LED Face Mask FAQs:
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy refers to the process of exposing skin to different wavelengthsof light which “stimulate collagen production and purify the skin”, Dr Radmila Lukian told us. The light emitted by your LED face mask is absorbed by your skin, and as the light wavelength increases, so does the depth of penetration.
Each different light type – usually represented by a different treatment mode in your device – stimulates a different response. This means every colour boasts different LED face mask benefits. LED light therapy “can help improve skin texture, reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone,” as well as calm psoriasis, improve the general appearance of your skin and reduce visible signs of ageing.
Do LED face masks really work?
Yes, LED masks have countless benefits. “They are superb for supporting collagen production, calming inflammation and improving breakouts,” Laurence Newman said.
One study carried out in 2021, showed an improvement in atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition) in both men and women after twelve weeks of phototherapy, while a small 2018 study found green light therapy to aid in fading melasma and hyperpigmentation. Elsewhere, the NHS has a few medical applications of LED light therapy, such as for treatment of wound healing. “Particularly, for chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores,” Laurence said.
It’s important to remember, though, that “not all LEDs are made equal. You need to look for one that can prove the LEDs work at a proven, gold-standard wavelength (for red light 833nm, infrared at 830nm and blue light at 415nm),” Laurence reinforced.
What colour LED do I need?
“The colour of the LED light to use depends on your specific skin concerns,” Dr. Jinah Yoo told us. Red, near infrared and deep infrared have the greatest scientific backing, followed by blue, then yellow.
“Green has some early-stage studies to support it – largely in skin brightening (or whitening as it is referred to in China and other APAC territories) – while purple has nothing to back it up,” Laurence told me.
“I’m always a little wary of masks with too many colours – the science just isn’t there to support the wavelengths and more often than not, the brand is spending more on getting a variety of coloured LED rather than making sure that the LEDs are of the highest quality.”
Colour | Clinically-proven effective wavelegnth | Use |
---|---|---|
Red Light | 630-700nm | The most popular, red light stimulates our fibroblasts for cell renewal, increased collagen production, reduced inflammation and enhanced circulation. For wrinkles, fine lines and wound healing, red light is your girl. Look for LED masks which emit red light at between 630-700nm (preferably 633nm) for efficacy. |
Near Infrared Light | 700-850nm | Near infrared light has no colour, but can penetrate even deeper into the skin and layers of tissue and muscle in comparison to red light. It helps with reducing inflammation, wound healing and pain relief. Get a mask which emits near-infrared at 830nm. |
Yellow Light | 570-590mm | The least common in at-home devices, yellow light can reduce redness and swelling, and speed-up heeling time. It compliments red LED therapy and can be beneficial for those with sensitive skin. |
Blue Light Therapy | 405-420nm | A bacteria-fighting LED light. It triggers photochemical oxidation in order to kill acne-causing bacteria living on the skin. This makes blue light an excellent choice for those with pimples, eczema or rosacea. |
How often should I use an LED face mask for best results?
“It is generally safe to use an at-home LED face mask every day,” Dr. Lukian said, “but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not overuse it. Using it for up to 20 minutes a day, three-five times a week is a good starting point.”
The LED used in at-home devices is much weaker than what it would be in-salon, and actually, the devices often undergo much more rigorous testing because they need to be safe enough to use without the presence of a professional. If you do have sensitive skin or notice irregular signs of damage, consult with a dermatologist.
As for whether the effects of use will be permanent? “LED will always benefit skin and will help skin as long as you use it,” Dr. Maryam said. “Just like with exercise, you maintain your muscle mass and if you stop, then your muscle mass will diminish.Similarly, if you are using LED, you will see the benefit as you use that will decrease and stop after you stop using it.It gives you a new starting point.”
How should I use my LED face mask with my skincare routine?
