Everything you need to know about LED masks with Cellreturn UK founder, Lily Earle

by | Dec 18, 2022 | INTERVIEWS

When Lily Earle discovered Korean brand Cellreturn, she instantly knew she had to bring it to the UK after seeing how it was different from all the other LED devices and how effective their products were.

Lily was amazed by the brand, their ethics and technology. The company was originally founded by Mr Kim Il Soo in 2006, who was trying to treat his own hair loss using LED technology. The R&D core team is made up of 20 scientists, engineers and consultant doctors. “Cellreturn are the ones who manufactures the products through their own team of Research and Development (R&D) so there is a clear traceability especially when it is something that we use on our skin for beauty and health” explained Cellreturn UK in a statement on their website.

We spoke to entrepreneur Lily Earle about her venture with Cellreturn, and everything you need to know about LED Masks…

Why do you think LED masks have exploded onto the beauty scene recently?

LED and Near Infrared light therapy has actually been around since the 1990s when NASA began researching growing crops in space and found that the technology promoted wound healing in astronauts! In modern day 2020, I believe the period of lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic, where consumers wanted to find alternative at-home beauty treatments that they would typically get in a clinic, triggered the rise in curiosity around at-home LED masks. None of us really knew how long the lockdown period would last, but naturally we wanted to look after our physical and mental wellbeing during that difficult period, paving the way for consumers to really get to grips with the rejuvenating powers of LED.

CELLRETURN provides treatment and aid to wrinkles, skin sagging, acne, pigmentation and skin redness to name a few. The best thing about it? The results can all be achieved from the comfort of your own home, in a non-invasive way.

Why are they so good?

LED as a whole is a powerful tool due to its multifaceted healing approach for a range of skin and health issues. The CELLRETURN Platinum LED Mask is recognised as the best LED mask globally as it uses NASA derived technology and Near InfraRed (NIR) to penetrate the skin 12 times deeper than devices that just use LED. CELLRETURN’s Platinum LED Mask consists of 342 Near InfraRed (NIR), 342 Red WaveLength (RWL) and 342 Blue wave Length (BWL), giving consumers a total of 1026 LED lights (the best on the market).

LED technology isn’t just for your face! It can be used all over your body. Alongside the CELLRETURN Platinum LED Mask being the only LED mask globally that caters to the face and neck in one, CELLRETURN also offers a mask for the hair and scalp (CELLRETURN Hair Alpha Ray), a mask for the neck (CELLRETURN Neckle Ray Plus) and a pelvic health device (CELLRETURN WHEROES). Each individual product in the CELLRETURN collection tackles a different pain point within particular areas. For example, our Hair Alpha Ray product safely encourages hair regrowth by providing energy to the fibroblasts and hair follicles. It also helps increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients brought to the skin, improving scalp health, providing a natural, easy and pain-free solution to hair loss. Our WHEROES device uses both near and far infrared to help with problems in the pelvic, abdomen and back. It can help reduce period pains, back pain, it can relieve IBS symptoms and encourage pelvic rejuvenation. It can be used to help treat a whole range of pelvic problems and conditions, including postpartum care by encouraging wound healing, pain relief, reducing inflammation, increasing skin elasticity through collagen stimulation, and even improve the appearance of scarring.

What is the science behind why certain colours of light are good for our skins appearance? – What do the different coloured lights do?

Different colours of light are actually different wavelengths of light and our cells respond to different wavelengths in different ways. This is called Photobiomodulation. The light provides energy to the mitochondria in skin cells, which in turn can trigger a variety of cellular events. We use 3 different wavelengths to achieve amazing results on the skin across a variety of issues.

The Red Mode combines Near Infra Red (NIR) with Red Wave Length (RWL) to give you brighter and more youthful skin, by improving skin density, hydration, elasticity and pore reduction. This is because the light is able to stimulate the fibroblasts in the skin. These cells are our best friends as they are responsible for producing collagen and hyaluronic acid. So it helps plump, smooth and hydrate the skin from the inside out.

The Blue Mode uses Blue wave Length (BWL) to treat acne and blemishes, and helps control oil and sebum production. Best for problematic skin. Blue light is antibacterial, antimicrobial and has been shown to kill p.acne – the bacteria that causes acne breakouts.

The Pink Mode uses both Red Wave Length (RWL) and Blue wave Length (BWL); reduces inflammation and helps calm the skin. It can also help calm difficult to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and even reduce the appearance of rosacea! This is a serious breakthrough for rosacea sufferers as there is currently no cure.

The Fast Mode for the fast paced professionals with 7 minutes of Red Mode, a minute of Blue Mode and a minute of Pink Mode. An intensive yet effective skin treatment. Perfect to give you a glow on the go.

How often could one use an LED mask at home?

For ‘normal’ skin types, you can use the mask daily for a maximum of 20 minutes; we recommend to use CELLRETURN LED at least 3 times a week for optimal results. However, If you have very sensitive skin or use retinol or retinoid cream, you must be gentle with your skin when you start. Start with 5-10 minutes sessions on the mask daily until skin is ready and primed to go on optimal daily use. This is because retinol can cause thinning of the skin and skin sensitivity to lights.

