Green Light Therapy

Most of the photobiomodulation research is done with red 600-700nm and near infrared 800-1100nm light, but there are many healing effects from other wavelengths as well. Of all these possibilities, green and blue have the most exciting research. We already discussed blue light in chapter 9, so in this appendix, we'll explore the many research-proven benefits of green and why it is good to also add green to a full body red light therapy bed or panel.

Green is the Peak Wavelength of the Sun
While the sun does not - usually - look green, it turns out its peak wavelength IS in fact Green! The color we see is because when all the wavelengths are seen together it has its typical bright whitish yellowish glow (at sunsets it turns more red because a significant amount of higher frequency / shorter wavelengths is filtered out). Occasionally you CAN see a green flash sunset when the conditions are just right!
But in general, the sun, with a surface temperature of approximately 5,780 K, emits radiation with a peak intensity at wavelength of approximately 0.5 μm (500 nm), which is in the green range of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because we have co-evolved with the solar and terrestrial energies and elements it makes sense that green would have such a powerful impact being the peak wavelength.
While the sun does not - usually - look green, it turns out its peak wavelength IS in fact Green! The color we see is because when all the wavelengths are seen together it has its typical bright whitish yellowish glow (at sunsets it turns more red because a significant amount of higher frequency / shorter wavelengths is filtered out). Occasionally you CAN see a green flash sunset when the conditions are just right!
But in general, the sun, with a surface temperature of approximately 5,780 K, emits radiation with a peak intensity at wavelength of approximately 0.5 μm (500 nm), which is in the green range of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because we have co-evolved with the solar and terrestrial energies and elements it makes sense that green would have such a powerful impact being the peak wavelength.

Green is the Color of Nature
Recently, several studies published over the past few years found that green light has some amazing properties, including not exacerbating migraine headaches as much as other colors of light, and potentially easing the photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) of migraine sufferers.
It’s no surprise that the color green could impact humans in such positive ways. Green creates an atmosphere of serenity and calmness, drawing from its reflection in the natural world. And a large body of evidence has shown that spending time in nature, where green is prevalent, is responsible for many measurable beneficial changes in the body.
For example, according to Time magazine, in one study, Yoshifumi Miyazaki, a forest-therapy expert and researcher at Chiba University in Japan, found that people who spent 40 minutes walking in a cedar forest had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is involved in blood pressure and immune-system function, compared with when they spent 40 minutes walking in a lab. And spending time outside is also good for the heart, and it helps with depression [1]. A large June 2016 study also found that nearly 10% of people with high blood pressure could get their hypertension under control if they spent just 30 minutes or more in a park each week.
Recently, several studies published over the past few years found that green light has some amazing properties, including not exacerbating migraine headaches as much as other colors of light, and potentially easing the photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) of migraine sufferers.
It’s no surprise that the color green could impact humans in such positive ways. Green creates an atmosphere of serenity and calmness, drawing from its reflection in the natural world. And a large body of evidence has shown that spending time in nature, where green is prevalent, is responsible for many measurable beneficial changes in the body.
For example, according to Time magazine, in one study, Yoshifumi Miyazaki, a forest-therapy expert and researcher at Chiba University in Japan, found that people who spent 40 minutes walking in a cedar forest had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is involved in blood pressure and immune-system function, compared with when they spent 40 minutes walking in a lab. And spending time outside is also good for the heart, and it helps with depression [1]. A large June 2016 study also found that nearly 10% of people with high blood pressure could get their hypertension under control if they spent just 30 minutes or more in a park each week.

Green Light - Chromophore Hemoglobin?
Visible green (528 nm) light has been shown to stimulate both the quality and quantity of blood flow. Green is considered the safest of colors and recent studies have suggested that it accelerates wound healing by positively affecting hemoglobin. Research of green has found 528nm green to be effective in cases of neuropathy, diabetes, shingles and acne. Blood based diseases may benefit from green. 528 nm is absorbed into the heme and oxyhemoglobin, supercharging the blood.
