The Lyma Laser Offers a Clinical-Grade Laser Treatment—at Home
If the Lyma Laser hasn't already made it onto your socials, it's only a matter of time. This much-hyped portable cold-laser device is the latest beauty tool to feature in many a celeb skin-care routine and is designed for use at home or on the go. Promising to improve wrinkles, fade scars and pigmentation, and pretty much transform your skin, the Lyma Laser can tackle a host of skin concerns without a needle or bulky LED face mask.
The standard Lyma Laser (with 8-cm² treatment lens) was launched in 2020, while the larger, more enhanced Lyma Laser PRO version with a 30-cm² treatment lens for both face and body has just dropped stateside. And the A-listers are loving it. Hailey Bieber is reported to use the Lyma Laser as part of her pre-Met Gala skin prep to get glowing results, while Carey Mulligan bought one as an Oscars present to herself, praising its effectiveness at fading a scar between her eyes. With such positive feedback online, I was keen to try out the Lyma Laser on my tired mom-life skin, as who doesn't want flawless-looking skin?
The Lyma is unlike anything else on the market. Founded by former journalist Lucy Goff, the Lyma Laser is the first FDA-cleared, clinical-grade cosmetic laser for home use. The technology was originally developed as a medical laser in a research unit to heal injuries such as degenerated cartilage, torn tendons, and respiratory inflammation. But one positive side effect was noticed: As the laser reached the damaged tissue inside, it visibly transformed the skin and reversed the signs of aging. And so Lyma was born. But this high-tech spec comes at a price. Both jowl-tightening Lyma devices have jaw-dropping prices to boot—at the time of writing, the Lyma Laser costs $2,695, while the Lyma Laser PRO is $5,995. Keen to see if I could notice a visible improvement to my complexion, I tried the Lyma Laser on my face for 12 weeks. Simply Glide or Hold
The portable cordless Lyma Laser is different from anything I've tried before. It uses a 500-milliwatt 'cold-laser' beam at a wavelength of 808 nanometers (near infrared) to promote cellular regeneration across 8 square centimeters of skin. To use the laser, you simply glide the tip across the contours of your face and neck or hold it in place in a problem area for three minutes at a time.
The device comes in a luxurious black box, complete with its own USB charging dock, information booklet, cleansing sponges, a carry pouch, and a 30-day supply of the Lyma Oxygen Mist and Oxygen Glide, which are designed to work alongside the laser to optimize results. A copper membership card is also included so you can activate your warranty and join the LYMA Power Circle, a members' portal for consultations and classes.
Before I started using the Lyma Laser, I jumped on a Zoom call with the Lyma Concierge, which is a service the brand offers to all its customers. The Lyma representative (with beautifully flawless skin) offered advice to get me started. She suggested that for the first 12 weeks, I divide my face into four sections and glide the laser across each section for three minutes at a time. I could also simply place the laser over problem areas for a few minutes. After 12 weeks, she suggested dropping down to using the laser four times a week. After just a week, I should expect to see an immediate glow, but with consistent use for 12 weeks and more, I should be able to see more significant changes to my wrinkles, skin elasticity, crow's feet, and jowls. Feeling a little self-conscious but excited to get going, I charged the device for four hours, applied the Oxygen Mist and Glide (containing active stabilized oxygen) to my skin, and set to work with the laser. Noticeable Results in One Week
My first week using the laser was novel, and I enjoyed the ritual of washing my face, applying the gel, and using the laser wherever I was—in bed, in front of the TV, or even in the kitchen while waiting for the kettle to boil. I've tried LED face masks in the past, and while both are designed to improve skin, the Lyma laser uses a different technology than the LED face mask, which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to penetrate the skin on a shallow level, typically reaching the epidermis and upper dermis. The Lyma's near-infrared laser penetrates more deeply, reaching the hypodermis, being absorbed by the mitochondria, and boosting cell energy.
I like how discreetly you can use this laser. It can conveniently be used both under or over makeup. While it's good to leave the gel on for as long as possible to get the full moisturizing benefits, I found it too sticky, so I removed it after each session.
