I passed the skin sensitivity test for Lightstim LED lights with flying colors. This week I began actually using the device to reduce signs of aging. The instructions for LightStim were super simple:
1. Gently place the LED device against the skin in the area to be treated.
2. Hold the device on that spot for 3 minutes.
3. Repeat again every night for at least six to eight months.
During the treatment period, I can’t use retinoids or exfoliating scrubs. However Clarisonic and LED lights are a great combo so I can continue to use one of my favorite beauty tools. I also need to be extra compulsive about using a sunscreen since these lights can increase suseptibility to the sun.
This FDA approved LED device can be used on all facial wrinkles. But before investing the
time zapping all the wrinkly spots on my face I’ve decided to try my red/orange lights on the “mrionette lines” at the side of my mouth. According to the published research, the wave lengths of red LED lights stimulate fibroblasts which in turn reve up collagen production. FYI blue LED lights are effective for acne control. They reduce breakouts by zapping the inflammatory bacteria that build up in the follicles. No bacteria, no acne.
I was a little anxious about placing the lights directly on my skin. Not to worry. I felt a tiny tingling , but no discomfort. I had planned to do the treatment sitting on my couch while watching TV. However my kitchen timer really wasn’t accurate under 10 minutes, so I changed plans. I set myself up in the kitchen and used the digital timer from my microwave. Standing in the kitchen was not a comfy as my couch so I put a new timer on my to-do list.
According to the Lightstim instructions, it will be six to eight weeks before I will start to see changes. This is a big committment. Not only do I have to stop using retinoids, I have to wait two months to see changes and patience is not one of my virtues. I love the instant impact of IPL, Pelleve and glycolic peels, so waiting two months does not come naturally. But LightStim is less than $300 and can be used every day for several years. IPL is about $500 /session while Pelleve clocks in at $1500. If LightStim can truely build collagen in all the right places it certainly would cerrtainly stretch my beauty budget.
