Patent ID: 12201706

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The removal of the uppermost layers of the stratum corneum via microdermabrasion techniques can be performed by particle abrasion or non-particle abrasion means. Particle-based microdermabrasion involves accelerating crystalline particle abrasives along a closed loop vacuum circuit interposed by a roughly linear handheld apparatus (i.e. a handpiece) that opens to the skin to provide a focal point for skin abrasion. Motive force for the flow of crystalline particle abrasives is typically provided by an apparatus that utilizes negative pressure applied at one end of the circuit to create suction pressure at the other end of the circuit. Flexible tubing is employed that is capable of withstanding pressure sufficient to deliver the crystalline particle abrasives onto the skin and thereafter remove the spent particles and cellular debris from the site of application to the skin without collapsing or kinking the tubing.

Typical prior-art particle-based dermabrasion/microdermabrasion apparatus use a vacuum circuit that includes at least i) flexible input tubing to provide unidirectional flow of crystalline abrasive particles from a particle storage repository joined to one end of a ii) user-controlled handpiece, which comprises internal parallel input and output channels that are open to each other only at the skin-contacting surface of the handpiece to thereby provide for the controlled delivery of the accelerated crystalline abrasive onto the skin, and iii) flexible output tubing, which carries spent particles and cellular debris to a waste container. Contact of the skin-contacting window of the handpiece with the skin closes and seals the vacuum circuit. Application of negative pressure to one end of the circuit thus pulls skin into the skin contacting window of the handpiece, and also provides for the abrasive particle flow that bombards the epidermis and subsequently removes the resulting particle and cellular waste material from the site of skin contact.

However, such prior art systems introduce the prolonged application of negative pressure to the skin, which, more often than not, can cause a variety of side effects and problems. For example, studies indicate that the skin typically cannot tolerate prolonged suction/vacuum exceeding 22 mm hg, and that exceeding this limit for a period of time can result in vacuum-induced bruising, erythema and edema as a result of this type of aggressive microdermabrasion. This is especially true for certain skin types, such as skin that is particularly thin, of color (Fitzpatrick scale III through VI), is sensitive to pulling, tugging or tearing, or bruising/edema induced discoloration. Furthermore, applying a constant vacuum level to different regions of the skin having different thickness and elasticity may result in an unpredictable range of effects given the degree of suction-induced stretching experienced by the skin. For example, acute trauma is more likely in regions where the skin is very thin such as the eyelid, while conversely insufficient trauma may be experienced by thicker skin, such as that on the back.

Thus, in view of the shortcomings of the prior art, there has been a long-standing need for a dermal-exfoliation system that reduces or eliminates the exposure of skin to the prolonged high vacuum pressures typically employed during treatments of the prior art. Such a system would reduce the trauma to structures underlying the epidermis such as blood vessels and extracellular compartments induced by prolonged exposure to negative pressure, and would increase the pool of patients for whom current therapies are presently unusable given the presence of contraindications such as particularly thin skin, of color (Fitzpatrick scale III through VI), as well as skin that is sensitive to pulling, tearing, bruising or discoloration.

Concomitant to the need to reduce or eliminate the prolonged vacuum effects, it is known that a variety of crystalline particle abrasives have been used to accomplish dermal abrasion, with a preference in the prior art for the use of aluminum-based crystals, including aluminum oxide. The use of sodium chloride has been attempted given its compatibility with human skin and non-toxic nature when applied externally, but its use has fallen by the side since the microscopic structure of the typical salt crystal used is very irregular and fragile, and has not been able to provide the consistency necessary for the level of skin abrasion necessary for cosmetic and/or therapeutic efficacy. In contrast, aluminum oxide is able to maintain its crystalline structure and abrasive capabilities as it is propelled onto the skin, but the presence of aluminum has been implicated in a variety of complications experienced by the human body, ranging from the clogging of skin pores to some evidence suggesting that in women it was found in greater quantities in the brains of those who have suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

Correspondingly, there has also been a long standing need in the art for the design of an apparatus capable of performing dermal-exfoliation by utilizing sodium chloride, for example, as the abrasive media in a manner that allows for the sodium chloride to retain its crystalline abrasive property as it contacts the skin.

In view of the above, an improved design of the mechanism of providing for the flow of such particles, and/or an improved design of the handpiece is provided that allows the operator to optimize control of the particle stream as it relates, for example, to the angle of contact between the handpiece and the skin to be treated.