While using the laser, I made sure not to apply pressure or pull the skin and worked my way across my facial lymphatic system to 'drain out toxins.' In my second month, when the gel had run out, I was happy to switch to using my regular face creams and facial oil, which I think worked just as well with the laser. Replacement bottles of the 40-milliliter Oxygen Mist and 50-milliliter Oxygen Glide are sold in pairs for $175.
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CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Microcurrent Devices: Do They Work and Are They Worth It? We Asked Skin Experts
Over the past few years, many people have added a microcurrent device to their skin care regimen, hoping it will delay aging, produce collagen, sculpt facial muscles and improve skin texture. Many celebrities have even promoted the use of these devices in their own skin care routine videos. But do these at-home microcurrent devices from popular brands like NuFace, ZIIP, Therabody and Foreo actually work? And are they worth the cost? To learn more about whether a microcurrent device is worth adding to your collection of skin care tools, we reached out to dermatologists to find out the potential benefits, side effects and more. Do at-home microcurrent devices work? At-home microcurrent devices aren't cheap -- costing hundreds of dollars. If you're thinking about investing in one, you might be wondering whether they actually work. What do the experts say? "Yes, at-home microcurrent devices can provide noticeable benefits, though they're generally less powerful than professional-grade treatments," said Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. "These devices deliver low-level electrical currents designed to stimulate facial muscles and boost circulation. Over time, this can create a temporary lifting effect and provide mild improvement in skin tone." While the effectiveness of at-home microcurrent devices hasn't been thoroughly tested, some research studies show that they can provide real results. In a 2024 study, 56 people were instructed to use the Slendertone Face microcurrent device and 52 people were placed in a control group. After using the Slendertone Face device five days per week for 12 weeks, participants reported significantly better skin tone, radiance and fewer wrinkles compared to the control group. But before you start using an at-home microcurrent device, it's important to set realistic expectations. "At-home microcurrent devices can be a beneficial part of your skincare routine, but they work best for mild improvements and maintenance, rather than dramatic changes," said Kopelman. "For individuals looking for more immediate or pronounced results, professional treatments remain the gold standard." Wellness editor Anna Gragert's results using the NuFACE TRINITY+, before, during and after. Anna Gragert/CNET At-home microcurrent device benefits When you use an at-home microcurrent device consistently, it can have a wide range of benefits for your skin. "The main benefits include mild lifting and firming of the skin, improved circulation and enhanced lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness. Some users also report that their skin looks more refreshed and radiant after consistent use," Kopelman said. For deeper wrinkles and significant sagging, however, Kopelman said these devices probably won't have the same effect as professional treatments or more invasive in-office procedures. While these at-home devices can be effective, the results aren't one-size-fits-all. According to Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a dermatologist at New York-based UnionDerm, "The benefits of at-home microcurrent devices vary from person to person based on age, health status and behavioral choices, like sun exposure, smoking, diet and the specific device used." Like with most skin care treatments and procedures, you shouldn't expect results immediately. "With at-home devices, consistency is everything," Gmyrek said. "I recommend using a microcurrent device daily, or at least three to five times per week. Think of it like the gym -- if you don't continue to go, you will lose the benefits." Potential microcurrent device negative side effects Generally speaking, at-home microcurrent devices are safe when used as directed. And because the microcurrents are small, the treatments shouldn't be painful. Some side effects are possible, though. "Some people may experience mild redness or a tingling sensation during use but this is usually temporary. However, improper use -- like applying excessive pressure or using the device for longer than recommended -- can lead to skin irritation or muscle fatigue," said Kopelman. In the 2024 study referenced above, only a few participants experienced mild skin redness during their treatments. None of the participants had any other adverse reactions, suggesting that these devices are mostly safe. While there are dozens of at-home devices that deliver microcurrents, they're not all created equal. Each device works differently and has unique advantages and drawbacks. If you're in the market for an at-home microcurrent device, there are a few things you should look for, according to Gmyrek. She recommends buying a device with FDA clearance, multiple intensity levels and different functions, like the option to use LED light therapy. You should also look for a device that comes with or requires a conductive gel to properly transmit the microcurrent. Pick a device from a well-established brand with positive user and expert reviews. The ZIIP HALO with its Electric Complex Gel. Anna Gragert/CNET How to use an at-home microcurrent device Before using an at-home microcurrent device, read the manufacturer's instructions. Each device might be slightly different but here's a general overview of how these devices should be used: Wash your face: You should always start with clean, dry skin before using a microcurrent device. Apply conductive: Most microcurrent devices require a conductive gel that allows the device to glide over your face and helps deliver the current into the deeper layers of your skin. Select the intensity level: If your device has multiple intensity settings, select the one that is right for your skin at the time of use. Start low and gradually increase once you get used to the different settings. Glide the device over your face: Using light pressure, gently move the device across your face in an upward and outward motion. You can use the device on your jawline, cheekbones, forehead and the sides of your neck (make sure to avoid the thyroid in the center). Remove the gel from your face and device: Once you're finished, wash the gel off your face. