Silk'N FaceFX Anti-Aging Heat & Light Therapy Tool
Getting sucked into to a ShopNBC item can happen to the best of us, so I didn’t judge when a reader confessed to a trance-like state in front of Silk'N FaceFX Anti-Aging Heat & Light Therapy Tool (around $280). This is one of those at-home LED devices, although it claims to be different from the rest (eg Baby Quasar or Sirius Aurora) because it has something called “fractional light”. I wondered what this meant – if anything.
I’ve heard of fractional laser, but not fractional light. In fact, after reading around, I think that fractional light is a term that Silk'N FaceFX has made up. Fractional laser resurfacing, also known as fractional photothermolysis, targets areas of the skin that are precisely spaced out at a microscopic level and heats some skin zones while others are left undisturbed. Instead of emitting a solid beam, the laser puts out clusters of minuscule beams that punch invisible holes in the skin. An at home version of this would be the PaloVia. Meanwhile, Silk'N FaceFX doesn’t function in this way at all. What this device does seem to use is LED (light emitting diodes that we are familiar with) and what it also alternately calls “dermal” or “thermal” heating.
Deep dermal heating has long been a salon treatment. Thermage is the one that most people are familiar with. But since it is painful and not especially effective, it has given way recently to newer treatments such as Pellevé. Thermage and Pellevé work in the same way by delivering gradual energy to the skin, causing heat to build up where the skin and fat layer come together. The increasing heat modifies the collagen bundles deep inside the skin. This part of the process is called denaturation. The denaturation of collagen fibers causes them to contract and, because they believe they are undergoing a trauma, they start stimulating the growth of new collagen. The advance that Pellevé has made over Thermage is that the denaturation takes place at 41°C (rather than 65 degrees with Thermage).
And this is where the debate over Silk'N FaceFX really heats up. As I mentioned, Thermage’s 65 degrees has a reputation for being painful. I’ve had Pellevé in the hands of a trained professional and 41°C, I can tell you, is hot and it is essential that the practitioner keeps the device moving around the skin at all times to prevent burning. I personally wouldn’t dream of trying this out at home. So my guess was that Silk'N FaceFX, given that it has FDA approval, probably doesn’t get up to 41°C.
My hunch was right. The specifications of the Silk'N FaceFX state that the operating temperature is 15°C to 35°C. I also found a safety study during which the device cut off when the skin surface temperature reached 41°C. It is unlikely then that denaturation is taking place with the Silk'N FaceFX. In other words, it probably doesn’t work.
The reviews are a mixed bag, but there are an awful lot of them that are disappointed and saw no results after a month of using Silk'N FaceFX three times a week. I’ll think I’ll stick with my LED light.
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Thanks for that Marta! I've been seeing this from time to time and wondering if I could justify ANOTHER device. I couldn't figure out the difference from my BabyQ. As usual, thanks for your research & education! It is greatly appreciated.
Posted on January 29, 2012 at 2:13 pm
I just recently purchased this at home LED unit and I am going to send it back because it burns my skin. I have low tolerance to heat maybe? Even when I use it on the top of my hands, it burns! Maybe it's because the trim of the unit that glides on the surface of the skin is metal and conducts heat more. I have ordered the Aurora Sirius because it is plastic and with good ratings. I would be fearful of the Baby Quasar at this time because it too is metal and just maybe too hot on my skin. I will see how sirius works as my interest is anti-aging! I really appreciate your input Marta on these at LED units. Thank you
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Hi Judy, the Silk'N FacialFX isn't strictly speaking an LED device like Baby Quasar or the Sirius. Silk'N FacialFX uses "dermal heating" (it has LED as well, but this is a separate functionality). The device is designed to get hot, even uncomfortably so and for this reason I would personally not use it. Baby Q and Sirius are LED only and can feel a little warm but should never be uncomfortable or burn. I hope that helps.
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Hi Deonna
I do think LED can help with sagging, and ultrasonic is even more helpful. See more here: http://www.truthinaging.com/treatments/ultra-renew-combines-ultrasonic-with-led-for-skin-lifting-and-firming
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:00 am
Silk'n face fx or tanda? Confused, seems they seem similar. Read led red light not as good as laser red light. Something called fractional light. Led light pricey for at home,however laser red light at home more exspensive yet works better. Would like to hear your opinion or facts. Also if you only knew the products I use. OMG.. Dealing with mostly saggy and a few deep lines and neck issues. Never poured my prob lems like this.. Need guidance
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 9:09 am