Is a luxury anti-aging device worth the price?

They say beauty is skin deep, which may explain why lasers are having a moment in the beauty industry. The technology is so powerful it can penetrate the dermis to stimulate collagen, creating firmer, brighter skin.

Until recently, this was a treatment available only in the offices of cosmetic dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or medispa. But then the LYMA laser came along and changed the whole game.

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What is the LYMA laser and how does it work?

The LYMA Laser works through cold therapy, also known as lower level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. This process triggers changes at the cellular level, increasing the production of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and growth factors to reduce oxidative stress.

In a small study published in the journal Skin Research & Technology in 2023, which included participants aged 45 to 70, researchers found that 12 minutes of LLLT laser therapy, performed twice a week for three months, resulted in:

• Reduced skin sagging
• Smaller pores
• Reduced crow’s feet
• Increased dermis density

Intriguing, you say? I agree.

The device has a power output of 500 milliwatts, which, says LYMA founder Lucy Goff, makes it “a completely new category of power for home consumers.”

The thin, portable device uses patented dispersive lens technology that disperses a central laser beam multiple times across its 3-centimeter lens, which removes the laser’s heat. “It’s not like traditional lasers that are used to heat tissue to stimulate collagen production,” Goff explained when we spoke via video chat. “It doesn’t damage any cells at all.”

In addition to not damaging tissue, the LYMA laser’s light is powerful enough to penetrate beyond the epidermis (the top layer of skin), penetrating cells and regenerating them to a more youthful and resilient state.

In simple terms, the anti-aging device activates the building blocks that are responsible for stronger, healthier skin. “Basically, what you’re doing is turning on more and more cells that have naturally died as part of the aging process, and giving your skin the power to behave itself before the aging process even begins.”

How to use the LYMA laser

According to his website, the LYMA laser must be used for at least 15 minutes a day for 90 days. Then you enter what Goff calls “maintenance mode,” and you only have to do treatments three times a week.

For anti-aging purposes, LYMA skincare is recommended with the device. The process begins with a spritz of Oxygen Mist on your face, followed by Glide. Both are included in the LYMA Laser starter kit. Goff was kind enough to give me a tutorial during our conversation, but the site has very short and helpful instructional videos on how to use both.

To use, simply glide the device across your face, holding it over areas that need extra TLC (think under-eye or laugh lines) for three minutes. Any slippage can then be removed with a clean, damp cloth, before applying serum and moisturizer.

Designed by a group of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, biochemists and geneticists, the skincare routine uses bioactives and includes retinol, peptides, antioxidants and moisturisers. Is it necessary to use a laser? No. But Goff recommends them because they are designed to support skin renewal. There is also a wealth of research on the benefits of the ingredients, which can be found on the “How It Works” page.

LYMA Laser: My (Updated) Review

Anyone who works closely with me on the NY Post Shopping Team knows that I have been fascinated by the LYMA Laser since I first heard about it in late 2023.

From collagen supplements to facials at the luxurious Spa de la Mer at Baccarat Hotel (ask for Lana, she’ll make your pores virtually colorless!), I’m always looking for that “something” to give my skin a boost.

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According to Mount Sinai, laser resurfacing is good for large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne scars. However, it is not without risks. Some laser treatments, for example, are not suitable for people of color because they can cause hyperpigmentation. One of the things that attracted me to the LYMA laser is that it is good for all skin tones and can be safely used at home.

I started testing the device back in January. For 15 minutes a day, every day for a month, I moved the at-home laser across my face, holding it under my eyes and on my cheeks, where I have the most visible texture.

At the end of the month I noticed that the texture of my cheeks had improved a bit. But what impressed me the most was that my skin felt tighter, a bit like I suddenly wore a bun 24/7.

To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of my “after” photos (or my “before” photos, for that matter) because my smartphone is on its last legs and the quality isn’t great. On the other hand, it’s hard to capture the feeling, and that was the main difference I noticed after a month of using the laser.

Fast forward to today, I think the change is more visible.

And since I don’t want to be accused of cheating the system, I’m posting more photos of myself taken after the attack, without makeupthat I’ve taken over the last few weeks.

The LYMA laser is not only a favorite of beauty device enthusiasts like me, but also of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Camila Morrone. Page Six editor Elana Fishman also tested the tool and said she noticed “a slight reduction in redness” after a week of using it.

The most important thing I have noticed after 6 months of testing the laser is that my skin looks firmer, less thin, and overall healthier than it did at the beginning of the year.

I don’t attribute all of this to the laser. I also use other skin devices, and I constantly modify my diet and sleep routine, which I think has helped me a lot (a child of the 80s, a millennial). I also always try to get rid of stress, which ages anyone faster than 100,000 cigarettes.

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My face has it maintained the tension I talked about when I first reviewed the at-home laser, which I think is important. And recently I’ve noticed that my eye lines (sorry, the term “tech neck” makes me cringe) have started to fade, which I 100% attribute to my skincare tool — I’ve been using SPF, moisturiser and anti-wrinkle cream a ton and have yet to see any improvement.

Final Verdict: Is the LYMA Laser Worth the Money?

The price of the laser scared me off at first, and honestly, I’m still not a fan of that aspect, but I think it’s worth it in the end. For most people, myself included, spending $2,695 on anything that’s not a car is too much. However, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, traditional laser resurfacing costs an average of $1,800.

When I think about it, the LYMA laser is kind of a bargain, especially when you know that you will need to do multiple in-office laser sessions to see the best results. The LYMA laser comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is good for All skin tones.

Other things I like about it are:

• Wireless design
• Can be used at home
• It works on the causes of aging at the cellular level
• Does not cause skin damage

Even though I no longer have to use the device daily, I do and enjoy it. I am not sure I would regain my facial sagging without it. While I know it is an investment, for those who cannot access a qualified provider due to budget or location, it is a great beauty tool.

I appreciate the science behind it, the fact that it causes deep repair, and that it is good for all skin types. There is also a payment plan available (around $225/month).

As I wrote when I posted my first review, no cream, device, or procedure will make you look twenty-one forever. On the plus side, there are many things that can make you look Really good for the unpredictable future, and the LYMA laser could be one of them.

How we test

I’m our buying team’s (unofficial) expert on skincare tools and have tested many of the latest anti-aging devices.

• Ease of use: I hate complicated instructions, so I wanted to make sure the laser instructions were easy to follow. I also wondered how long I would have to use the tool to see results.
• Efficiency: Does the device live up to its promises? Is there a similar product on the market that is better in some way? That’s what I tried to measure when reviewing the laser.
• Overall value: In addition to the above considerations, I investigated whether the laser affected my skin and/or overall skincare in a positive enough way to cancel out any con I encountered. For me, that would determine its overall value.

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