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the device -- generally, you can wipe off the gel with a soft, clean cloth. Then, you can continue with the next steps in your skin care routine. Repeat based on the manufacturer's recommendation: Most at-home microcurrent devices should only be used five times per week, for 3 to 5 minutes, but some devices can be used daily. Check the instructions to see how often your device should be used for optimal results. Best microcurrent devices To figure out which microcurrent devices are the best, CNET wellness editor Anna Gragert tested six devices over the course of two months. Based on price, modes, accessories, features, FDA clearance, cleaning instructions, app compatibility and the required conductive gel, she found the NuFACE TRINITY+ to be the best microcurrent device overall. The NuFACE TRINITY+ is priced at $395. It helps you track time with audible beeps, has helpful tutorials on its app and is easy to charge with its included stand. If you're looking for a device with more features, such as massage and LED light therapy, the $420 TheraFace Pro is recommended. This device can also cleanse the face. Hot and cold rings are sold separately but can be used with the device. The only potential downside is that app tutorials are on the longer side and would be better with voice instructions. Can you overdo it with a microcurrent device? At-home microcurrent devices aren't without risks and using them too often can do more harm than good. "Overuse can lead to inflammation in the skin, redness and swelling," said Gmyrek. If that happens, you should stop using the device immediately until your side effects resolve. "Using an at-home microcurrent device too frequently can also cause muscle fatigue, leaving the facial muscles feeling sore or overly tight. Sticking to the manufacturer's recommended usage schedule can help avoid this issue," added Kopelman. Before you start using an at-home microcurrent device, read the instructions on the frequency of use, which will vary by product. For example, the Foreo Bear is designed to be used every day. However, the NuFace Trinity Plus and SkinGym Microcurrent Wand should be used five times per week for 60 days, and then up to three times per week for maintenance. Don't be tempted to use the device more often than what's recommended. Experts agree that overusing won't provide better benefits or faster results. Plus, you could end up damaging your skin in the process. Who shouldn't use an at-home microcurrent device? Although at-home microcurrent devices are typically safe, not everyone is a good candidate. "Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, a pacemaker or other implanted electrical devices, should avoid using microcurrent devices, as the electrical currents could interfere with their function," said Kopelman. Microcurrent devices should also be avoided during pregnancy, unless it's cleared by a health care vs. at-home microcurrent devices Microcurrent is a popular offering at many medical spas and skin care clinics as a standalone treatment or an add-on to other services. According to experts, in-office treatments offer more bang for your buck. "Professional microcurrent devices used in clinical settings are much more powerful and can deliver a more significant, long-lasting lifting effect in a shorter period of time," said Kopelman. Additionally, professional treatments can be better personalized to your needs, potentially giving you better results faster. "Licensed professionals are also trained to adjust settings based on your skin's needs, which makes the treatment more customized," said Kopelman. "At-home devices, by contrast, are designed to be safe for general use, so they deliver lower current levels and require more frequent treatments to maintain results." At-home microcurrent devices aren't cheap, either. FDA-cleared devices can cost anywhere from $150 to upward of $400. Most devices also require a conductive gel, which is sold separately. However, at-home devices tend to be slightly cheaper than professional procedures. In-office microcurrent treatments often cost between $250 and $500 per session but it depends on various factors, including the type of treatment, length of treatment and your location. The bottom line At-home microcurrent devices can be a great addition to your skin care routine if you want to improve skin firmness, reduce puffiness and sculpt your face. But it's important to have realistic expectations about the results. While at-home devices do work, they aren't nearly as effective as professional treatments. If you're on the fence about getting an at-home microcurrent device, there are a few things you can consider. First, think about your skin goals. An at-home microcurrent device won't get rid of deep wrinkles and it's not an alternative to Botox, dermal fillers or skin lasers. You should also determine how often you will realistically use the device. Here's some advice from Gmyrek: "Be honest with yourself -- if you aren't going to use an at-home device consistently, don't bother spending the money on it. Instead, spend that money on in-office treatments that are more effective."
