The mechanical behavior of the skin is mainly attributed to the structure of the dermal layer. Indeed, the fibrillar network, composed by collagen and elastin fibers linked together by physiological cross-linking, contributes to the resistance and elasticity of the tissue. Age-related changes in skin mechanics are thought to contribute to a large part of skin appearance, e.g. wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity. Accumulating evidence has indicated that the light source emitted from a light-emitted diode (LED) has a potential anti-aging effect on human skin. Light therapy improves benefits on skin structure and skin mechanical properties. In the present study, we demonstrated that a home-use LED mask, with a combination wavelength of 630 nm and 850 nm exerted anti-aging effects in both ex-vivo and clinical experiments. For the ex vivo experiment, the purpose was to evaluate the benefits of a light therapy mask on elastin, the main component of elastic fibers, which provide stretch and elasticity to the skin. Skin explants were exposed daily for 1 week to the light therapy mask. Immunohistochemistry on skin sections was performed on an elastin marker to quantify the elastic fiber size. Treating human skin explants with LED lights was found to increase the size of elastic fibers. For the clinical study, the objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the light therapy mask on skin aging signs. Thirty women, aged 40-60, phototype I to IV, were involved in the study. They used the mask 3 to 4 times a week for 2 months. Instrumental and clinical measurements were carried out to measure the signs of aging such as wrinkles, skin mechanical properties, radiance, and pores. At the end of the treatment, significant clinical improvement was observed. Facial treatment with a LED mask promoted major clinical improvement that was confirmed by histological examination of the skin. These findings suggest that the light therapy mask may provide an effective treatment opportunity for people with skin aging signs.

ESDR585 - Effects of a LED light therapy mask on an ex vivo skin model and clinical signs of aging

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.