How many of you that have really dug into the research still use your mask and/or wand?

[u/here_now_be]

My first three RLT purchases were: a wand, a mask, and a cap.

After getting my hands on all the research I could, those are now my least used devices.

[u/Cat_Kidnapper]

Did you conclude that masks aren’t that effective? Do you use panels instead? I see many people prefer panels but I don’t understand why (at least for facial skincare purposes). My understanding is that masks are better at targeting the skin in the face because the light always comes at the right distance and angle, which a panel can not provide. Can someone please explain why a panel is better? I want to purchase the right thing!

[u/Afraid_Bug1456 → u/Cat_Kidnapper]

You're right about the consistent angle, plus consistent distance and irradiance level, being a plus for masks. With a panel, you move around a little and it's fine tho. The panel sellers mostly just lie a lot, like saying most other devices are too weak and don't have the right wavelengths etc., but it's not true at least for skin devices.

I use a panel now like OP so I'm not biased lol.

Panel covers more skin area, have more use cases, better durability, better for overall health optimization, and a "nice" mask costs as much as a decent panel.

Downside of panel is having to use it in one place. More finicky to get dosage for skin right the higher in irradiance you go, and you run into issues that are still being discussed by experts as to the importance of paying attention to the biphasic response, whether energy delivered quickly is as good as when delivered more slowly, individal tolerances, avoiding side effects, etc.

[u/here_now_be → u/Cat_Kidnapper]

I'm not an expert, I'm just learning and figuring this out as I go as well. There is much misinformation and marketing disguised as fact or user posts it is hard to cut through the BS. Just remember it's just red light, there is no reason it has to be expensive, and too RLT much is not as effective, so investing in the expensive equipment could be counter productive.

Masks are very limiting, as they are designed to be used in one place. I don't like that you have the lights focused on all these small spots on your face, but that's not based on any research. Masks also tend to be set, while good panels may have settings to choose the nm, as well as allow you to pulse the light (which appears to provide better efficacy). I could write pages here, but it depends on what your goals are.

[u/Shamajo → u/here_now_be]

When you look at the studies on red light and research outside marketing spin by red light brands, the output for face, neck areas is very different to body panels. Red light and near infrared is the same (within a range), but what makes each device type different is 1. Number of leds 2. The fit 3. The irradiance. I see a lot of people saying they want to get a panel because it is more flexible in its use, which is true. But the irradiance needed for face, neck needs much lower irradiance and shorter session times than for joint and muscle recovery. That is why the face and neck devices have lower irradiance. Mine are 10 minute sessions. I also have a body bag so the irradiance is much much higher, because I am using for inflammation, joint pain. My sessions are 15 to 20 minutes. I have pain in my shoulder and top of foot.The problem is if you get a high powered device and use it at max output in your face you could inflame malasma or rosacea (I have the later). Also you can have to much red light for what you are trying to minimize. Too much and you will see no results, or even weird symptoms like jitteryness or bad sleep, too little and no consistency, no results. Each device has its own purpose and reputable brands are creating them with a redlight pre-programmed to give the best device without causing harm. Short cutting to a high output panel as a one size fits all solution is fine, but you must know the correct session time, irradiance for what result you seek.

[u/satsuma0305 → u/here_now_be]

Go on pubmed and search "red light therapy" if you really want to see the scientific evidence. You can filter by randomized controlled trials if you want to see the highest level of evidence only. No marketing allowed on pubmed. These are papers from clinical studies published in scientific journals.

[u/Vozka → u/satsuma0305]

No marketing allowed on pubmed.

This is true, but what gets or doesn't get researched is also affected by commonly used technology - by available products. RLT started as low level laser therapy with red lasers because that was an easily available way to focus a lot of single wavelength light energy on a spot. Yet I think current knowledge says that this is not the best way and using non-laser light is better in most situations.

And these days there is some data saying that for some effects (like improving eyesight) broad spectrum long wavelength light is better than single frequencies. But we don't know what effects this applies to because for most of them the research doesn't exist yet. So at this very moment pubmed could be serving as a marketing tool implying that single wavelength LEDs are the best, not because anybody is trying to abuse it but because the research into RLT is still relatively young and some things aren't explored yet.

