Let's start by understanding the science behind skin aging!
There are two main types of collagen in the skin: Type I accounts for 80%, and Type III accounts for 20%. Young skin is primarily composed of Type III collagen, making it smooth, plump, and elastic. In aging skin, however, Type III collagen is lost, Type I collagen undergoes denaturation, and the collagen fibers become disorganized, leading to wrinkles, sagging, hollows, enlarged pores, and dryness.
Near-infrared (NIR) technology was initially researched by NASA and is based on the principles of photobiomodulation (PBM). It has since been further developed by various research institutions and companies; for example, Cellreturn’s fourth-generation LED beauty device utilizes this technology.
What are the effects of each common wavelength band based on the principles of photobiomodulation?
1. Photobiomodulation. The core wavelengths are 808–830 nm and 940 nm. The mechanism involves these wavelengths being absorbed by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, which enhances ATP synthesis, activates the TGF-β/Smad pathway, promotes the synthesis of Type I and III collagen by fibroblasts, and simultaneously inhibits collagen degradation by MMPs. This wavelength is suitable for daily skin repair, mild to moderate anti-aging, and wound healing.
2. Photothermal stimulation. Core wavelength: 1064 nm. This triggers repair through microthermal damage, promoting collagen remodeling; (by heating, it accelerates the contraction and shedding of aged collagen cells, promoting the regeneration of new collagen). Suitable for facial firming, wrinkle reduction, pore tightening, and brightening and anti-aging.
3. Other wavelengths, such as 1300 nm, can effectively brighten skin tone.
Summary: Within the near-infrared light spectrum ranging from 760 to 1800 nm, each wavelength focuses on different aspects of skin improvement. However, all are based on photobiomodulation and photothermal stimulation to improve the skin, achieving the goals of combating early signs of aging, firming the skin, refining pores, and reducing dark spots and wrinkles.
How does the LUMSUME Beauty Mirror work?
Our LUMSUME Beauty Mirror utilizes full-spectrum near-infrared light ranging from 760 to 1800 nm, covering various infrared wavelength bands that have different effects on the skin. The core technology focuses on wavelengths of 808–830 nm and 1064 nm (though this does not mean that near-infrared light in other bands is not effective). The treatment penetrates up to 2 mm beneath the skin (results may vary by individual), primarily targeting water molecules in the deep skin tissues. Through the photothermal effect, it stimulates the production of deep-layer collagen. The mechanism of action primarily involves the following two key steps:
Step 1: Activating Mitochondrial ATP Production
Full-spectrum near-infrared light (760–1800 nm) acts on water molecules in the dermis, where it is effectively absorbed by hemoglobin, resulting in changes in the Perfusion Index (PI)
After absorbing light energy, water molecules convert it into thermal energy, producing a mild thermal effect.
This thermal effect increases the distance between water molecules, making interstitial fluid more “fluid.” By inducing local hemodynamic changes through stimulation of sympathetic nerve activity, it promotes skin repair.
The more mobile water molecules surround the enzymes on the mitochondrial membrane, facilitating their rotation and thereby generating more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), while significantly increasing the expression levels of TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-β1) and MMP-2 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-2).
Step 2: Promote Cell Repair and Regeneration
ATP, as the cell’s energy currency, provides energy for cell repair and regeneration, while inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α to reduce inflammatory responses.
It activates cells in the basement membrane zone, enhancing the biological activity of collagen and elastic fibers.
This facilitates the reorganization of the dermis and restores the skin’s healthy metabolic cycle (approximately 28 days).
Compared to Fenton Milk Light (1300 nm) and NASA Red Light (633–660 nm), which utilize the same photobiomodulation principles, the 760 nm–1800 nm near-infrared light used in our product delivers superior anti-aging results. Among the three, the 760nm–1800nm near-infrared light penetrates the deepest, reaching a depth of approximately 2mm. It acts on deeper skin tissues, significantly increasing the expression levels of TGF-β1 and MMP-2, promoting collagen reorganization, while simultaneously inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α, reducing inflammatory responses, and improving the overall condition of the skin.