LightStim
Going back thousands of years, sunlight has been touted for its restorative properties. Unfortunately, we now know that significant risks come with too much sun exposure, so science has given us other ways to utilize the healing powers of light.
Meet LightStim, a powerful, professional-grade LED technology that uses only proven beneficial wavelengths of light. LightStim is built on technology that has been used for decades in the beauty and wellness worlds, and even by scientists at NASA. When applied effectively, LightStim devices can provide noticeable improvements in skin quality, acne, inflammation and pain.
At the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, we make it a priority to stay abreast of the most advanced technology in our industry. This is how we ensure we can offer the very best procedures and products to our clients and help them improve their quality of life. Try LightStim today.
What Is LightStim?
LightStim is an advanced light therapy treatment that uses LED technology to reduce inflammation and trigger your body’s natural healing processes. By harnessing the power of specific wavelengths of light, LightStim can provide natural therapeutic benefits at the cellular level. Each LightStim device uses different wavelengths (or colors) of light to produce different effects.
There are three main applications of LightStim therapy:
Anti-Aging/Skin Rejuvenation: LightStim’s patented LED technology restores a healthy, youthful appearance by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, evening tone and texture, building collagen, and minimizing sun damage and scars.
Acne Treatment: LightStim Acne devices kill acne-causing bacteria to calm breakouts and redness. With regular treatments, these devices not only clear existing blemishes but also reduce the likelihood of new acne forming.
Pain Relief: LightStim alleviates arthritic joint pain, back pain, muscle soreness and other types of acute or chronic pain by blocking pain signals, increasing blood circulation and oxygenation, and reducing inflammation.
LightStim LED light therapy devices are FDA-cleared and have been used by medical professionals for 20 years.
The Benefits of LightStim for Skin
Collagen and elastin are the dynamic duo responsible for maintaining your skin’s structure, elasticity and overall plumpness. However, as we age, the production of these key proteins starts to decline, and our skin loses its firmness.
During LED therapy, red and infrared light wavelengths can be used to penetrate deeply into the skin to stimulate the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers. It’s like turning back the complexion clock, without any invasive procedures or downtime.
LightStim Anti-Aging devices simultaneously emit a combination of Amber (605nm), Light Red (630nm), Deep Red (660nm) and Infrared (855nm) wavelengths of light. This can result in both immediate and cumulative benefits:
Immediate
- Calms and reduces redness
- Soothes irritation
- Produces a luminous, radiant glow
Cumulative
- Restores optimal skin function
- Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pores
- Promotes a more even skin tone
- Refines skin texture for a smoother look and feel
The Benefits of LightStim for Acne
Acne is the single most common skin condition in the United States. Multiple factors contribute to breakouts, with the most prominent being increased sebum production, congestion within pores, proliferation of P. acnes bacteria and inflammation.
LightStim Acne devices simultaneously emit Light Red (630nm) and Blue (415nm) wavelengths of light to treat mild to moderate acne. The blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, while the red light reduces inflammation and sebaceous activity — effectively targeting three of the four main causes of acne.
Regular use of LightStim for Acne leads to clearer, healthier-looking skin, reducing dependency on topical treatments and providing a boost to both skin health and confidence. This device helps to:
- Destroy acne-causing bacteria
- Clear existing breakouts
- Reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne
- Produce visibly calmer and brighter skin
- Restore your skin’s healthy appearance
- Minimize the need for harsh chemicals or complex, multi-step routines
The Benefits of LightStim for Pain
LED therapy is a high-tech superhero in the world of pain management. Specifically, it’s the infrared light in the LED spectrum that works its magic here. Infrared light penetrates even deeper than its red counterpart — right down to your muscles, nerves and bones.
Whether it’s joint pain from arthritis or muscle soreness from an ‘easy’ yoga class that turned out to be anything but, inflammation is one of the main culprits behind pain. Infrared LED therapy tackles this by improving circulation, increasing the production of anti-inflammatory proteins, and stimulating cellular repair processes.
