At-Home Light Therapy: Could an LED Face Mask Be Right for You?

LED face masks use the power of light to improve the appearance of your skin. There are hundreds of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) built into the underside of the mask, and when you put it against your face, they emit light at different wavelengths to activate your skin cells.

The masks typically come in either rigid or flexible designs, letting you choose the option that feels most comfortable, and they’re held in place with adjustable head straps.

They might look pretty futuristic, but LED treatments have been around for decades. Traditionally only available at beauty clinics, recent advances in technology mean you can now have light mask therapy from the comfort of your own home.

LED face masks work by sending light towards your skin. Different colours of light have different wavelengths, and they can reach different layers of your skin. When light reaches skin cells at different depths, it can stimulate those cells to behave in certain ways. This process is known as photobiomodulation.

Blue light in LED face masks

Blue light is mainly used in light therapy for acne. It only penetrates as far as the top layer of skin, and it produces a natural reaction that kills acne-causing bacteria. Blue light therapy is also said to calm inflammation and reduce oil production.

Red light in LED face masks

Red light is known to penetrate deeper into the skin where it stimulates cells responsible for skin repair. Not only can it reduce the appearance of fine lines, but it also encourages the production of elastin and collagen, which help skin look younger too.

Other light colours in LED face masks

Some LED face mask manufacturers claim that other colours of light can help stimulate different changes in your skin. Green light is said to balance out uneven skin tone, while yellow light is said to make dull skin look more radiant.

At the moment, most independent research has just looked at the impact of red and blue light, so the effects of other colours aren’t quite as clear.

These LED skincare devices can be quite expensive, so of course you want to be confident that they actually work. The good news is, the evidence so far seems to show that LED face masks do improve the appearance of skin.

In fact, a scientific journal did a review in 2018, and the findings speak for themselves.

●  Blue light therapy evidence: The review found eight studies looking into blue light therapy for acne. After people used the masks for a few weeks, studies found reductions in acne of between 50% and 70%.

●  Red light therapy evidence: There were six studies that explored how red light might encourage skin rejuvenation. Studies found that, after several weeks, the appearance of wrinkles improved by between 26% and 36%.

● Yellow therapy evidence: A couple of studies looked into how yellow light affects the appearance of skin redness, and they found that it may have positive, short-term effects.

Consistent use is key

So, yes, LED face masks can improve the appearance of your skin, but you need to use them consistently to really see a difference. Most people start to notice results within 2 to 4 weeks after using them for 5 to 10 minutes each day.

It’s important to have realistic expectations too. While red light therapy can reduce the appearance of fine lines, for example, it can’t permanently smooth out deep wrinkles.

To help see the benefits, try taking before and after photos. Get a picture of yourself makeup-free first thing in the morning, then again after a few weeks of using the mask. You should be able to see the difference quite clearly.

Make sure you take the photo at the same time of day so you can be sure that any changes are definitely down to the mask.

By taking the photo at the same time of day, you can be sure that any changes are down to the face mask, rather than the natural variations in your skin’s appearance throughout the day.

Before you spend your hard-earned money on an LED face mask, it’s worth thinking about what you want to get from it. Some devices are multi-functional and can help with a variety of skin concerns, while others just focus on one area.

Most LED face masks have multiple light colour settings so they’re able to target a range of skin concerns. Make sure the mask you want has the right settings to suit your needs.

1. Clean and dry your skin: Wash your face with soap and water, then dry it with a towel. Make sure any foundation or makeup is fully removed.

2. Choose your setting: Decide which skin concern to target, be that acne management or reducing the appearance of fine lines, then select the relevant setting.

3. Place on your head: Put the mask on your face and use the adjustable bands to secure it on your head. Make sure you get a snug fit.

4. Eye protection: Some LED face masks come with eye protection. Wear this following the instructions included in the box.

5. Begin the routine: Different treatments take different lengths of time, but most last around 5 to 10 minutes. The eye gaps in the mask mean you can continue watching TV or reading a book while it works its magic.

6. Consistent use: To really notice a difference, use the mask at least a few days a week for up to a month. Find a time you know you’ll be able to commit to - many people fit it into their bedtime routine after brushing their teeth.

Most LED face masks have a range of light colour settings which you can adjust for your skincare goals. But as well as these, you might also want to look for extra features like:

●  Customisable routines: You can create your own skincare routine by adjusting the brightness and length of the light treatment.

●  Wireless: An unwired face mask means you can move around while wearing it.

●  Under-eye cooling: This feature can help with firming and de-puffing your under-eyes.