Before using an LED face mask, remove your makeup, use your normal cleanser to wash your face, and then make sure your face is clean and dry. “The beauty of LED is that it can be used alongside your existing skincare routine, Laurence said. “So my recommendation is always to stick with what you know works best for you.” You can apply facial serums and moisturisers as normal after using your mask.
“If you’d like to add something new, then I would always go for hydration. A really good small-molecule hyaluronic acid is top of my list for post-treatment.”
Can I use an LED face mask alongside botox or other invasive procedures?
“Absolutely,” Laurence said. This is “another area where LED light is so superb: it works really well to aid healing and speed up recovery.” Many dermatologists actually recommend red light to help treat the skin after an invasive treatment, and we know it is perfectly safe to use alongside botox and fillers.
Are there any side effects of using an LED face mask?
Not really (though it is essential to follow the guidelines laid out by the manufacturer of the mask you choose – and to consult with a dermatologist if you suffer from a specific skin condition). So, I suppose that here, we can clear up some LED face mask myths.
You don’t need to worry about eye safety when using an LED face mask. Dr Elizabeth Hawkes explains that light varies in many different ways, from X-ray, to UV to LED. Often, blue light from screens is confused with LED, but they operate at very different wavelengths. It’s important to look for a mask that has been cleared for safety (CE for Europe/UK) – but if it has been, and it operates at the exact wavelength we state, it’s safe and not operating on a different wavelength that is potentially dangerous for eyes.
Similarly, you can’t get sun damage from an LED face mask. “Sun exposure is down to UV light which is a completely different spectrum of light from LED,” Laurence said.
What LED face mask does Kim Kardashian use?
Kim Kardashian famously gifted her friends with CurrentBody and Omnilux LED face masks for Christmas back in 2023 (they were found in those in those viral SKIMS-wrapped packages). Both of which come in under £400, pleasingly. "You can find me right here... Face, neck and hand red lights for the win!" wrote Kardashian via her Instagram Stories at the time. “I'm obsessed with these I gave them as gifts this year.”
What LED face mask does Victoria Beckham use?
Elsewhere, Victoria Beckham is known to use the Déesse Pro LED Mask, a luxury device that offers multiple light settings – including red, blue, and near-infrared – to address various skin concerns.
More GLAMOUR-Approved LED devices to shop:
Dermalux Flex MD LED Light Therapy Device
This complete-body LED device, though expensive, emits clinically proven wavelengths of light to reduce signs of ageing, redness and hyperpigmentation. It's multi-functional, FDA-approved, and has 360 evenly dispersed LED bulbs for maximum light coverage and results.
CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device
One of CurrentBody's most popular LED devices is not for your skin at all. Rather, to encourage hair regrowth. CurrentBody state that this device increases hair growth rate by 128% in 12 weeks, giving full scalp coverage and using 120 red (640nm) LED diode bulbs to do so. 96% of users told CurrentBody that they saw an improvement in hair thickness after 12 weeks, and loved that it offers a hands-free, speedy treatment.
CurrentBody Skin LED Hand Perfector
This time, LED light therapy is used by CurrentBody to boost collagen production for more youthful-looking hands. With daily use, CurrentBody state that you'll see results after just four weeks. Think: firmer skin, reduced wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and appearance of age spots. There are 70 LED bulbs delivering 30 mW/cm² for a powerful 10-minute treatment, and the same patented pillow technology as is used in the face iterations ensures that the LED light is diffused to ensure maximum skin coverage.
CurrentBody Skin LED Lip Perfector
Again, harnessing the same technology as the CurrentBody LED face mask, this is a first-of-its kind anti-ageing LED lip device. It aims to soften feather and smile lines on the lips, and help you achieve plumper and more toned lips, too. It uses 56 deep-penetrating LED bulbs which deliver 67.7 mW/cm² in 4 wavelengths – and it's said to be effective with or without lip injectables. You should use for three minutes each day for full results after eight weeks.
After more skincare products? Shop the best jade rollers, the best ice globes, the best night creams, facial cleansing brushes or read our NuFace Microcurrent Device review. For more from GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.