Therefore, one or more of the exemplary embodiments described here relate to an apparatus for treating skin for dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or skin exfoliation, using a handheld assembly (e.g. a handpiece) specially configured to deliver a stream of crystalline abrasive particles from the housing to the surface of the skin optionally under positive pressure, and further to collect the delivered (waste) crystalline abrasive particles, dislodged skin cells and/or skin debris back to the housing. The one or more various embodiments comprise means of providing positive pressure and optionally negative pressure from the central control unit to the handpiece. A user input device allows for control of the amount of pressure applied. The handheld assembly is connected to the housing (which includes a dehumidification device that keeps the housing at humidity levels below 50%) where by a hose or hoses that provide a means of passaging cargo such as abrasive salts and/or crystals and/or skin debris to an input and/or output repository.

The handpiece can also be used to direct air flow containing tiny crystals of a desired media, for example, aluminum oxide, sodium chloride, or sodium bicarbonate, etc. The one or more embodiments relate to the function and structure of the positive pressure system for providing propulsion to the crystalline particle abrasive along the input channel and through the handpiece to accelerate a particle current on to the skin. An output channel capable of providing negative pressure from the skin-contacting portion of the handpiece can be used in order to remove cellular, and or crystalline particle abrasive debris from the site of skin contact.

FIG.1is an illustration100of an exemplary dermal-exfoliation system105, showing the outer chassis110, control panel120, remote ultrasound transducer/controller130, articulating arm140coupled to adjustable lamp150. Obscured from view is the exemplary handpiece. Interior to chassis110are the various positive pressure system(s), abrasive containers/filter, temperature/moisture controller systems. The embodiment ofFIG.1demonstrates a very compact and functional unit as well as one that is mobile, having rollers/casters on the bottom of the outer chassis110.

FIG.2is an illustration200of an embodiment of control panel(s)120for an exemplary system, with associated power & crystalline control switches220, and exemplary handpiece250. The control panel120/crystalline control switches220contain multiple “buttons” or switches and indicators for controlling operation of the system105ofFIG.1, and are understood to be well known in the art. For example, buttons/switches/gauges/lights to control and provide the status of the various sub-systems in the system105, such as the vacuum, abrasive level, flow rate, pressure, heat, filter status, waste status, lights, and so forth are situated on the control panel(s)120/220as shown or can be distributed on other sides/faces of the system105, as according to design preference.

FIG.3is a block diagram300illustrating the top-level subsystems and their interaction with the media and each other. For the purposes of ease of explanation only, the media will be referred to as “salt” in the various embodiments, understanding that other abrasive type media may be used, if so desired. Media (or salt)310is operated on by a combination of air pressure source320, dehumidifier/heat source330and primary filters340, either sequentially or in concert.

In one embodiment, positive air pressure source320is dehumidified330and transports salt310from its reservoir, whereupon the dehumidified salt is filtered through one or more primary filters340to result in a “1ststage filtered and dehumidified” abrasive. The extracted moisture (or water) from the dehumidifier330is evacuated as waste335, either as vented moisture or through a waste tank (not shown) or drain (not shown), as is the waste-filtered salt345and/or365. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier may be a moisture absorbent solid that is controlled to provide the desired moisture level in the salt (for example, through one of the switches/controls shown inFIG.2). It should be appreciated that the primary filters340may comprise one filter, or a series of multiple filters that operate to select the appropriate size and “quality” of salt for 1ststage filtering. The 1st stage filtered and dehumidified salt is then processed by secondary filters350, if an additional level of filtering for higher “quality” salt is desired. The 2nd stage filtered and dehumidified salt's waste products are similarly extracted as waste355and/or365. The ensuing salt is then of the appropriate size and quality and humidity to effect appropriate usage as a superior dermatological abrasive and forwarded via air pressure source320(or a secondary air pressure system, if so desired) to the angled handpiece360. Exfoliates and the expended salt is thereafter collected in the waste receptacle365from the angled handpiece360.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the various wastes (345,355,365) may be channeled to a single “waste” container, if so desired. Also, while the dehumidifier330is shown as only affecting the 1ststage process, it is understood that in some embodiments, the dehumidification will also be applied to the 2ndstage process, thus ensuring that the salt is not re-humidified by ambient air once exiting the 1ststage process. Therefore, in these latter embodiments, the “dehumidification” will comprise a closed system, for example, the entirety of the interior of the chassis110as shown inFIG.1may be a sealed enclosure or partially sealed with respect to the subsystems that require dehumidification.

