Feel the light

We all want that glowing, youthful looking skin at the best of times but mostly also for our special day. One treatment to consider adding to the repetoire is an Omnilux light therapy. It's a favourite of celebrities prepping for red-carpet events, we get the lowdown from Dr Cat Stone at The Face Place. What does the Omnilux treatment do and who is it best for? LED light is suitable for anyone and everyone, as it is totally non-invasive; the only exceptions may be if you are taking certain light-sensitising  medication, and permission is required from your GP to use Omnilux during pregnancy. The LED lights work almost like the charging of a battery. Every cell of the body has mitochondria which are parts of the cell responsible for producing functions to enable the cell to function. There are specific chromophores or ‘targets ‘in the mitochondria of the skin cell that naturally absorb energy from certain wavelengths of light around us and use it to ‘charge up' the cell. Having an LED light (medical grade) is like super charging the cell, which stimulates growth factors and cytokines (cell signalling messengers) to immediately reduce inflammation, increase hydration and initiate repair in the skin. Often the skin will respond instantly with a calmer, dewy, luminous appearance after just one treatment, while more frequent treatments will increase your collagen production and soften lines and wrinkles. A course of LED is a perfect way to fast track the skin to optimum health. Is there blue and red light? What’s the difference? There are various lights available, Red, Blue, and Near Infrared (sometimes referred to as yellow, green or ’clear’, as this light is not visible, so yellow or green indicator lights show when the light is active). Each light works on a different wavelength or depth in the skin triggering different responses. Blue light, at a wavelength of 415nm, is good for some, but not all types of acne. It works specifically on a certain type of bacteria, called P. acnes, that thrives in a ‘non oxygen’ environment. The blue light destroys these bacteria, helping to stop the inflammatory cycle. This light is not suitable for improving the general health of the skin, but only for reducing acne. Because of this, Blue light is often alternated with the Red or Near infrared to benefit from both the bacterial reduction and improve skin condition. Red light (615nm) and Near infrared (830nm) have very similar outcomes in that they both help to induce collagen but the near infra-red works deeper and is better at stimulating the earlier stages of the wound healing cascade: This means that it has a better anti-inflammatory effect. How far in advance of a wedding day should you start these types of treatments? While an Omnilux or Healite treatment is great to have on the day of your wedding or the day before (as it produces an instant ‘glow’ in the skin), the ideal scenario is to do a course 3 months before, as this is the time frame necessary for your skin to start laying down new collagen. The recommendation is a minimum of 8 Near infrared or Red lights, 2 to 3 days apart and follow up with treatment just before the big day. Do you need to prep skin with products beforehand? No prep is necessary, but to fundamentally change the skin for the long term, Vitamin A and Antioxidant serums are a ‘must’ in your skin care regime. You’ll get better results overall if you are using the right products for your skin on a daily basis. What products should you be using after? It is fine to continue with your normal skin care regime. This treatment works fabulously with most other treatments. At TFP it is a staple and is highly recommended as a treatment after our injectables, peels, Needling and Vampire Facial Plus. Boosting the energy in your cells with LED light means that any swelling or bruising is dramatically reduced, and your skin glows, which makes the results from your other treatment even better! We love it so much, we offer omnilux at a reduced price when done in combo after any of our other treatments. Can you do this treatment all year around or is it best in winter with less sun? Anytime, anyplace, anywhere …. As it doesn’t impair the surface of the skin or affect the skins ability to protect itself, it is good to go all year around. We love it as it is simple, easy and effective, can be done any time of year in most people, and has extra benefits in winter for those who suffer from Seasonal Effective Disorder (SAD) or the ’winter blues’ – the light is an effective ’mood booster’, without exposing your skin to the harmful effects of UV light. It’s one of our favourite treatments! About the Author:  Dr Catherine Stone, founder of The Face Place, is an award-winning doctor, author and pioneer in cosmetic medicine, known globally for her work with positive ageing. Omnilux treatments are available from The Face Place at their Britomart & Takapuna clinics www.thefaceplace.co.nz