FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This page contains frequently asked questions about the Seecret® skin improvement concept.
What causes skin aging?
The connective tissue of our skin consists, in part, of the protein fibres collagen and elastin. Collagen supports our skin, and elastin gives it its elasticity. Special cells, called fibroblasts, continuously produce these proteins to keep our skin firm and supple. This is a rejuvenation process that the body regulates automatically until we reach our mid-20s. As we grow older the cell activity decreases, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and become ‘looser’, resulting in lines and wrinkles.
What exactly does Seecret® do?
The Seecret® concept is designed to visibly improve the skin through the use of pure light. ‘Collagen light’ falls within the colour spectrum of visible light and is yellow, orange and/or red. It consists of the wavelengths just below those of infrared light, running from around 600 to 760 nm. This specially tailored light penetrates the skin to a depth of 10 millimetres, causing the fibroblasts to grow and divide. The production of collagen and elastin are stimulated, which ultimately leads to improved, suppler skin.
Is the Seecret® concept backed by scientific evidence?
In recent years many studies have been conducted into the effect of specially tailored light on the skin and its impact. A number of scientific studies that substantiate the effects of specially tailored light are listed below.
- Zhang Y, Song S, Fong C-C, Tsang C-H, Yang Z, Yang M: cDNA microarray analysis of gene expression profiles in human fibroblast cells irradiated with red light. J. Invest Dermatol., 120:849-857, 2003.
- Karu TI, Pyatibrat LV, Kolyakov SF, Afanasyeva NI: Absorption measurements of a cell monolayer relevant to phototherapy: reduction of cytochrome c oxidase under near IR radiation. J Photochem Photobiol, 81: 98-106, 2005.
- Lubart R, Friedmann H, Lavi R, Longo L, Jacobi J, Baruchin O, Baruchin AM: A reasonable mechanism for visible light-induced skin rejuvenation. Lasers Med Sci, 22:1-3, 2007.
- Lubart R, Lavi R, Friedmann H, Rochkind S.: Photochemistry and photobiology of light absorption by living cells. Photomed Laser Surg, 24:179-185, 2006.
- Gao, X., Xing D.: Molecular mechanisms of cell proliferation induced by low power laser irradiation. J Biomed Sci., 16:1-16 online, 2009.
What is collagen?
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in our body. It is found in the second layer of the skin, called the dermis or true skin. This layer gives the skin strength and consists of a dense structure of connective tissue. Collagen can be seen as the protein that forms the basic structure of our skin.
What is elastin?
Elastin is a protein that gives the skin its elasticity. It forms a network of fibres, and like collagen is found in the second layer of the skin, called the dermis or true skin. Just 5 to 10% of all skin fibres are elastin, but these are of essential importance in giving the skin its suppleness.
What are fibroblasts?
The primary purpose of fibroblasts is the creation of collagen fibres, the non-stretchable fibres that give our tissues their firmness. They also synthesize other elements of the basic substance, or extracellular matrix, in the connective tissue. So connective tissue primarily consists of fibroblasts and is found, among other places, beneath the outer skin. Fibroblasts also play a role in wound healing. They can transform into myofibroblasts, which close the wound. They are responsible for scar tissue, which consists mainly of collagen fibres.
What results can I expect?
The result achieved with Seecret® light treatments depends primarily on your age, lifestyle and the health of your skin. To achieve the best possible result a cumulative series of sessions is required. Research has shown that the following results can be achieved:
- Seecret® stimulates elastin and collagen production in the skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles fade
- The texture is improved: the skin becomes less oily and feels softer and smoother
- The skin gains a more uniform appearance: age spots fade and your complexion improves
- Seecret® reduces mild to moderate acne
Acne is a skin disorder in which the sebaceous glands regularly become blocked and/or infected. This results in pimples, blackheads and red blemishes in combination with dry or greasy skin that is oversensitive and easily irritated. Pure visible light at a wave length of 630 nanometres has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces swelling and fights infections. It stimulates the microcirculation, blood circulation and production of new cells in the skin, which accelerates the healing process and reduces the chance of scarring. The beneficial effect of pure visible light has been clearly demonstrated in clinical studies .
