LED Light and Green Tea Gets Rid of Facial Wrinkles

Author: American Chemical Society
Published: 2009/09/09 - Updated: 2025/02/22
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Research, Study, Analysis
Category Topic: Skin Conditions - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article, originally authored by a reputable scientific organization and featured on a quality-reviewed online platform, details a novel non-invasive treatment for facial wrinkles that combines high-intensity LED light with a green tea extract lotion. The study outlines how this method, which significantly accelerates wrinkle reduction compared to LED therapy alone, works by using the antioxidant properties of green tea to counteract the cell-damaging reactive oxygen species produced during LED exposure. Its clear explanation of the scientific process and promising results may be particularly beneficial for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others interested in innovative dermatological treatments - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Scientists in Germany are reporting a major improvement in their potential new treatment for facial wrinkles that could emerge as an alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery.

Main Content

The non-invasive technique combines high-intensity light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lotion made of green tea extract. It works ten times faster than a similar anti-wrinkle treatment that uses LEDs alone, the researchers say. Their study is published in the Oct. 7 issue of ACS' Crystal Growth & Design , a bi-monthly journal.

Andrei P. Sommer and Dan Zhu point out that researchers have used light-therapy, or phototherapy, for more than 40 years to help heal wounds. Recently the scientists showed that use of high-intensity LEDs, similar to those used in automotive tail lights and computers, could help reduce skin wrinkles when applied daily for several months.

Exposure to LED Light

But exposure to intense LED light is also involved in generating high levels of reactive oxygen species as by-products that can potentially damage cells. To combat that effect, the researchers combined the LED with a potent antioxidant in green tea extract called epigallocatechin gallate.

They applied a daily combination of LED light and green tea extract to the facial wrinkles of a human volunteer one month. The combination treatment resulted in smoother skin, including "less pronounced wrinkle levels, shorter wrinkle valleys, and juvenile complexion," the scientists say.

The treatment showed promising results in only one-tenth of the time it took for LED therapy alone to reduce wrinkles.

The study could form the basis of "an effective facial rejuvenation program," and lead to a new understanding of the effect reactive oxygen species on cellular aging, they note.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

The article offers a fresh perspective on non-invasive wrinkle treatment by merging LED technology with natural antioxidant benefits. While the early results are encouraging, additional research is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness and safety of this approach. Readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and to view the findings as an engaging contribution to the ongoing discussion in dermatology and skin care

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Chemical Society and published on 2009/09/09, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.