truth vitality lux renew with led and ultrasound

Our Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by Emily on November 10, 2014

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by Emily

I was delighted to have the chance to test-drive Truth in Aging’s newly released Truth Vitality Lux Renew ($279 in the shop). I was, in fact, already a convert, as I’ve used its predecessors for several years, ever since TIA first rocked my world with the introduction of an at-home LED device. But as TIA readers are already aware, the new Lux Renew is the first FDA-approved home anti-aging tool that offers both LED and ultrasound modes. And it was worth the wait.

By way of background — I'm in my 50s, and I was an early adopter of the Ultra Renew before switching to the Truth Renew when it became available. Like the new Lux Renew, it provided both LED and ultrasonic modes of operation. So, I’ve become convinced over two-and-a half years that nothing works on aging skin like these technologies — period. The minimal amount of discipline needed to use the device several times (or more) a week is quickly repaid; ultrasound really does improve texture and firmness and decrease sagging, and red LED really does minimize wrinkles and improve skin’s overall appearance. Every time I come back to it after a period away or just a couple weeks of laziness, I notice the results right away.

The Lux Renew comes nicely packaged (and includes goggles for LED, by the way). It has a very ergonomic form factor. While I don’t think it’s heavier than the Truth Renew, it feels more solid and better-crafted. The handle is definitely easier to manipulate — it’s flatter and less bulky, so it fits more comfortably in the hand. The biggest difference in operation is the inclusion of an LCD display for the control panel, along with four simple buttons. Besides the “on/off” button, the “mode” button allows you to switch between functions, and within each function, the “shift” button allows you further specify options for that mode. For example, after depressing “mode” to select “sonic,” repeatedly depressing “shift” allows you to select among the five levels of intensity, represented by bars on the LCD panel. Selecting the final button, “cfm,” confirms and sets the selection. Similarly, depressing “mode” again will activate the “photon” mode, and “shift” will allow you to choose between red and blue light. The default operating time is 15 minutes, but by selecting mode “time,” the user can adjust this, as well, in one-minute increments (between one and 19).

This rather elegant interface is easy to use and is quite intuitive. My device — perhaps it was an early one — didn’t include any written instructions, so it took me a few minutes to work it out initially. So I would suggest that TIA include a written explanation of the controls in the box, or perhaps just another page on the site.*

Marta released an excellent video earlier this week that illustrates use of the Lux Renew and provides other pointers. I’ve used the device for about a month, several times a week, usually starting with ultrasonic for about eight minutes all over the face, with emphasis on my jaw line and cheeks, and then switching to red LED for another eight to 10 minutes, paying particular attention to my jowls, the area below the eyes and the forehead. Obviously, this is individual depending on your own priorities. As the video points out, the Lux Renew is versatile: you could alternate between modes on different days or use it more frequently for shorter times, etc.

Like other ultrasonic devices, the Lux Renew in sonic mode must be used with a water-based gel of some kind for conductivity, and I’ve continued to use TIA’s Ultra Renew Gel Serum, which works well, for this purpose. You may need to dampen your face partway through your session to maintain “slip.” I’ve used a variety of serums in LED mode, and I usually follow up with an eye serum and some kind of moisturizer.

Overall, I’ve found that the Lux Renew delivers the excellent results I’ve come to expect from TIA’s earlier anti-aging devices, along with a simpler and better user interface and an excellent design and form factor. Kudos to TIA for getting FDA clearance on a product that has a huge impact. Ultrasonic and LED are really amazing, so much that I’d advise anyone to spend the money on this technology before buying an expensive topical cream. The only item on my wish list? Let’s add the green LED to the next version.

*Editor's Note: The Truth Vitality Lux Renew should now come with a complete set of instructions. If you have already purchased a Lux Renew and it did not include instructions for use, please contact us at: [email protected].