Low‐Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% to Bring a Sustainable Hair Regrowth Activity

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Low-level light therapies using visible to infrared light are known to activate several cellular functions, such as adenosine triphosphate and nitric oxide synthesis. However, few clinical observations report its biological consequences for skin and scalp homeostasis. Since scalp inflammation was recognized as a potential physiological obstacle to the efficacy of the reference hair regrowth drug Minoxidil in vivo and since perifollicular inflammation is the hallmark of about 50%-70% follicular units in androgenetic alopecia, we decided to investigate whether the anti-inflammatory activity of LLLT/GentleWaves® device were assigned to L'Oréal by Light BioScience L.L.C., Virginia Beach, VA (US) could enhance hair regrowth activity of Minoxidil. Study Design/Materials and Methods: We conducted a first experimental clinical study on 64 men with androgenetic alopecia using LLLT/GentleWaves®, 590-nm predominant wavelength 70 seconds, specifically pulsed once per day, for 3 days, and we performed a wholegenome analysis of treated scalp biopsies. In a second clinical study, including 135 alopecic volunteers, we evaluated the hair regrowth activity in response to the upgraded LLLT/GentleWaves® device and Minoxidil. Results: In the first clinical study, whole-genome analysis of treated scalp biopsies showed downregulation of scalp inflammatory biomarkers, such as AP1/FOSB messenger RNA (mRNA) and mir21, together with the disappearance of CD69 mRNA, specific to scalp-infiltrating T cells of about 50% of the studied volunteers prior to the LLLT/ GentleWaves® treatment. In the second clinical study, we observed that LLLT/GentleWaves® was able to boost the hair regrowth activity of a Minoxidil 2% lotion to the extent of the highest concentration (5%) in terms of efficacy, number of responders, and perceived performance. Conclusions: Altogether, these observations suggest the potential benefit of LLLT/GentleWaves® as a noninvasive adjunctive technology for skin and scalp conditions, where a mild perifollicular inflammation is involved. Lasers Surg. Med.

Regenerative Biotechnologies in Plastic Surgery: A Multicentric, Retrospective, Case-Series Study on the Use of Micro-Needling with Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy as a Hair Growth Boost in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia

“…Several studies have investigated different low-level laser and light sources with related treatment parameters for the management of alopecia, like LLLT [19][20][21][22][23][24], various wavelengths of LED light [25,26], and several other techniques that are combined, such as LED-LLLT [27]. Although the available literature regarding phototherapy-based devices to treat AGA is restricted, the study results regarding the outcomes showed a more robust performance than those reported in previous studies.…”

“…At 26 weeks, HD had an average increase of 19.8% in the patients of the study group. Kim et al (2013) [20] performed a randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial at two research centers that included 40 male and female subjects with AGA treated with a helmet-type 3R LLLT device, with a lightweight source consisting of LEDs emitting wavelengths of 630 nm (3.5 mW, 24 units, L-513ECA) and 660 nm (2.5 mW, 18 units, L-513LRC) and an LD with wavelengths of 650 nm (4 mW, 27 units, DL3147-060) [20]. The primary efficacy endpoint was HD after 24 weeks of treatment estimated with trichograms.…”

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in Combination with Low-Level Light Therapy as Rescue Treatment

“…LEDs offer the advantage of acting above the skin (in the optical tissue window), as the sources emit in the range of infrared to visible wavelengths (500 to 1100 nm). Photoactivation with a specific wavelength induces cell activation and changes in inflammatory protein expression in the periorbital tissue [7,8]. As ocular surface and eyelid inflammation is a hallmark of MGD, LLLT photobiomodulation may be an interesting therapy in MGD.…”

Low-Level Light Therapy and Minoxidil Combination Treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

“…Mahe et al [17] examined the effect of LLLT/Gentle-Waves devices (primary wavelength 590 nm and second-ary 870 nm) and topical minoxidil therapy in 112 males with AGA. 45 patients received whole head exposure of LLLT combined with topical 2% minoxidil daily for 6 months.…”

“…While the studies demonstrated mixed findings, there at least appears to be an early improvement seen in combined therapy with topical application of minoxidil with LLLT. Some of this could be attributed to the transient telogen effluvium that occurs after 2-3 months after 5% minoxidil use [17]. During the later stages of treatment (after 6 months), there does not appear to be a meaningful difference between the minoxidil and LLLT treatment groups compared to combined therapy.…”