FAQ

Everything You Want to Know. Before You Decide.

The questions we get asked most — answered properly.

• This sounds like every other beauty gadget I've tried. What makes this actually different? +

  Fair — and it's the right thing to ask. Most beauty gadgets work on the surface. Illume is designed to work below it.

  The 630nm red light reaches the dermal layer — where collagen is produced and where blood pools beneath the skin. The EMS contracts the underlying orbicularis oculi muscle and helps stimulate lymphatic drainage. Neither of those things is physically possible from a cream, regardless of how many active ingredients it contains.

  If your dark circles or puffiness have a structural cause — which for most women they do — Illume is designed to target that cause directly, not sit on top of it.

• How long until I see results? +

  Based on reported user experience, most women notice a visible change in morning puffiness within the first 2–4 weeks of daily use. A brighter, less grey under-eye appearance tends to follow.

  Dark circles typically respond within 4–8 weeks. The full 8-week programme is where the most significant changes are reported — the results compound with consistent use.

  How quickly you respond depends on the underlying cause. Fluid-related puffiness tends to respond fastest. Hereditary pigmentation takes longer. We recommend photographing your under-eyes in the same light, at the same time of day, before you start — it's the only reliable way to see gradual change clearly.

• Is the red light safe for my eyes? +

  Yes — and it's worth explaining properly rather than just saying yes. Illume uses low-energy red LED light at 630nm. This wavelength penetrates approximately 2mm into the skin — reaching the dermal layer it's designed to work on — but not deeply enough to reach the delicate structures behind the eye, such as the retina.

  This is a fundamentally different category from high-energy clinical red light therapy, which does carry eye risk and requires protective eyewear. Illume's energy level is far lower — closer to the wavelengths researchers have been exploring for their benefits to dry eye and general ocular health.

  The device is designed to rest below the eye, not over it. If it gives you peace of mind, close your eyes while positioning it — once in place, it stays there without you holding it. Open them once you're settled.

• Will it work on dark circles caused by genetics, not just tiredness? +

  This is the right question. Genetic dark circles typically have two causes: melanin pigmentation (the skin tone itself is darker beneath the eye) and vascular pooling (deoxygenated blood showing through thin skin beneath the surface). Many women have both simultaneously.

  The vascular type — which is very common even in women who believe it's entirely genetic — is designed to respond to improved microcirculation. Illume's 630nm red light helps clear pooled blood and support better blood flow in that area. For many women, this makes a visible difference even where they had assumed genetics was the whole story.

  Melanin pigmentation is more resistant, but can improve alongside better skin density and circulation over the full programme. If you have both types, expect changes in puffiness and the vascular component first.

• Can I use it if I've had filler or Botox around my eyes? +

  If you've had Botox, wait at least two weeks after treatment before starting, and begin on the lowest intensity setting.

  If you have existing tear trough or under-eye filler, we recommend checking with your injector before starting. Some practitioners advise caution with microcurrent near recent filler. If in doubt, wait until it has fully settled — typically 4–6 weeks — before beginning the programme.

• How often should I use it, and for how long each session? +

  10 minutes daily for the first 8 weeks. The device auto shuts-off — you don't need to time anything. Put it on, do something else, and it handles itself.

  After completing the 8-week programme, 3–4 sessions per week is typically enough to maintain your results.

  Consistency matters far more than intensity. Daily use at a comfortable setting will always outperform occasional use at the highest one.

• Can I use it over serums or my existing skincare? +

  Yes — and applying a water-based serum or eye gel before the session actually improves the EMS conductivity. The more contact between the device and a hydrated surface, the more effectively the microcurrent works.

  Avoid oil-based products directly before use, as oil insulates against the current. Your usual morning or evening skincare can follow the session normally.

• Is it suitable for sensitive skin and all skin tones? +

  Yes to both. Illume uses no heat, no laser, and no abrasive action — making it suitable for sensitive skin. The three intensity settings let you start low and increase only when you're comfortable.

  The 630nm wavelength is safe and effective across all skin tones. There is no UV component and no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or discolouration.

• What if I try it and it doesn't work for me? +

  You're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date your order arrives. If you've used Illume consistently and aren't satisfied with the results, contact us at hello@ladyfied.com and we'll refund you in full — no questions asked.

  No return postage fees for UK customers. Refunds are processed within 3–5 business days.