Here is a study showing green (and blue) is better absorbed by Hemoglobin (but blue does not penetrate as deep) [2]. For wavelengths shorter than 600nm, melanin and hemoglobin are the key chromophores near the surface. Skin chromophores mainly hemogloblin and and melanin along with bilirubin 460nm - blue (secondarily) [3]. Note the characteristic absorption bands of oxyhemoglobin (415, 542, and 577 nm) and deoxyhemoglobin (430 and 555 nm), as well as the relatively smooth and featureless absorption spectrum of melanin. Both papers.
Visible green (528 nm) light has been shown to stimulate both the quality and quantity of blood flow. Green is considered the safest of colors and recent studies have suggested that it accelerates wound healing by positively affecting hemoglobin. Research of green has found 528nm green to be effective in cases of neuropathy, diabetes, shingles and acne. Blood based diseases may benefit from green. 528 nm is absorbed into the heme and oxyhemoglobin, supercharging the blood.
Here is a study showing green (and blue) is better absorbed by Hemoglobin (but blue does not penetrate as deep) [2]. For wavelengths shorter than 600nm, melanin and hemoglobin are the key chromophores near the surface. Skin chromophores mainly hemogloblin and and melanin along with bilirubin 460nm - blue (secondarily) [3]. Note the characteristic absorption bands of oxyhemoglobin (415, 542, and 577 nm) and deoxyhemoglobin (430 and 555 nm), as well as the relatively smooth and featureless absorption spectrum of melanin. Both papers.
1. Research shows green is more effective than Red in treating wound and skin applications [4].
In LED light therapy for skin, green light targets dark circles, pigmentation, broken capillaries and sunspots, and as a result could have an impact on skin pigmentation. It also calms irritated or over-stimulated skin [5].
2. Green Light Helps Pain - Green light appears to have two mild pain-relieving effects: it is antinociceptive (analgesic, meaning a pain reliever) and antihyperalgesic (reduces sensitivity to input from the nervous system). Research by Mary Heinricher suggests that light has the potential to engage pain-modulating systems such that normally unharmful inputs are perceived as painful. Her experiments documented substantial light intolerance in patients with fibromyalgia, and raised the possibility that this abnormal photosensitivity could be explained by abnormal engagement of pain-facilitating systems by light [6].
3. Green light therapy for improved sleep - Researchers have found that green light promotes sleep while blue light delays it. In a study conducted by Oxford University, green light produced rapid sleep onset in mice - between 1 and 3 minutes [7].
4. Green light therapy for migraines - Dr. Rami Burstein found that a very special narrow band (520nm +/-10) of green light can help people who suffer from migraine by producing smaller electrical signals in the eyes and brain. This precise band of light’s soothing glow can help them get back to their everyday lives, but interestingly any light outside of that band can actually diminish or even negate the effects. (research below).
Now that you know a few ways green light therapy has been used, let’s explore the science behind one of the most promising areas of research: its impact on migraine.
In LED light therapy for skin, green light targets dark circles, pigmentation, broken capillaries and sunspots, and as a result could have an impact on skin pigmentation. It also calms irritated or over-stimulated skin [5].
2. Green Light Helps Pain - Green light appears to have two mild pain-relieving effects: it is antinociceptive (analgesic, meaning a pain reliever) and antihyperalgesic (reduces sensitivity to input from the nervous system). Research by Mary Heinricher suggests that light has the potential to engage pain-modulating systems such that normally unharmful inputs are perceived as painful. Her experiments documented substantial light intolerance in patients with fibromyalgia, and raised the possibility that this abnormal photosensitivity could be explained by abnormal engagement of pain-facilitating systems by light [6].
3. Green light therapy for improved sleep - Researchers have found that green light promotes sleep while blue light delays it. In a study conducted by Oxford University, green light produced rapid sleep onset in mice - between 1 and 3 minutes [7].
