Emerson WorldWide FAQS SoftLaser

Frequently Asked Questions about
Deep Penetrating Light Therapy DPL™ System

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How often and how long should I use the DPL Device?
The DPL™ Device is designed to run for nine (9) minutes per treatment. We recommend taking a maximum of two (2) DPL™ treatments daily for the first month and then two treatments per week after that. If you miss a treatment, don’t worry, just extend the daily treatments for the lost days. You may continue to use the light for the two 9 minute treatments per day after the one month period with no ill effects.The system works from the inside outward....everyone's skin is different and depending on the type of skin, age, what the skin has been exposed to (sins of the past...sun etc...) will determine how the skin will respond to the DPL™ Therapy System. When you start using the DPL™ Therapy System it will take time to build up and requires it to be used as like a "work out" program....stick with it and you can continue to use the system from 30 days, 45 days....up to 10 weeks @ 2x's per day. After that you will be able to back down to using the system 2, 3 or 4 times per week as maintenance.

How long until I see results?
Skin: Everyone’s skin varies, but most people feel and see a difference in about four treatments. Because of differences in damaged skin, some people will see the benefits almost immediately and others will need more treatments. Because treatments are progressive, we recommend treatments for at least ten (10) weeks, for maximum results.

Pain: How long it will take using the DPL for the pain to go away.
It will depend on the extent of the pain and problem....some can use the system once and feel a lot better, others will have to use the system 2 to 3 times in a row.

How long can it be used to help my pain?
It can be used everyday if desired...for pain relief it is working on the muscles, joints etc. and the skin surface is different on the back than it is on the face....so the system can be used differently....if you are using it in back-to-back sessions, give it a minute or two in-between to let the power supply cool down....as you will not want it to get too hot. Also, the panels can be applied directly to the skin surface...he can use the strap provided to secure the panels onto his back, or knee, etc., and not have to hold them in place. More information on using the DPL for PAIN.

Do LED Treatments work on everyone?
LED treatments are proven to work on all skin types. There is over a 90% success rate for people using our system.

Can this hurt my eyes?
No studies have been found showing any harmful effects to the eyes when using our product correctly. However, we recommend not staring directly into our LEDs and we have provided a supply of eye shields for your comfort.

Why can't I see light from some of the LED's?
These LEDs (880 nm) are on and working properly. You cannot see them because they are in the infrared spectrum, which is not visible to the human eye. Some digital cameras and camcorders will display the infrared lights.

Can I combine LED treatments with other skin care?
Yes. LED treatments can be used alone or with other skin care treatments. Many physicians have found LED treatments to complement other skin care treatments.

Will LED treatments hurt?
No. Unlike lasers or other ablative (skin harming) treatments, LED treatments are non-thermal, non-ablative, and non-invasive. Clients report no discomfort or pain associated with LED treatments.

Is LED therapy and IPL (intense pulse light) therapy the same?
LED Therapy and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are different. There are several Commercial IPL systems on the market and they range from 500-1200 nm, but the big difference is in the energy output measured in joules/cm2. IPL typically has a power range of 3-90 Joules. It is closer to laser and because of that more dangerous than LEDs. IPL typically need trained users/aesthetician to administer.

Can I use the LED skin light for balding, acne, rosacea?
LED infrared / red light devices have been used for balding, rosacea (see question below), pain, arthritis and acne. From the search we performed across the internet we have found that DPL LED's use the same technology as other devices that are making these claims. Since this is a new product for us we are not willing to make any claims that this unit will produce the same results as other available units. This unit is being marketed as a cosmetic device. Most skin devices that are available have been commercial models and very expensive. This is the first home model that we feel is reasonable, will cover you entire face with one treatment and we are hearing from our clients that it is producing great results.

What is the difference between Laser or LED?
LED's produce (non-coherent, monochromatic light; spontaneous emission) - Laser's produce (coherent, monochromatic light, stimulated emission)

Tiina Karu (1998: The Science of Low-Power Laser Therapy) states that "...the coherence of light is of no importance in low-power laser clinical effects" and "the primary difference between lasers and LED's is that the laser's coherent beam produces "speckles" of relatively high power density which can cause local heating of inhomogeneous tissues".

Currently researchers & scientist agree that LED's are effective in generating a response within living tissue and hence has a therapeutic effect if used properly.

