BOTOX and injectable fillers continue to be a popular choice for getting rid of wrinkles, a nonsurgical option for baby boomers and individuals who want a more youthful look.  Still, these fillers are only temporary and frequent touch-ups mean many patients are filling their monthly schedules with a pricey treatment.
Researchers in Germany are investigating an alternative to injectable fillers that may provide lasting results for the anti-wrinkle crowds.  The ACS Crystal Growth & Design, a bi-monthly journal scheduled for publication on November 5,  puts the spotlight on using LED lights for skin rejuvenation. Applying high-intensity, light emitting diodes to the skin’s surface may help reduce wrinkles and create a brighter complexion.

The LED study was conducted by researchers Andrei P. Sommer and Dan Zhu, and they point out that high-intensity light has been used for decades to help heal the skin, reduce the signs of aging and also increases the production of collagen and elastin.  Currently, there are several variations of light therapy on the market; many consumers turn to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments to remove blemishes and tighten and tone the skin, and infrared light treatments to help reduce the signs of wrinkles.
However, scientists are now saying that LED lights may do a better job at reaching the deeper skin tissues in need of repair so that the body can naturally begin to produce collagen.  The light is powerful enough to change the molecular structure of elastin; the result?  Fewer wrinkles, tighter skin and possibly a reduced risk of developing more wrinkles in the oncoming years.

Overall, the LED treatment provides a revitalizing and rejuvenating treatment, and may soon become a part of the suite of services available from anti aging doctors across the country. Will it be better than BOTOX?  It’s too soon to tell if this will be a replacement for the ever-popular fillers, but it may work as a complementary treatment in the short-term.

(Source: Medical News Today; Picture Credit: Zpyder, via Flick’r)