We’ve seen them all over the internet, especially on social media. Everywhere you turn, someone’s wearing a mask that looks like it could belong to Michael Myers but with red lights all over it. Including me. I’m one of those people who wear the masks. Why? Because they’re good.
If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about, or whether you should invest in one yourself, I’m going to walk you through the pros and cons and share a few devices I think are actually worth the money.
Before I get started, though, let me say this: these devices are only worth buying if you’re going to commit to using them consistently. Using LEDs in your skincare routine is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes regular use – several times a week, over a long period of time – before you’ll see results. Think of it as a tool to help maintain your skin’s health overall. Using LED is not a quick fix and shouldn’t be treated like one (especially considering the financial investment involved in purchasing a good one).
First, let’s talk about what LED actually is. LED stands for light-emitting diode. LED light therapy has been around for a long time – more than 30 years. Nasa was the first to use it back in the 1980s to help stimulate plant growth. During those experiments, one of the scientists noticed that his skin lesions were healing faster than usual. His discovery marked the beginning of LED light therapy for the skin.
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Today, LED therapy is widely used in hospitals and clinical settings. In fact, if you’ve had a facial or skin treatment at a clinic recently, there’s a good chance you’ve spent some time under an LED light. These lights, typically red and near-infrared, are absorbed by your skin cells during treatment.
Different LED wavelengths (or lights) – like blue, red and infrared – target a variety of skincare concerns all at once, including acne, dullness, fine lines, uneven skin tone and the signs of ageing. Arguably, at-home LED masks won’t provide the same results as in-clinic, but they’re excellent for prolonging results and aiding in healing and repair post-treatment.
LED masks available for home use are non-invasive and generally safe. There are a few potential side effects to keep in mind, however, such as skin dryness, redness or eye strain if used without eye protection (many masks now include built-in eye protection).
Light therapy may also pose issues for those with migraines or epilepsy. Additionally, some research suggests that blue light can stimulate melanin production, so it may be best to avoid if you have hyperpigmentation or melasma.
Now, on to the masks. If you’re dealing with rosacea, eczema, acne, persistent breakouts and inflammation (and not dealing with hyperpigmentation issues), a blue light LED mask is a great option. Blue light works on the top layer of the skin and research shows it triggers a chemical reaction that kills c.acnes – the bacteria linked to acne.
[ Wearable LED device can help protect and improve brain healthOpens in new window ]
Great options are available, depending on budget, including OmniLux Clear (€462 from omniluxled.com) and Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro (€525.40 from Cult Beauty). Both have the added benefit of red light in addition to blue.
If your main goal is anti-ageing, specifically reducing fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen production and improving skin tone and overall appearance – a red light LED mask is your best bet. Red light penetrates deeper into the skin, stimulating collagen production while soothing inflammation and redness.
Many red-light masks also include infrared or near-infrared light, which goes even deeper than red and is particularly effective for anti-ageing. Infrared light targets fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation while accelerating skin recovery and stimulating collagen and elastin production. Notable choices include OmniLux Contour Face Mask (€462 from omniluxled.com) and Foreo FAQ 201 RGB LED Face Mask (€529 from foreo.com).
You might be wondering why they are so expensive. Many of the brands behind the most popular and highly recommended masks on the market – like OmniLux, Dr Dennis Gross and CurrentBody, among others – use carefully tuned wavelengths, and individually test the efficacy of each LED light.
Many of these brands also offer the best coverage in terms of fit and the number of LED lights per mask – factors that contribute to their higher price point.
There are also many non-mask LED devices that target specific areas, such as the lips, eyes, neck and chest. Whatever you decide to go for, make sure to do your research. Identify your skincare goals, choose the appropriate type of LED light to match, consider your budget and then pick a device that backs up its claims with research and proven efficacy. And most important of all – commit to using it consistently.
This week I’m loving ... Erborian CC Eye Cream
If you’re looking for a new under-eye treatment, it’s worth considering my current favourite – Erborian CC Eye Cream (€44 from Boots). It contains centella asiatica, known for its soothing and brightening properties, as well as peptides to help improve skin texture. The formula is creamy, lightweight and hydrating, but even better, as you blend it into the skin, it instantly brightens the area. It’s available in two shades that adapt to your skin tone and includes SPF20 protection.
