Non-thermal blue and near-infrared light system with glycolic acid peels and topical vitamin C for photorejuvenation

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been studied and shown that combining narrowband blue-light (405–420nm) anti-inflammatory emission and a near-infrared (850–890nm) emission inducing self-defense mechanisms can clinically improve pore size and rhytids. The objective of the study is to investigate the efficacy of this device on Asian skin and its adverse effects, if any. DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 Chinese female subjects with skin type III–IV were recruited in this prospective study. 10 subjects in group A received exposure to the light, with concomitant glycolic peels and daily vitamin C serum and only topical vitamin C serum and glycolic peels for control group B. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after each treatment by means of standardized photos using the Canfield Visia CR System 1 and patient questionnaires. Any adverse effects were noted. RESULTS: There was no improvement in pigmented lesions and pore size after treatments. However, 60% of the subjects had mild improvement in wrinkles 3 months after the course of treatment which was satistically significant. 2 subjects developed hyperpigmentation. Overall patient satisfaction was fair and there was no report of any discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Non-thermal blue and near infrared light can be used as an adjunctive therapy for photorejuvenation particularly for improvement of rhytids. However, there is a risk of developing hyperpigmentation after treatment in Asian skin.