Are there any downsides to using one to often?

No downsides per se but your skin can ‘max out’ on LED lights, so going over the recommended 20 minutes per day won’t increase results any further.

What should people know before using an LED mask?

Before using the LED mask, you should cleanse your skin ensuring to remove all make-up and any excuse oils that might be sitting on your skin. You can finish your skin care routine before using your mask but to get the best results I would recommend applying products after your LED session. Also retinol creams should be applied after using the mask.

To help boost the efficacy of the Platinum LED Mask we now offer a Rich Gold Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule. Which has been specifically designed to enhance the results of the LED mask. It helps improve the elasticity, reduce dryness and wrinkles by providing energy and moisture to the skin, allowing you to see the result of your LED sessions sooner.

Why is the technology so expensive?

LED technology is more expensive than other beauty and aesthetics on the market due to the sophisticated nature that goes behind the research and development itself. The CELLRETURN product range for example uses the most powerful LED light technology for at-home use on the market. Basing this, alongside the research and innovation behind the brand equates to a more luxury price point.

What makes the CELLRETURN masks so unique?

With 1026 LED lights, CELLRETURN LED Platinum Mask uses the safe and effective, patented LED and NASA-derived technology making it the most powerful LED skin care device available globally. Unlike other masks on the market, the CELLRETURN Platinum LED Mask is designed to cover the face and neck. This neck, a frequently overlooked part of the body when it comes to beauty treatments, is an area that is particularly vulnerable to skin laxity and revealing the signs of ageing.

Could you see a future where LED masks replace all physical clay and scrub masks?

Using exfoliating masks and scrubs is a different area of skincare and helpful for overall skin health. Due to the physical nature and action needed to exfoliate the skin, LED technology isn’t at a point where it can do it for us. However, by using LED light can improve overall skin health, reducing excess oil production inturn reducing spots and breakouts, meaning the need for these products can be reduced. Personally I no longer need to exfoliate since incorporating the CELLRETURN mask into my skincare routine and a lot of our customers say the same! We have noticed that in general there is less of a need for skincare products as the LED technology is doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to our skin health.

What do you think is next for LED technology?

As the technology gains further research and more traction, it allows these devices to become more accessible. Many can now be safely used at home, whereas in the past they have only been available in specialty salons or in medical settings. I think we will only see more exciting developments and these devices becoming more widely available. 

But with this rise of home beauty tech, there will of course also be a rise in knock off products, ones that aren’t using the right wavelengths or are not powerful enough. Customers will need to research before purchasing and always make sure they are buying from a reputable source who have also done the necessary research, development and have the scientific evidence to back up their products.

How did the LED masks help your migraines? What is the science behind this?

It is mainly due to the Near InfraRed used by the mask, it works by inhibiting the action of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2. This in turn reduces pain and inflammation.

Why do you think Korean beauty products, trends and skincare has taken the global beauty market by storm?

Korea has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to beauty, and the same has applied when it comes to the development of LED from Korea too. With this in mind, the ‘K-beauty’ trend has been around for years and first grew in popularity for its ‘skin-first’ approach to beauty and innovations in the field.

Do LED lights help with mood disorders, in particular SAD?

In some cases yes. A proven antidote to the effects of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is light therapy in its many forms – a simple outdoor walk can improve mood in a similar way to how LED wavelengths can treat SAD and depression through boosting serotonin levels. LED masks have also been proven to boost energy, decrease stress levels and help regulate sleep. These can all help lift our mood.

CELLRETURN has a team made up of 20 scientists, engineers and consultant doctors, why was this important to you when selecting a brand to work with?

As pioneers of the LED field, the scientists behind CELLRETURN actually created the first ever LED facemask, which was then white labelled by another company. Additionally they were the first to have earned a patent for promoting effective wavelengths for the skin in Korea and I wanted to work with those who had the best team of experts to create devices that are truly effective and at the top of the industry.

CELLRETURN pioneered the very first face mask. How does it feel to be a part of beauty history?

I suppose when you put it like that it really is revolutionary and definitely something to be proud of. I think for me, LED was a lifeline for me when I was really ill and the Platinum LED mask completely transformed how I looked and helped how I was feeling – so I just want as many people as possible to experience this technology! Growing up with my mother working in the wellbeing and beauty industries I know how life changing simple changes in our routines can be. I now feel very honoured to be taking my heritage forward into the technological space.

What is next for your journey with CELLRETURN?

Global expansion! We’ve recently launched over in Dubai which has been incredible and the response has been really positive. We’ve also partnered with a few airlines were travellers can use our products throughout the duration of their journey which is amazing and we’re hoping to get our masks within a few UK based salons too so stay tuned, lots of exciting things happening at the moment.

 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about investing in a CELLRETURN mask?

The proof is in the results! It’s easy to spend hundreds of pounds on skincare that doesn’t work and get bogged down in research on what works well for your specific skin needs. With LED devices, they’re universal in their approach to healing and rejuvenation, so there’s a device for everyone and a particular setting and light too that will aid in your specific need. We’ve recently partnered with Klarna so you can pay in instalments making our masks even easier to access!

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