I am proud and excited to launch Ultra Renew Plus. After months of testing and tweaking, Ultra Renew Plus by Truth In Aging ($149 in the shop) offers not one, not two, but three modes: ultrasonic, LED and galvanic (positive and negative ions). What’s more – and this is the really, really cool part – they can all be used at the same time (what more could a busy woman want) as well as separately. This is the anti-aging, lifting and firming tool to put at the top of your wishlist.

This is not a souped-up version of the Ultra Renew (which, for those who don’t know, is LED and ultrasound, operated separately), the Ultra Renew Plus is different product that is powerful and sophisticated. There is an LCD display panel on the device, enabling you to choose and see the modes and intensity. After testing it for most of this year, I am convinced that the ultrasound mode is more effective on the Plus and the ability to use two or even all three modes together is a significant improvement.

So what exactly do these modes do and how do they work? Overall, they are the best thing I know for smoothing lines and lifting sagging skin. But they contribute to the tasks a little differently.

Ultrasound:

As the ultrasound waves pass from the treatment head into the skin, they cause the vibration of the surrounding tissues, particularly those that contain collagen. This vibration leads to the production of heat within the tissue. With a handheld home device, this heat does not become very intense. The temperature rise in the surrounding tissue increases oxygen to the cells and aids in the removal of waste. The skin should feel energized, rosy and firm. Although the frequency is the same on the Plus as on the original Ultra Renew (3 MHz), I get better firming results with the Plus. Read on for more on how ultrasound works.

Ultrasound must be used with a water-based product (serum or gel) to ensure conductivity (there are directions for use here).

LED:

In October 2008, German researchers identified how LED works – by changing the molecular structure of a glue-like layer of water on elastin, the protein that provides elasticity in skin, blood vessels, heart and other body structures. The light strips away those water molecules that are involved in the immobilization of elastin, gradually restoring its elastic function.

In addition to red light (helpful for smoothing, rosacea and broken veins), Ultra Renew Plus has blue and green lights. Blue light wavelengths penetrate the skin and produce singlet oxygen, which potentially destroy acne-causing bacteria. Green light targets melanocytes, melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis.

Ionic:

Ionic, or galvanic current is a low level, continuous current that flows in one direction, making it a direct current with dual polarity of a positive or negative charge. It is supposed to work on the principle that charged ions in the skin are either attracted or repelled from the electrodes.

On the Ultra Renew Plus, there are two settings – ion+ and ion-. The ion+ (positive ion) is for deep cleansing and firming and ion- (negative ion) is for hyperpigmentation. Positive and negative cannot be used at the same time, but either one can be used with the other modes.

So, for example, you could tackle hyperpigmentation with ion- and the green LED light. Or to help or prevent breakouts and open/blocked pores, ion+ could be used in conjunction with blue LED light. A water-based cleanser, serum or gel (such as our Ultra Renew Gel Serum) must be used.

If you have been an ultrasound and LED fence sitter, then now could be the time to take the plunge. Please note that we currently have an extremely limited number of Ultra Renew Plus in the shop.