Most published research on photorejuvenation has been conducted using Lasers and not LED's. Only within the the last decade have LED's been produced with a strong enough output power to be beneficial for photo rejuvenation

NASA has produced the best research documentation to date supporting the effectiveness of LED's to stimulate plants and human tissue. Until more research is completed on the success of LED's for photorejuvenation the effectiveness is still not supported by extensive research.

The DPL™ Therapy System has been designed as an in-home system and is based on the NASA study....4 joules per 2m square in 9 minutes. Systems that are used at Doctors offices will get to that joule rating much quicker and cost a lot more than our system and have to be administered by a professional. Usually, they will recommend a series of treatments. The DPL™ Therapy System will be able to get the same results it will just take a little longer...but, the cost is a lot less. And for those who are going in or have gone in to have treatments from a Doctor using LED's or Lasers they will be able to maintain those results with the DPL™ Therapy System and they will be able to do so in the convenience of their own home.

To summarize, both LED's and Laser's work, but more research is needed to determine their best suited role LED's will play in photo-rejuvination.

What is the output of the LED skin light?
4 joules cm square

Isn’t it true that we are born with only so much collagen?
Collagen is a protein and as a protein collagen is synthesized (or formed) continuously in your body unless you have certain collagen deficiencies (scurvy or the lack of vitamin C is known to inhibit the production of collagen properly and the skin become fragile, wounds do not heal, skin discolors, among other results). Collagen chains are synthesized as longer precursors called “procollagens” and then transported or secreted into the extra cellular space after it is processed and assembled and these collagen molecules then polymerize to from Type I collagen.

There are 12-27 different collagen types (scientists disagree on the division). Type I collagen is the most abundant in the human body; it is present in scar tissue and is the end product when tissue heals itself by repair. This is the type of collage that our LED lights eventually forms. Type III collagen is the collagen of granulation tissue and is produced quickly by young fibroblasts before the tougher type of I collagen is synthesized. Our LEDs stimulate these fibroblasts which produce Type III collagen which eventually forms Type I collagen.

As we age genetics, (Intrinsic – internal aging) and Environmental (Extrinsic - external aging) slows the skin’s ability to repair itself from free-radical damage. Lasers work on reducing wrinkles by actually damaging the tissue causing Type I collage to be produced in the healing process. Our LED lights are non-invasive and do not harm the skin, but rather stimulate fibroblasts which produce collagen which repairs our skin damage.

How do infrared LED lights for home use compare to the photo rejuvenation light treatments done in spas and salons?
The concept and technology are the same. The difference is in cost and convenience. One photo rejuvenation treatment in a spa or salon typically costs $50-$200, and it's usually recommended that you get a series of 5 to 10 treatments several times a year. With home-use photo rejuvenation lights you can enjoy unlimited treatments in the convenience of your own home for less than $500.

Is infrared LED light safe for extremely sensitive skin?
I have rosacea and VERY sensitive skin. I found that the DPL System is so powerful that I needed to reduce my treatments to 4-5 minutes to prevent a flare-up. I also found it helps to apply a damp cloth to my skin after each treatment. And be sure to start with clean skin...lotions could heat up and cause a problem. Every other anti-aging treatment I've tried has caused my rosacea to flare up, so I'm EXTREMELY happy that I have finally found a skin rejuvenation system that I can use, with minor modifications, without creating breakouts, redness, roughness, and other problems that plague those of us with sensitive skin.

Will the light help my rosacea?
We have seen rosacea patients who really benefited from using the light, and there have been a few found they could not use it. If you have rosacea I would recommend going slow at first to see how your skin reacts. (see tips in question above)

What is the difference between the DPL Therapy System and the LightStim?
In our opinion the most important differences are the number of lamps, light wavelengths, treatment time and results... The DPL has 174 LED lamps, including 154 infrared. The LightStim has 72 lamps, including only 36 infrared. Treatment time for the whole face is nine minutes with the DPL. The recommended treatment time for the LightStim is four minutes per area, and since the diameter of the light is only 2 1/2 inches it takes about an hour to treat the whole face. Since results will only be achieved with regular use, this time difference can be a critical factor for busy people. I've used both lights (Lightstim for one year and DPL since mid-June, 2006) and have experienced faster and better results with the DPL system.

I have seen some improvement using a low-level cosmetic laser. How do other lights compare?
Many only use one 660 nm lamp. Some home-use lights have larger surface areas and utilize multiple wavelengths. This means you get the benefits of multiple wavelengths over a larger area in a shorter period of time.

Is photo rejuvenation safe?
YES! It has been proven in numerous studies that LED photo rejuvenation does not harm the human body in any way. The light waves are safe for any age, color, or skin type. The light energy delivered cannot burn sensitive skin tissue.

