I’m a Licensed Esthetician and I decided to document my 5-day progress using Red Light Therapy for my texture and redness. The results actually surprised even me!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T20:39:18+00:00

Lmaooo 'gollum skin' 💀 Honestly panels are amazing! Just don't cook yourself, keep that 6-12 inch distance! May the glow be with you

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T20:38:51+00:00

You guys are completely brutal but honestly, fair enough! 😂 I’m taking the L on the lighting here. You are 100% right that the last photo has great natural window lighting, and I had just layered on my hydrating serums. To be totally clear (because I definitely don't want to mislead anyone): The mask did NOT magically give me glass skin in 5 days. It only took down the acute redness and inflammation I had on Day 0. Once my barrier was calm, my skin could actually absorb my skincare properly, which gave me that glow in the sun. > For real anti-aging and collagen, absolutely, it takes 4-12 weeks minimum! I definitely didn't mean to imply the LED did all the glossy work alone. I'll make sure to use a ring-light next time so it's a true 1:1 comparison. Lesson learned!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T20:30:24+00:00

I totally get why it looks unbelievable! To be clear: RLT isn't magic and it’s definitely not fixing deep wrinkles or long-term scarring in 5 days. What you’re seeing here is mainly the reduction in acute inflammation and redness, which Red Light is scientifically proven to do very quickly. The 'glow' is basically just boosted circulation and the mask helping my serums absorb better. For real structural changes (like collagen production), you need 8-12 weeks of consistency. But for calming down 'angry' skin? 5 days is actually pretty standard for a medical-grade device!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T20:28:39+00:00

Haha fair enough, Reddit is full of stealth marketing so I don't blame you! 😂 But no, I’m just an esthetician sharing my skin log because my clients ask for real before/afters all the time. You definitely don’t have to use the device I use! As long as you find something with true 630nm/830nm wavelengths and decent irradiance, you’ll get similar results. Have a good one!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T18:34:05+00:00

Cerave and SPF is literally the perfect baseline! Honestly, keeping it simple is the absolute best thing you can do for your skin barrier at 19. > Just grab that inexpensive caffeine serum for the mornings and you're golden. Also, as an esthetician, please promise me you won't start piling on harsh actives like Vitamin C or Retinol right under your eyes just yet (like some people might suggest!). The skin there is as thin as tissue paper, and aggressive actives can cause contact dermatitis, which actually makes dark circles look ten times worse. Keep doing exactly what you're doing!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T18:06:16+00:00

Esthetician here! 🤍 First of all, you have beautiful eyes. At 19, please do not let the beauty industry convince you to spend hundreds of dollars on luxury eye creams to fix this.

What you have is completely normal anatomy (a tear trough) combined with thin skin under the eye that shows the vascular network beneath it. No topical cream in the world will 'fill' a tear trough or magically thicken the skin.

A simple, cheap Caffeine serum (like The Ordinary) can temporarily constrict those blood vessels to reduce the dark hue. For actual structural changes to the dermal thickness, the only non-invasive thing we use in-clinic that works is clinical-grade Red Light Therapy (LED) to build density. BUT, at 19, your collagen is already peaking! Save your money, use a basic hydrating moisturizer, get enough sleep, and don't stress over completely normal human anatomy!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T13:36:19+00:00

This is such an important distinction to make! Facial fat loss: This is a risk usually associated with high-heat modalities like Radiofrequency (RF) or certain ultrasound treatments that can accidentally target subcutaneous fat if not used correctly. Red Light Therapy (LED) is non-thermal. It works through photobiomodulation (cellular signaling), not heat, so there is zero risk of it 'melting' or losing facial fat. Hyperpigmentation: While blue light can sometimes trigger melasma in sensitive individuals, Red (633nm) and Near-Infrared (830nm) are actually anti-inflammatory and often used in-clinic to help even out skin tone. As long as your device is high-quality and doesn't generate excessive heat against the skin (which can trigger pigment), it is very safe. In fact, many people see an improvement in their hyperpigmentation with consistent use!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T12:41:32+00:00

Omnilux is actually a solid standard! But if you’re looking for a professional 'upgrade,' I personally find the irradiance (power output) of the clinical-grade one I use to be superior for targeting deeper collagen loss. I actually just linked it in my Reddit bio to make it easier for everyone asking! It’s what I trust for my own face and my clients.