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
A ‘detox' after Covid vaccination? Experts say it's nonsense
Podcast host Meghan McCain, the former co-host of 'The View,' made headlines when she posted to social media recently in support of a 'detox' supplement to be taken after Covid-19 vaccination or infection. The 'detox' supplement McCain touted costs $89.99 and is one of several versions sold online. It make claims about its ability to 'break down spike protein and disrupt its function' and provide 'your body with unparalleled support for cellular defense and detoxification.' Vaccine experts say such claims are nonsense. 'There's nothing to detox from, because the vaccines themselves are not toxins,' said Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan. 'They're not toxic and they're not harmful.' McCain's X post about the supplement has been deleted, but McCain's personalized discount code continued to work on the website of the supplement maker, The Wellness Company. Neither McCain's representatives nor The Wellness Company responded to a request for comment. McCain also posted this week about 'concerning data' about mRNA vaccines and said friends had experienced health problems after getting the Covid-19 shot. As part of the post, she shared a video that suggested material in the vaccines could stick around long-term and change a person's genome. Vaccine experts say that just isn't true. The messenger RNA in Covid-19 vaccines instructs cells in the body to make a certain piece of the virus' spike protein — the structure on the surface of the coronavirus. The mRNA vaccine is like a blueprint that the body uses to train the immune system to recognize the virus that causes Covid and protect against it, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 'MRNA is only in there in minute amounts,' Schaffner said. 'The spike protein is metabolized. It's broken up by our own body very, very quickly. So it's not in a position to disseminate or be distributed throughout the body requiring some sort of 'detoxification.' 'It's simply not scientifically a valid concept.' Since mRNA is so short-lived, vaccine makers do make a modification that allows it to stick around a little longer than it would otherwise, Rasmussen said. 'But mRNA, even modified mRNA like in these vaccines, does not stay around forever,' Rasmussen said. 'It's still not a very stable molecule.' Rasmussen said she has also read that some believe the lipid nanoparticle used to get the mRNA into the cells lingers and is toxic. The lipid nanoparticle, Rasmussen said, 'also don't stick around forever.' She said they get broken down at about the same rate the mRNA does, 'or even maybe a little before.' Schaffner believes maybe some of the language scientists use to describe how mRNA vaccines work may be unhelpful. 'I wonder if the very name of the protein, this 'spike protein' just makes people uneasy,' Schaffner said. If scientists called it something like the 'key protein' — since it's like a key that goes into a lock in the cell, which enables the protein to get inside 'and then do its good work' — that 'might not have evoked quite as much anxiety,' Schaffner suggested. Rasmussen believes people would still misconstrue the science regardless, particularly with leaders in the Trump administration who have spent years undermining the safety of vaccines or have a history of promoting dubious supplements. 'A lot of this isn't misinformation, it's really disinformation because people who start this stuff know what they're doing,' Rasmussen said. Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says the availability of vaccine 'detox' products speaks to a bigger problem with the way the United States manages dietary supplements. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which must be tested and approved before they go to market and then comply with strict regulations about how they can be marketed, the US Food and Drug Administration doesn't have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed. Fear or distrust of Covid-19 vaccines is an easy target for supplement makers, Cohen said. 'This is a perfect scenario for supplements to jump in to the rescue,' Cohen said. 'You manufacture a false health concern, and then you have the solution that you can settle with a supplement. It's really a perfect opportunity for supplement manufacturers to profit from. From something that doesn't even exist.' It's hard, he said, to even define what 'detoxing' from a Covid-19 vaccine would mean. 'Are you trying to wash away the effects that boosted immunity against Covid? Is that the goal? I think it's a very vague, moving sort of target,' Cohen said. 'Or is it more that there's some fear that the Covid vaccine causes more harm than the government's letting on. Then the idea is that you sell these supplements to prevent that mystery harm.' 