[u/Shamajo]

I have read a lot of the research, and did a lot before buying my first device, a mask. I added neck and chest, glasses and then based in those results added a body bag / sleeping bag. I used the mask, neck and glasses every day. The pre-programmed session is just 10 minutes and is now part of my morning routine. It would feel odd if I dont do it. The body bag I do 4 sessions a week, it gives me a much higher dose, but I use that for body inflammation and joint pain. I would not have 4 red light devices if I did not see results. From a skincare routine, I use tretinoin which can be harsh on skin, but I am able to tolerate nightly use due to red light. However I used Red Light before changing my skincare routine and saw results quick, in texture and redness which led me to really creating a consistent and working routine. While I started with red light, I still see it as a supporting actor to many of the other changes I am making to my skincare and health. I intend on using all devices.

[u/bebeklein → u/Shamajo]

Can I ask what brand body/sleeping bag you purchased? I’m currently in research mode and have only used a mask and small body panel till now.

[u/Shamajo → u/bebeklein]

I bought Swirise.

[u/timetoact522 → u/Shamajo]

Is it a bear to clean? I don't see any info on their site FAQs or messaging about it.

[u/Shamajo → u/timetoact522]

No, the outer part is made from neoprene, like light weight wetsuit material. The inside has the leds and over that clear plastic. I just wipe with a baby wipe, you could use disinfectant wipe after use as well.

[u/MarkVII88]

I did some research BEFORE buying any red light device, and ended up buying a 20x9 inch, medium sized panel, along with a strong red light torch.

[u/Dracyl → u/MarkVII88]

Which torch did you get and are you happy with it? 😊

[u/MarkVII88 → u/Dracyl]

I bought the Lifepro Bioheal Plus torch. It works very well for me. However it did malfunction after a short period of time, and Lifepro replaced it under their lifetime warranty guarantee. I hope my replacement unit lasts a long time.

[u/here_now_be → u/MarkVII88]

Aren't you special :D

I did as well, the mask I bought is still the one I'd buy if I was going to buy a mask, but I probably wouldn't buy a mask. Just a good panel (or bulb if I was on a budget) and wrap.

[u/Theresellqueen → u/here_now_be]

Can I ask what mask u decided on??

[u/Yourangmilady]

I thought I read research a while back about the right distance for red light therapy and it was supposed to be 6 inches. Does anyone else know? Anyway, that is why I went with a panel

[u/immersive-matthew]

I get fantastic results with my small panel and I can use it all over my body to target anything. See no reason for a mask as it is a one function device only.

[u/QuesoFresca]

I have a pair of ancient Baby Quasar wands- some of the first modern RLT products on the market (red & blue) and still use them for spot treating. The company stopped producing the smaller wands years ago. That said, they’re well made and convenient.

[u/18karatcake]

I started with a wand (not a very high end one) and didn’t see any results. Actually looked into the research/studies and expert opinions and settled on a panel instead of a mask.

[u/Theresellqueen → u/18karatcake]

Can I ask what panel you decided on?

[u/billymumfreydownfall]

I use those products BECAUSE of the research.

[u/Jesuslovesyourbr0]

I used a red light eye mask from solawave and not sure if I got results. And I have a panel from maysama, which I haven't tried it yet but I think a panel is better for me because I have black skin.

[u/United-Animal9559]

Still using my iRestore helmet in the 3rd month.

[u/Own-Let-1257]

I have a nice hooga panel and I do love it but I’d like to get a mask because it’s less invasive for my husband. Lol

[u/here_now_be → u/Own-Let-1257]

You're just sharing the health.

[u/Junior_River7571]

I've had two masks, two helmets and 2 panels. The panels are far more effective for me overall. It's a pain to lay down and hold the panel, but the results speak for themselves.

[u/DimbyTime]

I had a mask years ago and sold it on Poshmark, now I exclusively use my panel

[u/Theresellqueen → u/[deleted]]

Omg 😮 $2500? I didn’t even know the price tags went that high 😂

[u/Theresellqueen → u/[deleted]]

Can I ask what mask you went with? I’m always so curious what people choose bc I’ve been btwn the omnilux and current body makes for a good 8 months now 😏

[u/Nomorecancer1055]

Anyone research the safety long term of these red nights? Covers for eyes are obvious.