FIG.4is an interior view400of the Humidity Controlled Salt Chamber, and major subsystems within chassis110. Salt canister420contains the abrasive media, which may be a disposable container and/or one pre-filled supplied by the supplier. At the bottom of the salt canister420is a positive pressure infusion cap (PPIC)425, interfaces with the salt canister420to provide salt to the powder feed system450(the cover of the powder feed system being shown in the FIG.). At the bottom of the PPIC425are a pair of tubes430and440, tube430providing clean dry air pressure into the salt canister420, and tube440providing a pathway for the salt from the PPIC to the powder feed system450. Dehumidifier460provides the appropriate humidity (which is typically, but not necessarily, under 50%). Waste heap-filter bag470collects the used salt and skin debris and is typically disposable. A particle recovery system or Eductor480is atop of waster filter bag470and operates to recover excess particles from the treatment site while maintaining the positive pressure induced velocity. To monitor the humidity, humidity sensor490tracks the humidity and relays via a direct connection or wireless, to the user, the humidity status. The humidity sensor490, in some embodiments, can be removed from the chassis110and placed in a room to see if the room's humidity is adequate.

FIG.5is a block diagram500illustrating the various functional blocks in one or more of the described embodiments. It should be understood that some of these elements are optional. For completeness, block diagram500is illustrated with all optional components listed.

Air compressor520provides the system and salt movement air pressure with relief valve525(shown here as being set at, for example, approximately 50 pounds per square inch (PSI)), which provide a single stage step down pressure adjustment. Heat exchanger530and dehumidifier (H2O Separator)533are in line with the compressor520, operating to cool and dehumidify the pressurized air as well as for the salt being moved. The heat exchanger530can be a coil based system capable of dehumidifying down to 35% relative humidity. The dehumidifier533can provide multiple functions, such as providing variable pressure to the powder bottle (565) and overall pressure to the vacuum eductor (543), as well as pressure to evacuate moisture. A series of first stage air filters542,544, and546provide various finer degrees of filtering air to move the salt. For example, filter542provides 0.3 um size filtering for removing water vapor from heat exchanger530. A series of two one-way filters544and546provides 0.020″ filtering and prevent back-flow. Any water/waste (moisture) from the various filters is channeled to drain or waste collector580. A secondary adjustable relief valve535with a maximum of approximately 60 PSI is provided to ensure the positive pressure is managed and adjusted to a level of between 24-45 PSI.

Pressure regulator540is also connected to the compressor stream with vacuum eductor543, which directs the waste to waste bag545. The pressure regulator540provides a pressure “step-down” to better pull the used salt and waste to the waste bag545. Additionally, this pressure is also sent to the handpiece vacuum tube547for transport of used material. Vacuum eductor543is also connected to vacuum tube547, which is in turn coupled to a vacuum switch515and 0.3 um filter562. Next, secondary filters 0.3 um552, 0.020″554, and 0.020″556are used in combination with coalescing filter550. Coalescing filter550operates as the beginning of the second stage filtering, which is similar to the first stage filtering. An electronic regulator560is downstream from the coalescing filter550. The regulator560controls the voltage and the pressure settings set at the user interface/control panel. Thus, regulated, stepped down, adjustable and variable PSI positive pressure from the regulator560is sent through a 0.025″ orifice561, which is followed by an additional filtering level comprised of a 0.3 um filter563which leads to powder bottle565. This moisture filtered, adjustable pressured air creates the positive pressure in the powder bottle565, to push the abrasive in the powder bottle565to the pinch valve567.

Pinch valve567is connected to the powder bottle565and is then connected to the powder feed housing577through the 0.070″ orifice569. The pinch valve567is set to be in a closed state until the loop of pressure is “closed” at the handpiece when in contact with the skin. When contacted, the pinch valve567is opened and abrasive material is fed through the 0.070″ orifice569. Powder feed housing577mixes dehumidified positive pressure and filtered air and distributes the filtered and dehumidified salt at the intensity set on the control panel120. Pressure distributor570is downstream from electrical regulator560and is coupled to a 3.5 PSI relief573, and connected to a tubing through the 0.070″ orifice575and to the subsequent powder feed housing577. The pressure distributor570distributes the adjusted pressure to propel the abrasive material into the handpiece. The air velocity is optimized by passing through the 0.070″ orifice575where it mixes with the abrasive material from the powder feed housing577. The powder feed housing577is connected to the powder tube590that leads to the handpiece.

