Which RLT is best for me?

[burnt1970]

Since I've read such great things about RLT, I'm seriously thinking about investing in it. Though I do have to admit that reading all of these threads is leaving me a bit confused as to what would be my best purchase, so I'm asking for suggestions based on my condition. The one thing that's clear is that a tube design is not for me since I burn in flourescent lighting. My main condition is solid base redness and very extreme flares, covering my whole face, ears and bits of my neck. With that in mind, I would love to hear some suggestions for what device would be the most cost effective, cover the most area, and be the best light range for me. I am in the U.S. so I'm looking for U.S. dealers. Thank you in advance.

[Capri]

Briefly, there are only really 2 'types' of RLT, Visible Red(VR) and Near Infra-red(NIR), though you can have a combination of VR and NIR. I think the jury is still out on whether you need NIR or not, some use it some don't. As a note of caution you may want to research whether you want to use goggles with NIR, and they must block out NIR - normal tanning goggles are probably not suitable. If I could recommend then I would say just start with VR, but others may disagree, and they maybe right, I don't know. I would still use goggles or some form of eye protection with VR just in case. Most units are LEDs, there are not many flurescent tubed ones.

So onto the units, well, they are all pretty much the same in what they do. Red light is Red light whether it costs you $50 or $500. What you may want to consider though how they are packaged. I think the Acne Lamp one is the best www.acnelamp.com because it is flexible. However it's petty expensive. For cheaper units try www.elixa.com or there is a list of suppliers on one of the sticky threads in the LLLT section. Check it out and decide what suits your needs.

*Just a note, I don't think anyone can give you a gurentee that it will work for your symptoms or that you definately won't have side effects or make it worse - so make sure your happy with it before going ahead. I'm not trying to put you off in anyway whatsoever, many people here have been helped a great deal, Im just saying be cautious that's all.

All the best!

[moomy]

I use the lightstim hand held unit. It's quite expensive at about $180.. I know there are cheaper units about. This is sold for anti-ageing but has been working well for my rosacea. (anti ageing is an extra benefit !!!) The lightstim is a mixture of red and near infrared.

You can get hand held or whole face units that you sit in front of or lie under.

Hand held suits me as I can do it while reading or watching t.v. It's a little more effort though. Also hand held means that you do not have to shine the light on the eyes, you can work round them.

good luck with your endevour.

[burnt1970]

OK, I just ordered a combination Red/Near Infrared device from:

http://heelspurs.com/cgi-bin/c/store/commerce.cgi?search_request_button=Search%20Produc ts&keywords=p=leg

Their price was the best ($100), the surface was larger than others in a similar price range, and they mix the lights as opposed to the ones that do a half and half design. I hope to have some success with this.

And the guy that runs the site said if I have any adverse reactions to the device, he will accept returns within 30 days. That's certainly incentive for my sensitive face to give it a try.

[moomy]

Good luck with the lamp, sounds like a good deal. Let us know how you get on...
moomy

[Twickle Purple]

Scott at heelspurs is first rate, and his prices can't be beat. He's always adding new products so it's good to keep checking the site.

Best of luck with this, burnt1970. Please keep us updated on how it works for you.