Med Lasers.  2021 Jun;10(2):96-105. 10.25289/ML.2021.10.2.96.

Application of 630-nm and 850-nm Light-emitting Diodes and Microcurrent to Accelerate Collagen and Elastin Deposition in Porcine Skin

• Kwon TR
• Moon DW
• Kim J
• Kim HJ
• Lee SJ
• Han Y
• Dan HW
• Chi SH
• Seong HM
• Kim HJ
• Lim GS
• Lee J

• KMID: 2533507
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.2021.10.2.96

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Skin aging is reportedly associated with regulation in collagen and elastin synthesis. This study investigated the potential of combining lightemitting diode (LED) treatments using a 630-nm and 850-nm LED with simultaneous microcurrent application.
Materials and Methods
The dorsal skin of female pigs was treated with a home-use device. We examined the treatment effects using photography, thermocamera, microscopic pathology, and histological examination to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of the procedure. A histological observation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Victoria blue, and immunohistochemical staining. We also used the Sircol soluble collagen and elastin assay kit to measure the amounts of collagen and elastin in the porcine back skin tissue after 2 and 6 weeks.
Results
Evaluation by visual inspection and devices showed no skin damage or heat-induced injury at the treatment site. Histological staining revealed that accurate treatment of the targeted dermis layer effectively enhanced collagen and elastin deposition. Collagen type I, a protein defined by immunohistochemical staining, was overexpressed in the early stages of weeks 2 and 6. Combined therapy findings showed the superior capability of the 630-nm and 850-nm LED procedures to induce collagen; in contrast, elastin induction was more pronounced after microcurrent treatments.
Conclusion
The home-use LED device, comprising a combination of 630-nm and 850-nm LEDs and microcurrent, is safe and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for self-administered facial rejuvenation.

Keyword

Microcurrent; Low-level light therapy; Collagen; Elastin; Combination