FIG.6is a side view illustration600of the exemplary handpiece assembly610, which is generally a longitudinal solid structure with an opening at the surface side640and with tube ends at the opposite end of the longitudinal axis or the620side. The handpiece has a skin-contacting surface640at the head630of its longitudinal axis, and an “exchange” surface620at the opposite end of its longitudinal axis. The “exchange” (i.e. non-skin contacting) end620of the handheld assembly's longitudinal axis may be configured with fittings that enable the attachment of input or output hoses, or preferably both, wherein said input and/or output hoses connect to the central control unit which may optionally have repositories for providing the crystalline abrasive particle to the input channel and/or waste receptacles for receiving matter from the output channel. Such connections may comprise vacuum tubing, or surgical tubing, or any other known connective material that is capable of withstanding pressure provided by the apparatus and that is capable of both transmitting crystalline abrasive to the skin and removing waste material away from the site of skin contact.

The handpiece assembly610may be designed so that its longitudinal axis with respect to the skin-contacting surface640constitutes an “angle of impingement.” The “angle of impingement” or the angle at which the abrasive medium impacts the tissue has a direct correlation to the patient's discomfort level. The greater the angle of impingement, the greater the degree of discomfort. Thus, in one embodiment, the handpiece assembly610may be designed to have an angle of impingement wherein the plane of the skin-contacting surface relative to the axis of the handheld assembly610is at an angle less than 90°, specifically between 20°-50°. In most embodiments, the angle will be between 15°-45° and an optimal angle range is somewhere in the range of 22°-25°. In a prototype embodiment, the angle was set to 25° with superior results. Use of these lesser angles results in less discomfort and a more aggressive, efficient procedure.

FIG.7is a cut-away illustration700of the exemplary handpiece assembly showing coupling ports722and724at the exchange side. The coupling ports722,724allow for easy insertion of the respective tubes (not shown). The coupling ports722,724communicate with the head730of the handpiece assembly via two channels, input channel752and output channel754that travel throughout the length of the handpiece assembly to skin-contacting interface734. The channels752,754can be cylindrical channels, with uniform cross sections or with non-uniform cross sections, depending on design preference. In the embodiment shown inFIG.7, the channels are of uniform cross section with the exception of input channel uniform752with has a secondary smaller channel760at it approaches the skin-contacting interface734. Head730contains the deflection chamber780, the chamber openings for the input, output channels (752,754), and the skin-contacting interface734. Deflection chamber780is sized both in length and height to be larger than the combined sizes of the input/output channels to allow abrasives/salts, cell and skin particulates to deflect off of the deflection wall784and be “sucked” into the output channel754. It should be understood that the term “deflection” with respect to the deflection chamber780, is a general term. That is, if the chamber is sufficiently long or the applied pressure is sufficiently low, there will be no so-called deflection of exfoliated tissue or abrasive occurring in the chamber, but simply redirected to the output channel754. Therefore, the term “deflection chamber” is understood to encompass both deflection occurrences as well as non-deflection occurrences within the deflection chamber780.

In a prototype embodiment, the deflection chamber780was configured to be approximately 13 mm in longitudinal length, with a depth of approximately 7 mm. The height of the deflection chamber780was approximately between 13-16 mm and approximately 14 mm tall. The angle of impingement was approximately 25 degrees. Of course, these values are simply representative of a prototype and therefore other sizes, dimensions and so forth may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

The input channel752is situated below the output channel754and targeted to a “rear” portion of the skin-contacting interface734, with separation allowance from the deflection wall784to minimize “wall” ricochet effects from the impinging salt. At one side of the terminal end of the skin-contacting interface734, a bulbous or curved surface736is provided to make it easier for the head730to be tilted without causing the “unsealing” of the skin-contacting interface734from the skin and/or allowing the head730to be moved across the patient's skin without causing “edge” discomfort.

