My morning routine goes like this: I get out of bed, take a shot of the liquid probiotic Symprove, make a hot water with lemon, ginger, and a pinch of salt to aid hydration, then pop on my CurrentBody Series 2 LED Mask. That final bit makes me look marginally mad, but I persist irrespective of the way it looks for two reasons: it makes my skin clearer and calmer, and it really lifts my mood, hence putting it on in the morning when grey winter can make the lure of returning to the duvet is hard to resist.
Apparently, I’m not the only red light therapy fan. In a study conducted by Bon Charge, purveyors of many red light devices SUCH AS, over 7,000 adults were surveyed globally, with over a fifth of those from the UK saying they use red light therapy. This is defined as low-energy red light beams used to stimulate the mitochondria within cells, with quite a substantial 46 per cent of those under 35, like me, regularly enjoying a session.
One of the great things about red light therapy is that it isn’t only instantly gratifying in the short term, it has long-term benefits too – more on which to come – with a diverse offering of applications. If you don’t want a mask, get a panel instead, if you don’t want to use it on your face, try one made for specific parts of your body, or a more general all-over version.
However you apply it, here’s what you can expect to get out of a session (with results of course cumulating with regular use): an increase in blood flow, a reduction of inflammation, an improvement in skin conditions from acne to eczema to psoriasis, less joint pain, and absolutely zero damage because, unlike sunlight, this doesn’t contain any rays that will harm the skin.
The key here, as always when it comes to health benefits, lies in consistency. If your morning routine is too hectic to make time for it regularly, try using it at night as you wind down for sleep (this light won’t wake you up, and skin expect and QMS Global Ambassador Rowan Hall-Farrise recently told me she encourages using it at night to soothe the system for a good night’s sleep). If you’re an afternoon nap person, try it then. Just get in the habit of it to make the most of whichever device you buy.
Remember too that most machines will deliver therapeutic doses in a single session, so if the advised time is 10 minutes and/or your machine automatically powers off after that, you don’t need to do a second session.
Here’s 3 of my favourite red light therapies.
Bon Charge Max Red Light Therapy Device
If you want the full-body benefits, this is the one for you at 35 inches long. Stretch or recline in front of it daily to get the most out of its benefits.
Buy now £806.49, Healf
CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2
Featuring red and near infrared light, this mask targets the face with precision, and you can expect your skin to be smoother and less inclined to inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and acne with regular use (remember to wipe down the inside of it regularly – I use some Clinisoothe on mine every other day).
Buy now £399.00, CurrentBody
FlexBeam Red Light Therapy Wearable Device
Designed to provide targeted red light to the body, you can use this along your spine, wrapped around limbs, or across your shoulders.
Buy now £439.00, Peak Athletics
HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat
This multi-tasking mat delivers infrared alongside electromagnetic waves to relax and soothe you. Also, yes, those are crystals woven into the mat itself and, no, they don’t hurt at all when you lie on it – which, happily, is all you have to do to get the most out of this one.
Buy now £699.00, Cult Beauty
