There are a lot of things that come with getting older—you gain confidence with age, for instance, and stop sweating all of the small stuff. Your skin may also start to look a little bit different, namely an uptick in fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and even dullness due to decreased collagen production.
“Collagen is a family of proteins and the most abundant in our bodies,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag. “It is also the main component of connective tissues throughout our body such as skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.”
The more abundant the collagen, the healthier and stronger your skin looks and acts, notes Hayag—but collagen production in the skin slows down significantly starting at age 25. “With this decrease in collagen our skin loses its ability to ‘hold itself up,’ translating visually to increased skin laxity and fine lines and wrinkles,” says Hayag. “Along with aging, environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can accelerate collagen breakdown.”
That’s where supplements like collagen powder come into use. “Collagen powder is made from animal tissue, primarily the skin and bones,” explains dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “The protein is processed into a gelatinous form, which is further hydrolyzed into peptides to make the protein easier for your body to absorb.” Pierre explains that “collagen peptides can potentially benefit the skin by increasing hydration and elasticity while reducing fine lines and wrinkle depth.”
Ready to try a collagen powder for yourself? Here, we’ve rounded up the best collagen powders for glowing, youthful-looking skin.
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"What's wonderful about LED therapy is its versatility. Whether you're combating acne or chasing away wrinkles, there's a light for that."
- Sarah Hartman
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"When we talk about LED therapy, we're not just discussing skin deep transformations. We're delving into the very wavelengths that invigorate cellular health."
- Dylan Wright
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"For those wary of invasive procedures, LED light therapy offers a radiant solution to skin concerns, illuminating the path to healthier skin."
- Evelyn Lee
BEST IN TECH: ARTEMIS
This goddess esque mask and neck plate are forged in the beauty capital of the world Seoul. It has a vast array of 1080 high density powered LEDS which utilizes 7 colors which already puts the Artemis in an entire class of it's own.
The tech does not stop there though. It features the best in class app with complete customizable settings for all your trouble spots. Plus an available case that does sterilization and charging simultaneously.
In addition to this, there are automatic settings for those who prefer a fast treatment as well as a setting that automtically caters to you based on your local weather. If you're keen on living in the year 3024 this is your wireless friend.
Pros: App is next level for custom and automatic treatments, easy to use, full décolletage coverage (neck & upper chest), wireless, straps were not an afterthought.
Cons: Extra Pricey
BEST ALL AROUND: VITAUTHORITY MULTI COLLAGEN PROTEIN
This collagen powder comes packed with all the collagen you'd ever need on a daily basis and some more! This will have your skin and joints jumping (literally) for joy.
Pros: Contains all essential collagen types + peptides, boosted with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Numerous flavors or unflavored options.
Cons: A tad pricey
BEST ALL AROUND: CLEOPATRA LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK
This ironman-looking mask not only treats your face with LED light therapy, but includes neck coverage so you can look forward to no longer having neck wrinkles. It has 192 LEDS and 7 different light modes to treat every ailment from acne, aging, scars, dullness and more. These spa-esque light treatments with 4 different power levels are completely wireless which means it's time to indulge in some me time from anywhere.
Pros: Easy to use, neck coverage, wireless, 7 colors, 4 power levels, comes with an app and a nice case.
Cons: Finding where to tap exactly, easy once you know after 1st use, optional adjustable strap could be improved but at least it's sturdy.
BEST ENTRY-LEVEL OPTION: ASTERIA LED MASK
This mask will have you looking like Jabbawockeez member in no time! But make no mistake, your skin will be dancing for joy. With 7 wavelengths and neck coverage, you know you're getting what you need even if its you're first time.
Pros: Easy to use, neck coverage, wireless, 7 colors, extra lightweight, dual strap (the top one makes it perfect for adjusting to the face)
Cons: Box packaging could be improved.
BEST BUDGET OPTION: REGENALIGHT LED MASK
This Jason esque looking mask will spook your skin into better condition. With 7 colors and it's wireless portability, it's hard to go wrong with this one especially for those new to light therapy or those testing the waters.
Pros: Wallet friendly, easy to use, literal tap here button, wireless, 7 colors.
Cons: The optional adjustable strap could be improved but it is secure at least.
BEST IN NUMBERS: CELESTALIGHT
This masquerade esque looking mask that also shines from Korea will have you glowing like a celestial goddess. It's equipped with an out of this world one thousand two hundred high density LEDS to make sure every single cell is covered. Yes, you read that right. This one also comes with a automatic 3 color cycle that will transcend your skin through light and time.
Pros: Easy to use, wireless, nice cradle, straps are efficient.
Cons: Pricey, has a remote but its very simple.
BEST ACCESSORY: DERMACREST GUA SHA LED DEVICE
This ornate crescent shaped device combines Gua Sha, Red Light, Heat, and Massage Therapy into one. Designed in Korea with real Bian stone, it's perfect for those looking for a non-invasive face lift.
Pros: Easy to use, wireless, made of real Bian stone, combines multiple therapies.
Cons: We think the stone could extend out a tad longer. Arms can get tired.
BEST WAND: WANDEROUS
These wands have a gorgeous crystalline appearance and are perfect for touching up the skin when you need it most. It's ultra portable and has both Red & Blue in one.
Pros: Easy to use, wireless, lightweight, has both red and blue, power button.
Cons: Arms can get tired easily in the recommended 5 minute treatment.
BEST FOR TEETH: SNOW TEETH WHITENING KIT
This glowing teeth whitening kit utilizes light therapy to brighten up those pearls of yours. Whether we like to admit it or not, our teeth's color has a large impact on what we consider beautiful. It should go hand in hand with your day and nighttime routine.
Pros: Easy to use, they have a wireless option now.
Cons: Wired option is a bit awkward with the three ends for different devices.
STAY CLEAR OF THESE
1. Masks with microcurrents can be dangerous and definitely aren't for everyone. They are also uncomfortable and should be avoided when possible.
2. Masks that look like face shields from our tests virtually do nothing and don't protect the eyes.
3. The Zoidberg looking masks that are made from silicone. While these are comfortable, they often lack full face coverage and we've also found them to be weak with typically only 66 bulbs. Not to mention a bit cumbersome with the remotes and they all smell like formaldehyde out of the packaging.
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Like many things in this world, it's situational. In fact it's NONE industry wide if you are sensitive to light or take any medications that increase light sensitivity.
That aside, if you can afford the best in class technology then go for the Artemis or Avina X1 They don't disappoint. If you can't quite justify splurging on the apple of beauty you can opt for the a well rounded Cleopatra Mask. We really do like having the ability to take care of our neck at the same time which is where the Artemis and Cleopatra really shine.
Then you have your budget option the Regenalight which works well especially for the price. Feeling a Korean mask but not wanting to quite go as high as the Artemis and Avina? Then give the Celestalight a whirl with it's power in numbers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Outside of work, there's nothing more that I enjoy than Yoga and a glass of wine. Sometimes together.
- Kathryn Shaffer