Energy-Based Home Use Devices (HUDs) - An Overview
Dr. Godfrey Town | Dermatology Department, Aalborg University HospitalRiver Cree Ballroom 1
In recent years, there has been a proliferation of home-use light-based treatments for various cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
Review: Since 2003, consumers have embraced HUDs for hair removal and skin rejuvenation available both in physical stores and online. Notable brands in the hair removal category include SpectraGenics Tria, Philips SatinLux, iPulse Smooth Skin Bare, Braun Glow, Remington iLight Pro, and Home Skinovations Silk’n with FDA clearance for over-the-counter sales.
In the consumer anti-aging sector, radiofrequency (RF) and massage HUDs like Tripollar Stop, Trinity NuFACE, and Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift are prevalent. Laser devices and microdermabrasion also play a growing role. However, HUD non-ablative fractional laser technology has faced challenges, with discomfort and side effects leading to the withdrawal of some major brands.
Thermally mediated, non-ablative fractional laser technology is relatively new, and limited published clinical data exist due to consumer discomfort and side effects. LED arrays, masks, and hand-held applicators for anti-aging treatments, such as Omnilux Contour and Lustre Skin Renew, are gaining popularity.
HUD LED devices extend to male-pattern hair loss treatment, with FDA-cleared products introduced since 2007. Lack of standardization in evaluating these devices has been criticized by some researchers.
Blue light LED devices for acne treatment, like Lustre Pure Light and Quasar MD are available online or recommended by dermatologists. These devices leverage photobiological interactions, particularly with 400-495 nm blue light, to target tissues and produce reactive oxygen species, proposing a bactericidal effect in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Despite their widespread availability, the clinical evaluation of these devices lacks standardized criteria, prompting scrutiny from researchers.
Summary: HUDs have been adopted by consumers for personal use, and by dermatologists and cosmetic doctors for medical and cosmetic purposes as companion products to professional treatments.