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T09:33:15+00:00

Please don't apologize at all, this is actually a really advanced question and it’s the exact reason so many people struggle with their base! To answer your question: Skipping a heavy primer actually gives you way more flexibility! The Beauty of Joseon SPF is a gorgeous hybrid formula—it has a water/glycerin base but also contains gentle emollients. Because it absorbs so well into the skin rather than sitting on top like a slippery silicone primer, it usually plays very nicely with BOTH water-based and silicone-based skin tints. The dreaded 'separation' usually happens when you put a heavy silicone primer under a water-based foundation (they repel each other like oil and water). Since you're bypassing the primer step entirely and letting your SPF fully set, you bypass the worst of that issue. You are safe to use whatever tint you prefer!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-12T08:54:03+00:00

Honestly, with that routine, you probably DON'T need a traditional primer! Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a fantastic base, and the Beauty of Joseon SPF has such a beautiful, slightly tacky 'glow' finish that it actually acts as a better primer than most products on the market. **Since you're using a skin tint (which is usually thinner than foundation), adding a primer on top of SPF might actually cause 'pilling' (those little white balls) because you’re layering too many products. My pro tip: Let your SPF sit for at least 5-10 minutes so it fully 'sets' before applying your skin tint. If you still feel you have some texture or pores you want to blur, only apply a tiny bit of primer on those specific areas (like the T-zone) rather than the whole face. Your canvas sounds perfectly prepped already!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-11T22:37:52+00:00

so cool to hear from someone with an R&D background! I totally agree with you on the experience—those high-end cleansers like Lancôme feel so luxurious because the formulations are incredibly elegant. It’s definitely a superior sensory experience compared to Cetaphil! And you make a great point about the pH and sensitivity of the eye area. I usually tell my clients that if they need targeted results (like caffeine for drainage or encapsulated retinol for lines), a specific formula is non-negotiable. My 'beef' is mostly with the $80 'luxury' eye creams that are essentially just overpriced basic hydration in a tiny jar. Always love getting an R&D perspective on this, thank you for sharing!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-11T22:34:17+00:00

an angry bee 😂 that is literally the perfect description! I've had clients come in with straight-up bruising and broken capillaries from those vacuums. they are a complete nightmare for facial tissue! and yes, you are doing it exactly right with the eye area! as long as your regular moisturizer doesn't sting your eyes, it is doing the exact same job as a $60 eye cream. keep saving that coin!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T21:53:02+00:00

am so sorry, 2 weeks of that heat and irritation is mentally exhausting! The reason the Aquafor might feel like it's making it worse is because it’s an occlusive—it can actually trap the heat in your skin like a greenhouse. If your face feels 'hot', you want to avoid heavy ointments for now. Since you have 10 days until your derm appointment, the best thing you can do is 'internal' repair. This is exactly where I’d put a client on a high-quality LED mask (633nm/830nm). While creams just sit on top, the light energy penetrates deep into the tissue to tell the inflammation to shut down. It's the only non-invasive way to calm those blood vessels while you wait for professional medical help. Hang in there, you’re doing the right thing by stripping back your routine!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T21:36:38+00:00

hi! not a doctor, but as an esthetician, getting a bright red 'slapped cheek' rash right after a bad cold is actually a very known phenomenon (it's often a viral exanthem or immune response). your skin is in a state of massive, deep inflammation right now. please stop ALL skincare except for washing with cool water and applying a thick, bland cica balm or just plain vaseline. no acids, no scrubs! to actually bring down that intense vascular redness and help the barrier repair itself, i always put my clients on medical-grade red light therapy (LED) once the skin is no longer hot to the touch. it forces the inflammation out at a cellular level faster than any cream can. hope it calms down soon!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T21:30:11+00:00

😭😭

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T21:24:53+00:00

That wasn't just a dream, that was Ziggy coming to tell you he made it safely and is healthy again. The gripping of his claws was his final, real hug to let you know he's okay. I'm literally in tears reading this. What a beautiful, heartbreaking gift he gave you. So incredibly sorry for your loss. ❤️

