Light therapy is becoming more and more popular, mainly because of the appearance of many devices for home use. But still many people have questions about how it works and if it works at all. So in this article we present a detailed analysis of two such home light therapy devices:
In our article, we provide honest answers to the list of questions that any person interested in this device can wonder. Namely, you will get to know why and how Glo devices work, how to use them correctly (to avoid any harm), advantages and disadvantages that owners talk about, and more.
Worthy Alternatives
If you are looking for devices that have a larger exposure area for faster results, you can use our decent alternatives. Also, not only LED devices are presented there, so people who have photosensitivity — will take the desired effect without side effects.
 Foreo Espada | - Built-in timer for ease of use; | |
 Pure Daily Care Luma | - Has 4 modes for complete skincare. | |
 NuDerma Handheld Device | - Four neon-powered applicators for complete skin improvement; | |
 Microneedling Pen | - Can be used on different areas of the face and body (neck, chest); |
Overview The Glō by reVive Light Therapy
Glō Light Therapy Devices are LED technology products that are manufactured under one of its two brands, reVive Light Therapy (the other DPL brand). The company was founded in 2004 and now sells its patented DPL (Deep Penetration Light Therapy) light therapy devices worldwide.
Industries Health, Wellness, and Fitness
Company size 11-50 employees
Headquarters Largo, Florida
Type Privately Held
Founded 2004
Glō by reVive Light Therapy®️ is a portable device that does multi-wave light therapy. There are two versions of Glō: anti-aging and wrinkle reduction or acne treatment. These devices look identical and are indeed similar in almost everything except for the main thing — the combination of light waves and therefore the result.
Glō by reVive Light Therapy® Portable Acne Light Therapy Device
📌 For use in dermatology for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne
📌 The device uses two types of LEDs: 630nm red and 415nm blue.
Glō by reVive Light Therapy® Portable Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device
📌 For treatment fine lines and wrinkles, and increases circulation within the perioral region.
📌 The device uses 605nm amber, 630nm red, and 880nm infrared LEDs.
Why and how the Glo device works
Glō Acne Light Therapy Device
Combination:
◉ red light ◉ blue light
At first, this model of the device only included a blue light. That’s because the blue light destroys the bacteria that cause acne [1]. It is also reported to allow monitoring of the condition before an acne outbreak occurs [2]
Later, the company improved the device by adding a red light. Red light limits the inflammatory response and reduces oxidative damage by reducing inflammatory cytokines [3]. So red light helps relieve redness and inflammation, and even if the pimple doesn’t go away, it will look less noticeable.
Thus, the combination of red and blue light in the Glō Acne Light Therapy Device helps minimize the appearance of acne [4].
Glō Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device
Combination:
◉ red light ◉ infrared light
◉ amber light
According to the company, Glo Wrinkle and Anti-Aging Light Therapy use multi-wavelength LED technology that makes skin look and feels more youthful. Indeed, the device uses a combination of several types of light, 605 nm amber, 630 nm red, and 880 nm infrared LEDs, each with a specific effect.
Red and near-infrared light has been clinically proven effective in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and in increasing collagen density in the intradermal tissue [5].
Amber light stimulates the production of red blood cells, which play an important role in skin healing and skin cell rejuvenation [6]. It also helps to effectively reduce the symptoms of redness, rosacea, and overall skin health.
This medical multi-wave LED technology in the Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device stimulates the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin tone, which overall helps the skin look healthier.
Safe
When light therapy is used in the dermatologist’s office or FDA-approved home devices, the treatment is considered safe. These LED devices have been tested and validated by the FDA’s “Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices”.
They are FDA-approved and listed as an over-the-counter medical device for use in the treatment of chronic pain, wrinkle reduction, and acne. But the FDA tests products for safety, not efficacy. So we decided to do our research on one of their products, reVive Light Therapy Glo (RVGLO).
Contraindications and Side Effects
In general, research on light therapy as a non-invasive, UV-free procedure shows that it is safe for all skin colors and types. Still, there may be some minor risks involved.
Be careful when using LED therapy if you have hypersensitivity to light. If you don’t know how your skin reacts to light therapy, it’s best to do a skin sensitivity test before therapy.
And some medications cause photosensitivity. For example, Accutane, a powerful vitamin A drug, makes your skin more sensitive to light and can cause scarring in some cases. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are taking any medications. And talk to your doctor if you currently have an active rash or psoriasis.
Side effects are rare but may include increased inflammation and redness. So pay attention if you feel redness or increased inflammation.
Advantages and Disadvantages Based on Customer Experience
To understand how effective the device is, as well as to highlight the main features of the product, it is worth analyzing the experiences of many users. To do this, we searched for reviews of these products on sales sites, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Thanks to this we were able to highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of Glō light therapy devices.
Advantages
Effectiveness
Slight results many clients notice after the first few sessions, and they become more noticeable after they’ve finished all the working sessions.
Easy to use
Glō by ReVive Light Therapy has no customizable modes or advanced settings. All you have to do is turn the device on by placing it on the desired area and wait for it to turn off after 3 minutes.
Disadvantages
Significant results are not quick.
It takes time to see the results of using light therapy. Thus, you should be as consistent as possible when using this tool.
Small Exposure Area
The Glō devices are portable and compact, but they also cover a small surface area that is needed. If you have a lot of rashes all over your face or for areas like goosefoots around the eyes and bridge of the nose, but it takes a little time for areas like your forehead or chin.
How to use it correctly
Glo by ReVive Light Therapy Devices act directly on the skin to provide consistent light injection during each treatment. No settings or adjustments by the user are required. The devices contain no user-serviceable components.