'I think it's a health fear mongering approach and profiting by the fear,' Cohen added. No vaccine is perfect, the experts said, but the risk with the Covid vaccine is extremely small and the problems like a sore arm or a low-grade fever that some of his patients have experienced resolved quickly. 'That's not something that any supplement will help resolve faster,' Cohen said. Research has consistently shown that the mRNA Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and millions of people have gotten them without serious incident. As of May, the FDA required Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna to use expanded warning labels with more information about the risk of a rare heart condition after vaccination. Some studies have found that Covid-19 infection itself carries a higher risk of myocarditis or pericarditis than vaccination. Schaffner said if there were true problems with any of the Covid vaccines, the country's surveillance system would have caught it by now. That's what happened with the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine: Surveillance identified a rare risk of a severe blood clotting syndrome, particularly among some women. The vaccine is no longer in use. 'The system works,' Schaffner said. 'These mRNA vaccines are safe, and that's been seen in millions and millions of patients.' What may be even more dangerous, experts say, is the disinformation surrounding vaccines that drives people to want to take a supplement to detox from them in the first place. 'This is a much bigger problem,' Rasmussen said. 'It's important to smack this disinformation down where we can. It's morally wrong and reprehensible.'
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
Medical professionals say schools have gotten too political, citing ‘unscientific modes of thinking'
Two medical professionals argued in a new report that "medical school has gotten too political," citing "unscientific modes of thinking." "Medical students are now immersed in the notion that undertaking political advocacy is as important as learning gross anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology," the authors wrote in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Sally Satel, a lecturer in psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, and Thomas S. Huddle, a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Heersink School of Medicine, cited several instances of political sentiments affecting the medical school industry. They noted that researchers are "promoting unscientific modes of thinking about group-based disparities in health access and status." "The University of Minnesota's Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity decrees 'structural racism as a fundamental cause of health inequities,' despite the fact that this is at best an arguable thesis, not a fact. (The center was shut down last month.) The Kaiser Family Foundation states that health differentials 'stem from broader social and economic inequities,'" the authors write. Satel and Huddle pushed further by detailing an incident that occurred at the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center. The institution not only called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, the authors wrote that staff chanted "intifada, intifada, long live intifada!" which "echoed into patients' rooms." The New York Times reported last summer that the protesters at the University of California, San Francisco, chanting "intifada" consisted of medical students and doctors. Such an incident lays out more deeply the consequences of medical schools prioritizing politics over instruction on professional imperatives, according to the authors. "These doctors were not putting patients first — if anything, they were offending and intimidating patients. They were putting their notion of social justice first," they wrote. The two medical professionals cite other instances where medical schools are steeped in politics, such as endorsing "racial reparations" and instituting "antiracism" training in order to qualify for a medical license in the wake of George Floyd's death. Satel and Huddle offer medical professionals "guidelines" for how to "responsibly" meet patients' needs while leveraging their "professional standing to effect change", including advocating for policies that "directly help patients and are rooted in professional expertise while ensuring that their advocacy does not interfere with their relationships with their colleagues, students, and patients." Satel, a practicing psychiatrist, told Fox News Digital that she is the medical director of a methadone clinic that represents a clinical setting. In response to Fox News Digital's request for comment, Huddle said that his "academic career has been as a clinician teaching how to care for patients while caring for them."
