I have used it for over 13 months; bought it in November 2016. Here’s my finding, brief description of what the machine does and consideration before purchase is included. Bare face macro / close up photos included.

Don’t feel like reading? Here’s a video version. Else, please scroll down.

Product

Talika Light Duo+ (aka Talika Light Duo Plus)

3rd generation

Beauty device type

Photo therapy tech, external use (with or without direct contact)

Functions

The machine comes with 3 settings. Each performs a different function.

Green light – lighten pigmentation

Orange light – firming, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, induce collagen production

Red light – reduce inflammation, reduce redness

Verdict

This is based on my 13 months continuous use. I have taken a 1 month break to see if there’s “rebound” / adverse effect from stopping.

Green light – lighten pigmentation

It works. Period.

I saw some of my melasma faded within the first 3 months of use. After around 6 months’ use, my melasma reduced in size AND the colour faded enough that I no longer need to colour correct.

Orange light – anti ageing

It works, but VERY slowly.

ZERO noticeable action in the first 6 months. Yup. Towards the end of 7th months’ use, I noticed that my “dents” near my under eyes were reduced / almost gone. The indentation near my eyes were causing me mass panic. So relieved that they are gone. Those dents made me look so tired and I hate having to add yellow corrector. I am only 35, those dents freaked me out! Refer to my video for another fabulous TMI close up, where I show how my skin pumped up.

I am too chicken to get fillers or any injections, though I think my friends look bloody fantastic with their injections. Just way happy to have something that worked for me without injections.

Red light – reduce inflammation

I have only used this function twice. No comment from me. I don’t think I have sufficient experience with this function to comment.

Consideration before purchase

1. Patience

If you cannot stick to using the machine EVERY day, my advise is don’t buy it. I don’t think the machine will work so well if you go on a “on and off” use. Secondly, like I said, for me it took months to see results. Are you in for this type of commitment?

Example

Green (pigmentation) – 1 minute in the morning, 1 minute at night

Orange (anti-ageing) – 45 sec at night

2. How many function(s) will you use?

Talika has released new devices where you can buy each function independently. At the moment, from Talika France’s site, they’re selling the anti ageing for EUR89 and the anti inflammation for EUR75. If you’ll only use one function, buying them individually will make more sense. At the moment, the Talika Light Duo+ is EUR199 on the French official site.

3. Serum / skincare expense

If you normally use serums as part of your skincare routine, this machine may potentially save you lots of money. For example, most 30+ related serums are EUR80+ every 3-4 months. That’s EUR300 a year. So if you’re into any serum or speciality (e.g. anti ageing, firming, pigmentation etc) cream, this machine is value for money.

The whole of last year, the skin care products that I used were from a basic hyrdration range:

• Clarins hydra essential serum
• Clarins hydra essential gel ==> terrible stuff !#$!%!% worst thing ever, it causes eraser like flakes all over my face
• Clarins hydra essential silky cream
• Sunscreen SPF30 to SPF50 PA++ or higher – Muji, Etude House, Sofina, Uriage), the point is, I use sunscreen everyday and I go through that stuff quickly
• Clarins lotus oil *night routine
• Estee Lauder advance night repair eye cream *night routine – this product does have anti-ageing claims, but the area that I use this isn’t related to the problem areas

4. Prolong IPL treatment

For people who’ve had their IPL around 2-3 years ago, this machine is a good option for extending the IPL treatment effect. Those of us who has done IPL before know that the effect doesn’t last forever. If only I knew about this machine earlier, then I wouldn’t have to suffer through all my melasma / hyperpigmentation resurfacing 🙁

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPey97shZeN/?taken-by=joycebelfort

**update 18/3/2018

Went to City Pharma ( Paris ) with a visiting friend yesterday, the machine was priced at EUR188 and they give a bunch of free samples. The price is even cheaper than Talika’s official site! City Pharma is that “magic” pharmacy where all the locals go to stock up on French pharmacy brand skincare. I have mentioned this place in a previous post.

Disclaimer

I bought it. My experience. My opinion.

For more detailed info of my skin type and issues – click here.

Have you tried this before? How did it go for you?

Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Google+