A closer look at the research behind 830nm LED phototherapy
830nm light belongs to the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum and has attracted scientific interest for its interaction with biological tissue. According to Calderhead and colleagues, the 830nm wavelength offers deep penetration into living biological tissue and has been investigated in the context of wound healing, inflammation and tissue repair.
830nm and Cellular Activity
Research reviewed by the authors includes both in vitro and in vivo investigations into the effects of 830nm LED light on epidermal and dermal cells.
The review reports that exposure to 830nm light can increase the activity of these cells. It also describes enhanced responses among cells involved in inflammatory processes, including changes in their function and release of trophic factors.
Of particular interest are fibroblasts, which are important cells within the dermis. The authors discuss research showing increased fibroblast activity associated with collagenesis and elastinogenesis following 830nm irradiation.
830nm and Collagen
Collagen is an important structural component of the skin. Because fibroblasts are involved in collagen production and tissue remodeling, their response to light has been an important area of photobiomodulation research.
The article reviews experimental and clinical findings concerning 830nm LED therapy and collagen-related activity. It also discusses research comparing different wavelengths, including 633nm red light and 830nm near-infrared light, as well as their combined use.
In the study discussed by the authors, the 830nm treatment group demonstrated favorable results in areas including collagenesis and skin elasticity, compared with the control group.
830nm and Skin Recovery
A major focus of the article is the use of 830nm LED therapy following aesthetic procedures.
The authors review clinical evidence concerning postoperative effects such as:
- erythema (redness)
- edema (swelling)
- bruising
- hematoma
- wound healing
- scar formation
The review describes 830nm LED therapy as an adjunctive approach intended to support recovery following both invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures.
Why 830nm?
The authors highlight deep tissue penetration as one of the important characteristics of the 830nm wavelength.
Unlike visible light, 830nm is within the near-infrared region and is invisible to the human eye. Its interaction with biological tissue has therefore been investigated separately from visible red-light wavelengths.
The research reviewed in the article suggests that the biological response to 830nm involves cellular processes associated with tissue repair and remodeling.
What Does the Research Suggest?
The overall evidence reviewed by Calderhead and colleagues points toward several areas of interest for 830nm LED phototherapy:
Cellular activity
830nm exposure has been investigated for its effects on epidermal and dermal cells.
Collagen and elastin
Research discussed in the review reports responses involving fibroblast activity, collagenesis and elastinogenesis.
Inflammatory response
The authors review evidence concerning redness, swelling and bruising following aesthetic procedures.
Tissue repair
830nm LED therapy has been studied in relation to wound healing and postoperative recovery.
Skin remodeling
Clinical research has investigated outcomes including collagen-related changes and skin elasticity.
The Research in Context
It is important to understand what this research does — and does not — demonstrate.
The article is a review of 830nm LED phototherapy research and clinical applications. The studies discussed used specific devices, irradiance levels, treatment schedules and clinical protocols. Therefore, the results should not automatically be interpreted as clinical evidence for every 830nm LED device or home-use mask.
The authors describe a growing body of clinical evidence supporting further investigation of 830nm LED phototherapy, particularly in relation to tissue repair, postoperative recovery and skin remodeling.
Scientific Reference
Calderhead RG, Kim WS, Ohshiro T, Trelles MA, Vasily D.
Adjunctive 830 nm light-emitting diode therapy can improve the results following aesthetic procedures.
Laser Therapy. 2015;24(4):277–289.
DOI: 10.5978/islsm.15-OR-17.