The world of beauty is subjected to trends just like the world of fashion: ingredients, cosmetics, and devices one day they are “in” and the day after they are “out” – to phrase the TV show Project Runway. Now it’s the turn of the LYMA laser, the most talked about, instagrammed, tiktok’d, at home device. It’s all over social media and the web, with enthusiastic testimonials and stellar reviews.

It's a clinic-grade laser, using low-laser therapy (LLLT), a technology already used in the 60s in clinics to treat conditions such as rebuilding cartilage and healing tendons. The latest innovation? This technology is now available in a small device that can easily be used at home or carried around when travelling.

Unlike traditional laser devices that work through the stress/damage response (inflicting injury to the skin in order to stimulate collagen), the LYMA Laser works by using cold near-infrared LLLT to penetrate to the deepest layers of the skin (through the subcutaneous layer to the base layers) to completely remodel and rebuild it without causing any damage to a single cell in the process. When the laser reaches the base layer of the skin, the light energy triggers a genetic switch inside the skin cells telling them not to die off, but to recharge, regenerate, and repair.

Basically, this device regenerates your skin from the deepest layer, but not only that: reduces wrinkles, counteracts sagging skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, soothes skin redness, bruises, and visible capillaries, smooths scars (also acne scars) and even improves the appearance of cellulite.

It’s painless and does not damage the skin. It can also be used on super sensitive areas like under eyes and on all skin tones, even the darker ones.

It can be used anywhere on your body, including on your hands, knees and abdominal. Or on your arms, to treat the infamous “bingo wings” the sagging skin between elbow and armpit. In a few words, it’s a do-it-all laser with, it appears, astonishing results.

When the occasion came to test it, I seize it immediately. Because raise your hand if you don’t love an efficient at-home device: you can use it when you want while multitasking, while working on your laptop, while listening to a podcast, or while watching your favourite show. Before embarking on this journey, I booked a consultation on Zoom with Abigail, an expert from the LYMA concierge team, available for anyone looking for more info on the laser.

From Abigail, I learned that:

• The LYMA laser effect is gradual and cumulative, so it needs to be used daily for at least three months, and 15 minutes a day per area to treat. After the first three months you can use it 2-3 times a week to maintain results. You can glide across your face (or anywhere you want to use it) as shown on the tutorials on LYMA website or YouTube channel, or you can hold it on a specific area for at least three minutes.

• To optimise the performance, before using the laser, you should apply the active mist and serum (which comes with the laser starter kit), rich in oxygen and formulated to deliver the deepest cellular regeneration possible. On top of the serum and mist you can add an oil or a cream of your choice (even retinol) to let the device glide even smoother on your skin. The active mist and serum are not mandatory but do optimise the performance of the LYMA Laser.

• The laser can be used also if on the same day you use other tools like a Gua Sha or microcurrent devices.

• Before using the device, it is recommended taking a picture with a natural light and another one after three months to check on the progress and appreciate the “before and after”.

Cleared of any doubt, I put myself to work. I targeted face and neck where pigmentation, wrinkles and decreased skin tone make me nervous every time I look at myself in the mirror. I go very strong onto the eye contour, upper lips, and the area near the eyebrows where expression wrinkles threaten to become stronger (the laser can also be used on the lips for an amazing plumping effect). I use the device in the evening, on the sofa, watching Netflix. Using the laser, like a facial massage, is relaxing, almost like meditating. I now dedicate 30 minutes to one hour to this new ritual. And my partner looks at the sky and declared himself a “widower of the LYMA”.

Initially, do not expect a “wow” effect! The LYMA laser requires consistency and patience. But after about a month of using it regularly, I notice a general improvement.

Crows feet? Less deep, like using the “beauty face” filter on my smartphone. Sunspots, despite spending summer on an island, less visible. My skin, they tell me, looks healthier, tighter and has more of a glow.

The laser, I appreciate, is a long-term investment. A preventative device, not only corrective, but that could also delay any drastic or invasive treatments in the future. And if now I’m working on my face, I would like to use it also on other areas at risk such as hands, legs where capillaries are always ready for an ambush. At the end of the day, this laser gained pole position in my already over filled beauty case. And it will be hard to beat it.