm, that is to say the 24-hour rhythm of our body's functioning. This circadian rhythm contributes to sleep quality, mood, and general well-being. But the power of light goes far beyond! For years, light has been used as part of light therapy, a treatment consisting of exposing oneself to light similar to the visible part of the sun, to treat seasonal depression, winter "blues" or low levels of energy. mood, or to regulate the circadian rhythm. Light therapy is also widely used in dermatology practices to treat certain skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles or to promote healing. How are these benefits for the skin explained? In fact, it's all about wavelength! Light therapy, also called photobiomodulation or low energy laser (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths to stimulate photoreceptors present in cells and thus trigger a series of reactions that will have lasting and beneficial consequences on the biology of the cell as : a supply of energy, the synthesis of proteins such as collagen, or even cell regeneration. At Lightinderm, light is an integral part of our story. It was when Géraldine Decaux, founder of the brand, discovered her skin cancer, linked to too much sun exposure, that she became interested in the paradox of light. Convinced of the benefits of certain wavelengths on the skin, Géraldine and the entire Lightinderm scientific team wanted to create an effective expert treatment that can be used at home, to allow women to take control of the health of their skin. After 7 years of research and 27 patents, the Lightinderm treatment programs were created. A unique combination of 3 technologies including regenerating lights selected to effectively treat specific skin problems.- Red or infrared light, used to treat wrinkles or scars, acts directly on the dermis of the skin and will stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
- Blue light, thanks to its antibacterial power, will act on the production of sebum to treat acne and excess sebum but also treat psoriasis.
- The green light will even out the complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation spots.