If you are interested in at-home skin care, you have likely heard about the benefits of LED light therapy. Originally discovered by NASA, the Cleveland Clinic calls it a non-invasive treatment that uses light to penetrate the skin and boost cell production. The therapy has been studied to help with everything from boosting skin tone and texture to clearing up psoriasis and even smoothing the appearance of wrinkles.
Affordable At-Home Therapy
While you can get it done at a spa, you could also snag a foldable three-panel light for LED therapy whenever you want, wherever you want. After weeks of retailing for full price, the light is currently close to 30% off, making it less than $50. That is less than the price of most single professional sessions, and a steal for something that one user says makes their skin look brighter and feel smoother.
$49.98 at Amazon (regularly $79.99)
Versatile Design and Multiple Light Modes
The folding device offers seven light therapy colors. Many at-home red light therapy products are big, bulky face masks. If you are sensitive to having things covering your face, or prefer your devices to serve many purposes, this folding light lets you apply red light therapy all over your body as well. You can pull the panels open and lie underneath it, allowing the light to soothe your face and neck, slide your arms, legs, hands or ankles under it, or even prop the device on its side to treat your back or torso.
“I love how lightweight the product is, and it folds down flat for easy storage. It offers a large area so I can use it on my face, neck and décolleté,” one reviewer wrote. “My husband even used it for his back when he pulled a muscle.” Though it needs to be plugged in, shoppers say it is easy to position exactly where you want it. “There is no need for straps or complicated setup,” another reviewer noted. “It feels comfortable and lightweight, making it a nice addition to a self-care routine. After using it consistently for about 10–15 minutes, I have noticed my skin looks brighter and feels smoother.” One reviewer swears their skin feels tighter immediately after use.
Color Therapy Benefits
Another benefit of this light is the variety of color therapies offered, which shoppers find to be incredibly effective at lightening dark spots and smoothing wrinkles, especially with consistent use. According to the brand, red light is used to boost collagen and reduce wrinkles, while blue light is intended to reduce inflammation and treat acne. The other lights—green, yellow, cyan, purple, and white—can be used on their own or in combination with red or blue to provide even more personalized, targeted care.
“I have been using this red light mask for 6 months now. I cannot begin to tell you the noticeable difference in my skin,” one user wrote. “My mother asked me what I did to my face. She accused me of getting a facelift! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.” Another shopper with sun spots and loose skin says the lamp helped with evening and firming so much so that people now ask if they are younger than their little sister.
Reviewer cablemom calls the light “hands-down, one of my best purchases on Amazon,” saying that after several weeks of use, they notice fading sun spots and more even skin. “It helped reduce redness and evened out my complexion. The list of physical and psychological benefits are outstanding,” they noted, adding how relaxing the machine is. Another calls the mask a “game-changer” and the “best purchase ever” for its shape and effectiveness. “The foldable design makes storage a breeze, and the 7-color light therapy works wonders. After just 2 weeks, my sun spots are fading and my skin looks radiant,” they wrote.
The brand recommends using the light for 15-30 minutes daily and using protective eyewear (not included) if using it on your face. The straightforward control panel is on top of the light, letting you easily select the time and color of your session. “I have noticed my skin is much softer after just a few weeks of using the red light therapy,” Dip Patel said. “It is relaxing because it is hands-free and also is not stuck to your face. I do it every night before bed and it makes me sleep better too.”
$49.98 at Amazon (regularly $79.99)
Additional Neck Care Recommendations
Another sensitive area is the neck. Here are three under-$25 dermatologist recommendations for addressing or preventing wrinkles there.
Popular Skin Barrier-Strengthening Cream Under $20
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Seemal R. Desai at Innovative Dermatology previously spoke to HuffPost about crepey skin and suggested the ever-favorite CeraVe moisturizing cream as a good hydrator. “I recommend moisturizing with thick emollients, which helps to replace the ceramides and lipid concentration in the skin, which can help with overall skin hydration,” Desai said. “I really like the CeraVe moisturizing brand line, and I recommend the creams over lotions. One of my favorite moisturizers in the entire world, and one I recommend to patients every day, is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It is a rich, non-greasy and fast-absorbing cream that releases a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients, including essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It is also fragrance-free, so it is great for even the most sensitive skin types.”
$13.34 at Amazon
UPF 50+ Infused Neck Scarf
Regarding sun protection for your neck, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp previously said that you should consider wearing a scarf or neck gaiter made of lightweight UPF fabric. “Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) fabrics provide protection by blocking the sun’s rays. Sun scarves and neck gaiters can complement an SPF moisturizer,” he said. Based on his suggestion, we found this gender-neutral bandana made from a soft and cool UPF fabric that blocks 98% of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. It comes in four colors like black, apricot, and white. Get it for 25% off.
$19.99 at Amazon
Highly Rated Retinol Cream Under $30
“Retinol has been scientifically proven to thicken both the epidermis and the dermis,” said Dr. Kung. “It also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin within the dermis.” To find a suitable retinol-containing product, we turned to a previous suggestion from Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology. This rapid wrinkle repair cream by Neutrogena uses an accelerated retinol complex to promote cellular turnover. It also contains a hydrating dose of hyaluronic acid and can be suitable in treating crepey skin. Note that if you are new to retinols, they have the potential to cause mild flaking and irritation in the first couple weeks of use. They can also cause skin to be more sensitive to the sun, so it is important to wear sunscreen.
$24.97 at Amazon
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