DIY Light Devices
Posted: Tuesday 9 March 2010 12:41pm
Revolutionary light therapy devices are fast taking over the beauty and cosmetic world, as people seek non invasive treatments to target wrinkles, sagging skin and dull complexions.
In-salon or clinical treatments such as Omnilux or Max7 can certainly get results over time, but the hundreds of dollars required for a course of eight to 10 treatments may be cost and time prohibitive. For some people, an effective but less expensive alternative, with the added convenience of at-home use, is the latest DIY light therapy devices.
Shaped like a hand-held shaver or a mobile phone, the compact DIY light therapy devices allow you to treat yourself in your own time at home. Perfect for when relaxing or watching television, the device can be moved over your face, décolletage, hands or arms, and is a great alternative to clinical treatments or the perfect back-up to professional salon treatments. They are totally painless, safe and suitable for all skin types.
Detailing how light therapy works, Dr Colin Whitehurst, a British expert in light or photodynamic therapy explains that Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology is one of the latest light modalities to be used in non-surgical beauty treatments.
“This technology employs tiny diodes to produce very precise colours of light,” says Dr Whitehurst. “They are specifically selected to target certain molecules within skin cells that are responsible for energising the cells. When the cells are energised they are able to more efficiently perform their respective functions such as collagen production, wound healing replication and renewal,” he says.
Says Dr Whitehurst, “Omnilux LED technology achieves its goals using a non-thermal light source to stimulate the skin cells into a more active and rejuvenated state. It does this without inflicting any damage whatsoever to cells. Therefore, the skin does not have to waste time or energy frantically trying to repair the wound that would have been caused by lasers or IPLs.”
Transplanting this technology into DIY light therapy units has resulted in the Omnilux Nu-U hand held device, said to improve skin clarity, crow’s feet, tone and sundamage at the flip of a switch. It bathes skin in alternating red and near infrared light which is great for ageing skin. Two 20-minute sessions are recommended weekly for four weeks, with two to four follow-up treatments every month. Because the light will not damage the skin, there is no limit to the number of treatments you have but your skin may look pink and glowing after the treatment.
The standout feature is that the device contains both red and infrared light to stimulate collagen synthesis within the skin.
Cost is $690 per unit. Stockists 1800 808 993. Recommended for use with Priori, Moderma and MD Formulations skincare.
Skin Physics Photon handheld home light device
The Skin Physics System activates cells with pulses of low-level non-thermal light energy. The cell converts light energy into fuel, in turn stimulating the cells to produce proteins and lipids essential for building and repairing the skin. Two 20-30 minute treatments are recommended each week for 12 weeks. Then one treatment weekly is advised. With its large round head, the Skin Physics device allows you to treat the skin quickly and efficiently.
Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli says, “While it is always more effective to have a surgical treatment, surgery is not an option for everyone. Photo regeneration offers an alternative solution as it works on a cellular level to rebuild and enhance the skin’s natural structure.”
The standout feature of the device is that it is inexpensive, and has a large treatment head, which means you can cover the face quickly. It has an in-built three-minute timer so you can judge the perfect time to be spent on each area.
The Skin Physics System costs $299 from Myer, and should be used with Skin Physics skincare.
The Tanda System is designed to stimulate cellular renewal as skin is energised. The red light is used for regeneration. The blue light attachment, designed for acne and problem skins, is able to heal and help decrease pimple breakouts. The cordless design is portable, with a triangular head that is 16.5cm square. The device only turns on when in contact with the skin.
To regenerate the skin use Tanda daily for 30 days, with no more than three minutes on any one area. If the total face is treated, expect to take about 20 minutes. Then treat skin three times weekly. To heal acne, the blue light attachment should be used twice daily on areas with breakouts, for around three minutes each area. When skin is healed, treat skin three times a week to prevent further breakouts.
The standout feature is that you can purchase a blue light attachment to kill acne causing bacteria, to add to the unit’s red LED attachment. That means you can either use both heads yourself, or share the device with your teenagers, without having to buy a separate unit. You’ll love the convenience of the cordless design and the fact that it can be charged for 24 hours.
Cost for Tanda is $495 for the regenerative red light kit. The blue light attachment is another $170. Available from Myer and Shaver Shop. Details 1800 004 507. Use with Tanda skincare, which is included in the pack.