The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast: Wrinkle Fixes, Wellness Hacks, & The Beauty Tech Revolution
Featuring Expert Esthetician Stacey Christie & LightStim Founder Steve Marchese
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Introduction
In this insightful episode of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, hosts Lauryn Bosstick and Michael Bosstick delve deep into the world of light stimulation technology with two esteemed guests: Stacey Christie, a renowned esthetician from San Diego, and Steve Marchese, the visionary founder of LightStim. The episode, titled "Wrinkle Fixes, Wellness Hacks, & The Beauty Tech Revolution," explores the transformative impact of light stimulation on skin care, wellness, and overall health.
Understanding Light Stimulation Technology
a. Definition and Difference from Red Light Therapy
At [03:05], Steve Marchese clarifies the terminology, stating, "It started out being called LED light therapy. But using the word therapy is a misnomer because it's treating wrinkles too. Wrinkles are aesthetics, not therapy." He emphasizes that the term "light stimulation" is more accurate as it encompasses various wavelengths such as red, infrared, amber, and blue light, each serving different functions. This broader categorization moves beyond the narrow scope of red light therapy, highlighting the versatile applications of light stimulation.
b. How It Works: Wavelengths and Cellular Interaction
Steve further explains at [11:07], "There are different wavelengths of light... Red and infrared, which the human eye can't see... Different wavelengths do different things when they interact with cells." He breaks down the science by illustrating how light energy is absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, converting it into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cellular energy source. This process, as Steve elaborates at [12:52], “So it, the cells are the mitochondria of the cell absorbs that light energy and then converts it to ATP. That's the gasoline. That's the gas that runs our cells."
Light Stimulation vs. Sauna
In a comparative discussion at [04:17], Stacey recalls her conversation with Steve about infrared saunas versus light stimulation beds. Steve elucidates the differences:
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Traditional Sauna: Uses steam and requires regular cleaning to prevent mold. Primarily induces sweating to detoxify the body without reducing inflammation.
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Infrared Sauna: A dry sauna that avoids the mold issue but, according to Steve, "is not reducing your inflammation, which is what LED infrared will do."
Steve emphasizes that the effectiveness of light stimulation lies in its ability to penetrate deeper into tissues, promoting inflammation reduction and cellular healing, a capability traditional saunas lack.
Personal Experiences and Testimonials
a. Lauren's Recovery Story
Lauren shares her transformative experience at [05:50]: "I injured my back terribly... was told I needed shots and surgery... two weeks solid, I laid on that bed. I was back on the tennis court. I had no pain." This testimony underscores the bed's efficacy in accelerating recovery from severe injuries, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.
b. Steve's Personal Story with His Son
Steve narrates a pivotal moment at [31:21] when his son faced a life-threatening complication from surgery. Desperate for a solution after conventional medicine failed, Steve and his team developed the LightStim bed in 60 days, leading to a remarkable recovery: "two months later his blood pressure is 130 over 80. And we go, whoa, we should, we should, we should build this thing."
LightStim Products Overview
a. Handheld Devices
Priced at $249, the handheld LightStim devices are user-friendly and portable, allowing daily use to target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, acne, and pain.
b. Pro Panels
At $2,500, the Ellipsa Pro Panel offers a more stationary solution, ideal for integrating into facials and professional treatments, enhancing the efficacy of skincare routines.
c. LightStim Bed
The flagship product, the LightStim Bed, commands a premium price of $65,000 (with a consumer version coming at $25,000) and is designed for comprehensive full-body treatments. Steve highlights its uniqueness: "It's the only bed that has legal FDA clearance."
FDA Clearance and Industry Standards
Steve addresses the stringent FDA clearance process at [07:16], emphasizing LightStim's commitment to safety and efficacy: "It's important to buy products that are made in the U.S... FDA clearance is more prevalent in smaller devices." He contrasts LightStim with competitors who often bypass FDA standards, leading to subpar and potentially unsafe products in the market.
Stacey adds at [09:41], "What do people who are listening need to know about other companies in light stimulation? What are things to look out for where it's a scam?" Steve responds by advocating for FDA-cleared devices, ensuring consumers receive legitimate and effective products.