In operation, when the handpiece is in contact with the skin, pressure is applied to the output channel754by means of a suction mechanism to create a vacuum that causes crystalline particle abrasives to be aspirated from a humidity controlled storage repository into the input channel752. Thus, crystalline particle abrasives are propelled through the input channel752of the handpiece, which directs the flow of tiny particulate crystalline abrasives onto the skin at high speed, which abrades the skin and wears away cell layers with each pass of the handpiece. At the skin-contacting interface734of the handpiece, the crystalline abrasives are aspirated propelled through the input channel752and dislodged skin cells and debris from the skin surface are removed from the site of contact through the output channel754of the handpiece.

The mechanism by which force and momentum are conferred to the abrasive particles occurs by means of generating a positive pressure loop at the one end of the input channel752onto the skin, and back out through the output channel754through a vacuum loop. Accordingly, both a positive pressure and negative pressure system is utilized. Specifically, positive pressure applied to one end of the loop provides abrasive particles to the skin-contacting interface734of the handpiece when in contact with the skin and is evacuated by negative pressure in the output channel754. A balance of pressures is required and is accomplished as a closed system which and requires contact with the skin to form the closed system.

It should be appreciated that contact with the skin can be amplified through one or more orifices (not shown) on the handpiece, to thereby engage the skin, and further to create the force which draws the particles from an input orifice on the handpiece, and thereafter away from the skin and into the waste repository. It should further be appreciated that the closed loop may be a semi-closed loop system, wherein a complete seal is not necessary since even with reduced pressure, there is sufficient force to provide adequate operation.

The handpiece of the inventive apparatus has thus been designed to deliver crystalline abrasives via a pressure cycle in a semi-closed loop system. The handpiece is contacted with the surface of the skin to provide abrasive particles from a storage repository and thus direct the particulate stream at an angle that is substantially not perpendicular to the plane of the skin.

The direction reduces the total number of collisions between particles as they rain down onto the skin, and thus better preserves their crystalline abrasive properties. The size of the crystalline particle abrasives may be modulated through a process of preparing this for the ideal particle size. Particularly, the average size of the particles may range from 60 microns to 750 microns.

The apparatus further comprises a central control console comprising a housing that comprises a user input means for controlling the delivery of a crystalline abrasive to the skin via the handheld assembly at a velocity sufficient to remove at least some of the epidermis, and for collecting the delivered crystalline abrasive and any skin cells. The user input device may comprise a computer, and/or a touchscreen, and/or a keyboard, humidity controlled chamber and the like. The apparatus may comprise a storage repository (i.e. a hopper) for providing crystalline abrasives to abrade the skin. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a storage repository for receiving waste material such as crystalline abrasives that have contacted the skin. In some embodiments any such repository is contained within the housing of the apparatus.

FIG.8is a simple graphic illustration800of an exemplary handpiece860in operation. Salt810under positive pressure is input to the subject tissue870having upper dermal layer873above sub-dermal layer875. Input channel863directs the salt810to strike at end portion865of the surface interface, which is directed (with exfoliated tissue particles) into output channel866, having negative pressure to pull the salt/debris away from the treated area.

Treatment in Combination with Ultrasound

Upon completion of the treatment skin using dermal-exfoliation, the skin may be exposed to cosmetically enhancing or therapeutic substances, followed with the use of ultrasound. The use of ultrasound to enhance the delivery and absorption of cosmetically and/or therapeutically enhancing substances is known in the art. Particularly preferred ultrasound frequency ranges of the invention include 1 MHz, 2 MHZ, 3 MHz, 3.3 MHZ, 5 MHz.

Treatment in Combination with Light-Emitting Devices

Any of the treatments of the present invention may be utilized in combination with light therapy, for example via the adjustable lamp. Light may be provided by any means, with a preference for LED light emission equipment. Regarding the use of light-emitting devices, it is preferred that such devices are selected for spectral power output, rather than total output power. The wavelengths of light may range from 400 nm to 2940 nm, and more preferably from 401 nm to 1550 nm, or most preferably from 404 nm to 950 nm.

Combined treatments of the invention may be focused on treatment of acne. Such treatment may be focused on the range of wavelengths known to kill acne bacteria (404-414 nm) and the wavelength to promote skin repair (660 nm). For anti-aging treatments & for the treatment of stretch marks, red light is used at 660 nm to stimulate skin cell growth and improve collagen networks. Near Infrared light at 930 nm expands capillaries causing better tissue oxygenation and improved access to nutrients, growth factors and the immune system for the treatment of anti-aging treatments and the treatment of stretch marks.

