New York Composite They say that beauty is skin deep, which may explain why lasers are having a moment in the beauty space right now. The technology is so powerful that it can penetrate the dermis to stimulate collagen, creating tighter and brighter skin.
Until recently, it was a treatment only available at cosmetic dermatologists’ offices, plastic surgeons or medispas. But then the LYMA Laser came on the scene and changed the whole game. The peer-reviewed device is said to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and reduce scarring — all the things — without you having to leave your home.
As the Post Wanted team’s resident skin device devotee, I had to try it, and without giving away any spoilers, you may want to try it too.
The LYMA laser works through cold therapy, also known as Lower Level Light Therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. The process triggers changes on a cellular level, increasing the production of mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and growth factors to reduce oxidative stress.
In a small study published in Skin Research & Technology in 2023 with participants between the ages 45 to 70, researchers found that LLLT performed for 12 minutes, twice per week for three months resulted in:
The device has 500 milliwatts of power, making it a “whole new category of power for the at-home consumer,” according to LYMA founder Lucy Goff.
The thin, handheld device uses a patented diffuse lens technology that disperses the central laser beam multiple times across its 3-centimeter lens, which works to remove the heat of the laser. “It’s not like traditional lasers that are used to heat up tissue to stimulate collagen production,” Goff explained when we spoke via video chat. “It’s not damaging any cells whatsoever.”
Along with not damaging tissue, what also makes the LYMA laser special is that its light is strong enough to go beyond the epidermis (the top layer of skin), to penetrate cells and regenerate them to a more youthful, resilient state.
In plainer English, the anti-aging device activates the building blocks responsible for stronger, healthier skin. “Fundamentally, what you’re doing is switching on more and more cells that naturally died off as part of the aging process, and you’re empowering your skin to behave before the aging process sets in.”
According to its website, the LYMA laser needs to be used for a minimum of 15 minutes per day for 90 days. Afterward, you’ve entered into what Goff refers to as the “maintenance mode,” and you only need to do treatments three times per week.
For anti-aging purposes, it’s recommended that LYMA skincare be used with the device. The process begins with spritzing the face with the Oxygen Mist, followed by the Glide. Both are included as part of the LYMA Youth System, which also includes the brand’s supplements.
Goff was kind enough to give me a tutorial during our call, but the site has super short and helpful videos on how to use both.
To use, simply move the devices up your face, holding it on any areas that need extra TLC (think under eyes or laugh lines) for three minutes. Afterwards, the glide can be removed with a clean, damp cloth before applying the serum and moisturizer.
Designed by a group of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, biochemists and geneticists, the skincare uses bioactives and has retinol, peptides, antioxidants, and moisturizing ingredients. Is it necessary to enjoy the laser? No. But Goff recommends them, as they’re made to support skin renewal. There are also a variety of studies on the benefits of the ingredients, which you can find on the site’s ‘How It Works‘ page.
The LYMA Laser Pro is LYMA’s latest anti-aging tool, designed to target wrinkles, pigmentation, scars, sagging skin and even cellulite. While it also uses clinical-grade cold technology, it’s three times larger than the original and only takes three minutes to use.
Developed for all skin tones, it can be used over makeup and SPF.
The main difference between the LYMA Laser and the LYMA Laser Pro is their size and power.
Everyone who works closely with me at the NY Post Shopping Team knows that I’ve been obsessed with the LYMA Laser since I heard about it at the end of 2023.
From collagen supplements to fancy facials, I’m always looking for “that thing” to make my skin look energized.
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According to Mount Sinai, laser resurfacing is good for addressing large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne scars. However, it’s not without its risk. Some laser treatments, for example, aren’t appropriate for people of color, as they can cause hyperpigmentation. One of the things that attracted me to the LYMA Laser is that it’s good for all skin tones and can be safely used at home.
I started testing the device back in January, 2024. For 15 minutes a day, every day for a month, I ran the at-home laser up my face and held it beneath my eyes and against my cheeks, where I have the most visible texture.
Before: My skin isn’t terrible but looks tired. Holly J Coley At the end of the month, I noticed that the texture of my cheeks had slightly improved. What impressed me the most, however, was that my skin felt tighter, sort of like I was suddenly wearing a topknot 24/7.
