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The teaming of a tech-obsessed world and increased knowledge on the role skincare plays in beauty means the global skincare devices market is growing at an alarming rate. So much so that a recent report revealed it is expected to rise by 10.1 per cent annually between 2012 to 2018 - reaching a value of $US10.7 billion by 2018. Joining the success of skincare devices is the use of LED light machines, beauty treatments that continue to grow in popularity.
To answer all our questions on LED light, BEAUTYDIRECTORY sat down with BLC Cosmetics general manager Nicola Gleeson. BLC Cosmetics is responsible for bringing the brand to Australian shores. uses LED light therapy to deliver beneficial light rays that energise cells and stimulate the body’s natural process to build new proteins and regenerate cells.
How did the use of LED light for skincare come about?
LED light was originally used by NASA scientists to grow plants as tests in space. They found that by having their hands under the LED lights, any wounds or pigmentation on their hands healed at a faster rate and there was a promotion of tissue growth.
Does this method of skincare go beyond using creams and serums?
Yes. Some creams and serums on the market (depending on their active ingredients) don’t penetrate into the skin and just give superficial results. Even if the product is absorbed into the skin, your cells only take what they want – you can’t force your skin cells to absorb what you apply. The great thing about LightStim is that when used after applying serums and before moisturiser, it can help with product absorption.
We've seen the rise of pre-serums and booster serums - is this part of the increased focus on effective skincare?
I think this rise is based on consumers wanting results at home like what they’re getting from their beauty therapist. These products will help them maintain those results in between treatments and prolong the effects.
Is LED light the uber skin treatment?
Any serum that you put on or any treatment that you have, when you use LightStim afterwards, it will make those products work harder. Also, with the wavelengths that are used with LightStim, they feed the skin like a sun feeds plant cells and helps to make it healthier.
Is there now an increased level of interest in at-home LED devices?
Definitely, we are seeing a number of new devices in the market that offer LED and a broad spectrum of colours. The important thing to remember is just because it’s a red light, it doesn’t mean it might work the same way. Each colour has a particular wavelength number; it’s those wavelengths that allow the light to penetrate into the skin at the right level. But it is not just the device - when you are using an LED device at home or in a salon, the products you use with it are essential to it working correctly. Clear serums are best as they allow the light to penetrate through to the skin, otherwise the light will refract off and won’t do anything.
Are LED light treatments a good option for people noticing ageing skin issues or should people be using light treatments earlier?
LightStim for wrinkles can definitely be used as a preventative measure for wrinkles but is also great in the reduction of pore size, puffiness and can give your skin a nice glow post-use (so great before you go out for the night). LightStim for Pain can be used by anyone at any time, with a treatment time of five to 15 minutes per area, depending on the concern.
Where are we likely to see this LED light trend headed?
I think that in the future we could very well see new formats of this light offering an alternative from the current hand-held device.