Make sure you have a clean face before using Glō. Moisturizers and makeup may contain sunscreen that blocks the wavelength range of light and may reduce the effectiveness of light therapy.
The manufacturer provides these instructions for use:
- Wash and dry the desired treatment area.
- Turn on the device.
- Place the device directly on the treatment area for three minutes.
- Wait for the device to turn off automatically after three minutes.
- Move the device to the next treated area and repeat step 3.
Recommended Treatment Areas
It is reported that it can be used on any area of the body, not just the face. But be careful with your eyes. The effects of light therapy on the eyes have not yet been properly studied, so it is best to protect your eyes from exposure.
- For the Anti-Aging light therapy device, you can use the device on your forehead (worry lines), crow’s feet, above the bridge of your nose, and smile lines and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
- For the Acne light therapy device, you can treat the desired areas, not just the face.
How often is it best to use these devices and is it possible to overdo them?
There are no established rules about how much light to use. Because of the low intensity of light in LED light therapy devices, it cannot burn the surface of the skin or underlying tissue.
However, if you use it too often, there may be short-term side effects, and too little light may not work. Therefore, it is better to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For best results, you can combine Glo device therapy with your favorite serums and topical products.
Acne Treatment Devices Alternatives
Foreo Espada
Foreo Espada
Foreo Espada is an acne treatment device. The patented T-Sonic pulsating blue LED light technology effectively fights acne-causing bacteria and stimulates microcirculation and skin renewal. The laser precision of the light beam in the device allows each inflammation to be treated individually without damaging the surrounding skin.
Due to the smart sensor, the blue LED light only turns on when it comes into contact with the skin to prevent accidental eye exposure. And the built-in timer will tell you when the procedure is over, after which you can repeat the action or move to another area.
It is recommended to use Foreo Espada for 30 seconds in one area, but not more than 4 times in one procedure.
Pure Daily Care Luma
Pure Daily Care Luma
Pure Daily Care Luma is a device that is used to treat acne and pimples. The device uses patented technology — Intense pulsed light. The skin will look rejuvenated and vibrant after using this product.
Intense pulsed light is a technology that uses blue light that penetrates the skin and targets the bacteria, sebum, and pigmentation beneath the surface of your skin.
To use the Luma, simply wash your face and apply a moisturizer. Don’t apply a moisturizer with sunscreen as this will interfere with the light penetration. Turn on your Luma device and move it in circular motions over the affected areas. Use it for 5 minutes twice a day (morning and night).
Anti-Aging Skin Devices Alternatives
NuDerma Handheld Device
NuDerma Handheld Device
The NuDerma Handheld Device is well-suited for natural tightening and stimulates the production of ATP — the energy of the skin.
The four included neon-powered applicators deliver targeted skin improvement by stimulating collagen growth and skin cell renewal, resulting in reduced wrinkles and overall skin rejuvenation.
It can be used for 10-14 days in a row and the results should be visible after the first application. Additional treatments can be scheduled every 2 weeks, so we recommend at least 4 treatments.
Microneedling Pen
Microneedling Pen
A microneedling pen is a device that can pierce the skin with many fine needles at once, which promotes collagen production. It also improves skin texture by creating micro-channels through which previously applied products are effectively absorbed.
The microneedle handle is equipped with 6 different speed levels. You can easily set it up with a short press on the power button. And with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, the device can operate in both wired and wireless modes.
Summary
Glo by reVive Light Therapy units are available for two purposes — anti-aging (Glō Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device) and acne (Glō Acne Light Therapy Device). When used properly and regularly, these devices, as part of your beauty routine, will improve your skin over time and allow you to achieve the results you expect.
But light therapy should not be seen as the only solution to all skin problems or a substitute for a visit to the doctor. In other words, think of it more as an addition that will give a boost to your regular skin care routine.
FAQ
✨ Does revive light therapy Glo work?
The reVive light therapy devices use specific wavelengths that have been proven effective in a number of clinical studies and have received much positive feedback from customers.
🛡️ Is LED light therapy FDA approved?
Yes, Glo by reVive Light Therapy are FDA-approved and listed as an over-the-counter medical device for use in the treatment of chronic pain, wrinkle reduction, and acne.
💥 Is it possible to overdo light therapy?
Due to the low intensity of light in LED light therapy devices, it cannot burn the skin. However, using it too often can lead to short-term side effects. Therefore, it is better to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
🗓️ How often should I use light therapy Glo?
For best results, the manufacturer recommends using it daily, but not to exceed three treatments per day for each treated area.
🥵 Are there any contraindications to the use of the Glo Light Therapy device?
In general, light therapy research shows that it is safe for all colors and skin types. But if you are hypersensitive to light or are taking medications that cause photosensitivity, be sure to consult your doctor before using light therapy.
Scientific Clinical Trials
- Dai T. The antimicrobial effect of blue light: What are behind? Virulence. 2017 Aug 18;8(6):649-652. doi: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1276691. Epub 2017 Jan 4. PMID: 28051916; PMCID: PMC5626200.
- Gold MH, Andriessen A, Biron J, Andriessen H. Clinical Efficacy of Self-applied Blue Light Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 Mar;2(3):44-50. PMID: 20729943; PMCID: PMC2923954.
- Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217; PMCID: PMC5523874.
- Lee SY, You CE, Park MY. Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris in patients with skin phototype IV. Lasers Surg Med. 2007 Feb;39(2):180-8. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20412. PMID: 17111415.
- Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286; PMCID: PMC3926176.
- Smith KC. Laser (and LED) therapy is phototherapy. Photomed Laser Surg. 2005 Feb;23(1):78-80. doi: 10.1089/pho.2005.23.78. PMID: 15782040.
