Now that LED light therapy face masks have come down in price, almost anyone can benefit from professional-style skin treatments at home. But are they worth buying? With some priced from as little as £20, you may be asking yourself if they actually work.
With light therapy modes designed to target a range of skin concerns, LED masks can seem like an easy route to younger-looking, clear skin. Designed to work below the skin’s surface, where many topical treatments can’t reach, they promise salon results at a fraction of the cost. If you are feeling the lure of convenient regular treatments at home, here are some things you need to know - from light wavelengths to tips for using a mask and my review of one of the cheapest masks on the market.
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light to the skin. Different wavelengths target different skin concerns. Each wavelength range has its own colour. These include:
Red (wavelength - 630-700nm): Red light is considered to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. It is often used in skin clinics to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote healing.
Blue (wavelength - 405-470nm): Blue light can be effective in targeting acne-causing bacteria. It can help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and prevent breakouts.
Near-infrared light (wavelength - 700-1000nm): Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin than red light, stimulating cellular metabolism and promoting tissue repair. It can help reduce inflammation, improve skin elasticity and boost collagen production.
Other colours an wavelengths include yellow and green.
Benefits of LED light therapy face masks
Light therapy is commonly used to treat persistent acne. Blue light can help reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.
Those looking to improve skin texture also reach for LED light therapy masks. That is because both red and near-infrared light stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation, leading to smoother skin.
The growing use of LED masks at home can largely be attributed to those looking to boost anti-ageing skincare routines. Red and near-infra-red light is routinely used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Many report an improvement in skin elasticity.
Other benefits of light therapy for the face include improved skin tone. LED lights aid blood circulation and can minimise hyperpigmentation.
Tips for using LED light therapy face masks
It’s important not to put any lotions or potions on your face before using a mask. Simply ensure your skin is clean. You can apply serums and a moisturiser after. Top dermatologists will tell you that applying skincare products before using a mask can limit the lights’ penetration of the skin.
Other things to consider:
Choose the right wavelength for your skin’s needs: Select a mask that emits the specific wavelength(s) that target your skin concerns.
Always follow the instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended treatment time and frequency. It is better to build up the length of time you use a mask over a number of weeks.
Protect your eyes: Wear the eye shields provided with the mask to protect your eyes from the light. If your mask isn’t supplied with goggles, buy some before you start using the device.
Be consistent: Use the mask consistently to achieve optimal results. Skin specialists say being consistent is the key driver when it comes to results. Aim to use the device for a few minutes every day.
Important considerations
Never use an electronic skincare device without first consulting your dermatologist. This is especially important if you have any underlying skin conditions or concerns..
Avoid overuse - overusing an LED light therapy mask may not lead to better results and could potentially irritate your skin. Do not exceed the treatment time stated by the device’s manufacturer.
LED light therapy is not a miracle cure, so keep your expectations in check. It can help improve your skin, but it takes time and consistency to see results.
LED light therapy face masks offer a non-invasive and potentially effective way to improve your skin. By understanding how they work and following the tips provided, you can safely and effectively use these masks to achieve your desired skin goals.
LED face mask test purchase and trial
I’m a sucker for anything that promises to make my skin look younger. As soon as I saw the price of LED face masks coming down, I was keen to give one a try. I wanted to see if the red light really does minimise fine lines. I also have a bag under my left eye that most treatments fail to tackle.
I purchased a USB rechargeable mask in the budget category that had attracted more than 1,200 good reviews on Temu. The price? Under £11. It arrived with clear instructions and was pre-charged. I decided I would use it after cleansing but before applying skincare products at night. What struck me almost instantly was how well the mask was made. It certainly didn’t look or feel cheap.
With two presses of a button, the red light was on! The treatment, which comprises 90 LED lights, lasts for 10 minutes. While I do find the mask hard to keep in place while sitting upright, it was easy to use lying down. It’s incredibly relaxing.
During the treatment, I protect my eyes with cotton pads. However, the holes in the mask for the eyes are quite good and I only see the lights if I look up.
I’m on day five. What do I think so far?
I can tell after using the mask that it has done something. I’ve noticed, already, that the texture of my skin has improved. I feel that, with daily use, the product will make a difference.
One thing I have started doing is applying a lip balm immediately after using the mask. I felt that my lips were dry after the first use. Initially, I was concerned that my skin may go on to suffer the same fate but, so far, so good.
Whether or not LED light therapy goes on to dramatically reduce my fine lines remains to be seen. However, the experience of using the mask is so pleasant that I will continue to use it as part of my bedtime regimen.
There is a novelty factor with this mask that I am convinced is part of the draw. It is also very comfortable to wear. I don't feel claustrophobic, which is something I worried about.
I will update this post as time goes on and record any effects that I notice. So many reviews stop after an initial use period and I want this one to continue beyond so that a clearer picture of the effectiveness of budget masks is better understood.
Have you ever used an LED light therapy face mask? What was your experience?
UPDATES will appear below
1 Week - my skin feels softer and smoother, but I haven't yet noticed any major minimising of fine lines and other signs of ageing. I did take one day off - no thanks to the lingering impact of a recent Covid infection. Upwards and onwards! Stay tuned for the next update. Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say.
3 Weeks - I've 'fallen off the wagon', so to speak! I caught 'flu, then it was Christmas and that oh-so-important consistency flew out of the window. I aim to get back into a routine in the New Year. I've bought my sister one of these masks so, hopefully, we can set some goals and encourge each other to stick with it.
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