I spend a lot of time in between clients and outside of the salon researching ingredients, products and new technologies and one that has recently come across my radar, sparking interest, is the Boost LED Mask from The Light Salon.
Hannah and Laura, based in the UK, kindly spoke with us via email about all things LED light therapy, their at-home mask and more.
Kindred (K): Why don’t you include blue light in your at-home masks?
The Light Salon (TLS): We wanted our first device to deliver the most effective at-home rejuvenation treatment possible, so we made a conscious decision to concentrate on the two most clinically proven wavelengths to promote skin health and support ageing (red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm).
In smaller devices, the more wavelengths you have, the more you need to drive the LEDs in order to deliver the required dose of light. Which can result in pushing the wavelength too hard and missing the target. Our device has been created with best quality LEDs, delivering the correct wavelengths, at optimal intensities. The perfect ingredients for an effective treatment.
We do absolutely LOVE Blue 415nm too though and have plans to launch an acne/ blemished focused mask in the future. When applying Blue 415nm to the face, unlike red and near-infrared light, eye protection is an absolute must.
K: What are the biggest mistakes you see people making with LED light at-home treatments?
TLS: The expectation that one treatment will fix all - consistency is key with LED and the more you do the more you gain. It's the same principle as exercise/ going to the gym. One session will boost cellular activity, but multiple sessions will offer visible results.
Also, not considering what is being used before or under the device. Serum or a thin layer of a cream mask or moisturiser can be applied underneath the mask - if the layers are too thick, the product will absorb an element of the light, diluting the effects. Ingredients such as Vitamin B, C, E, hyaluronic, peptides etc work well.
However, resurfacing products, such as retinols or acids, are best used before or after – acids can be used before, if they are thoroughly removed. Retinols and leave-on-resurfacing products should be used after. It's best to always check the ingredients list and ask the advice of an LED expert.
K: How effective are they as complementary treatments to in salon LED therapies?
TLS: Very effective. Not only are there very few limitations to using LED, as it can be applied alongside pretty much every other aesthetic, cosmetic and beauty treatment. It will enhance the effectiveness and results of skincare products and modalities delivered alongside and reduce downtime by calming the skin and speeding up the healing process - increasing client satisfaction. In addition, it can be used frequently in between monthly facials and more aggressive modalities, to prolong the effects.
K: What makes your masks different to others in the marketplace?
TLS: Our Boost LED devices are made to medical device directives and deliver the same clinically proven wavelengths as our range of prestigious professional panel machines - a really important point that is truly unique to our high-end at-home device.
They are made of flexible, soft, medical grade silicone that can be used wherever and whenever - we provide international plugs to give full flexibility when travelling. Plus, the flexible silicon also means the Boost LED Mask and bib lay out entirely flat and are stored in the protective bag provided, making them even more travel friendly.
K: Biggest change you’ve seen a client have using your mask?
TLS: Feedback has been phenomenal regarding the Boost and has included everything from improved texture, tone, hydration, and reduced blemishes. However, positive feedback on improved wellbeing and day to day support is also frequently shared which is hugely important to us.
For instance, some customers use the Boost Face Mask as a sleep tool - the relaxation benefits prior to sleep are greatly beneficial, whilst others have found their quality of sleep throughout the night has improved.
Importantly, we’ve had a couple of customers go through awful losses and whilst grieving, have found the Boost offered comfort during their terribly sad times. We couldn’t have imagined offering support such as this and are humbled at the thought.
K: What is the difference between a salon and at home LED?
TLS: At-home LED’s are designed to be used more frequently, so delivering a measured dose of light over a 4-week period, generally requires more sessions from an at-home device than, say, a powerful, floor standing panel device.
However, when assessing differences, it’s not really the design of device which determines the difference – as there are great options of face masks, flexible panels and floor-standing panel devices to choose from. As an example, our Boost LED has an over-the-counter clearance (can be sold as an at-home face mask) but is also made to medical directives and is a portable, professional device.
The important parameters to compare are: 1. Wavelengths, 2. Intensity of the output, which can differ greatly between devices.
K: When a mask sat 820-835 nm etc, does it still work or does it have to be the proven wavelength 833nm etc?
TLS: Cheaper LEDs are often very broad in terms of their output, so they may have a specification of 100nm ie. between 600-700nm. This means the light emitted is not very pure and is a mixture of wavelengths. So, whilst you may achieve some light absorption into the skin, you won’t achieve optimal absorption.
Additionally, if the wavelength is not powered into the skin at an optimal intensity, the wavelength won’t reach its target within the skin.
If you think of intensity like a tap being turned on to fill a sink. Turn on sufficiently and let the water gently and efficiently fill the sink OR turn on the tap a trickle and it takes ages to fill the sink OR turn on too much and water splashes everywhere. It’s the same with LED technology – there is a correct intensity to deliver the right amount of light into the skin. If you deliver too much too quickly you can generate heat in the tissue and also the cells do not have time to process the photons (light energy). Deliver too little and you won’t have an effect.
Good quality LEDs have an output specification of +/- 5 or +/- 10 (max), meaning the output of an 830nm device will deliver wavelengths between 825-835nm or 820/840nm. We work with the industry leading and clinically proven wavelengths at the optimal absorption peak.
K: Anything else you'd like to share with readers about at home LED treatments and the Boost mask?
TLS: We are experts in LED and are not just selling a device. We have delivered almost 30,000 in-salon LED treatments to date and wanted to offer our loyal clients the most powerful and effective at-home option possible. In addition, we’re able to offer on-going skin support and education and can organise a Skype consultation after purchase, if a customer has any specific questions or concerns. Our aim is to create an LED community, offering easy guidance to ensure everyone gets the best out of their LED.
We are so excited to be launching these LED Boost Masks at Kindred. Email us at admin@kindredtoxinfreefacials.com.au to find out how to can get your hands on one!