4. Green light therapy for migraines - Dr. Rami Burstein found that a very special narrow band (520nm +/-10) of green light can help people who suffer from migraine by producing smaller electrical signals in the eyes and brain. This precise band of light’s soothing glow can help them get back to their everyday lives, but interestingly any light outside of that band can actually diminish or even negate the effects. (research below).
Now that you know a few ways green light therapy has been used, let’s explore the science behind one of the most promising areas of research: its impact on migraine.

Green Light Therapy Migraine Study
The results were as follows: “When seven episodic migraine and 22 chronic migraine patients were analyzed as separate cohorts, white light emitting diodes produced no significant change in headache days in either episodic migraine or chronic migraine patients.
Combining data from the episodic migraine and chronic migraine groups showed that white light-emitting diodes produced a small but statistically significant reduction in headache days from (days ± SEM) 18.2 ∓ 1.8 to 16.5 ∓ 2.01 days.
Green light-emitting diodes significantly decreased headache days from 7.9 ∓ 1.6 to 2.4 ∓ 1.1 and from 22.3 ∓ 1.2 to 9.4 ∓ 1.6 in episodic migraine and chronic migraine patients, respectively. No side effects of light therapy were reported. None of the patients in the study reported initiation of new therapies.” [8]
Conclusion
There are many good reasons to have green in a full body red light panel or bed. Primary it targets another chromophore - hemoglobin which might one day become a major chromophore in photobiomodulation research (along with cytochrome c oxidase and water). The many research-proven benefits of green include (but are not limited to) wound healing, treating skin disorders, pain relief, migraine care, and more. Devices that have red, near infrared, deep near infrared and green target 3 chromophores, not just 1 or 2 giving these devices a broader and deeper therapeutic edge. Our projection is more and more panels and beds will start to include green (as they should!).
[1] https://time.com/4405827/the-healing-power-of-nature/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6431353/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15414836
[4] https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/what-are-led-light-therapies-and-do-they-work-16104
[5] Fushimi, T., S. Inui, T. Nakajima et al. 2012. Green light emitting diodes accelerate wound healing: characterization of the effect and its molecular basis in vitro and in vivo. Wound Repair Regen 20:226–235.
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4794405/
[7] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160608154233.htm
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32903062/
The results were as follows: “When seven episodic migraine and 22 chronic migraine patients were analyzed as separate cohorts, white light emitting diodes produced no significant change in headache days in either episodic migraine or chronic migraine patients.
Combining data from the episodic migraine and chronic migraine groups showed that white light-emitting diodes produced a small but statistically significant reduction in headache days from (days ± SEM) 18.2 ∓ 1.8 to 16.5 ∓ 2.01 days.
Green light-emitting diodes significantly decreased headache days from 7.9 ∓ 1.6 to 2.4 ∓ 1.1 and from 22.3 ∓ 1.2 to 9.4 ∓ 1.6 in episodic migraine and chronic migraine patients, respectively. No side effects of light therapy were reported. None of the patients in the study reported initiation of new therapies.” [8]
Conclusion
There are many good reasons to have green in a full body red light panel or bed. Primary it targets another chromophore - hemoglobin which might one day become a major chromophore in photobiomodulation research (along with cytochrome c oxidase and water). The many research-proven benefits of green include (but are not limited to) wound healing, treating skin disorders, pain relief, migraine care, and more. Devices that have red, near infrared, deep near infrared and green target 3 chromophores, not just 1 or 2 giving these devices a broader and deeper therapeutic edge. Our projection is more and more panels and beds will start to include green (as they should!).
[1] https://time.com/4405827/the-healing-power-of-nature/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6431353/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15414836
[4] https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/what-are-led-light-therapies-and-do-they-work-16104
[5] Fushimi, T., S. Inui, T. Nakajima et al. 2012. Green light emitting diodes accelerate wound healing: characterization of the effect and its molecular basis in vitro and in vivo. Wound Repair Regen 20:226–235.