LightStim Pain devices simultaneously emit a combination of Light Red (630nm), Deep Red (660nm), Infrared (855nm) and Deep Infrared (940nm) wavelengths of light. This can:
- Reduce and relieve various aches and pains
- Relax muscles
- Increase blood circulation and oxygenation
- Decrease inflammation and oxidative stress
- Help to accelerate recovery
What Is LED Therapy?
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. In the simplest terms, it’s a little piece of technology that emits light when an electrical current flows through it. LED therapy, or phototherapy, is all about using specific wavelengths of light to get desired effects.
Each color of light has a specific wavelength. Red and infrared lights, for example, have longer wavelengths. These wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin, targeting cells and tissues where the work of healing and rejuvenating happens. It’s not just any light; it’s light that’s been scientifically designed to “speak” to your body in a way it understands.
Light is absorbed by over 200 cell types in the body. When your skin absorbs light at the right wavelength, a series of events kick off at the cellular level. This might include boosting collagen production to make your skin feel like it’s aging backward or enhancing blood flow to reduce inflammation and pain.
How Does Light Therapy Affect the Skin?
Our skin begins to show signs of aging in our late 20s and early 30s. This happens due to a variety of invisible changes, including the atrophy of the skin’s internal structure, the slowing of collagen and elastin production, and the degeneration of existing collagen and elastin fibers. On the surface, we notice our skin developing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, spider veins and loss of elasticity.
Light therapy helps address these changes on a molecular level. In studies, light therapy has been shown to:
- Encourage the proliferation of fibroblasts
- Increase collagen, elastin and growth factors
- Improve antioxidant function to neutralize free radicals
- Activate stem cells and dermal immune cells
- Stimulate lymphatic cells and local fluid circulation
- Reduce inflammation
Why LightStim?
With so many LED technologies out there, why did we choose to bring LightStim to YNC?
- Top-of-the-line technology — Not all LED devices are created equal. LightStim uses medical-grade technology and patented wavelengths that have been rigorously tested, ensuring it meets the highest standards for safety and efficacy.
- Multi-wavelength action — Many at-home devices and even some professional-grade LED therapies use only one wavelength. LightStim employs multiple wavelengths in a single treatment session to provide a broader spectrum of benefits.
- FDA-cleared — LightStim has been cleared by the FDA for treating wrinkles and mild to moderate acne, as well as for providing temporary relief from muscle and joint pain. That’s not just a fancy stamp of approval; it’s peace of mind.
- Comfort and convenience — A LightStim treatment is like a spa day for your cells. It’s noninvasive, painless, requires zero downtime, and it’s performed right here in our cozy Los Gatos office.
- Full-body capabilities — LightStim systems allow targeted treatment of both the face and body, including hard-to-reach areas like the back or knees, so you can see results where you actually need them.
- Customizable treatments — LightStim’s range of devices allows us to tailor your treatment to your specific needs. We can use them as stand-alone treatments or as part of a mutli-modality treatment protocol.
- Fast-acting results — LightStim delivers higher-intensity treatments than consumer devices. Concentrated in-office protocols yield quicker improvements in wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture, acne and pain than sporadic use of home devices.
Our LightStim Devices
At the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, we offer four advanced LightStim devices to meet all our clients’ needs — the ProPanel for in-office treatments and three handhelds available to purchase for home use.
LightStim ProPanel
This four-panel, hands-free device contains 1400 LEDs for maximum coverage. The movable panels can be adjusted to deliver touchless treatment over any face or body treatment area. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the gentle warmth. The ProPanel can deliver skin treatments and pain treatments anywhere on the body.
LightStim Anti-Aging Handheld
This handheld LightStim emits wavelengths clinically shown to improve wrinkles, skin tone, skin texture and sun damage from 72 LEDs. The ergonomic applicator makes it easy to perform treatments on yourself by gently gliding it over your face, neck and décolletage. A timer beeps every three minutes to indicate when it’s time to move to a new area.
