Celluma ELITE LED Light Therapy FAQ
Low-level-light therapy or photobiomodulation is based on Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology and is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions including skin, pain, and hair restoration as well as body contouring. It promotes a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynthesis. Human cells absorb red and near-infrared (NIR) light energy in the mitochondria, transforming photons into cellular energy (ATP) that produces a cascade of metabolic effects and proven health benefits.
Think of it as giving your skin, body, and hair a natural energy boost. By penetrating deep into the tissues, light therapy helps to increase cellular metabolism, improve blood circulation and enhance the activity of your cells, encouraging them to repair, regenerate, and function more effectively. This process can lead to healthier skin, reduced inflammation, relief from muscle and joint pain, and for your hair, it means stronger roots, less shedding, and even new growth.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a term used to describe low-level light therapy (LLLT) using light emitting diodes (LED's) for the application of specific wavelengths of light energy to produce therapeutic benefits in humans.
Red light therapy often describes the use of both red light and near-infrared light, which have been proven in clinical research as safe, effective, non-invasive treatments for skin conditions, muscle and joint pain, hair growth, and more.
On the electromagnetic spectrum, red light is within the visible spectrum of light, ranging from 620 to 700 nanometer (nm) range. The middle range of these wavelengths are the most commonly researched and used in clinical applications. Red light can reach deep into the layers of skin, including the dermis, reaching approximately 5-10 millimeters below the skin surface. Based on clinical research, Celluma devices use red light at 640 nanometers.
Near-infrared light (NIR) is outside the visible spectrum of light and invisible to the naked eye. NIR wavelengths range from 700 - 1,000 nanometers. NIR light can penetrate more deeply into the skin and tissues than red light, reaching even beyond the dermis into the subcutaneous tissue. This means light energy penetration of up to 25mm! This deeper penetration of near-infrared light is one reason why it’s utilized in therapeutic applications such as pain management, wound healing, muscle recovery, and skin rejuvenation. Based on clinical research, Celluma devices use NIR at 880 nanometers.
What's the difference between Red Light and Blue Light?
Red light therapy is often used for various skin treatments and has been studied for its potential to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. Its ability to reach deeper layers of the skin allows it to potentially affect cellular processes and stimulate beneficial changes within the skin’s structure and function.
Blue light therapy is known for its effectiveness in treating acne by targeting the bacteria that contribute to breakouts within the skin’s superficial layers. Based on clinical research, Celluma devices use blue light at 465 nanometers.
For what purpose is Light Therapy used?
Based on extensive research, low-level-light therapy devices have been cleared by the FDA, and shown to manage:
- Aging skin and fine lines and wrinkles
- Hair restoration
- Body contouring
- Muscle spasm
- Minor muscle and joint aches
- Minor muscle, joint and arthritic pain
- Pain and stiffness associated with arthritis
- Sub-optimal local blood flow and circulation
- Superficial, benign vascular and pigment lesions
- Minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of a musculoskeletal origin
- Mild to moderate acne vulgaris
- Reduction in acne breakouts
What makes Celluma Light Therapy unique?
Celluma Light Therapy has the most medical credentials and clearances of any LED device on the market anywhere in the world. It is FDA-cleared and medically CE marked as well as ISO certified.
The most significant differentiator of Celluma devices are our patented, flexible, shape-taking design, allowing the device to be contoured closely to the treatment area to deliver an effective, uniform, and optimal dose of light energy to a curved human body.
Celluma offers multi-wavelengths, and have multiple FDA cleared treatment modes in a single device. No other company offers a the number of treatment options in one Celluma LED device.
Our passion for innovation focuses on whole body wellness.
Is Light Therapy Safe?
Low-level LED light therapy is a highly safe and non-invasive treatment, making it suitable for all skin types and ages. Unlike other light-based treatments, it doesn't use UV rays, so there's no risk of burning or skin damage. The light emitted by the LEDs penetrates the skin gently, promoting healing and rejuvenation without any discomfort or downtime.
This therapy has been extensively studied and used in clinical settings for decades, with a strong track record of safety. Celluma follows the science of safety and efficacy very closely and that is why it has been FDA-cleared for various applications, including skin care, hair restoration, and pain management. The vast majority people experience no side effects, and the treatment is so gentle that it can be used regularly to maintain skin and hair health.
However, there are some important contraindications to consider:
- All photo-sensitive drugs are a contraindication for Celluma.
- Allow 3-5 days before administering Celluma and consult your doctor if you have recently been taking photo-sensitive prescriptions.
- Do not use if you are on steroidal medication – injections only.
- Do not use it over a pregnant belly (but you can use it over the face).
- Do not use if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures.
- Do not use over any cancer or any known metastasis before getting clearance from your doctor(s).
In all of the above, or with children under 12, always consult your primary care physician before using Celluma or any light therapy product.