- Cell repair is stimulated, so damaged skin heals more quickly
How can I obtain the best results?
To achieve the best possible result a cumulative series of sessions is required. We recommend 2-3 sessions a week over a period of 10-12 weeks, with a recovery period of 48 hours between sessions. The length of each session varies depending on which system is used.
The results will be measurable after about one month, and you will see visible results after about three months. This differs from person to person, however, and depends greatly on the skin. After three months it may be assumed that the condition of your skin has reached a level at which the frequency of the sessions can be reduced. You can then switch to ‘maintenance sessions’, once every two weeks.
| Type | Session time | Number of sessions per week | Number of weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hapro Seecret® C75, C25 | 30 minutes | 2-3 | 10-12 |
| Hapro Seecret® C700, C300, C200, C180 | 20 minutes | 2-3 | 10-12 |
- A course of treatment during a continuous 10 to 12 week period
- 2 to 3 sessions per week
- Rest period of 48 hours between sessions
- A maintenance session once every two weeks, after completing a course of treatment
How long does an entire course of treatment last?
The best possible results are achieved through a complete course of treatment, consisting of a cumulative series of sessions. We recommend 2-3 sessions a week over a period of 10-12 weeks, with a recovery period of 48 hours between sessions. Upon completion of the treatment, a maintenance session once every two weeks, or more often, will enable you to maintain the results.
How long does a session take?
The length of a session depends on the type of system you use. With the Hapro Seecret® C75 or C25 a session takes 30 minutes. A Hapro Seecret® C700, C300, C200 or C180 session takes 20 minutes.
How can I maintain the results?
The skin improvement process continues for 10 to 12 weeks following the recommended course of treatment. A maintenance session once every two weeks, or more often, will enable you to maintain the results.
Is Seecret® suitable for all types of skin?
A Seecret® light treatment is painless and suitable for every skin type. The treatment is unsuitable for anyone with low blood pressure, women who are pregnant, persons with epilepsy and anyone who is hypersensitive to bright light. Be aware that certain medicines, such as antibiotics or St Johns wort, can cause hypersensitivity to bright light.
Do I need to protect my eyes?
Yes, this is very important. The supplied protective glasses must be worn during every session to protect the eyes against the high intensity of the light.
Is there a limit to the number of Seecret® sessions?
As far as is known, from a scientific perspective, there is no need to limit the number of treatments with specially tailored light. However, based on careful study and practical tests, VDL Hapro bv has prepared a recommended session plan for you. Click here to view the session plan.
Is there anything special I should do before starting a Seecret® session?
To obtain the best possible result we recommend cleaning the skin first, so nothing will inhibit the light from penetrating your skin. Some cosmetics can also contain ingredients which may cause allergic reactions. Therefore also select the correct session time on the system.
Does the use of cosmetics intensify the Seecret® effect?
There are special skin care products available that bolster the beneficial effects of light on the skin. An important ingredient of these products is hyaluron. Hyaluron is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and which, like collagen and elastin, is found in the connective tissue of the skin. It has the ability to hold large quantities of moisture, giving the skin a fresh, smooth appearance. Using a skin care product containing hyaluron in combination with the light treatment will help your body maintain the smoothness, suppleness and moisture of the skin. We recommend Art of Sun skin care products.
Is Seecret® truly safe?
Yes, Seecret® light treatments are completely painless and suitable for every skin type. Through careful study and practical tests we have determined the correct dose of specially tailored light, which forms the basis for our recommended session plan that you can use to obtain the optimum result. All the appliances meet the most stringent safety regulations and have the CE quality mark. Moreover, the appliances are carefully developed in accordance with the latest standards.
Professor Stan Pavel, Associate Professor for Dermatology, former Head of the Phototherapeutic Department and leading researcher of the Dermatology Department of the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, confirms the skin-rejuvenating effect of Seecret® light treatments.