With the summer vacation season in full swing, this small but powerful skincare tool may be just as useful as traveling with your own personal dermatologist.
Billed as “the world's most powerful at-home beauty device,” the FDA-cleared LYMA laser uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to reach the deepest layers of skin, stimulate cell regeneration, and address signs of aging such as redness, pigmentation, scars, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
“This is different to traditional lasers, which are used to heat tissue to stimulate collagen production,” LYMA founder Lucy Goff previously told The Post about the technology.
“It doesn't damage the cells at all. You're essentially reactivating more and more cells that would have naturally died during the aging process.”
Since it's completely painless and has zero downtime, you might think this buzzy gadget is all gas. But since its launch in 2022, the LYMA laser has become a favorite of celebrities and Hollywood facial estheticians like Joanna Czech, who used it to prep her clients for this year's Met Gala.
Superstar makeup artist Patti Dubroff, who works with A-listers like Margot Robbie and Sofia Richie, calls the product “the breakthrough beauty gadget of the decade,” raving, “I use it on my clients' skin before makeup and it dramatically reduces inflammation, eliminates under-eye bags, and creates an incredible glow on the face.”
The only downside is that, in addition to being a significant investment at $2,695, this high-tech handheld tool requires a significant time commitment: LYMA recommends using it for at least 15 minutes per day for 90 days initially, after which you can move into “maintenance mode,” using it two to three times a week.
Since I’m still within the initial 90 day period, I need to cram in daily sessions with the LYMA laser.
Luckily, the light is about the same size, shape, and weight as a small flashlight, so it can easily fit into a backpack or carry-on when traveling, making it perfect for taking with you. (I recently brought the light with me on a long weekend in Boston and used it while relaxing in my hotel at the end of the day watching a bit of Netflix.)
The brand recommends prepping your skin with the LYMA Oxygen Mist and Glide included in the starter kit before use, but you can mix and match with your favorite skincare products—I use my favorite serum and moisturizer instead, and it seems to work just fine.
Once your face is fully moisturized, glide the LYMA Laser over your skin in slow, steady motions, covering your entire face, neck and chest. You can also use it on the backs of your hands or any other body blemishes you wish to treat.
For areas of particular concern (like stubborn wrinkles, pigmentation, or skin texture), I like to leave the device on for three minutes, as recommended in the helpful tutorial on LYMA's website, to allow for a more targeted treatment.
I was initially attracted to the at-home laser treatment because I was hoping it would help smooth out the texture of the acne scars I have on my cheeks. While I'll need to continue treatment for at least two weeks to see any results, I've already noticed a slight reduction in redness since I started treatment, which is encouraging.
And Holly Corley of the Washington Post, who has been using LYMA for a few months, told me she's obsessed with the tool.
“I started using the LYMA laser in January and it's been part of my routine ever since,” she says. “I'll be honest, it's time-consuming, but it's worth the effort as I've seen improvements in the laxity and texture of my skin. I'm also thrilled with the improvement in my neckline. I also love that it's cordless, so I don't have to charge it as often.”
As with any skincare routine, consistency is key, and I look forward to continuing to use my LYMA Laser wherever my skin takes me this summer.