How does Light Therapy Affect Pain & Inflammation?
Poor circulation and the lack of oxygen and other essential molecules (i.e., glucose, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)) in blood vessels can cause pain or a lack of sensation. Macrophages exposed to red light therapy release cytokines (over 100 proteins produced by white blood cells that signal immune response to inflammation) that stimulate the production of growth factors influencing the inflammatory process, healing, and wound repair.
How does Light Therapy Help with Lymphatic Drainage?
Light Therapy stimulates lymph activity, helping to reduce edema, or fluid buildup. Increasing lymph activity also can help to quicken the healing process, because the lymph system is responsible for helping the body to eliminate waste products and bacteria. Macrophages are stimulated by LED light therapy. Within the lymph nodes, macrophages destroy microorganisms — this process is called phagocytosis — so that the lymph system can begin the process of removing them from the body.
How does Light Therapy Affect Skin Hydration?
The wavelengths have a direct positive influence on the fibroblasts. This stimulation will increase the demand for natural hyaluronic acid. This increase in natural HA will increase hydration as the HA attracts 20 times its body weight in water resulting in more hydration.
Can Celluma be used while using Retinols?
Using light therapy while using retinols should generally be done with caution and under the guidance of a skin care professional or dermatologist. Both retinoids (such as retinols) and certain light therapies can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. However, it is not a definite contraindication. Some types of light therapies, like LED light therapy, may be less likely to cause adverse reactions when used with retinoids compared to others, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser treatments. Nevertheless, combining treatments could potentially increase the risk of skin irritation, redness, or sensitivity. Always consult a dermatologist or skin care professional who can assess your specific situation. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest adjusting the timing or frequency of treatments to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Additionally, they might recommend specific products or formulations that are better suited for use in conjunction with light therapy.
Why do I have to wait to use Celluma after a steroidal injection?
It is recommended to wait one week following steroidal injections. Oral and topical steroidal meds and creams are not contraindicated.
This contraindication and recommendation apply to all brands of LLLT devices regardless of what another company may say.
The reason not to use LLLT for patients on steroidal injections is that the steroid inhibits the healing process, so it basically renders the LLLT temporarily ineffective (waste of time).
Oral and topicals are far less concentrated in the body so are a lot less likely to affect the response of the tissue to the light therapy.
We have always said to wait a week to be on the safe side and this has not changed. Age, health status and different meds have different effects on different people.
Will Celluma Reduce Facial Fat?
No, the power density (or fluence) required for body contouring is different than that required to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen and elastin production. The algorithm in the Wrinkle Program is different than the Body Contouring program. It’s also important to note that the structure of the fat contained in the face is different than the structure of the fat stored elsewhere in the body. Therefore, while you can use the Wrinkles Program on the face, the Body Contouring Program should not be used on the face.
How does Celluma work for Hair Growth?
The Celluma RESTORE’s hair program is the only Celluma program FDA-cleared to treat and restore thinning hair in those suffering from certain categories of androgenetic alopecia. Research has shown that red light energy delivered within specific parameters can prolong the anagen (growing) phase of the hair and prevent the onset of the catagen phase (death) of the hair.
How does Celluma Body Contour work?
The Celluma CONTOUR emits red and near infrared light energy. These proven wavelengths target and activate fat cells, creating temporary pores in fat cell membranes, allowing lipids to leak out and then be excreted through the body's normal metabolic processes. This results in smaller fat cells, and a slimmer you!
How quickly does Celluma Body Contour work?
The effect on the adipose cells is immediate. Results will vary by individual. Most people will experience results even after one session. Cumulative treatments will achieve the best results. In an observational study, participants experienced more than a 2” decrease in waist circumference over four weeks.
How long do the results last?
Everybody is different, so results and treatment duration vary from person to person. The official protocol is 3x per week for 4 weeks. Most users report results after just one treatment, and you may need to continue to use CONTOUR regularly to maintain results.
What are Celluma's CONTRAINDICATIONS?
NOTE - When making changes to your health and wellness routines it may be advisable to consult with your physician before proceeding.
- Do not use over the breast or stomach if breast-feeding or pregnant.
- Do not use on infants or children under the age of 12.
- Do not use if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
- Avoid using while taking cortisone injections or any other kind of steroid injection(s).
- Avoid use if taking photosensitizing drugs.
- Do not perform LED therapy over known cancer tumor or metastasis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS for HAIR GROWTH & RESTORE mode ONLY:
- Do not use for hair restoration if you are female and suffer from Ludwig-Savin classifications III, advanced.
- Do not use for hair restoration if you are male with androgenetic alopecia who have Norwood Hamilton Classifications I, II, Va, VI or VII.
- Do NOT use for hair restoration if you suffer from androgenetic alopecia and have Fitzpatrick skin type V-VI.