It wasn’t so long ago that if we wanted any sort of treatment that wasn’t a cream or gel, we would have to book a dermatologist appointment. Thanks to beauty advances, the high-tech skin care treatments that were once only available through a doctor can now be administered in the comfort of our own homes with portable gadgets.
Light therapy devices are particularly brilliant because they address all skin care concerns. Board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman explains, “Different types of light therapy help with different problems. Blue light kills bacteria, so it’s good for acne-prone skin. Red light is anti-inflammatory and is therefore good for calming various skin conditions and aiding against premature signs of aging.” Red LED light also helps treat redness and uneven skin tone.
Dr. Arielle Kauvar, a board-certified dermatologist and founding director of New York Laser & Skin Care, explains that because of this, light therapy can also help with certain pimples and painful cysts. The dermatologist adds, “Home-use red and blue lights, alone or in combination with other OTC prescription treatments, are often helpful for mild cases of acne, but not enough for more severe cases.”
Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Epionce, points out that at-home devices are not as powerful as the ones pros use because professional treatments utilize longer wavelengths. Plus, they can use aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a prescription product.
If our expectations are realistic, however, we can still discover the brilliant results that at-home light therapy gadgets offer — for a fraction of the cost. Find out with one of these innovative devices.
Light Bright: At-Home Light Therapy Skin Care Devices That Give You Flawless Skin
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Light Therapy for Collagen Production and Aging
This sleek device utilizes LED-based Home Fractional (HF) Technology. Translation: It combines deep dermal heat and red light therapy to stimulate collagen production. The result is brighter, more youthful-looking skin. The device will even help reduce the appearance of pores. And there's no need to be concerned about it getting too hot. The real time control maintains a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius or 106 degrees Fahrenheit, aka the optimal skin temperature.
Silk'n FaceFX Anti-Aging Device, $149 at Ulta
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Light Therapy for Acne and Inflammation
This definitely isn't like the average sheet mask. The innovative light therapy mask harnesses dermatologist technology into one Instagram-worthy face shield. Blue light helps kill acne bacteria, while red light targets inflammation. After cleansing, hook the mask's arms onto ears and sit back for 10 minutes while it treats skin. For under $50, the acne mask is a steal compared to some of the splurge-worthy LED devices on the market.
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask, $39.99 at Ulta
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Light Therapy for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The device may look a bit like a portable back massager or a fancy mouse, but it's firmly for faces. The NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit is FDA-cleared for treatment and combines red, amber and infrared light to help plump fine lines and wrinkles.
NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit + TWR Attachment Set, $429 at Ulta
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Anti-Aging Light Therapy
The device is a splurge upfront, but compared to the price of those derm visits, it is good value for the money. The sleek device has four different wavelengths of red and amber light that target lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. The wavelengths may go deep down into skin, but they do so without pain.
Baby Quasar Quasar MD Plus, $595 at Neiman Marcus
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Light Therapy for Inflammation and Aging
Red light helps heal skin and reduce inflammation and this at-home gizmo makes full use of that. Red LED light is combined with microcurrent stimulation (read: fast-moving vibrations) that work in tandem to boost volume and improve facial contours. The device can be used by itself or with any serums.
GloPRO MicroStimulation Facial Tool & HydraGLO Serum, $199 at Neiman Marcus
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Light Therapy for Acne Spots
For those who only need to treat the occasional blemish or acne cyst, this new-to-market light therapy device is for you. It uses UV-free blue and red light to surround a pimple for targeted treatment. It's FDA-cleared to reduce acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Plus, it's small enough to use on-the-go — and under $20.
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment, $19.99 at Neutrogena
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Light Therapy Laser for Crow's Feet
The idea of having thousands of laser lights around the eye area is a bit intimidating, but be aware that the device is FDA cleared and dermatologist recommended. Furthermore, it only uses microscopic laser lights that are suitable for all skin tones and types. The lights help stimulate cell renewal, which results in more wide-awake, youthful eyes.
Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser, $249 at Sephora
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Light Therapy for Eye Area
The vast majority of at-home light therapy products focus on the face, but this is one that is specifically meant for eyes. Place the hands-free device over the eye area and 72 different LED lights emit a full spectrum of light that has been proven to stimulate collagen production. Just three minutes of treatment per day can help firm and tone the delicate skin around the eye area and reduce the appearance of crow's feet.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro LED Device, $159 at Dr. Dennis Gross