LightStim Acne Handheld
Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, this LightStim handheld harnesses the power of 72 LEDs producing wavelengths that target key factors that contribute to acne. The device is suitable for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective acne treatment option. The light should be held gently against the skin for three minutes per area until the full face is treated.
LightStim Pain Handheld
This handheld LightStim features 72 LEDs that emit different therapeutic wavelengths than the wrinkle or acne devices. These wavelengths provide targeted pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects that can be used to treat arthritis, back pain, overuse injuries and more. The device can be held over affected areas for five to 30 minutes.
Can LightStim ProPanel Be Paired With Other Treatments?
LightStim’s LED therapy is effective on its own, but if you’re into the “more is more” philosophy, LightStim pairs exceptionally well with many other treatments.
If you undergo cosmetic skin treatments or have recently had cosmetic surgery, LightStim can enhance your skin’s ability to heal and regenerate, while reducing the inflammation and discomfort that may occur post-treatment.
If you are using LightStim to reduce pain, ask us about our other options for pain management. LightStim can complement treatments like ozone therapy or Prolozone, as well as therapies like massage, physical therapy and acupuncture.
We can also combine LightStim with unrelated treatments for maximum convenience and maximum results. For example, you can enjoy the LightStim ProPanel during one of our IV infusions for an experience that’s relaxing, rejuvenating, nourishing and indulgent, all at the same time!
What Are the ProPanel Treatment Steps?
Here is what you can expect during your LightStim therapy session with the ProPanel at our Los Gatos office:
- Cleansing — We will start with a gentle cleansing of your face or treatment areas to remove any lotions, makeup, etc. We will also exfoliate, if appropriate.
- Eye Protection — We will provide eye shields as a precaution during facial treatments.
- Device Placement — Your provider will position the ProPanel above your body, approximately one to two inches away from your skin.
- Treatment — The ProPanel will emit light into the target area continuously; there is no flashing or pulsing. Most facial or pain relief sessions last 15-20 minutes.
- Relaxation — While the device does its work, feel free to close your eyes, meditate or chat with our friendly staff. Time will fly, and before you know it, you’ll be done.
- Recommendations — You will leave our office with personalized recommendations for continuing your results at home.
What Is the Treatment Protocol for the LightStim Handhelds?
Light therapy can and should be done regularly. We offer the LightStim handhelds so you can continue your routine at home and take full advantage of the cumulative benefits. These devices are equipped with the same patented technology and strength as the ProPanel, designed in a smaller, user-friendly instrument you can easily use on your own face or body.
LightStim Anti-Aging Handheld
Start with a clean canvas. Gently cleanse your face to remove any makeup, dirt, oil or impurities. If appropriate, consider exfoliating to ensure your skin is primed to absorb the full benefits of the light therapy. You can apply pre-treatment serums for an extra boost. Allow these serums to fully absorb into your skin before beginning the LightStim treatment.
To use the device, hold it gently against your skin with no pressure. Treat one area at a time, moving the device slowly over your skin until you’ve treated your entire face. A timer beeps at three-minute intervals to indicate when it’s time to move to the next area.
After completing your LightStim session, apply your favorite moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the treatment. If it’s daytime, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. For optimal results, use your LightStim device five to seven times per week.
LightStim Acne Handheld
Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove any makeup, excess oil and skincare products. This ensures that the LED light can penetrate your skin without any barriers. Do not skip this step; it is imperative that LightStim for Acne is used on clean, dry skin.
Gently hold the device against your skin, ensuring full contact without applying pressure. Each treatment area should receive about three minutes of exposure to the light. The device features a built-in timer that beeps at three-minute intervals to indicate when to move to the next area. Repeat until you have covered all targeted areas of your face.
If you wish to use skincare products containing ingredients that may cause dryness or irritation, such as Retin-A or benzoyl peroxide, apply them after completing your LightStim session. You should also apply your daytime moisturizer and sunscreen or nighttime moisturizer after the treatment. For best results, use your LightStim Acne device up to seven times per week.
