In the world of movies and entertainment where youth and looks are paramount, there has been considerable buzz around cold laser therapy, a non-invasive facial treatment with virtually no down time.  As the backlash continues against Botoxed actors and actresses who have lost the ability to express emotion in their faces, the film industry looks to cold laser therapy as a way to rejuvenate and smooth out the skin while preserving the ability to at least raise the eyebrows.

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level light therapy, was originally used as a medical procedure to speed up wound healing and for pain management.  Because low-level lasers have the ability to penetrate through the skin's layers in a concentrated and direct manner, the light is able to reach the mitochondria, or "batteries" of cells, thus accelerating healing. The theory also applies to cold laser therapy as a skin rejuvenating treatment.  When the mitochondria of the skin cells are stimulated, inflammation is reduced, elasticity is improved and collagen production is increased.

Cold laser therapy gets its name from the fact that the light wavelength used does not create any heat, unlike some other laser treatments.  Treatment may begin with a microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells on the surface before a gel, infused with active ingredients, is applied to the face.  The laser, resembling a small flashlight with a red light, is then massaged over the face for anywhere between 15 and 45 minutes.   A series of at least 3 sessions is usually recommended for optimal results.

For those of us who are not quite ready for more invasive procedures that may result in some discomfort or downtime, cold laser therapy might be an option to complement our at-home skin care routine.  Cold laser therapy without that permanently frozen look?  Yes, I see the appeal.

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed] 

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