Accordingly, preferred light settings include blue for acne to kill subsurface bacteria that causes pimples. Another preferred light setting includes a combination of red and blue light to treat acne, acne scars, inflammation from acne and pigmentation. Another preferred light setting includes a combination of red and amber (590 nm) for general skin rejuvenation, and particularly to treat superficial reds & browns on the skin. Another preferred light setting includes a combination of red & near infra-red (NIR) for treating pigment and stimulating collagen, skin tightening and for the treatment of stretch marks. Light exposure programs may range from 3-minute exposures to 30-minute program exposures, or any time in between, including, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 minute exposures, as well as any secondhand interval there between. Exposure of the skin to the lights may occur in a range from 0.1″ to 8.0″, including any intervening distance, with a preferable distance being 4.5″ from the skin. Such treatment may or may not be combined with other known treatments including antibiotics, retinoic acid, or ACCUTANE™.

Example 1

A typical dermal exfoliation procedure is performed in order to achieve skin rejuvenation, reduction of sun-damage, weather damage and age spots, reduction of irregular pigment patterns in healed scars, smoothing of fine lines, wrinkles and acne pitting, improvement of skin strength, elasticity and smoothness, and for the improvements in the appearance of stretch marks. A typical dermal exfoliation treatment. The protocol will typical be:Clean any oil, make-up or other dirt and debris from the area to be treated. Make sure the skin is dryPerform the dermal-exfoliation. It is done by keeping the skin taut and pulling the handpiece over the area to be treated. As few as 1 pass across are to be treated and as many as 8 passes across the area to be treated is performed. The treatment can be done in one, two or three different directions (horizontal, vertical and oblique) across the area to be treated.Cleanse the treated area of any remaining particle.Optionally perform steaming, sonic cleansing and extractions.Dermal-exfoliation is used before laser and IPL light therapy, or before micro-needling for the treatment of the appearance of stretch marks, skin rejuvenation, acne, pigmented and red lesionsOptionally perform the ultrasonic application of topical products to penetrate products such as Vitamin C serums, collagen peptides, glycolic acids, and other antioxidants, and skin rejuvenation topicals, deep into the skin cellsOptionally use light phototherapy of the invention to help further penetrate and activate topical treatments such as Vitamin C serums, collagen peptides, glycolic acids, other anti-oxidants and skin rejuvenation topicals.

Example 2

The following method is performed order to achieve skin rejuvenation, reduction of-sun-damage, weather damage and age spots, reduction of irregular pigment patterns in healed scars, smoothing of fine lines, wrinkles and acne pitting, improvement of skin strength, elasticity and smoothness and for the improvements in the appearance of stretch marks.

Treatment Modalities:

TreatmentRed LightNIR LightTimePeriod(J/cm2)(J/cm2)(Minutes)Skin1x per weekly,35.814.420Rejuvenation6-12 weeks*8Maintenance1x monthly35.814.420*Skin remodeling includes reduction of sun-damage, improvement of skin texture and firmness, reduction of wrinkles, etc. Results usually visible on the third treatment.When dermal-exfoliating, cleanse the treated area of any remaining particle.Optionally perform the ultrasonic application of topical products to penetrate products such as Vitamin C serums, collagen peptides, glycolic acids, and other anti-oxidant, and skin rejuvenation topicals, deep into the skin cellsOptionally perform steaming, sonic cleansing and extractions.Use light phototherapy of the invention to help penetrate topical treatments such as Vitamin C serums, or collagen peptides.Light phototherapy of the invention, used in conjunction with collagen peptides, produces visible improvement in smoothing the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles and fine lines faster than either phototherapy or collagen treatments alone.Light phototherapy is a useful after chemical peel treatments to speed the recovery of the skin.