LightStim Pain Handheld
Are you tired of living with aches and discomfort? Are you looking to recover faster from muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise? The LightStim for Pain handheld can provide you with the soothing relief you deserve.
To begin the treatment, gently place the device in direct contact with the affected area of your skin. The light should touch your skin softly, without applying any pressure. Now, hold the device in place for five to 30 minutes. Continue use until you achieve the desired effect of pain relief or increased blood circulation. Then, move the light to a new area.
You can use this device as often as desired. Whether it’s a quick session to alleviate discomfort or a more extended treatment for persistent pain, you can tailor your treatment schedule to your pain management needs. The home use handheld offers you the freedom to find relief on your terms, whenever and wherever you need it most.
How Often Should I Have LightStim ProPanel Treatments?
If your focus is on anti-aging and skin rejuvenation, we recommend an initial series of treatments spaced close together — think once or twice a week over several weeks. After this intensive phase, you’ll switch to a maintenance routine, popping in once a month or as needed to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh.
If pain is your primary concern, the frequency of your LightStim sessions can vary based on the severity of your condition. Some people experience significant relief after just a few treatments and may only need periodic maintenance afterward. For chronic issues, a more regular schedule may be beneficial.
You may use the LightStim handhelds between appointments to support and enhance the results of your ProPanel treatments.
Can LightStim Deliver Immediate Results?
While continual use provides the best results, LightStim can deliver results after only one treatment. Some patients report seeing a plumping and smoothing effect right after their treatment, or a brighter glow thanks to a boost in blood flow. Pain relief clients can experience decreased redness, inflammation and pain right after their first session.
What Are the Cumulative Results of LightStim Treatments?
LightStim is a cumulative treatment. The more consistent you are, the better and longer-lasting your results will be.
Each LightStim treatment for wrinkles stimulates collagen and elastin production. After a series of treatments, you could be looking at significant reductions in fine lines, more balanced skin tone and improvements in skin texture. It’s like a time machine for your face, no DeLorean required.
Pain management can be a winding road, but with regular LightStim treatments, you can come closer to making “pain-free” your default setting. Consistent treatments can result in decreased inflammation, accelerated healing and an overall improvement in your body’s resting comfort levels.
See Wellness in a New Light at YNC
Discover the therapeutic power of LightStim LED therapy at the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness. We don’t just offer treatments; we’re here to help you shine your brightest, whether you’re looking to age on your own terms, celebrate clear skin or find relief from chronic pain.
Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation. We look forward to helping you illuminate a path to optimal wellness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it really work?
We know that new treatments can sometimes sound too good to be true, so let’s get into the science of it all. All types of LightStim treatments — LED therapy for wrinkles, LED therapy for acne and LED therapy for pain — have undergone extensive research and clinical trials.
Studies have shown that LED light therapy can improve skin complexion, increase collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In clinical studies performed using LightStim handheld devices:
- 100% of participants were shown to have significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
- 100% of participants were shown to have improvement in acne in the first two to four weeks
- 92% of participants experienced further wrinkle reduction three months after the clinical trial
For pain relief, research supports that LED light penetrates tissue and blocks pain signals, providing drug-free pain reduction. Research also indicates that LED therapy can be effective for wound healing and other types of skin damage.
What topical products can be combined with LightStim?
LightStim treatments can be performed on clean, dry skin or combined with topical products to enhance results. If you wish to include topical products into your treatment, look for ingredients such as collagen-building peptides, anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, cell stimulators and hydrators. Moisturizers and sunscreens should be applied after treatment.
Avoid ingredients that could cause irritation or dryness, such as tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and harsh acids, as well as highly occlusive ingredients.
After I see results, should I continue to have LightStim treatments?
We recommend making LightStim part of your regular wellness routine.
For skin: Continued maintenance is key. Think of it like a gym membership for your face — you wouldn’t expect to stay toned without regular workouts, and your skin requires the same level of consistency to remain healthy and look its best.