Truthfully, not a huge fan of my after photos (or my before for that matter), since my smartphone is on its last leg and the quality isn’t great. On the other hand, it’s hard to photograph a feeling and that was the main difference I noticed after using the laser for a month.
Fast forward to today, and I think the change is more visible.
Holly J Coley The LYMA Laser is not only a favorite of beauty device buffs like myself but also of celebrities like Kate Hudson and Camila Morrone. Page Six Editor Elana Fishman has also tested the tool and said that she noticed a “slight reduction in redness” after using it for a week.
The major things I noticed after using the laser for more than a year is that my skin looks firmer, less gaunt and overall healthier.
I don’t attribute all of this to the laser. I use other skin devices, too, plus I am constantly tweaking my diet and sleep routine, which I think has helped me (an eighties baby millennial) a lot. I’m also always trying to get rid of stress, which will age anyone faster than 100,000 cigarettes.
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My face has maintained the tightness I spoke of the first time I reviewed the at-home laser, which I think is major. And recently, I noticed my literacy lines (I’m sorry, the term ‘tech neck’ gives me the ick) have begun fading, which I 100% attribute to the skincare tool — I’ve been SPFing, moisturizing and anti-age creaming the crap out of those things and haven’t seen improvement until now.
LYMA Laser vs. LYMA Laser Pro Since initially reviewing the LYMA Laser, I’ve also had the opportunity to test the LYMA Pro and have some thoughts.
I was really excited to try it, mainly because of the device’s size, which I’d compare to a large flashlight. Its head can cover a much wider surface, so you’re targeting a larger portion of skin at once — a huge win for those who found the original too small.
I wasn’t prepared for how heavy the Pro would be — not five-pound dumbbell heavy, but significant in comparison to the original. Unless traveling by car, I personally wouldn’t travel with it, as it would take up too much room.
The original can be glided over the skin, but it’s recommended that it be held in place for three minutes for the best results. Naturally, this is a bit of a pain point for some.
The Pro works similarly, but it’s really meant to be held in place during the treatment. It’s larger but if you want to treat more than one or two areas, it will still take more time, so I was disappointed on that front. I wanted to treat everything from my face to my thighs, but it quickly became obvious to me that wasn’t going to be feasible. I didn’t have the patience, and for the price of the Pro, I actually could just go to a cosmetic derm and suffer through more traditional laser treatments.
The Pro is painless like its predecessor and if you’re looking to really focus on your face and neck, it may be worth it, but I honestly preferred the lightweight feel of the original and the general user experience more. I will note that you can use it even if you’re wearing makeup, which makes it a bit more convenient and Page Six Associate Editor, Hannah Southwick, noted her skin looked more sculpted after having a facial with it.
“As someone skeptical of more invasive treatments, I was relieved with how pain-free the whole experience was,” she said. “Though I wouldn’t say it looked like I got a facelift, I did notice a slight sculpting/depuffing effect.”
The cost of the laser initially put me off and honestly, I’m still not a fan of that aspect but I do think it’s worth it in the end. For most people, myself included, spending $2,695 on anything that isn’t a car is too much. However, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, traditional laser resurfacing averages $1,800.
While I’ve had the opportunity to have a professional laser done since the initial testing of the laser, I understand most people, such as myself, can’t financially swing beauty treatments that require them to come into the Medispa regularly.
When I consider this, the LYMA Laser is sort of a bargain, especially when you learn that you’ll have to do multiple sessions of the in-office lasers to see the best results. The LYMA Laser comes with a 2-year warranty, has a 10-year lifespan and is good for all skin tones.
While I know it’s an investment, for those who can’t access a skilled provider because of their budget or location, it’s a great beauty tool to have. Although it doesn’t deliver the quick results that in-office devices do, I believe it did improve my skin.
As I wrote when I published my initial review, no cream, device or procedure can make you forever twenty-one. On the plus, there are a lot of things that can keep you looking really good for the foreseeable future, and the LYMA laser just may be one of them.
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Holly J Coley I’m our shopping team’s (non-official) skincare tool expert and have tested many of the moment anti-aging devices.
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