LIGHT THE WAY
Curious about what red light can do for your skin? You’ve come to the right place. I love this innovative therapy because it’s something you can easily do at home, and if you do it consistently, you’ll see real results.
For me, this high-tech treatment is the perfect addition to my self-care routine because it complements the ancestral skincare rituals I already practice. Red light therapy works perfectly to enhance the radiance-boosting effect of gua sha and dry brushing, and there’s no downtime. I’ve been researching and testing out a few different devices that I’ll share with you, but first, a little background into exactly what red light therapy is and what it can do for you.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a type of LED (light-emitting diode) therapy that uses low levels of red + infrared light to improve the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, redness, acne and skin texture. Light therapy has actually been around for longer than you might think. Scientists in the early 1900s used a form of light therapy to treat skin lesions, and in the 1980s NASA scientists used it to help grow plants in space. The NASA scientists found if they had any cuts on their hands, they healed faster than normal under red light—and that’s how this therapy was born!
The healing properties of red light come from its unique ability to improve cellular function. Red light penetrates into your skin’s deeper layers and gives the mitochondria in your cells an energy boost. With increased energy, your skin cells can work more efficiently to create collagen, elastin and adenosine triphosphate (ADT)—all key components to healthy skin. Blood circulation is improved, inflammation is reduced, and skin can repair itself better. That means fine lines and wrinkles start to look smoother, skin tone looks more even and texture improves. I’ve notice added radiance and healthy “bounce” since I’ve started using red light regularly.
I’ve been testing out different devices and I’ve narrowed it down my four favorites at different price points. Check out the pros and cons of each device!
CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Price: $380
How often you need to use it: 10 minutes, 3-5 times per week
PRO: The most affordable option, this mask has 132 LEDs with red and near-infrared light, and a flexible silicone design that curves around your face.
CON: With only 1 strap in the back, it sometimes doesn’t have the most secure fit. You can wear it sitting up, but it might be more comfortable to use lying down.
Price: $395
How often you need to use it: 10 minutes, 3-5 times per week
PRO: Very similar to the Current Body Mask, the Omnilux mask also has 132 LEDs with red and near-infrared light, and a flexible silicone design. This mask has 2 straps in the back, so for me it tends to feel a little more secure and stays in place better if I’m sitting up.
CON: As with any silicone mask, you may not get a perfect fit to the contours of your face.
Price: $795
How often you need to use it: Up to 30 minutes a day
PRO: If wearing a silicone mask is uncomfortable for you, you’ll love this option. It has a unique flat, flexible design so you can lie down, curve it over your face and relax while you’re doing your treatment. I love that it’s a 3-in-1 device that utilizes red, blue and near-infrared wavelengths to treat acne and aging skin. It has 236 LEDs and it really does feel like a derm’s office treatment at home.
CON: It’s pricier and takes up a bit more space than a standard silicone mask.
Price: $1,199
How often you need to use it: 10-minute treatments (keep your face 16-24 inches from the device)
PRO: This panel is the least constricting of everything I tested because you’re not putting anything over your face—you set it up on a tabletop and sit in front of it. It has 60 LEDs with red and near-infrared, and it’s big enough that you can treat your face, neck and chest at the same time.
CON: Joovv panels can also be used for muscle recovery, but if you want to treat a larger area of your body, you’ll need to upgrade to larger panels.
There you have it, my favorite red light devices. And one more thing to note, you can also get red light naturally at sunrise and sunset. Some Ayurvedic practitioners actually refer to these times of the day as “nature’s red light therapy.” But with modern technology, it’s much easier to get beneficial light on your schedule, and for the correct amount of time to provide skin-improving benefits.
xx,Gigi
