Feel like you have tried just about everything to make your skin look younger, smoother and healthier – apart from Red Light Therapy.
I am a huge proponent of red light-based skin therapy and have been using it for 10 years now. I can honestly say it is one of the most effective skin treatments I have ever used. It has done amazing things for my skin, keeping fine lines at bay. It is my go-to treatment for improving sagging skin.
Gentle and painless with no actual recovery time, red light therapy was originally pioneered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and has been used by dermatologists for years to target everything from breakouts to collagen breakdown.
I’m always on the hunt for the most effective light therapy device for home use and was introduced to iDerma Youth Restoring Masque earlier this year. It is an advanced full-face coverage, wearable phototherapy device that uses low-level light therapy (LLLT) to improve overall complexion and reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and enlarged pores. The treatment gives skin that fresh and more youthful look.
A home red light LED therapy device, its patented Derma-Pulse technology and adjustable, hands-free design provides full-face coverage that ensures maximum results and easy operation.
I have found that LED is great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving uneven skin tone, reducing pores size, brightening the skin and rejuvenating the youthful look of skin.
This is one of the best beauty investments that can ever be made for the skin.
What is red light therapy?
An LED (Light-Emitting Diodes) facial is a technology-based skin treatment that uses specific wavelengths of natural light energy to restore skin’s normal, healthy activity. It works by sending light to penetrate deeply into layers of skin to stimulate cell production, heal trauma and speed up the overall regeneration process.
Depending on the kind of LED light used, treatment results can include a reduction of inflammation, redness, uneven skin tone and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. Other major benefits of this anti-ageing treatment are that it is safe, non-invasive, painless and comes with zero downtime. Finally, it can be easily fit into an existing skincare routine.
The link between LED lights and skin healing has been supported by studies, including several from NASA. They have completed extensive research that shows the many benefits of using low-level light therapy (LLLT). Some of the research findings are available on their website. In addition, many clinical studies have been published about the positive effects of LLLT on the skin by physician members of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Some results from LLLT-related studies conducted by dermatologists can be found on the AAD’s website as well as that of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS).
Light therapy technology has been used by dermatologists in their clinics for years now. It is used in treatment of skin damage, acne, irritated rosacea-plagued skin, psoriasis, age spots, wrinkles and skin cancer or melanoma.
Pay attention to wavelength
Before purchasing an LLLT device, find out at which wavelength it operates.
LED light has different wavelengths that are measured in nanometres (nm) and target different skin problems. Though there is some overlap in benefits, different colours of LED penetrate different depths of the skin to address different skin problems.
Red and infrared light are the two most versatile light spectra used for anti-ageing
Red Light: The longest of the visible light spectrum (typically falls between 620nm and 780nm), red light is used for its anti-ageing effects. It has been linked to the production of two key proteins – collagen and elastin, which work together to create stronger, firmer and plumper skin. This light will improve skin elasticity, increase blood and nutrient circulation, increase lymphatic drainage, minimise wrinkle depth and break up hyper-pigmentation.
Infrared Light: Part of the invisible light spectrum, infrared has the longest wavelength (typically falls between 700nm and 1,000nm). It penetrates into muscles and the deeper layers of the dermis to help repair cell damage, speed up the healing process and generally combat sagging and wrinkles. Infrared LED light works exceptionally well when combined with red LED light to increase collagen production.
This means that using red and infrared wavelengths together is a powerful combination for combatting anti-ageing effects on the skin. Of course, there is more to effective LED therapy than shining coloured lights on the skin. Power, duration, distance, focus and certainly consistency all play a part.
Frequency and length of use depends on the quality of the light therapy device.
The anti-ageing benefits of red light therapy
For wrinkles, red light therapy can help reduce the signs of ageing and deliver a youthful, healthy glow. But red light therapy is not just for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Complexion will be more lifted, toned, and improved, resulting in younger-looking, smoother skin, thanks to increased healthy cellular activity. In addition to helping to hydrate and heal the skin, it is also great for anti-ageing because it protects existing collagen and elastin, while also stimulating new collagen production. It smooths overall skin tone and repairs sun damage, providing a radiant glow.
It can be easily operated at home and is safe for all skin types.
Red LED light therapy home versions: from hand-held, to table-top and face-mask devices
Home use devices have been available to consumers for some time. Unfortunately, many of the products are cumbersome, under-powered, have limited coverage or are simply difficult to use consistently. Many simply stop using them long before results can show.
I have used both hand-held and table-top light therapy devices and have found that both types have shortcomings. I feel that hand-held devices are extremely burdensome and difficult to use. They will almost never reach required dosage levels as they have a limited footprint and are typically underpowered.
With table-top units or other standing devices, the distance to the light source typically prohibits accurate dosing because it constantly changes as the user moves around.
That is why I believe wearable devices tend to be more effective at delivering dependable light therapy. They deliver constant, uniform doses to the target area during treatment, making each session highly consistent, which naturally leads to better efficiency.
