About the Company

Dermabeam was established in Los Angeles, California, and focused on light therapy devices for skin improvement. The flagship product, the Dermabeam Pro mask, used 115 medical-grade LEDs to enhance collagen production and combat skin issues like acne. The company’s products were designed for comfort, featuring cordless functionality and rechargeable batteries, and were sold online through Dermabeam's website, Amazon, and dermatology offices.

Dermabeam primarily targeted women for their masks and athletes for their panels, though the devices were marketed to all age groups. Light therapy was at the core of Dermabeam's offerings, a treatment that utilizes different wavelengths of light to boost cellular repair and reduce inflammation. The brand sought to become a leader in the $100 billion skincare industry.

Idea Behind Company

The idea for Dermabeam stemmed from Takashi's personal battle with acne and eczema, conditions that severely affected his confidence. After years of suffering and a mental health breakdown, Takashi turned to light therapy as part of his healing process. This treatment significantly improved his skin, leading him to regain self-esteem and a renewed sense of purpose.

Takashi's exposure to biohacking and alternative health treatments during his recovery inspired him to bring the benefits of light therapy to a wider audience. With no formal background in the skincare industry, he saw an opportunity to innovate existing products by focusing on comfort and usability.

Creating the Company

To bring his vision to life, Takashi immersed himself in the design and prototyping process. He researched existing light therapy devices, identifying flaws like uncomfortable straps and inconvenient cords. His solution was to design a mask that was lightweight, cordless, and easy to wear, incorporating features such as touch activation and earpiece support for comfort.

Takashi drew inspiration from successful brands like Apple, Rayban, and Tesla for Dermabeam’s design, ensuring his products not only worked effectively but also looked sleek and stylish. He worked with a manufacturer to produce his masks and panels, focusing on creating a unique brand identity that resonated with his target customers.

Launching the Business

Dermabeam’s launch in September 2021 was relatively low-key, with Takashi quietly turning the website live without fanfare. Initial sales were slow, with only four masks sold in the first month. However, his persistence paid off, and sales started to pick up with the help of strategic partnerships with influencers and dermatologists.

Takashi experimented with various marketing strategies, including creative approaches like gifting masks to DJs and celebrities. Some efforts, like working with skincare influencers, led to significant sales boosts, while others, such as marketing to rave audiences, did not translate into success. Despite the challenges, Takashi continued to refine his marketing and business strategies.

Earnings

In its first year, Dermabeam generated $35,000 in sales, growing to $90,000 in the first half of 2022. The company experienced an early boost in sales after being featured by popular influencers like Cassandra Bankson, which helped drive over 100 unit sales during Black Friday. Dermabeam aimed to achieve profitability in 2022 and expand its distribution through Amazon and partnerships with dermatologists.

The company planned to reinvest its earnings back into the business, with long-term goals of expanding into retail stores and appearing on Shark Tank. However, despite its initial success, Dermabeam ceased operations in 2024 due to undisclosed reasons.