LED Lights for Wrinkles- Week One

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.

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Anti-Aging LED Light at Home

When I first heard about LED lights I thought it sounded like a plot line from the Sci-Fi Chanel.  Turns out that red and blue LED (Light Emiting Diode) lights can actually produce physicial changes in the skin. Studies have shown that the wavelengths of red  LED lights apparently activate fibroblasts in the skin,  This is  very good news because fibroblasts  stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin which are essential for smooth firm skin.

Anti-aging LED treatments are offered in spas and doctors offices and need to be used  in a series of appointments.  This can run into quite a bit of money, so I was delighted when the FDA approved  a handheld home LED device.   This week I went to the International Beauty Show and stopped at the LightStim  booth  which was offering a 50% off show special on their well known  LED devices.  I was in.

The LightStim red/amber LED anti-aging device promises to produce  real results in 6-8 weeks.  It needs to be used  3 minutes a day in each area  at least 5X a week.  It can  reduce  fine lines and wrinkles including crow’s feet around the eyes smiles lines  that run from the nose to the chin  and worry lines on the forehead.

During the 6-8 week treatment period, the skin should be washed with a mild cleanser.  At  night, a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid is recommended.  During the day the skin should be protected with zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen.   To prevent irritation, I will need to avoid  using Retin A, vitamin C  serums, and any retinol products.  However I can continue to use  my beloved Clarisonic and in fact the ultrasonic cleanser  is reported to  work beautifully with the red LightStim LED.

Its a big  leap of faith  for me to give up  my tried and true Retin A for another anti-aging tool-  even for a few weeks.  But before I can start, I need to do a test for light sensitivity.  Following  package directions I will position the device at my forearm  close enought to feel the warmth, but not  touching the skin.  If the skin turns red and and redness lasts more than 2 hours I’m light sensitive– and I  can return the device for a refund.  If problems don’t develop, then I’m good to go.

The before and after  photos of LightStim  are impressive.  If you have tried red  anti-aging LED  lights I would love to hear about  your experience.  Did it help?  Were you light sensitive?

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