Tried & Tested: I tried this $238 LED device that acts like a "natural" lip filler

In recent years, we’ve seen multiple beauty brands offering at-home LED (light-emitting diode) devices that promise to reduce the appearance of pores, keep acne at bay and lift the skin. Beyond eye masks and skincare wands, there’s a new wave of cutting-edge tools that harness the power of LED light therapy to stimulate collagen production to plump and enhance smoothness of the lips in under five minutes.

Enter Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro, a small but mighty handheld mouthpiece that is outfitted with over 56 red light bulbs to add volume to your pout and reverse signs of ageing sans fillers. To find out more about the technology and its impact on the lips and the surrounding area, we spoke to Medical Director of La Clinic Dr Rachel Ho and Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic Dr Lee Hwee Chyen. Plus, we’re also sharing our review of the device. 

While LED devices are not new, most of the products out in the market are not designed to treat the lips. Even though “the lip area is notoriously different to treat,” reveals Dr. Gross when asked why he decided to launch this device. “The skin on the lips is especially thin and sensitive, making it extra vulnerable to collagen breakdown, free radical damage, and premature ageing,” he adds. “The device uses four unique red LED wavelengths to help to stimulate collagen production, increase skin density and firmness on and around the lips, visibly plumps, smooths lines and wrinkles, promotes healthy circulation, and enhances lip colour and definition.”

According to Dr Gross, DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro employs a full spectrum of light and combines amber, red, deep red and infrared wavelengths. Amber wavelength targets the epidermis and repairs visible suns of sun ageing at the surface level of skin. Red and deep red wavelengths go in deeper to stimulate collagen production and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, infrared wavelengths work on the deeper tissue, promoting circulation and wound healing. 

“When used specifically on the lips, it is meant to increase blood circulation and in so doing, increase lip volume, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance plumpness.” says Dr Lee. “It has been marketed as an alternative to injectable lip fillers.”

Dr Ho, also notes that although there isn’t sufficient data to validate the efficacy of such light-emitting technology for the lips, “it can be used to treat conditions such as eczema depending on the wavelength of the LED light.”

Can it replace in-clinic solutions? 

However, both experts were quick to point out that light-therapy lip treatments like DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro will not plump your pout or dramatically change the way your lips look in the way that a dermal filler or lip lift might. “LED light is unable to replicate the effects of lip fillers (LED light does not replace volume) or botox lip flip (LED light also does not relax muscles) . The results of LED light therapy for rejuvenation are usually subtle, and gradual and will not be able to give the same results as in-clinic treatments,” explains Dr Ho. 

Dr Lee adds that as convenient as the device is, it’s important to manage your expectations. “LED home-based devices require consistent use over an extended period of time, resulting in visible but subtle results at least four to eight weeks later.” 

Even though these at-home gadgets can’t take the place of more invasive, in-clinic solutions, they serve as preventative tools for those who “prefer a more subtle effect.” Adding that “these are also convenient and suitable for busy individuals as well as those who are concerned about downtime and potential side effects of injections like pain or bruising or ‘over-filling’”. 

“LED light therapy is great for all skin types – there isn’t really a situation where someone can’t use it safely,” Dr Gross elaborates. 

That said, Dr Lee warns individuals with predisposing photoaggravated conditions such as eczema, rosacea and other autoimmune conditions like lupus or who are on photosensitising medication like tetracyclines or retinoids against trying out new at-home LED devices until their condition has stabilised. Ultimately, she reminds us to “check with your dermatologist to assess your skin condition before investing in a new device.” 

Our verdict

The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro was surprisingly easy to set up and use. Even though my lips were chapped, I did not experience any discomfort or side effects. While I did not see a visible difference in the fullness of my lips, I definitely saw an improvement in the texture of my lips. After two uses, I could see a dramatic improvement in my lip lines. With consistent use (over two weeks), I also noticed that my lipstick (even matte formulas that tend to be more drying) applies more smoothly. I also appreciated how it automatically switches off after three minutes (the duration of a cycle). 

Even though the pacifier-like device is equipped with a lip tray to prevent your pout from puckering, I found myself clenching my jaw to hold the device. This made it hard for me to multi-task even though it is designed to be used hands-free. I will definitely recommend using this tool when you’re lying down so you can relax your pout and jaw when using it. 

DRX SpectraLite LipWare Pro ($238) is available in Sephora stores and on Sephora.sg