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4794405/
[7] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160608154233.htm
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32903062/
******END OF CHAPTER*****
NO MORE EDITING OR ILLUSTRATIONS PAST THIS POINT
NO MORE EDITING OR ILLUSTRATIONS PAST THIS POINT
Part 2 - Blue Light Therapy

Blue = Sky = Daytime to the Brain
Sunlight reaches Earth's atmosphere and is scattered in all directions by all the gases and particles in the air. Blue light is scattered in all directions by the tiny molecules of air in Earth's atmosphere. Blue is scattered more than other colors because it travels as shorter, smaller waves. This is called Rayleigh scattering and it is the reason the sky is blue.
So because we see blue skies in the daytime (whenever the weather is favorable), it makes sense that evolution would use this cue to tell our brains that Blue = Daytime. As we saw in chapter 3, that is exactly the case. Get bright full spectrum light (with plenty of blue) first thing in the morning helps to anchor our biorhythms and gives us more energy and an enhanced mood. At light we want to avoid blue light because we don't want our brains to think it is daytime, because blue light suppresses melatonin. So blue light is GOOD in the day, but best to be avoided near bedtime (there red/amber lighting is ideal). Refer to chapter 3 for a more detailed discussion.
As alluded to previously, the direct role of visible (blue wavelength specifically) light in maintaining the pineal gland secretions of melatonin to maintain the circadian rhythm has been well established (Hattar et al., 2002)
Hattar, S., Liao, H.W., Takao, M., Berson, D.M., Yau, K.W., 2002. Melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells: architecture, projections, and intrin-
sic photosensitivity. Science 295, 10651070
But it is worth noting that the best wavelength of blue for SAD seems to be about 450nm (compared to acne which is 415 & and Jaundice 460nm).
Blue blue light does much more therapeutically than just synchronize and anchor our biorhythms. Blue light interacts with a few notable chromophores like hemoglobin and bilirubin to create healing for various conditions AND it seems to have disinfectant properties for skin infections like acne.
Sunlight reaches Earth's atmosphere and is scattered in all directions by all the gases and particles in the air. Blue light is scattered in all directions by the tiny molecules of air in Earth's atmosphere. Blue is scattered more than other colors because it travels as shorter, smaller waves. This is called Rayleigh scattering and it is the reason the sky is blue.
So because we see blue skies in the daytime (whenever the weather is favorable), it makes sense that evolution would use this cue to tell our brains that Blue = Daytime. As we saw in chapter 3, that is exactly the case. Get bright full spectrum light (with plenty of blue) first thing in the morning helps to anchor our biorhythms and gives us more energy and an enhanced mood. At light we want to avoid blue light because we don't want our brains to think it is daytime, because blue light suppresses melatonin. So blue light is GOOD in the day, but best to be avoided near bedtime (there red/amber lighting is ideal). Refer to chapter 3 for a more detailed discussion.
As alluded to previously, the direct role of visible (blue wavelength specifically) light in maintaining the pineal gland secretions of melatonin to maintain the circadian rhythm has been well established (Hattar et al., 2002)
Hattar, S., Liao, H.W., Takao, M., Berson, D.M., Yau, K.W., 2002. Melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells: architecture, projections, and intrin-
sic photosensitivity. Science 295, 10651070
But it is worth noting that the best wavelength of blue for SAD seems to be about 450nm (compared to acne which is 415 & and Jaundice 460nm).
Blue blue light does much more therapeutically than just synchronize and anchor our biorhythms. Blue light interacts with a few notable chromophores like hemoglobin and bilirubin to create healing for various conditions AND it seems to have disinfectant properties for skin infections like acne.

Jaundice in Newborns and Blue Light to the rescue.
Skin Chromophores mainly hemogloblin and and Melanin along with bilirubin 460nm - blue (secondarily).
Jaundice is a condition that makes the skin and eyes look yellow. Normally, the body breaks older red blood cells into a yellow fluid called bilirubin. The liver helps take the bilirubin out of the blood. It becomes part of a fluid called bile. This bile helps people break down their food.
