I try: an Ergoline Collagen Beauty Bed

Over the years I’ve tried light therapy on several occasions as an add-on to my usual skincare regime, and found it to be a great way to make my favourite products work harder and a nice boost to my skin’s health in general. The treatments have been solely restricted to my face and decolletage, but now Collagen Beauty Beds have arrived in New Zealand I’m more than ready to for all over great skin this summer.
Loved by beauty editors worldwide and extensively used by medical professionals for some time now, they are a ridiculously easy way to address the likes of fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and pigmentation, as well as aid wound healing. This clever tool for full body skin rejuvenation is now available here in New Zealand at Solaris Tanning on Ponsonby Road and Botany, and is definitely worth a bash if you’re in the market for seriously good skin.
The beds work by emitting visible light between 600 and 700 nm, which contain no UVA or UVB rays and is highly beneficial to the skin. Studies have proven that light within this part of the spectrum penetrates to the bottom of the dermis, stimulating fibroblasts that produce collagen and repair elastin fibres to help keep the skin firm and plump, which is what gives young skin its glow. While you’re lying down having 20 minutes of “me” time, the lamps shining all around you are working hard to improve tone and texture, control and diminish pigmentation and age spots and reduce pore size, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As if that’s not enough, the light also stimulates blood circulation aiding in detoxification, while increasing oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This reduces inflammation and enhances the wound repair process as skin cells renew from 150 -200 per cent faster when exposed to this light wavelength. Used by doctors to reduce healing time, these benefits can be utilised to speed up the natural healing process in which your skin regenerates, aiding in a quick recovery if you’ve had more invasive treatments such as IPL. If you’ve just had Botox or fillers however, it’s recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before hitting a Collagen Bed.
When I spoke to Alicia Berridge, the Director of Solaris, she recommended a course of Collagen Bed sessions to really address any issues you have with your skin. “Skin rejuvenation is a dynamic process. Commitment to light therapy is key, and a course of 20 light treatments is what is recommended for really great results.” She added that your skin will continue to improve for up to six weeks after your course has ended, and said that popping in once or twice a month for maintenance after that is the perfect way to keep your skin looking its best. She said results can be seen after just two treatments, and then great skin really kicks in at around ten. The beds have no down time or side effects and a treatment last just twenty minutes, so you can pop down to Solaris in your lunch break for a top up whenever you need one.
This type of light therapy is suitable for all skin types and is only contra-indicated for those with a photosensitivity disorder, and not recommended if you’re pregnant (or claustrophobic!). Also, certain medications can cause photosensitivity, so check in with your beauty therapist or doctor if you think this might apply to you. If you decide to pop along and try this future beauty tool for yourself, exfoliate the night before and be sure to wear no make up or lotions containing sunscreens. However, Alicia tells me that if you have a favourite serum then slap it on as the light will help it penetrate deeper.
Oh, and before I forget - Solaris have a special on right now whereby you can buy a 20 session course for just $199, which is less than half the price of a luxury skin cream! I must admit it took me some time to get used to walking into a tanning salon after years of banging on about how bad they are, but don’t let that put you off a collagen bed – they can only be good for you!