Nordlys^®: Landmark Epigenetic Publication

It was never about just visible results.

A landmark publication reveals that 1940 nm non-ablative fractional laser skin rejuvenation may be doing more than we ever realized.

A new peer-reviewed publication demonstrates that treatment with the Nordlys® 1940 nm non-ablative fractional laser doesn't simply improve how skin looks, it influences biological pathways associated with healthier, younger-appearing skin.

The Nordlys^® 1940 nm study: Why It Matters

For years, practitioners have seen improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture after 1940 non-ablative fractional laser treatments.

Now there is evidence explaining why those improvements occur.

Published in Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio), this study is among the first to demonstrate that treatment can influence epigenetic markers, small chemical tags that help regulate how our genes function without changing the DNA itself. This research showed that treatment shifted many of those instructions toward a healthier, more youthful pattern.

About the study

A total of 22 healthy adults with sun-damaged skin participated in the study. Each participant was treated on one side of the face – the other side was left untreated for comparison purposes.
Skin biopsy samples were taken before treatment and throughout follow-up and underwent testing.

More than 3.8 Million Epigenetic Sites Evaluated

One of the most comprehensive molecular analyses ever performed following an aesthetic laser treatment.

Published in Scientific Reports

The results of the study were published in Scientific Reports a part of the Nature Portfolio of peer-reviewed journals.

Three Benefits That Matter to Patients

1. Visible Cosmetic Improvement

The study supports what clinicians who use the 1940 nm treatment observe every day in their patients:

• Improved pigmentation
• Improved skin texture
• Healthier-looking overall skin quality

The results demonstrated meaningful visible improvements that patients can appreciate. Investigators reported a 38% improvement in pigmentation at the 1-month follow up, along with improvements in skin texture and overall skin quality following treatment with the Nordlys 1940 nm non-ablative fractional laser.

The study helps explain results that go beyond the visible results.

2. Skin Age Reversal

One of the most exciting findings involved DNA methylation, an epigenetic process associated with biological aging. Using advanced genomic analysis, researchers evaluated more than 3.8 million DNA methylation sites (CpG sites) across skin samples, making this one of the most comprehensive molecular assessments performed following an aesthetic laser treatment.

As skin ages, these epigenetic patterns gradually change. Following 1940 nm laser treatment, researchers observed directional shifts in DNA methylation toward patterns associated with younger, healthier skin. The DNA sequence itself did not change; rather, the biological "instructions" that regulate how genes function appeared to move toward a healthier profile.

3. Impact on Skin Cancer Biology

Perhaps the most unexpected finding involved biological pathways associated with certain non-melanoma skin cancer markers.

Researchers observed favorable directional changes in pathways linked with:

• abnormal cell growth
• epidermal differentiation
• skin repair
• cellular regulation

This does not mean the treatment prevents or treats skin cancer.
However, it demonstrates that laser treatment may influence biological processes involved in maintaining healthier skin. This opens exciting opportunities for future research into how aesthetic treatments may support overall skin health.

Why Wavelength Matters

The 1940 nm wavelength has unique characteristics - not all fractional lasers interact with skin in the same way.

What makes the 1940 nm wavelength particularly interesting is where it deposits its energy. The 1940 nm laser has a high affinity for water in the skin and the treatment is concentrated in the superficial dermis and at the epidermal-dermal junction (DEJ), a biologically active region where many of the skin's regenerative cells and signaling pathways reside. The DEJ also plays a central role in skin aging, pigmentation, and maintaining healthy communication between the epidermis and dermis.

1940 nm unique wavelength characteristics:

• High water absorption: precise, controlled thermal injury.
• Targets the epidermal-dermal junction (DEJ), where aging, pigmentation, and repair signaling converge.
• Non-ablative fractional laser delivery leaves surrounding tissue intact, enabling faster healing through untreated skin.
• Addresses both the epidermis and superficial dermis, improving pigmentation while stimulating dermal remodeling.

Why This Changes the Conversation

For many years, laser rejuvenation has been discussed almost entirely in cosmetic terms. This research broadens that discussion.

Rather than viewing treatment solely to improve appearance, clinicians can now begin talking about supporting healthier skin biology alongside visible aesthetic improvement when treated with the 1940 nm non-ablative fractional laser.

Looking Ahead

This publication represents an important step forward in understanding how laser skin rejuvenation works.

Visible improvements remain essential—but they may now be viewed as part of a broader biological response occurring within the skin.

As research continues, aesthetic medicine may increasingly focus not only on helping patients look younger—but on helping skin function in healthier ways as well.

Learn More

Discover how the Nordlys 1940 nm platform combines visible aesthetic improvement with emerging evidence supporting healthier skin biology through peer-reviewed scientific research.