In some newborns, their liver can’t do this process very well yet. Too much bilirubin builds up, and their skin and eyes look yellow (jaundice). Jaundice usually goes away in 2-3 weeks after eating as their liver develops and they start feeding.
A bili light is a light therapy tool to treat newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia). High levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy, auditory neuropathy, gaze abnormalities and dental enamel hypoplasia. The therapy uses a blue light (420–470 nm) that converts bilirubin into a form that can be more easily excreted in the urine and feces.
Studies with rats have shed light on this process (pun intended) showing that Blue light converts bilirubin in the skin of jaundiced rats to metastable geometric isomers that are transported in blood and excreted in bile. That is, it triggers a photochemical process whereby the water-insoluble bilirubin is converted into a water-soluble form. This water-soluble bilirubin can then be easily transported away and excreted.**
**McDonagh AF, Palma LA, Lightner DA. Blue light and bilirubin excretion. Science. 1980 Apr 11;208(4440):145-51. doi: 10.1126/science.7361112. PMID: 7361112.
Below chart from
Mcewen, Mark & Reynolds, Karen. (2006). Noninvasive detection of bilirubin using pulsatile absorption. Australasian physical & engineering sciences in medicine / supported by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists in Medicine and the Australasian Association of Physical Sciences in Medicine. 29. 78-83.
Skin Chromophores mainly hemogloblin and and Melanin along with bilirubin 460nm - blue (secondarily).
Jaundice is a condition that makes the skin and eyes look yellow. Normally, the body breaks older red blood cells into a yellow fluid called bilirubin. The liver helps take the bilirubin out of the blood. It becomes part of a fluid called bile. This bile helps people break down their food.
In some newborns, their liver can’t do this process very well yet. Too much bilirubin builds up, and their skin and eyes look yellow (jaundice). Jaundice usually goes away in 2-3 weeks after eating as their liver develops and they start feeding.
A bili light is a light therapy tool to treat newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia). High levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy, auditory neuropathy, gaze abnormalities and dental enamel hypoplasia. The therapy uses a blue light (420–470 nm) that converts bilirubin into a form that can be more easily excreted in the urine and feces.
Studies with rats have shed light on this process (pun intended) showing that Blue light converts bilirubin in the skin of jaundiced rats to metastable geometric isomers that are transported in blood and excreted in bile. That is, it triggers a photochemical process whereby the water-insoluble bilirubin is converted into a water-soluble form. This water-soluble bilirubin can then be easily transported away and excreted.**
**McDonagh AF, Palma LA, Lightner DA. Blue light and bilirubin excretion. Science. 1980 Apr 11;208(4440):145-51. doi: 10.1126/science.7361112. PMID: 7361112.
Below chart from
Mcewen, Mark & Reynolds, Karen. (2006). Noninvasive detection of bilirubin using pulsatile absorption. Australasian physical & engineering sciences in medicine / supported by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists in Medicine and the Australasian Association of Physical Sciences in Medicine. 29. 78-83.

Blue Light and Acne
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder, with a reported prevalence varying from 35% to over 90% among adolescents (Stathakis, Kilkenny, and Marks 1997). Pathogenesis of acne has not yet been identified; however, current consensus is that it involves follicular hyperconification, increased sebum secretion, colonization of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and inflammation (Lee, You, and Park 2007). Current treatments for acne vulgaris include topical and oral medications such as topical antibiotics, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azaleic acid. In severe cases, systemic antibiotics such as tetracy- cline and doxycycline, oral retinoids, and some hormones may also be indicated (Aziz-Jalali, Tabaie, and Djavid 2012). Despite many options that are available for treatment of acne vulgaris, many patients still respond inadequately to treatment or experience some adverse effects.
Phototherapy (light, lasers, and photodynamic therapy) was presented as an alternative therapeutic modality for treatment of acne vulgaris and was proposed to have fewer side effects when compared to other treatment options (Rotunda, Bhupathy, and Rohrer 2004). One mechanism of action for phototherapy is through absorption of light (specifically blue light) by porphyrins that are produced by P. acnes that in turn cause a photochemical reaction and form reactive free radicals and singlet oxygen species (Ross 2005; Lee, You, and Park 2007). On the other hand, red light is assumed to exert its effects through its anti-inflammatory properties (Rotunda, Bhupathy, and Rohrer 2004; Sadick 2008).
