Road test: Omnilux light therapy.
Aim: It's a non-surgical light therapy designed to complement the body's own natural ability to refresh the skin and help minimise the visible signs of ageing, as well as treat skin conditions including acne.
What happens: Depending on your skincare needs, one of three lights — which are neither laser or IPL — are shone over your skin for 20 minutes. Omnilux technology is based on using a narrow band of light delivered through light emitting diodes (LEDs). The brand claims it works because cells within the body contain receptors that absorb light naturally.
When the body is exposed to light, these receptors absorb the light waves and kick-start a cellular response. Different wavelengths of light will stimulate different cellular responses within the cell. The red light (aka Omnilux Revive) acts to energise, rejuvenate and repair damaged skin and uneven skin tone, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It delivers a precise wavelength of visible red light that penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate fibroblast activity to naturally boost the production of collagen (the protein responsible for plump, healthy skin).
The blue light is also designed to deliver pure light at a precise wavelength, and helps in the fight against acne. It stimulates anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity in the deeper layers of the skin, working to stabilise sebum production and treat acne. And the Plus light (also red in colour) is used for skin rejuvenation and tissue regeneration. The lights are warm, but don't provide UVA, UVB or infrared radiation. There is no downtime.
Cost: $90 to $110 per treatment.
The bottom line: "Eighteen months ago I had a severe reaction to a skincare product, causing my skin to break out so badly I looked like I'd been burnt. I tried numerous products to fix the problem, and while some helped a little, my skin still looked terrible. I tried 12 courses of weekly Omnilux light therapy, each week using a different light (in conjunction with Priori and MD Formulations products). By week eight, I could see an improvement, and by week 12 my acne problem was gone. Words can't describe how happy I am!" — Zara, 27
For more info: www.spauniverse.com.au
Price correct as at September 25, 2008.