Does LED light therapy hurt?
NO! Unlike many other anti-aging treatments, LED light therapy is gentle, painless, safe, noninvasive and nonabrasive. There have been no reports of adverse reactions.

Do you have to replace light bulbs in the DPL System? If so, how often do they need changed and how much are the replacement bulbs?
The DPL System is built to last over 5 years with daily use and the LED blubs should not burn out within that time. The bulbs are built into the two panels and are not user-replaceable, but should replacement of a panel be needed the price (2006) is $100-$110 each.

USES & BENEFITS OF INFRARED LED LIGHT THERAPY
Will LED light therapy help with acne or blemishes?
Although the anti-aging photo rejuvenation lights were not designed specifically to handle acne and blemishes, the light waves stimulate the skin's natural healing process which helps in the treatment of acne, pimples and blemishes.

I've been looking for information on the LED light treatments that I've been receiving from my skin care specialist. Is there a significant difference between the benefits of blue and infrared/red light?
The choice of light depends on what you are trying to accomplish. BLUE light comforts and soothes skin, and has anti-sensitive functions. It is used clinically to treat acne, as it is absorbed by bacterial acne, resulting in a toxic environment for the bacteria. RED light stimulates and activates skin cells and promotes blood circulation. VISIBLE red light penetrates to a depth of about 8-10 mm, and is beneficial in treating problems close to the surface such as wounds, cuts, scars, trigger and acupuncture points, and is particularly effective in treating infections. INVISIBLE red light (infrared) is the longest wave length, and penetrates to a depth of about 30-40 mm, which makes it more effective for bones, joints, deep muscles, etc. Infrared light is absorbed by the skin and used as a source of energy to stimulate fibroblast cell activity in the skin, which increases the production of collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for your skin's tone and elasticity. Most infrared LED lights produce both red and infrared wavelengths, and are effective for rejuvenating aging skin as well as treating acne and blemishes.

NOTE REGARDING BLUE LIGHT: We made the decision to not sell a blue light because it has been shown to damage the eyes if used without the proper protection. If you decide to purchase a blue light, be sure the merchant supplies proper eye protection. And if you have a teenager using it for acne be sure he/she actually uses the eye protection!

I've been receiving red light therapy to firm my skin and reduce wrinkles and I've seen a slight improvement after many sessions, but not as much as I'd like. Will infrared work better?
It's very likely you will see better results with infrared light. As explained in the last question, infrared light penetrates much deeper than red light, so it is able to reach the layer of skin where collagen and elastin are produced.

What is the best wavelength of infrared light for skin rejuvenation? And what is the importance of joule ratings?
There are over 30 commercial systems on the market using similar and different LED wavelengths. Most companies say that the specific wavelengths they are using are *the best* so it's hard for the consumer to determine what is true. We feel that the NASA study is the most independent and accurate of the studies, so that was the one used to develop the DPL System. The NASA study used three LED wavelengths: 670nm, 728nm and 880nm. The 880nm (infrared) proved to be the most effective when tested alone in both 3T3 fibroblast DNA synthesis and osteoblasts DNA synthesis. Our DPL System utilizes 154 infrared (880nm) LEDs and 20 red (660nm) LEDs.

However, the real key to achieving results is the energy delivered (joules/cm2), not the particular nm of the LEDs. Many units have variable energy output that goes as high as 150 joules/cm2. Our DPL Therapy System reaches 4 joules/cm2 on the skin, like the NASA study specified, in 9 minutes. Some more powerful systems used by physicians and spas reach this level more quickly, but these machines are too expensive for home use and can be purchased only by licensed professionals. For example, the GentleWaves system reaches the required output in under 1 minute, but the machine costs tens of thousands of dollars.

Does the number of LED's matter?

Absolutely. Our DPL System utilizes 154 infrared (880nm) LEDs and 20 red (660nm) LEDs.That's more than any other home unit available.

While doing research on the Web I read that yellow light is effective for skin rejuvenation. What are the benefits and results of infared and red light therapy vs. yellow?
I am aware of some testing done comparing yellow light to red and infrared wavelengths. Without question, red and infrared were found to work better for skin rejuvenation.

Will infrared LED light help with hyper-pigmentation (age spots) or scarring?
YES, I have seen reports of hyper-pigmentation and scars fading over time from the use of these lights.

Will infrared LED light help with dry skin?
YES, using infrared LED photo rejuvenation lights according to directions will help normalize dry skin.

