The Skin Nerd: How to use your at-home LED facial device from Santa

Currently a trending beauty device, many of you may find a LED device under your tree this Christmas – but what exactly can you do with it?

Te at-home LED device market is thriving and we as consumers are benefiting from having the potential to achieve near-salon quality treatments at home. Picture: iStock.

With a notable surge in innovation and investment over the past year, the at-home beauty device market is thriving and we as consumers are benefiting from having the potential to achieve near salon quality treatments at home. Whilst I must stress that expert-provided or in-salon treatments still reign elite in terms of safety and results, many devices are becoming sophisticated enough to be able to recreate or boost salon results at home, and one of these are LED devices...

What is LED therapy?

LED (light-emitting diode) therapy is a type of treatment that targets skin issues such as ageing, acne and redness using different wavelengths of light. Red and blue lights are most commonly used, with red light commonly used to reduce wrinkles, while blue light can help to reduce bacteria and inflammation. One of the reasons that this treatment is so popular is because it is painless and noninvasive and can be performed in a salon or at home.

How it works

 To get nerdie, our skin absorbs the light and uses it to boost collagen production, which helps to increase skin elasticity, and encourages skin healing. Light therapy works by affecting the functioning of your skin cells. When your skin cells absorb wavelengths of light during LED therapy, they produce energy more efficiently, which can help to rejuvenate and revitalise the appearance of the skin.

LED therapy treatments tend to last up to 30 minutes but could be extended if you are treating a larger area. As there isn’t any necessary recovery or ‘down time,’ post LED treatment, you can usually carry on with your regular skincare regime afterwards.

Benefits

 Along with being used for aesthetic purposes, such as minimising wrinkles, addressing fine lines and helping to smooth the complexion, LED light therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis and actinic keratosis. It can also be used to reduce scarring and treat Vitiligo (which is a term for colourless patches of skin as a result of a loss of pigment cells).

Where to get LED Therapy

 You can book LED therapy in many beauty salons or spas across the country. Although this is a pricier option, you get the benefit of having the treatment carried out by a trained professional to whom you can ask questions and get any post treatment advice. If you have a skin condition, dermatologists can also perform LED light therapy as part of a treatment addressing your condition. If you would rather try a home device, home LED light therapy devices can range in cost, with those providing extra treatments, such as electrical currents at the top end of the price scale.

At home options

 MAGNITONE Get Lit Tri Colour LED Face Mask, €99.99 SENSSE Professional LED Light Therapy Face Mask, €149.99 BEAUTYPRO Photon LED Light Therapy Facial Mask, €249.99 Therabody Theraface Advanced LED Skincare Mask with Relaxing Vibration Therapy, €599 Conclusion: A salon treatment will always be first choice in my opinion, as innovation will be hard placed to champion expertise and experience of a trained therapist. However, LED devices make a wonderful addition to your skincare regime and allow you to carry out the treatment more consistently. As multiple treatments are often required, this can help to lead to the best results!

Today versus Payday: Cracked heel treatments

Today: Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream, €8.99, pharmacies nationwide It’s heels season and that means prepping those feet for their time on show! Cracked heels are a discomfort we don’t need to put up with thanks to this budget friendly and fast acting moisturiser. Clinically proven to help repair and help improve the appearance of rough heels in as quickly as a day, discomfort is reduced, and your tootsies are ready to rock those Christmas celebrations!

Payday: Margaret Dabbs London Pure Cracked Heel Treatment Balm, €18.99, boots.ie If you like a balmier texture, you are sure to adore this indulgent, 100% natural treatment from foot expert Margaret Dabbs. Formulated with salicylic and benzoic acids to encourage skin renewal, the balm also contains oregano oil, which is rich in barrier boosting antibacterial properties and soothing cocoa and Shea butters to nourish and protect. Apply this Vegan friendly product to clean, dry feet before bed or pre-night out for feet that don’t need to be hidden!