Every evening, as part of my bedtime routine, I retrieve a small curved white machine from under my bed. This machine, called the CurrentBody Skin LED Hand Perfector, is equipped with large letter box-like slots on either side. Intriguingly, it emits bright red lights when I press a button on the top. As I place my hand into one of the slots, the lights beam onto the back of my hand and out of the machine’s sides. It almost feels as though I am about to be transported to an extraterrestrial spaceship. However, this machine is not some alien communication device. It is actually a cutting-edge at-home rejuvenating device that I am testing to see if it can transform and smooth my age-spotted and wrinkled hands in just a month. Considering the neglect my hands have endured over the years, this seems like a formidable challenge.
I am a strong advocate for positive aging, but one day in May, while working on my laptop in direct sunlight on a train, I noticed with dismay that my hands appeared to be twice the age of my face. It was a cliché beauty dilemma, and the blame rested solely on me. I meticulously care for my face, using the finest serums, but I have never given my hands the same attention. Aside from applying the same SPF I use on my body when it’s warm, my self-care regimen has primarily focused on my face and neck.
According to aesthetic expert Sana Khan from Avicenna Wellbeing in West London, it is widely known that hands tend to age more rapidly than the rest of the body due to our negligence. Clients typically begin to notice wrinkles and collagen loss in their hands during their 40s. In addition to sun exposure, which becomes more apparent in our 40s, harsh household chemicals and frequent use of hand sanitizer contribute to inflammation and drying of the skin. Furthermore, the natural aging process causes collagen levels to decline starting from our mid-20s.
It was only this year, at the age of 50, that I truly realized the stark difference between the appearance of my hands and the rest of my body. If I were to compare my hands, which are exposed to the elements every day for 50 years, to my upper thigh, which is lucky to be exposed a week a year, it would seem as though they belong to different individuals. While this realization doesn’t keep me up at night, I am curious to find out if the Hand Perfector can make a noticeable difference. However, I must admit that I am somewhat skeptical of a device that resembles a novelty bedside light.
Nonetheless, I am aware of the scientifically proven clinical uses of light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy, particularly red light therapy. It has been shown to improve the appearance of scars, aid in wound healing, treat acne, and promote hair growth. The Hand Perfector consists of 70 LED lights that emit both red and near-infrared wavelengths. The red light wavelengths penetrate two millimeters into the skin, while the near-infrared penetrates four millimeters. This process reduces inflammation and stimulates fibroblast cells, which are responsible for collagen production. Furthermore, the device is FDA-cleared and suitable for all skin types and hand sizes.
Dr. Mervyn Patterson, an aesthetics expert at Woodford Medical, attests to the anti-inflammatory properties of red light and its role in enhancing skin repair and collagen production. He believes that red light therapy can be beneficial in conjunction with other rejuvenation treatments. The convenience and affordability of using home kits like the Hand Perfector make them a practical option compared to salon treatments, which may require daily visits.
Although I remain skeptical about red light therapy on its own, I decide to give it a try. Before starting the treatment, I have Visia images taken of my left hand to provide an in-depth analysis of my skin’s condition. These images reveal extensive UV damage, deep wrinkles, and noticeable inflammation. After a month of using the Hand Perfector, I will return for another analysis to determine if there are any visible improvements.
Using the Hand Perfector for ten minutes every day becomes a bit monotonous, but I remain committed to the experiment. Even when a family member is hospitalized and I have to travel to the Lake District, I make sure to bring the device with me. My family always finds my job somewhat bewildering, but witnessing me sitting under a bath of red light each evening and claiming to be working while asking my younger sister to do the dishes takes their confusion to a whole new level. However, using the device itself is quite simple. After thoroughly washing and drying my hand (as any topical product can interfere with the light’s effectiveness), I place my hand into the device and switch it on. I don’t feel anything during the ten-minute session, and the device automatically turns off once the time is up. It is then recommended to apply a hand cream or serum, so I follow this guidance and use Epionce Restorative Hand Cream and Ultrasun 50+ whenever I go outside.
Dr. Patterson stresses the importance of applying sunscreen to protect the skin from UV radiation, stating that it is the most crucial step in any skincare routine. He emphasizes that SPF should be used even on cloudy days since 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds. Additionally, he suggests using products containing retinoids to help lighten pigmentation, but it is vital to wear SPF as retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
After just three weeks, I am pleasantly surprised to observe a noticeable difference between my hands. The back of my left hand appears smoother, and the wrinkles on my wrist are less pronounced. Although my right hand, which has not undergone treatment with the red light, is still less dry than usual (thanks to the hand cream), the discrepancy between the two hands is unmistakable. Naturally, concrete evidence of the effectiveness of the Hand Perfector lies in the Visia analysis and the expert’s opinion. The changes I perceive are not mere figments of my imagination.
According to Sana, the UV damage has significantly diminished, with areas appearing much lighter after a month of using the device. There is a clear contrast between the condition of my knuckles and the area around my cuticles. Sana believes that the combined efforts of SPF, LED therapy, and hand cream have contributed to these improvements. She asserts that topical products alone would not yield the same results. This highlights the importance of proper aftercare to maintain the effects of any rejuvenation treatment. Sana predicts that continued use of the Hand Perfector would yield even further improvements.
These results are particularly impressive considering that I have spent a significant portion of the past two months outdoors in the garden. Despite using SPF50, I was concerned that my skin would have experienced some deterioration. I am genuinely amazed by the outcome.
The before-and-after images demonstrate a considerable reduction in redness, which signifies a decrease in inflammation. Additionally, my wrinkles appear less deep. In terms of wrinkle depth measurements within a specific area, there has been a decrease from 214 to 175. Furthermore, the most noticeable improvement is in skin texture, as confirmed by Sana.
I am genuinely impressed. Both of my hands have benefited from the month of care and treatment, with my left hand appearing at least five years younger than my right. While I embrace aging and have no qualms about it, I am thrilled to discover that a little bit of scientifically-proven effort can make a noticeable difference.
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