Among several studies demonstrating effects of LLLT for treatment of acne vulgaris, one study used 630 nm red spectrum LLLT with fluence 12 J/cm2 twice a week for 12 sessions in conjunction with 2% topical clindamycin, and significant reduction in active acne lesions after 12 sessions of treatment has been observed (Aziz-Jalali, Tabaie, and Djavid 2012). However, the same study showed no significant effects when the wavelength was changed to 890 nm (Aziz-Jalali, Tabaie, and Djavid 2012). Furthermore, combination of blue light (antibacterial effect) and red light (anti-inflammatory effect) was proposed to have synergistic effects in acne treatment, which later on have been supported by several studies (Papageorgiou, Katsambas, and Chu 2000; Goldberg and Russell 2006; Lee, You, and Park 2007; Sadick 2008).
Pg 691
Goldberg, D. J., and B. A. Russell. 2006. Combination blue (415nm) and red (633 nm) LED phototherapy in the treatment
of mild to severe acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Laser Ther 82:71–75.
Best not to combine NIR
To determine whether phototherapy with combined blue and red light could have greater efficacy in treatment of acne, Papageorgiou et al. [26] and Goldberg and Russell [24] have used blue (415 nm) and red (633 nm) lights in patients with mild to moderate facial acne. Each subjects received two treatments per week, blue light for 20 min (48 J/cm2) and red light for 20 min (96 J/cm2), using a LED-based therapy system. Although there was no significant short-term adverse effect, mixed blue-red light phototherapy at weeks 8 and 12 resulted in better improvement of inflammatory lesions than other active treatments without side effect. Lee et al. [25] have also examined the effectiveness of combination phototherapy with blue and red light. After patient received light therapy twice a week for 4 weeks, they experienced brightened and improved skin condition. Such effect might be due to antibacterial effect of blue light in combination with anti-inflammatory effect of red light. These results demonstrate that LED therapy is safe. It has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The wavelengths are classified in bands of energy which we typically recognize as UV, Visible and Infrared light. Within each band of energy there are peak energies which may better be absorbed by the cells. For example, while the blue spectrum might range from 415 – 480 nm’s. 417 might be best for acne, 450 for seasonal affective disorder and 465 might be best for MRSA. They are all blue, but each blue seems to present different healing signatures.
Photobiomodulation is a term used to describe how different photons in different intensities and wavelengths create healing signatures that can modulate life processes.
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder, with a reported prevalence varying from 35% to over 90% among adolescents (Stathakis, Kilkenny, and Marks 1997). Pathogenesis of acne has not yet been identified; however, current consensus is that it involves follicular hyperconification, increased sebum secretion, colonization of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and inflammation (Lee, You, and Park 2007). Current treatments for acne vulgaris include topical and oral medications such as topical antibiotics, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azaleic acid. In severe cases, systemic antibiotics such as tetracy- cline and doxycycline, oral retinoids, and some hormones may also be indicated (Aziz-Jalali, Tabaie, and Djavid 2012). Despite many options that are available for treatment of acne vulgaris, many patients still respond inadequately to treatment or experience some adverse effects.
Phototherapy (light, lasers, and photodynamic therapy) was presented as an alternative therapeutic modality for treatment of acne vulgaris and was proposed to have fewer side effects when compared to other treatment options (Rotunda, Bhupathy, and Rohrer 2004). One mechanism of action for phototherapy is through absorption of light (specifically blue light) by porphyrins that are produced by P. acnes that in turn cause a photochemical reaction and form reactive free radicals and singlet oxygen species (Ross 2005; Lee, You, and Park 2007). On the other hand, red light is assumed to exert its effects through its anti-inflammatory properties (Rotunda, Bhupathy, and Rohrer 2004; Sadick 2008).
