How the ANSR Halo infrared light beauty kit arrived at my door:
Recently a publicist shipped me a little box with a little machine that looked a little like an alien spacecraft. Normally I’m excited when I receive these shipments- a new cream or perfume to test out, an eyeshadow to experiment with… you catch my drift, I’m sure. This time I was a little apprehensive. The thing had a plug. As in: requires electricity. As in: I know a lot of people think I’m crazy but I’m not entirely certain that I’m ready for electro-shock treatments quite yet.
According to their website (which I obviously probed for more info):
ANSR: HALO features next generation red light emitting diode (LED) lights paired with powerful infrared LED light to maximize its anti-aging benefits. The red light penetrates the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of pore size and redness. The infrared light goes even deeper to accelerate skin rejuvenation and to reduce the appearance of deeper fine lines and wrinkles.
Obviously that’s all well and good, but what every normal human would want to know is: does it hurt at all and is it effective? Well, I tried it. It buzzes mildly like a really ineffective Brookstone massager, but doesn’t hurt one bit. In fact, I kinda liked it when I used it on my collar bones (seriously, I figured it couldn’t hurt… those age too, right?). As for effectiveness, we’ll find out in another few weeks, but it sounds promising.
According to livestrong.com:
A 2005 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy examined 31 subjects who received eight treatments of infrared LED light therapy. After the treatments were done, 52 percent of the subjects had significant improvement of their facial appearance as measured by a technique called photoaging scoring. In addition, 82 percent of the patients reported that they had a marked reduction in facial wrinkles, especially around the eyes. This study concluded that while infrared LED light therapy does not work for everyone, it does represent a valid and effective way of treating wrinkles and other blemishes for many people.
