| abstract |
There is provided apparatus for the cosmetic treatment of a skin condition which comprises means for delivering illuminating radiation to a target skin zone or structure. The skin condition may be acne vulgaris or Rosacea. A method for the treatment of such a skin condition comprises directing illuminating radiation (including that of a predetermined wavelength) to a target skin zone in accordance with a predetermined delivery regime in order to effect (preferably contemporaneously) at that zone: <SL> <LI>(a) a reaction which leads to at least partial disabling or eradication of the cause of the skin condition and <LI>(b) non-ablative heating of the tissue in order to stimulate an inflammatory response to a degree sufficient to effect collagen production. </SL> The illuminating radiation may be delivered continuously or in pulse mode (eg with pulses in the range 10 žs to 100 ms, especially 50 žs to 10 ms) and its source may comprise laser diodes or light emitting diodes (LED's), with filters for the required selected wavelength, if necessary. The wavelength of the illuminating radiation is preferably in the range 400-1500 nm, especially 500-650 nm and preferably comprises a narrow wavelength band in the range 570-595 nm (yellow). The energy density is preferably in the range 0.5-5 J/cm<SP>2</SP>, with the apparatus advantageously being configured to allow variable selection of energy densities within that range but inhibit output above that range. For acne vulgaris, interaction (a) above is achieved by targeting the chromophore porphyrin in haemoglobin which aggregates at the site of inflammation. Excitation with yellow light (ca 585 nm) produces singlet oxygen photochemically which destroys the adjacent bacterium responsible for acne vulgaris (proprionibacterium). Interaction (b) above is achieved by targeting the chromophore (oxy)haemoglobin in the dermal vasculature The resulting photothermolysis effect stimulates, via inflammatory mediators, the production of fibroplasts which are responsible for the production of collagen, the skin's natural filling material, which improves skin texture and appearance. |