The glow of summer sun is long gone. Winter skin has officially emerged -- and with it, this year, a mask of stress has been etched on the face. Sun exposure is greatly diminished, giving way to seasonal blues: weight gain, carbo craving, lethargy and sleep problems. There is a proposed cure, though: Light therapy, also known as Photo Therapy, is thought to alter the circadian rhythms and suppress the body’s natural release of melatonin. Together these cause biochemical changes in the brain that help reduce or control symptoms of seasonal mood disorders. LED light wavelengths have also been effective in treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Cosmetic companies are now introducing LED light devices that mimic exact light frequencies used in office treatments to help improve skin texture, color and tone while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Perricone has come out with PerriconeMD Light Renewal Skin Rejuvenation Therapy ($335.00) and L’Oreal has one in the works. The newest one out, from Tanda, is called Tanda’s Regenerate Anti-Aging Light Therapy Treatment, and that's the one we decided to test.

In the past I’ve had success with prescription creams that reduce rosacea and stop the occasional outbreak of eczema -- which I tend to get after a few months in a dry overheated apartment -- but am a skeptic when it comes to over-the-counter creams or devices that promise to erase the signs of aging. The advice of my dermatologist, Dr Grace Pac, stay with me -- “use Neutrogena with an SPF” -- and perhaps some fillers for the age issue. But wisdom of the ages has taught me to be more willing and open – so I decided to give Tanda's a try.

With the red rays pressed against my face (I realized after a few days it doesn’t work any better with my face actually touching the plastic head), I began once a day. The system comes with a cleanser designed to enhance the light treatment and an anti-aging serum. The cleanser made my skin feel dry. Not a good sign, so I reverted back to my velvety winter milk cleanser by Suki. Once a day, as suggested after cleansing, I shined the Tanda on my face. The light is emitted in concentrated rays. Like an electric toothbrush, the device beeps to let you know how much time to stay on a particular area.

Because there is no cream to be slapped on, no pill to take and little effort required, I didn’t look for results – occasionally I even forgot to use it. Until, about a week later, a few people asked if I had been in the sun. Then I noticed some brightness to my face. This gave me incentive. I used the device consistently until the light began to fade. The Tanda turned on for a few seconds, then off. I recharged -- still no luck.

Frustrated, I went back to the less-immediate ways that require a bit of discipline to get vitality and glow back in my face: at least eight hours of sleep a night, lots of water, a mud mask from Alaska Glacial Mud Co, a yoga class at Kula -- and $275 back in my pocket.

~Sara Costello

Tanda Light Therapy, available exclusively at Sephora;
Tanda Skincare for more info