I was therefore very excited to test iDerma LED mask, which solves many of the problems associated with conventional facial phototherapy treatments – such as lack of sufficient output and inconsistency of treatment.
iDerma light mask is seriously fantastic
Designed to fit over the face like a hockey mask, the iDerma Rejuvenation Mask is impressively outfitted with 128 light-emitting diodes – 14 red and 114 infrared – that emit various forms of safe yet powerful LED light to boost skin rejuvenation.
The device uses low-level light therapy by way of clinical-grade, surface-mounted, light-emitting diodes to expose the skin to clinically proven wavelengths of light – all delivered at safe, therapeutic doses.
Combining red and pulsing infrared LEDs at their optimal intensity to maximise power and efficacy, the mask stimulates the skin to produce the much-needed collagen that makes skin elastic and tight. For optimum results, iDerma is engineered with both narrow- and wide-angle LEDs. Its red (660nm) and infrared (940nm) lights penetrate the skin at different levels, building collagen, reducing fine lines and diminishing wrinkles with regular use.
What makes iDerma so effective and easy to use
iDerma was designed to provide maximum results with minimal effort, offering a host of unique benefits:
Combining the most effective wavelengths for maximum results: Different kinds of light have different benefits. Visible red wavelengths focus on the surface of the skin, while infrared light, although invisible to the human eye, affects the cells on a deeper level. iDerma uniquely uses both red and infrared LEDs at specific wavelengths that are shown to stimulate cell growth and collagen production. This helps by making skin appear firmer, more radiant and youthful.
The use of Derma-Pulse Technology: This is a patented, proprietary function that allows both the red and infrared light sources to penetrate deeper into the underlying skin, to provide more effective, lasting results.
Full-face coverage: With an intelligent design, iDerma boasts a patented full-face visor to cover the entire face. Its narrow- and wide-angle lenses are strategically placed around the mask to provide uniform coverage to the entire face for the whole treatment period. No need to wonder if a spot was missed or if there is an area not getting adequately treated.
Hands-free, quick and easy to use: Unlike hand-held and table-top devices, iDerma is hands-free and is therefore easy and convenient to use. iDerma does all of the work – just sit back and relax during each session. Adding to the mask’s ease of use, it comes with a built-in timer that shuts the lights off at the end of the treatment. All it takes is using iDerma for eight minutes, three times per week, in the comfort of home.
Impressive results: Visible improvements may already be seen within just four weeks, with the skin starting to look more youthful and supple. Results become even more impressive when the product is used consistently over time. After the initial 12-week treatment period, a maintenance program ensures long-lasting results from the iDerma System. During the maintenance phase, use iDerma once or twice a week to maintain and improve skin tone and condition.
A plug-in LLLT device: Battery-operated devices will experience variations in wattage, and their efficacy depends on the size and strength of the battery. Because higher currents lead to better LED performance, the best results come from plug-in LLLT devices. iDerma plugs into a standard wall outlet for both a consistent power supply and no batteries to worry about replacing or recharging. It is also dual-voltage for worldwide currents and comes with outlet adapters for North America, the UK, EU and most of Asia, with Australian adapters available upon request.
Durability: The iDerma contains quality LEDs designed to last at least 10,000 hours. Based on that rating and the durability of the components being used, the expected life of the iDerma is five years with regular use. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
A company with a great track record: Recognised as one of the global leaders in aesthetic light-based therapies, Apira Science – the company behind iDerma – is a pioneer in the development, manufacture and distribution of low-level light therapy systems and devices for the consumer market. Founded in 2004, Apira holds worldwide patents on the iDerma systems (skin and hair).
Other thoughtful details include: Elastic foam cushioning pads for maximum comfort, an adjustable headband, A/C power adapter and protective goggles to improve comfort.
What to expect with consistent use
iDerma is designed to provide a fresher-looking complexion and improve overall skin appearance by:
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Diminishing crow’s feet
- Supporting skin elasticity
- Minimising the look of pores
- Reduction in redness or inflamed blemishes
- Improving skin texture and tone
- Lightening age spots
- Improving skin’s radiance
Also, extensive clinical research has proven that combining red light therapy with the specially formulated peptide preparations can enhance wrinkle reduction and lead to an exceptional improvement in sagging skin, hyperpigmentation, skin texture and tone. By helping one’s existing skincare products penetrate deeper below the surface of the skin, the iDerma system can actually enhance their performance, too.
Although I have been using an LED light therapy system for 10 years, I love the results I’m getting from iDerma. It really helps to reduce my fine lines and wrinkles. When using the iDerma system consistently, I notice improved firmness and skin tone.
I am a huge fan of the ease and efficiency of iDerma and I can highly recommend this product to anyone wishing to have more healthy-looking skin.
Results, efficiency and convenience in one system
Uniquely designed with superior technology to make it easy and convenient for anyone to use, iDerma’s patented, LED-based light-therapy system is a powerful treatment that benefits overall skin health. Using it just a few times a week is a small investment of time that will lead to major results.
If one’s beauty regime has room for just one beauty tool to improve skin at home, make it a red light LED therapy device. iDerma is tough to beat, and the best I have tried.