Applications of Light Stimulation
a. Skin Care: Wrinkles and Collagen Production
Lauren discusses integrating LightStim into her skincare regimen at [13:33], "Every single facial I do, I incorporate the pro panel, the anti-wrinkle panel... Red light finishes all of my facial treatments because I have just done an oxygen infusion." Steve explains the scientific basis: "It's plumping up that lower level of skin, that dermis layer, and it's pushing the fold of the wrinkle out like that little by little."
b. Wellness: Pain, Joint Health, Increased ATP
Steve elaborates on the wellness benefits, including pain relief and increased blood circulation. At [21:04], Lauren shares, "He literally lays on that bed, back on the court," highlighting the bed's role in immediate pain alleviation and enhanced recovery.
c. Sleep Improvement
Michael recounts his improved sleep quality at [17:21], experiencing extended REM cycles after using the bed. Steve connects this to nitric oxide production: "Nitric oxide... reduces heart attacks, reduces strokes, it increases blood flow to the brain... better sleep."
d. Athletic Recovery
Steve mentions notable athletes like Saquon Barkley benefiting from LightStim: "He laid on it three days a week and two months later his blood pressure is 130 over 80... set a personal record of 206 yards."
e. Potential Impacts on Hormones and Libido
Steve touches upon hormonal benefits, noting increased libido and enhanced efficacy of erectile dysfunction drugs through nitric oxide release, though he advises caution regarding hormone regulation.
Usage in Professional Settings
Lauren explains how she integrates LightStim into her esthetician services at [49:05]: "I use the pro panel... when I have a bad knee or a bad ankle, I'll put the pain panel on them during their facial treatment. And it's fantastic." This dual approach of combining beauty and wellness treatments caters to a holistic client experience.
Celebrity Endorsements and User Base
Steve proudly mentions LightStim's adoption by celebrities and athletes, including Phil Mickelson and Courtney Cox, enhancing its credibility and appeal. Lauren adds at [51:00], "When he got his bed, that was when his career turned around," attributing significant professional success to LightStim usage.
Product Pricing and Availability
- Handheld Devices: $249
- Ellipsa Pro Panel: $2,500
- Pro Panel: $6,500
- LightStim Bed: $65,000 (Standard), $25,000 (Consumer Version)
Steve discusses financing options for businesses and the upcoming consumer bed at [66:00], "The new bed is $25,000 for consumers... We'll have consumer financing, like maybe put five grand down and make... four or five hundred dollars a month payments."
Skin Care Tips Integrating Light Stimulation
Lauren and Stacey emphasize the importance of a comprehensive skincare routine when using LightStim devices:
- Cleanse and Hydrate: Use a cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and moisturizer.
- Serums and Infusions: Apply serums that absorb well before using the LightStim device.
- Device Usage: "You can do it while you're watching television... consistent use is key."
- Sunscreen Application: "Use LightStim before applying sunscreen."
Stacey highlights the customization available through Skype consultations with Stacy Christie, ensuring personalized skincare routines.
Upcoming Products and Announcements
Steve hints at the release of a more affordable consumer bed at [66:00], priced at $25,000, with features mirroring the existing model but tailored for home use.
Giveaways and Promotions
To engage listeners, Lauren and Stacey announce a generous giveaway at [71:12], offering Stacy Christie's skincare kits and LightStim devices. Participants must follow LightStim and acycristyskin on Instagram and share their favorite takeaway from the episode using the code "skinny" for discounts on LightStim products.
Conclusion
This episode of The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of light stimulation technology, blending scientific insights with personal testimonials and professional applications. Stacey Christie and Steve Marchese provide a nuanced understanding of how LightStim devices can revolutionize both beauty and wellness routines, backed by FDA clearance and real-world success stories. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, athlete, or someone seeking holistic health improvements, this episode underscores the transformative potential of light stimulation in enhancing quality of life.
Notable Quotes:
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Steve Marchese [03:05]: "Using 'therap'y didn't work. We are using 'light stimulation' because you are using different wavelengths of light to cause the cell to stimulate the cell to do something."
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Lauren Everts [05:50]: "In two weeks solid, I laid on that bed. I was back on the tennis court. I had no pain."
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Steve Marchese [12:52]: "The cells are the mitochondria of the cell absorbs that light energy and then converts it to ATP. That's the gasoline that runs our cells."
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Steve Marchese [17:21]: "There are clinical studies that show that certain wavelengths of light will help to release serotonin and dopamine."
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Steve Marchese [35:37]: "We built a one-sided bed that you flip on... You're actually only a quarter inch off the tip."
Resources & Links:
- LightStim: LightSTEM.com
- Stacey Christy's Skincare: StaceyChristySkin.com
- Giveaway Instructions: Follow LightStim and acycristyskin on Instagram, share your favorite episode takeaway using code "skinny."
Note: All product mentions and endorsements on this podcast are made by the hosts and guests based on their personal experiences and expertise.
