I remember getting my first “light” facial from my esthetician and being wowed that I could get a facial without a single product touching my face. Could it be? That my sensitive skin could have skin-glowing benefits without using a single product?

Disclaimer: After using several companies products, I asked if CurrentBody would sponsor this post (scroll to the end of the post for discount codes). I have tried several of their tools with great results with all their LED mask colors (light). Also, I am not a doctor, just sharing my own experience. 

I’ve always been a fan of fraxel and IPL laser treatments for my dark spots because I was nervous about the side effects of liquid nitrogen and acid facials. My skin responds so much better to gentler procedures.

An even more gentle procedure than these laser treatments is LED light. So when I say that the effectiveness of red light therapy is unparalleled, that’s because there’s nothing on the market quite like led light therapy.

Of course, seeing is believing, and after seeing the results on my 11 lines, I was definitely a believer. I also have seen massively improved skin on my rosacea.

Just by manipulating different colors and wavelengths of light, we can create entirely different treatment plans. Thank you NASA for studying the benefits of how red light therapy works.

Wanna see the Dermalux in action? Watch Sarah Chapman do her famous celebrity facial with it.

Here are some of the benefits being studied for light therapy: 

Red

Wound healing – from scars to burns
Sun damage and age spots
Increasing collagen
Wrinkles / signs of aging
Increase circulation and other cellular functions
Skin texture
Skin issues – from psoriasis to rosacea (studied best with red light and near-infrared (NIR, 770–1200 nm) – red (600–700 nm))
Reduced redness
Acne
Hair growth for alopecia (studied at 665 nm and 808 nm and also studied with the range of 600–1600 nm at a power of 1.26 W with positive results)

Near infrared
(with red combo is my preference for best results)

Pain
Arthritis and joint health
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Inflammation reduction–from skin to muscles
Wound healing
Deeper Tissues

Blue

Treat Acne
Sun damage from UV Light
Skin cancer
Depression

There are “virtually no side effects” making this a great tool for almost anybody to try out.

So Here’s the Catch…

It’s best to have a home device since this is one of those tools that has the best results when used multiple times a week–some even say daily until you get the results you are looking for. Typically 20 minutes to a half hour is all that is needed, in fact, since light can have a drying effect, less is more when figuring out the amount of time. Though oily skin may love the drying more than other skin types.

Where you can use RLT

Unless you are pregnant (mostly because heat is questionable and the FDA hasn’t green-lit usage), pretty much anyone can use light on their full body! Your body regularly absorbs light as part of its natural process (think sun…cell phones..). Adding red and near infrared and other colored LED lights are just targeted wavelengths for specific purposes.

Which Red Light Therapy Tools work best

It’s really important to pay attention to the wavelength and color for your specific treatment needs. My best tip for considering red light devices: Always make sure the tool you are using lists the wavelengths in nanometers (nm). Each red light therapy treatment will have different effects based on the color and wavelengths used.

For me, my favorite tool is the Dermalux Flex MD, which uses red, blue, and infrared lights. I have also used facemasks and wands, however, these typically have JUST one or two color options, whereas a light panel like the Dermalux can cover more needs.

The tools I use

Red light therapy is one of my favorite self care tools. It’s very relaxing to use and I see a big difference in my skin! Especially for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, not all lights are created equal, so make sure the wavelengths are listed for the lights you’re choosing.

I have fallen in love with my Dermalux Flex MD light panel because it’s so versatile–it’s my holy grail pick. I can treat my hormonal acne (blue) and rosacea (red) and wrinkles (red) all at the same time. This is a major time saver to use multiple lights at once (purple light!) and I’m experiencing great results.

They’ve also done independent testing to make sure the Dermalux actually does what it says it does for its’ red light therapy, including blue, and infrared lights.

When I am multitasking, I like my handheld wand (because I can hold it and move the light around and it uses amber, red, and infrared) and CurrentBody LED face mask because it’s cordless. Having a light therapy mask available has helped me regularly use this type of facial treatment since I don’t have to sit in one spot, which makes it easier to multitask while soaking in the anti aging benefits.

How I use the Dermalux Flex MD

I prefer this panel system because it can cover large areas and be moved easily to each area. Recently I’ve been putting it on my hands to treat arthritic pain (I like doing infrared and red together). I often move it on my back when I get a knot/muscle tension. I get the same results as I get with an ice pack or heat pack, but it’s a more relaxing delivery system. Can you believe light can relieve pain!? Just wow…

I’ve even done a Dermalux therapy session on my cat’s arthritic back. So far I’m noticing she stands a little more evenly on her legs the rest of the day.

The Dermalux has red light (633nm), Blue light (415nm), and Near Infrared (830nm)–which you can choose however many colors you want to use at once. Their website shows why they chose each nanometer wavelength so you know exactly what you are targeting by using their type of light. It also comes with eye protection and a stand, which I’ve found to be helpful.

If you have sticker shock, CurrentBody’s Face and Neck masks, which still combines Red (633nm) and Near Infrared Light (830nm) wavelengths (not just a red face mask!), are half the price of the Dermalux. The difference? Though the full face led mask still has both red and near infrared lights, it’s not a panel so it isn’t meant for use on your body and isn’t tested for pain management.

The face/neck mask also doesn’t have the blue light option like the Dermalux does–something I truly can’t live without anymore because I’ve noticed such a difference with my hormonal acne. Blue light is what you need for acne causing bacteria and reducing inflammation for your home led.

For those that don’t have pain or acne (get the Dermalux for these), the face mask is nice because of the cordless feature. Instead, it comes with a small handheld wand you can carry wherever you go.

Another option is the Dr. Dennis Gross mask, founded by the board certified dermatologist himself. The company (since bought out by Shiseido) produced a mask that has the red, blue, Near Infrared, and Amber lights like the Dermalux. Downside is you can’t use it on different parts of your body. I haven’t used this one so I can’t tell you which is the best led face mask.

That aside, the Dermalux is worth it. I’m shocked at how many purposes it has for my skin and body. If you get facials, it’ll pay for itself in no time with so many added bonuses. The first time I used it on my arthritis, the pain was gone in about 3 minutes–it’s a pretty magical device. I’m still getting rid of my hormonal acne (before/afters to come!), but the rosacea redness is going down and my complexion is more even in skin tone and my fine lines and wrinkles have significantly reduced.

Products to use with Red Light Therapy

There is some anecdotal evidence that says green tea is great to use with red light therapy devices and may speed up results. You can smear some tea water on your face or use some green tea face products to give it a try.

I prefer to cleanse my skin, then use my red light therapy treatment without any products. Afterwards, I choose a product I want to soak in while my collagen production is up. Typically I choose a retinol, or Vitamin C, or peptides (penetrates the skin better after treatments by improving circulation). I also make sure I do a hydrating mask or treatment weekly since regular LED treatments can dry out my skin. Sarah Chapman (Liv Tyler goes to her) has a new mask out that looks great!

Red Light Therapy: I’m kind of obsessed and once I started using different wavelengths and colors, I basically started a tool collection. Since tools get very expensive, I asked for discount codes to make it a little more affordable. If you shop the Currentbody LED Facemasks or Dermalux, use these codes:

Dermalux: $200 off the Dermalux – use code VANILLAFLEX at checkout

LED Masks:  20% off discount – use code VANILLALED at checkout

Let me know below if you try this at home and show me your results with #livingplum on Instagram.