Among several studies demonstrating effects of LLLT for treatment of acne vulgaris, one study used 630 nm red spectrum LLLT with fluence 12 J/cm2 twice a week for 12 sessions in conjunction with 2% topical clindamycin, and significant reduction in active acne lesions after 12 sessions of treatment has been observed (Aziz-Jalali, Tabaie, and Djavid 2012). However, the same study showed no significant effects when the wavelength was changed to 890 nm (Aziz-Jalali, Tabaie, and Djavid 2012). Furthermore, combination of blue light (antibacterial effect) and red light (anti-inflammatory effect) was proposed to have synergistic effects in acne treatment, which later on have been supported by several studies (Papageorgiou, Katsambas, and Chu 2000; Goldberg and Russell 2006; Lee, You, and Park 2007; Sadick 2008).
Pg 691
Goldberg, D. J., and B. A. Russell. 2006. Combination blue (415nm) and red (633 nm) LED phototherapy in the treatment
of mild to severe acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Laser Ther 82:71–75.
Best not to combine NIR
To determine whether phototherapy with combined blue and red light could have greater efficacy in treatment of acne, Papageorgiou et al. [26] and Goldberg and Russell [24] have used blue (415 nm) and red (633 nm) lights in patients with mild to moderate facial acne. Each subjects received two treatments per week, blue light for 20 min (48 J/cm2) and red light for 20 min (96 J/cm2), using a LED-based therapy system. Although there was no significant short-term adverse effect, mixed blue-red light phototherapy at weeks 8 and 12 resulted in better improvement of inflammatory lesions than other active treatments without side effect. Lee et al. [25] have also examined the effectiveness of combination phototherapy with blue and red light. After patient received light therapy twice a week for 4 weeks, they experienced brightened and improved skin condition. Such effect might be due to antibacterial effect of blue light in combination with anti-inflammatory effect of red light. These results demonstrate that LED therapy is safe. It has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The wavelengths are classified in bands of energy which we typically recognize as UV, Visible and Infrared light. Within each band of energy there are peak energies which may better be absorbed by the cells. For example, while the blue spectrum might range from 415 – 480 nm’s. 417 might be best for acne, 450 for seasonal affective disorder and 465 might be best for MRSA. They are all blue, but each blue seems to present different healing signatures.
Photobiomodulation is a term used to describe how different photons in different intensities and wavelengths create healing signatures that can modulate life processes.

UV light (10 – 310 nm’s) may cause tanning of the skin and as well is expected to cause skin damage. PBM using high intensity LED’s in the visible and NIR spectrum typically have no UV light.
Visible blue (415 & 470 nm’s) light may be antiviral and antibacterial depending on the actual wavelength. 417 nm seems to work better for acne and 470 for MRSA. 450 blue is for seasonal affective disorder, and recent studies suggest that blue speeds wound healing and pain relief. They are all blue, but each blue variant seems to have its own healing signature(s).
Visible green (528 nm) light has been shown to stimulate both the quality and quantity of blood flow. Green is considered the safest of colors and recent studies have suggested that it accelerates wound healing by positively affecting hemoglobin. In our research with admittedly small samples, we have found 528nm green to be effective in cases of neuropathy, diabetes, shingles and acne. Blood based diseases may benefit from green.
Visible red (630 – 660 nm’s) seems to be effective in activating cellular energy, detoxifying the cells and building new arteries. Generally red 633 has been tested more for skin-tone (collagen and elastin) while 660 may better influence ATP production. Recent studies have used 640 red for performance enhancement. The EDGE POLY is both 633 and 660 red.
Near Infrared (810, 830, 850, 880 and 940 nm’s) seems to be effective in reaching deeper into the connective tissues and organs. Near infrared is not visible to the naked eye. In the EDGE POLY we use 810 because it is thought to have the deepest penetration which means it may better reach into and stimulate deeper muscles, connective tissues and organs. In addition to 810 we mix 850. Generally, the longer wavelengths like 880 and 940 will create heat in the cells. While heat has benefits, it is not our goal to heat the cells with the EDGE. We leave that for infrared saunas.
