29/10/2026
Photobiomodulation is not simply about shining red light onto the body.
The biological response begins when photons of light are absorbed by naturally occurring molecules within our cells.
One of the key cellular targets discussed in PBM research is cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme associated with the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Mitochondria play a central role in producing ATP – the energy cells use to carry out normal biological functions.
That means PBM is essentially working at a cellular level.
Research suggests that the downstream response to light absorption can influence processes associated with cellular signalling, inflammation, tissue repair and regeneration.
And in skin, those processes matter enormously.
Fibroblasts need energy to produce collagen. Keratinocytes need to proliferate and migrate during tissue repair. Wounds require a coordinated cellular response to progress through healing.
The MedWave Optimum-100S delivers 635 nm red light across a full-body treatment area, with the wavelength selected for surface and soft-tissue applications. MedWave specifically positions the device for skin health, wound care and aesthetic applications.
PBM is therefore not about "heating" the skin.
It is about using light as a biological stimulus.
Reference:
Hernández-Bule ML, Naharro-Rodríguez J, Bacci S, Fernández-Guarino M. Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25:4483. doi:10.3390/ijms25084483.
Taken from MedWaves page.