Dear Alice- is there a difference or clear winner between Dermalux Flex, Celluma or Lyma red light therapy units? They are all v.expensive so any guidance would be helpful. Are you familiar with Lyma unit? Thanks Alice

Yes – Dermalux Flex MD. It’s gold-standard LED technology, hugely popular across the aesthetics industry. It’s a certified medical device which means it is a medically recognised treatment for conditions such as psoriasis, acne and pain relief. Everyone who sells an LED device bangs on about how it’s ‘NASA-derived technology which, yes, that’s technically correct, but they leave you to infer that you are getting top quality scientifically outstanding technology in their device which you generally aren’t.

Celluma is a great brand but I know that in a head to head comparison by an independent lab, the Dermalux Flex came out on top – I understand this was because the Dermalux uses single-wavelength bulbs, whereas the Celluma puts multiple wavelengths through the same bulbs, which makes for a less effective result.

And the Lyma is not a medically certified device. I tried it for months on end without getting any results, and all my laser-manufacturer acquaintances laugh at it when I ask them what they think of its supposed powers of rejuvenation. It makes enormous claims and has the flimsiest scientific backup  – and despite making these claims the company hasn’t risked putting the product through a single clinical trial or comparison with other devices. It’s been brilliantly and stylishly marketed and it has persuaded a lot of journalists who should have asked a few more questions to repeat the marketing claims without asking any difficult questions. Or even the basic questions, like, how can a device the size of a torch with a rechargeable battery generate enough power to do what it says it does? Or how can any light which is allegedly strong enough to prompt healing deep within the skin be safe to use around the eyes/ shine directly in your eyes without protection?  Keep well clear.