Do anti-aging lights really work?

For years doctors have used photo-dynamic light therapy (PDT) to treat various diseases such as brain cancer. PDT uses light-sensitive drugs that produce disease-killing oxygen molecules when activated by a high-intensity light source [source: Alai]. Dermatologists have also used PDT as a treatment for acne, rosacea and skin cancer.

Today, doctors use PDT to activate oxygen molecules in aging skin, which, according to one study, helps skin rejuvenate itself. Researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor treated 25 people with PDT. The patients ranged in age from 54 to 83 and all had sun-damaged skin [source: Preidt].

Researchers, led by Dr. Jeffrey S. Orringer, applied a photo-sensitive medication called 5-ALA to the damaged skin. The drug was left on the skin for three hours before it was treated with a laser [source: Preidt]. Over the next six months, researchers took tissue samples of the patients' skin. The samples showed the emergence of high levels of a protein that plays an important role in the growth and development of new skin cells. The skin's outer layer also became thicker [source: Preidt].

Moreover, patients had higher levels of enzymes and other compounds associated with the production of collagen. Doctors said the use of the photosensitive medication in conjunction with the laser created more beneficial changes in skin than laser therapy alone [source: Preidt].

Vicky Wright, a registered nurse in Tennessee, underwent a type of light therapy known as Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing. The treatment uses a carbon dioxide laser that delivers thousands of beams of light to bore through the skin's tough outer layer. The light destroyed the old skin cells, while stimulating the body's natural collagen production. The result left Wright with skin that looked fresh and young [sources: Bradley, Bouchez].

Why go to the doctor and spend thousands of dollars to have the years blasted away when you can do it all from the comfort of your home? Many companies market hand-held Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights as an affordable, natural way to look younger without surgery.

According to advertisements for these do-it-yourself anti-aging lights, some infrared light lamps stimulate cell activity in skin causing it to look younger. Where do we sign up?

It's no secret that light therapy can grow, rejuvenate and heal damaged skin. Dr. Harry Whelan, a professor of neurology and pediatrics and hyperbaric medicine, and director of the hyperbaric medicine unit at the Medical College of Wisconsin, says LED lights were first invented by NASA scientists studying ways to grow plants in space. Researchers soon found that LED lights stimulated cell growth when used to heal wounds and treat brain tumors. Whelan says if cells are struggling, they can heal much faster when LED lights are applied [source: WUWM].

When used as anti-aging lights, they supposedly direct infrared light at the skin to smooth wrinkles and improve texture. The devices are costly, between $200 and $400, and there is little evidence that hand-held LED lights that consumers can get at their local big box store can make you look younger. A 2009 study conducted by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute concluded these scaled-down versions of what dermatologists use have little impact on wrinkles [source: Pitman].

Good Housekeeping studied five of the leading brands. Over a six week period, a series of volunteers used the devices following the manufacturers' instruction. The study found that with a few exceptions, fine lines and wrinkles were still visible [source: Pitman].

Only two of the lights improved skin slightly. The magazine's editors said while consumers might get some benefits from hand-held LED devices, they are expensive and time consuming to use. In other words, we'd be better off using a much less expensive face cream [source: Pitman].

The search for the Fountain of Youth continues.