It was without much enthusiasm that I embarked on trying out the Baby Quasar LED light therapy device. It's a boring and somewhat time-consuming process (as I related in last week's post) and, frankly, I wasn't at all convinced that I would see any results from a salon device that has been scaled down for use at home. Well, I've seen the light. Baby Quasar works.


Before I describe the results, it is worth a brief diversion to explain what LED is and how it works. LED stands for light emitting diode. A low-level power output uses red light (visible) and infra-red light (invisible). LED is much gentler than intense pulse light (IPL) or laser resurfacing. It works by stimulating the body's tissues to convert the light energy into cellular energy. It boosts collagen production and scavenger cells that remove excess pigmentation or scar tissue.

In Europe, LED has been used for about 50 years to treat muscular pain, scars and wounds. It came to be used in the US relatively recently in the 1980s.

Now let's be clear: the results are not on a par with my salon experiences with LED (which I think

are amazing). But there is a very distinct improvement of my skin's texture. It is firmer, plumper and has a nice healthy glow. I've been using the Baby Quasar on my hands as well as face and here the results are even more impressive. After three sessions, the clock has been turned back by at least a year.

LED is a fairly gentle treatment. The only side effects are some temporary pinkness and a terrible thirst (LED boosts lymphatic drainage, so have a glass of water to hand). The Baby Q, so far, seems to be extremely reliable and doesn't overheat. And, unlike some of the in-home devices, it has three settings and infra-red light. I won't be giving up my salon sessions, but this is a great little booster for in between times.