Example 3

This study used a LED device capable of delivering light at a variety of energies including 5 J/cm2. A variety of tissue culture and animal model studies were performed to determine the effect of LED light on skin cells. This research study includes tissue culture studies, animal studies and clinical studies with humans. Several wavelengths and intensities were studied in fibroblast (skin cell) tissue culture. In this experimental design, the optimum wavelength for cell proliferation and collagen production was determined to be red light. 660 nm wavelength red light was found to be particularly effective. Animal studies indicated that the edges of wounds were the source of increases in two types of skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) that were stimulated by the red and near-infrared light. These two cell types then move into the wound area to form new skin. Wound healing in the treated animals was accelerated. Accelerated wound healing was accompanied by increased amounts of tissue growth factors. Studies were performed on soldiers who are required to live for long periods in diving chambers and injured in deep diving conditions. Abrasions, bruising and small cuts under these conditions can become serious due to very slow healing rates. Wound healing with near-infrared light showed improvement to near normal conditions.

Example 4

Promotion of Collagen and Cellular Regeneration

Red & amber light provides an effective skin remodeling treatment useful in anti-aging treatments. Anti-Aging Treatment utilize the following method:

Red/Amber LightTimeTreatment Period(J/cm2)(Minutes)Skin1-2x weekly,1220Remodeling*6-12 weeks***Skin remodeling includes reduction of sun-damage, improvement of skin texture and firmness, reduction of wrinkles, and promotes collagen production. Results usually visible on the third treatment.**Assuming no other active ingredients; red/amber light treatments are used to help penetration and activation of active ingredients such as antioxidants and collagen peptides.

Red & amber light phototherapy is integrated into the current method between the cleanser and the final moisturizing.1. When dermal-exfoliating, cleanse the treated area of any remaining crystals and follow it with the light phototherapy.2. Perform steaming, sonic cleansing and extractions first and follow with light phototherapy.3. Use amber and/or light phototherapy to help penetrate topical treatments such as Vitamin C serums, or collagen peptides.4. Light phototherapy, in the context of the invention, and used in conjunction with collagen peptides, produces visible improvement in smoothing wrinkles and fine lines faster than either phototherapy or collagen treatments alone.

Example 5

Near Infrared Light to Promote Skin Regeneration: Systemic Effects of Low Intensity Laser Irradiation on Skin Microcirculation in Patients with Diabetic Microangiopathy.

Persons with long-standing diabetes suffer poor circulation in the legs and arms leading to pain, numbness and eventually to neuronal damage and paralysis. A low-level laser device with output comparable to high end LED devices delivering only near-infrared light at 30 J/cm2. Blood flow was measured in the skin area afterwards. Comparisons were made to the blood flow on the other foot or hand which was not illuminated. An improved and sustained blood flow was measured in the illuminated areas that persisted for at least 30 minutes after the illumination was turned off.

The sustained improvement in blood flow in the skin is believed to be due to the near-infrared illumination. It is believed that near infrared light on skin opens the capillaries wider by vasodilation. The near infrared light improves the effect of red light on skin regeneration by improving tissue oxygenation and nutrient access. Near infrared light at this wavelength (930 nm) does not cause tissue heating, or the sensation of heat.

Example 6

Effects of Phototherapy on Pressure Ulcer Healing in Elderly Patients after a Falling Trauma: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.

The most common treatment for pressure wounds (bedsores) is antibiotics and mechanical manipulation. Typical Stage II wounds take 12-14 weeks to heal. A Stage II pressure wound is serious and poses a threat of severe infection; it is marked by a loss of skin covering and comes before destruction of the underlying tissue. This study used a wand-type LED device delivering red and near-infrared light at up to 5 joules/cm2. Patient wounds were illuminated 3-5 times weekly until the wounds closed. Daily measurements of the wound dimensions were taken. The wounds on these patients healed in 50% of the time compared to untreated wounds.

Example 7

The presently disclosed methods utilizing blue and red light effectively treats mild to very inflamed acne in a period ranging from 0.5 to 3 months, and typically in 1 month. LED in blue mode efficiently activates Amino Levulonic Acid [(ALA)+; (LEVULAN™)] with the optimum wavelength and intensity of blue light. Intense blue light penetrates deep into hair follicles and underneath oil glands where acne colonies remain after benzoyl peroxide treatments. Blue light penetration, approximately 1.5 mm is about four times deeper than most topical treatments are able to penetrate. In addition the effect is highly localized. Blue light creates a toxic event within the bacteria, but is neutral to the skin itself. Topical treatment may be administered prior, including 5% benzoyl peroxide and the oral antibiotic tetracycline. ALA absorbs blue light and becomes activated. This activation is highly toxic to the acne bacteria, but not to surrounding skin cells. The present invention provides the medically proven optimum wavelength and intensity required for this effect.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.