You should already know that we are big fans of infrared light after our article about infrared saunas. Now we have discovered the effect of infrared light on the face and are taking our obsession with infrared light into our own four walls. We are talking about "Red Light Therapy".
By Eva Staudinger
What's behind it?
Red Light Face Therapy, also known as LED facials, is based on the use of special red LED lights emitted in different wavelengths. Available in a variety of devices including portable wands, lamps, masks and more, Red Light Therapy is a popular method among dermatologists and celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson. These red LED lights penetrate deep into the skin and are said to help treat various skin conditions and improve skin health. The treatment promises firmer, smoother skin, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and a more even complexion. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?
The benefits
But what does the science say? In fact, there are some promising studies that support the benefits of Red Light Face Therapy. Researchers have found that red LED light can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to improved skin texture and firmness. It can also reduce inflammation, support the skin's healing process and stimulate cell metabolism. These positive effects can help to achieve a more youthful and radiant appearance.
- Promotes blood circulation
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Firms and tightens the skin
- Soothes inflammation
- Fades scars and acne
Best of all, you don't have to rush to the nearest salon to book an expensive Red Light Face Therapy treatment. You can enjoy the benefits of this method from the comfort of your own home. There are now a variety of LED masks and devices on the market specifically designed for home use. You can find our two favourites here.
Our recommendations for home use
Best all-rounder: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Price: 329€ AT CURRENTBODY
Why we love it: The practical thing about the mask is that you can close it flexibly at the back of your head and it doesn't need to be held. Your hands are free. So you're free to move around and do whatever you want during the 10-minute treatment. Confused looks from your flatmates are guaranteed? I prefer to wear it in the morning during my Morning Pages or Morning Stretches. It's also a good option in the evening while reading. Or in between hanging laundry or cooking. As you can see, you have no excuses not to use it, and there are no limits to what you can do with it. Using red and near-infrared light, this face mask can boost collagen production and promote wound healing while improving overall skin texture, complexion and firmness. According to CurrentBody, the device is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% within four weeks.
Specifications: FDA-approved, two light wavelengths: Red (633 nm) and near infrared (830 nm).
Best 4-in-1 red light wand: Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Price: 169 € AT SOLAWAVE
Why we love it: Although it's not a mask, the Solawave Red Light Wand is one of my favourite LED light therapy devices. I use it in the morning or at night after washing my face as a facial massage tool along with my serum. The wand emits red light with multiple LED lights and combines it with vibrating heat to combine four technologies: red light therapy, microcurrent, facial massage and therapeutic heat. After a 5-minute massage, my face immediately looks fresher and more vital. Solawave recommends using the wand for five minutes, three times a week.
Specifications: One light wavelength: red (630 nm).
Important to mention: Red Light Face Therapy is not a quick fix! To see visible results, you should make the use of infrared light a regular ritual and ideally use the LED mask or red light wand 2-3 times a week. Have fun trying it out!
About Eva:
Eva Staudinger is a German model and is under contract with international agencies in New York, London and Paris. Due to her many years of professional experience, skincare, beauty and wellness are topics she deals with every day and with great enthusiasm. Professional trips to New York, Sydney or London enable her to always get an insight into the latest beauty trends, which she will share with us from now on in the SoSue Beauty column. In addition to her work as a model, the native of Bergisch-Gladbach also completed her bachelor's degree in economics at the University of Cologne. In the meantime, she has moved her centre of life from the Rhineland to the north to Hamburg, where she lives with her boyfriend and where her German agency "PMA" is based. She regularly takes her followers on her Instagram account "evastaudinger" on her travels around the world and gives insights from her latest discoveries in the beauty, wellness and food sectors - anyone who wants to can take a look.