Far Infrared (NIR 940 to FIR 1000+ nm’s) has been shown to heat the nanowater in the cell membrane. This heat is what we expect from a Far Infrared Sauna. Most PBM systems do not use FIR because their focus is more on mitochondria than heat based detoxification. There are many benefits of FIR, but traditionally it is not a reaction we seek.
Visible blue (415 & 470 nm’s) light may be antiviral and antibacterial depending on the actual wavelength. 417 nm seems to work better for acne and 470 for MRSA. 450 blue is for seasonal affective disorder, and recent studies suggest that blue speeds wound healing and pain relief. They are all blue, but each blue variant seems to have its own healing signature(s).
Visible green (528 nm) light has been shown to stimulate both the quality and quantity of blood flow. Green is considered the safest of colors and recent studies have suggested that it accelerates wound healing by positively affecting hemoglobin. In our research with admittedly small samples, we have found 528nm green to be effective in cases of neuropathy, diabetes, shingles and acne. Blood based diseases may benefit from green.
Visible red (630 – 660 nm’s) seems to be effective in activating cellular energy, detoxifying the cells and building new arteries. Generally red 633 has been tested more for skin-tone (collagen and elastin) while 660 may better influence ATP production. Recent studies have used 640 red for performance enhancement. The EDGE POLY is both 633 and 660 red.
Near Infrared (810, 830, 850, 880 and 940 nm’s) seems to be effective in reaching deeper into the connective tissues and organs. Near infrared is not visible to the naked eye. In the EDGE POLY we use 810 because it is thought to have the deepest penetration which means it may better reach into and stimulate deeper muscles, connective tissues and organs. In addition to 810 we mix 850. Generally, the longer wavelengths like 880 and 940 will create heat in the cells. While heat has benefits, it is not our goal to heat the cells with the EDGE. We leave that for infrared saunas.
Far Infrared (NIR 940 to FIR 1000+ nm’s) has been shown to heat the nanowater in the cell membrane. This heat is what we expect from a Far Infrared Sauna. Most PBM systems do not use FIR because their focus is more on mitochondria than heat based detoxification. There are many benefits of FIR, but traditionally it is not a reaction we seek.
Add in
So Does Green Light Therapy Work?
After going through 80 studies, I can say for a fact that green light therapy works. In a few areas, good human studies are available, making it extremely likely that there's an effect here. These green light therapy effects are:
Countering different types of (chronic) pain
Boosting blood circulation
Enhancing fat loss
And likely increasing muscle mass, speeding up wound healing, and improving skin quality.
https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/green-light-therapy-benefits/
So Does Green Light Therapy Work?
After going through 80 studies, I can say for a fact that green light therapy works. In a few areas, good human studies are available, making it extremely likely that there's an effect here. These green light therapy effects are:
Countering different types of (chronic) pain
Boosting blood circulation
Enhancing fat loss
And likely increasing muscle mass, speeding up wound healing, and improving skin quality.
https://www.lighttherapyinsiders.com/green-light-therapy-benefits/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22380691/
Keratinocyte migration and proliferation was shown to be stimulated by LLLT in vitro (Fushimi et al. 2012; Grossman et al. 1998). In vivo migration of epithelial cells was seen by 48 h, and complete regeneration of the epidermis was found to precede that of controls by 24 h (Gal et al. 2006) (see also Section 50.3).
Keratinocyte migration and proliferation was shown to be stimulated by LLLT in vitro (Fushimi et al. 2012; Grossman et al. 1998). In vivo migration of epithelial cells was seen by 48 h, and complete regeneration of the epidermis was found to precede that of controls by 24 h (Gal et al. 2006) (see also Section 50.3).
HoursM-F: 10am - 10pm
Sat: 10am - 6pm |
Telephone1-941-928-0124
|
|