Will infrared LED light help with thinning hair? Will it help re-grow hair?
I have read reports of accelerated hair growth and stimulation of dormant hair follicles with the use of infrared LED light.

Can LED light treatment be used on someone who has been treated recently with Botox® injections?
You can use the system DPL™ Therapy System after having fillers, botox etc....It is suggested that you wait a couple of days to allow the fillers to firm up and take hold....then start using the system slowly ...if you want to use addition caution cover the treated area for a few extra days and then start slowly introducing the light. If there is any bruising at the area of the injections the DPL™ Therapy System will help with the healing of any bruising. I believe that although the light would cause no harm to the tissue, since it has a regenerative effect it might shorten the life of the paralyzing effect of Botox, so the person might want to avoid using the light around the injected areas until the Botox wears off. If after giving the injected area time to settle into the skin and firm up someone chooses to use the light they will want to do so by starting slowly.....and if they are really concerned they should cover the area that has been injected. There are different types of injections and they work differently, firm up, and last for different lengths of time, are made of different kinds of material and so the use of the light will react to each of these differently.
IWait and then start in a few days with short sessions going very slowly, could even cover the area.

Will the DPL System work for stretch marks and loose skin on the stomach?
I'm not aware of any of our customers who have used the light on stretch marks, so I forwarded this question to the manufacturer. Here is their reply: "We have customers who are using the system on the stomach and for stretch marks, and I know that is it very helpful with scaring... the age of the scar tissue will determine the time required to see results." Also, when I was selling a different light (smaller and less powerful) I heard about a woman who used the light on a scar while she was laid up in bed for 10 days. She said the scar diminished a great deal during this time by treating it for 15 minutes a day.

How long do you need to apply the LED light for skin rejuvenation?
Recommended treatment time varies among different brands of LED lights, and I've seen these recommendations change over time as more data is collected. Generally, for the quickest results, daily use is recommended. The recommended treatment time for the light we sell—the DPL™ Therapy System—is nine minutes a day for the first 4-10 weeks, then nine minutes two-three days a week after that.

Should I wear protective eye goggles when I use the light on my face?
Some manufacturers recommend and/or supply eye protectors (we include them with the DPL System™). Others say to just close your eyes if you use the light near your eyes.

How far away should I hold the light from my skin?
The light intensity becomes weaker the further away it is from your skin, so it's best to use the light very close to your skin.

I tried an infrared LED light on my inflammatory arthritis and it reduced the bouts of pain from a week down to a couple days. So I bought one for my mom try on her osteoarthritis. How long should she use it on her painful joints?
Your mom should use the light 2-3 minutes on the more painful areas, and about one minute per location on the surrounding tissue.

I had a huge bruise on my leg so I tried my LED light on it, and it went away much more quickly than bruises typically do. I'm now using it on the bruises that my daughter gets on her legs from climbing on playground equipment. Does it make sense that the light works on bruises?
NASA research found that infrared LED light accelerates healing, so yes, it may help bruises heal faster.

DPL™ System Medical Precautions
Consult your doctor before using.
If you experience any adverse effect or have a concern regarding use, stop use immediately and contact your doctor.
If pregnant consult your doctor prior to use.
If you have been diagnosed or suspect a thyroid problem do not use over thyroid gland (neck area).
Do not use if you are taking drugs known to cause photosensitivity reactions.
Consult your doctor or dermatologist before using device over any suspicious or cancerous lesion.
Do not use over or near a recent steroid injection.
If you are using topical or systemic steroids or NSAIDs for pain or skin conditions you may experience a mild flare up of your symptoms and you should discontinue DPL™ therapy.
Do not apply light to an open wound, as heat may stimulate circulation and cause bleeding.
DPL™ Therapy is not to be used when incapacitated, sleeping or unconscious.
Do not leave small children close to unit unattended.
Do not allow children to use the light — it is not a toy.
Do not use on infants.
The skin should be clean when using. Do not use with liniments, salves, or ointments that contain heat-producing ingredients, as a skin burn could result.
If the DPL™ System begins to overheat turn off immediately.
If using the unit causes any discomfort stop use immediately.
Individual areas of the skin should not be exposed to more than two 9-minute treatments within a 24 hour period.
See FAQ for tips for users with rosacea and sensitive skin
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Email to Emerson WorldWide: Hello - I bought the 2-panel DPL Therapy light, and I LOVE it! It has really improved my skin.
Teresa Q.