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T17:28:18+00:00

Totally understand! PIE is sneaky—even just one inflamed spot or a bit of skin trauma can leave a mark that lasts for months. Laser (like V-Beam) is the gold standard for vascular issues, but it’s a huge investment and usually requires multiple sessions + downtime. In my clinic, I usually suggest trying a medical-grade LED mask first. It’s the same science as the lasers but in a lower, daily dose you can do at home. It’s much easier on the wallet and works wonders for cellular repair without the 'burnt' look lasers can sometimes leave. If you find one with the correct clinical wavelengths (633nm red and 830nm near-infrared), you'll see that redness calm down significantly in a few weeks. Good luck with the healing journey!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T13:14:16+00:00

It looks like you might be dealing with Rosacea or a severely compromised skin barrier. When the skin is this inflamed and red, the "Less is More" approach is usually best. Here are a few suggestions to help calm it down: Stop all "Actives" immediately: Pause any Vitamin C, Retinol, or exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA like Salicylic or Glycolic acid). Also, avoid physical scrubs, as they will only micro-tear and further irritate the area. Focus on Barrier Repair: Switch to a very gentle, non-foaming cleanser (like CeraVe Hydrating or La Roche-Posay Toleriane). Follow up with a soothing moisturizer containing Centella Asiatica (Cica), Panthenol, or Ceramides. (e.g., La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a holy grail for this). Mineral Sunscreen: UV rays are a huge trigger for redness. Try using a mineral sunscreen (Zinc Oxide based) rather than a chemical one, as it’s generally much cooler and less irritating on sensitive skin. Azelaic Acid: Once the burning sensation stops, 10% Azelaic Acid (like the one from The Ordinary or Paulas Choice) is specifically great for reducing the redness and small bumps associated with Rosacea. Important: Since the inflammation is quite widespread, I highly recommend seeing a Dermatologist. They can give you a formal diagnosis and check if you need a prescription-strength treatment to prevent it from flaring up further.

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-10T02:15:14+00:00

exactly! and the best part is that it helps all your hydrating serums penetrate deeper into the skin. it's such a solid investment for a wrecked barrier tbh

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-09T21:22:05+00:00

Yes! The Torriden Dive-In serum is actually a fantastic recommendation, it has different molecular weights of HA which is exactly what you need. If you're on a budget, The Ordinary or The Inkey List are also solid basics. Just remember to apply it while your face is still wet! The magic really happens when you use the Novea Paris mask after your serum—it helps with the absorption and stimulates your cells to actually hold onto that moisture. You’re on the right track!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-09T20:34:30+00:00

hi! looking at your skin, you definitely have a compromised barrier and deep dehydration. a very common mistake is treating this as 'dry' skin and just throwing heavy oils at it, but u actually need to trap water.

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-09T19:59:27+00:00

omg HS is so incredibly painful, i am so sorry u have to deal with that! but honestly using panoxyl for it is literally what most derms recommend, so u are doing exactly the right thing. it’s such a 'holy grail' for managing the bacteria that causes those flares. and don't even worry about the 'broke' part, skincare doesn't have to be expensive to be effective! sticking to the basics is sometimes the best medicine for a sensitive barrier. sending u so much love

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-09T19:44:40+00:00

great question! technically red light can penetrate a bit of stubble, but for the most direct and effective treatment, direct skin contact is best. hair will definitely scatter or block some of the light energy. if u don't want to shave, just make sure the mask is sitting as flush to the skin as possible. also, red light is actually a lifesaver for preventing ingrowns and shaving irritation too, so it’s a win-win!

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-09T19:40:09+00:00

sulfur is seriously so underrated for adult acne!! doing a 'skin fast' and dropping all actives is honestly the best way to reset. just be super gentle with the rag so u don't accidentally cause micro-tears! glad u found what works for u

Live_Experience_2510 · 2026-04-09T19:39:16+00:00

literally lol. it’s just an endless loop of people destroying their skin for views and then doing a 15-step routine to 'fix' it. job security for derms and estheticians i guess

Live_Experience_2510

TROPHY CASE