According to Science Daily, researchers in Germany report a major improvement in a potential treatment for wrinkles that could ultimately be an adjunct to dermal fillers, BOTOX® Coxmetic, and cosmetic facial surgery. This new non-invasive wrinkle discovery is a combination of high-intensity light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs–similar to those in your computer) and a lotion or cream that includes green tea extract. Researchers Andrei Sommer and Dan Zhu found that the combination of green tea extract and LEDs is 10 times faster than LEDs alone.
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have long used light therapy, also known as photo therapy, both to heal wounds and combat skin aging. Therefore, it’s not surprising to learn that LED light sources have also reduced skin wrinkles. However, when applied daily, the fallout of such extensive exposure is an increased risk of cell damage. As a protective measure, epigallocatechin, a potent antioxidant in green tea, was added to a cream to counteract this cell damage potential.
In the research, a combination of LED light and green tea extract were applied to the area to the facial wrinkles of a human volunteer over a period of one month. This resulted in smoother skin, “less pronounced wrinkle levels, shorter wrinkle valleys, and juvenile complexion,” according to the scientists. Not only could this information be the basis of a new facial rejuvenation protocol, it could lead to better understanding of cellular aging, which can benefit everyone.