For pain: Pain management is often a long-term commitment. While you may feel substantial relief after your initial series of LightStim treatments, periodic maintenance sessions are recommended. This is particularly true for chronic pain conditions.
Can I keep my existing skincare routine?
Breaking up is hard to do, especially where your tried-and-true skincare rituals are concerned. The good news is that LightStim plays nice with many of your favorite treatments and products. In fact, maintaining a healthy skincare routine can actually complement and enhance the results you’ll see from LightStim. Just keep in mind that it’s best to share your skincare routine with your YNC provider pre-treatment to ensure there are no counterproductive interactions.
Can I continue my existing pain management plan?
When it comes to controlling pain that’s limiting your quality of life, you’re probably open to all the help you can get. LightStim can be a great addition to your existing treatment plan. Whether you’re already doing physiotherapy, acupuncture or taking medication, LightStim aims to play a supportive role. Give us a heads-up about your current treatments, and we’ll help you figure out how LightStim can fit in.
What is the difference between the ProPanel and the handhelds?
All LightStim products offer clinical-grade LED technology for robust anti-aging and pain relief results. LightStim uses optimized, patented LED wavelengths and exclusive power density specs based on decades of research, ensuring the light penetrates deeply and effectively into the skin to stimulate collagen growth and cellular repair.
The ProPanel enables higher intensity settings and allows us to cover wider treatment areas more efficiently than the handhelds. This yields improvements in fewer sessions, while home devices cover smaller treatment areas and should be used five to seven times per week to achieve results.
Both options have advantages. Our team at YNC is trained to administer LightStim ProPanel treatments safely and effectively, and we monitor your progress so we can tweak your treatment plan as needed. With a more powerful device used under our supervision and expertise, the ProPanel is a powerful tool for achieving your goals.
Because LED therapy is a cumulative treatment, there are significant benefits to continuing your routine at home. The handhelds enable you to do exactly that, enhancing and sustaining the results of your in-office treatments. The ProPanel and handhelds are a synergistic system for maximum improvements.
What does a LightStim treatment feel like?
A LightStim session is a comfortable and relaxing experience. You’ll feel a subtle warmth from the device as it sends light energy into the treatment area. Many clients describe a soothing, rejuvenating sensation. Others feel tingling, but no discomfort. The light will be bright but it is not damaging to the eyes.
How should I prepare before my LightStim ProPanel treatment?
Preparing for your in-office LightStim session is quick and easy. We recommend following these tips:
- Let us know about any skincare products you are using, so we can determine whether they should be temporarily discontinued before your treatment.
- Come with a clean, dry face. Avoid applying lotions, makeup, sunscreen or other products that could block the light absorption.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Many of our clients find the treatment soothing, so we suggest coming prepared to relax.
- Hydrate well in the 24 hours leading up to your visit. Proper hydration helps you reap the maximum benefits from your LightStim treatment.
Am I a good candidate for LightStim treatments?
LightStim therapy is suitable for most people looking to rejuvenate their skin or alleviate body pain. Good candidates for LightStim are:
- Interested in noninvasive, natural anti-aging treatments for wrinkles, sun spots or a dull complexion
- Looking to complement cosmetic procedures like microneedling, IPL or laser resurfacing
- Seeking a way to support the recovery process from a surgical procedure
- Experiencing chronic or acute muscular, arthritic or joint pain in the knees, back, neck, shoulders, hands, etc.
- Wanting to reduce reliance on oral pain pills and anti-inflammatories
- Prone to overuse injuries and muscle soreness due to an active lifestyle
LightStim may not be recommended if you:
- Are highly sensitive to light
- Use photosensitizing drugs
- Have melasma or hyperpigmentation
- Are currently using Accutane
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have suspicious lesions or skin cancers
- Are being treated for a serious health condition
Our providers complete a comprehensive intake to determine whether LightStim fits your health profile and goals.
