Why one beauty editor is loyal to the Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite LED mask
Before nifty microcurrent devices, microneedling tools, and clever at-home lasers such as Lyma, LED masks were trailblazers when it comes to high-tech beauty gadgets.
Skincare professionals rate the regenerative properties of LED light therapy. Originally developed by NASA to aid with wound healing, the technology quickly found its way into the office of dermatologists – and, as with most skincare tools, it was only a matter of time before devices for home use flooded the market.
New York-based dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross is one of the earlier adopters of at-home LED. The brand's FDA-cleared (this means that the product has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration) DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro uses 100 red light emitting diodes in red and 60 blue light emitting diodes in blue to help with fine lines and acne.
Celebrities such as Lucy Hale, Halle Berry and Kris Jenner has previously waxed lyrical about their love for this device, so we went straight to Dr Gross himself to find out what makes it such a game-changer.
What is the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro?
This hands-free LED mask delivers red and blue light, with an additional setting that combines both modalities. Red is known for boosting collagen production to plump fine lines (and keep them at bay) while softening the appearance of sun spots and hyperpigmentation. Blue helps with mild to moderate acne by eradicating blemish-causing bacteria.
How does the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro work?
The magic of this futuristic-looking mask is in its wavelengths. "They are clinically proven wavelengths that provide optimal results," says Dr Gross. "For example, blue light has been shown to be most effective at 435nm. When it comes to red light, using a device that incorporates a spectrum of red light including amber, red, deep red and infrared will deliver the best results."
The at-home LED market is growing exponentially, but what sets SpectraLite apart is the combination of clever technology and ease of use, which requires only three minutes of your time daily.
"The DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro delivers a high-powered dose of LED which is key to penetration. Achieving the results we do with just a three-minute treatment per day is really a breakthrough," says Dr Gross. He explains: "This is all a result of the number of chips in the unit as well as the power delivered by each individual chip. Other devices that require longer treatments times deliver less power."
Does the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro work on eyes and lips?
It does (to a limit) but if you're particularly concerned about the lines on your lips and eyes, there are targeted treatments available: the DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro and DRx SpectraLite Lip Ware. There is also the DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro to help with issues such as body acne.
According to Dr Gross, he's seen an influx of clients clamouring for the lip version, especially. It can be challenging to treat ageing signs around the lips due to the small surface area and more sensitive skin, so he notes that this is an excellent, non-invasive first step to iron out creases and fine lines.
How to use the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
"I designed my LED face mask to be easily incorporated into your everyday skincare routine with one 3-minute daily treatment," says Dr Gross, and using it cannot be easier.
On clean, dry skin, put the mask on and turn on your preferred light setting, be it blue, red or a combination of both. Close your eyes and let the device work for three minutes (you can leave it on for up to 20).
Applying your skincare beforehand can block the LED light from penetrating the skin properly, so use your serums and moisturisers after. The mask can be used both day and night.
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro: the Bazaar review
In order to really reap the benefits of your skincare tech, you must use it consistently. Dr Gross recognises this. As a busy dermatologist who tends to the complexions of both the high net worth elite and everyday people, he understands that most of us don't have more than 10 minutes to spend sitting around in an LED mask – and he's right. If a device requires extra effort, chances are, it will stay collecting dust in my cupboard.
The convenience of SpectraLite has kept me loyal; after cleansing in the morning or evening, I just pop it on, press the button (I usually do the combination setting), and close my eyes for three minutes. It gives me enough time to breathe and set my intentions for the day or unwind for the night, without making me feel jittery that I'm wasting time.
After about two months of religious, daily use, I've noticed that the stubborn spots brewing underneath my skin – the ones that rarely go away – have almost cleared. I can't quite tell if it's helped with my overall complexion, but considering I've received so many compliments on my glowing skin, I'm inclined to say that yes, this clever device has certainly made a difference. According to Dr Gross, if you're someone whose skin is too sensitive for acid peels and exfoliation, this mask can do wonders as it "reduces redness and there is no chance of chemical irritation".
Since the red light helps with inflammation, I'm not surprised that it's kept new blemishes at bay, too. While I don't doubt that there may be more advanced LED face masks out there (there are certainly more expensive ones) the fact that I can do this daily in three minutes makes it a winner for me. After all, no matter how powerful your LED mask is, it won't work if it stays in the drawer.
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