IF EVER A piece of wellness tech was made for social media, it’s surely LED face masks. You’ve probably seen the mountain of content on TikTok and the ‘gram of people channelling Bane or Hannibal Lecter while wearing an LED face mask with red or blue light-emitting diodes. Scary, right.
But is there science behind the hi-tech freak show? Or are people illuminating their faces in vain (because they’re vain)? If you’re contemplating investing in a mask, here’s what you need to know.
How do LED masks work?
LED masks utilise light wavelengths, primarily red and blue, to produce molecular changes in your skin’s epidermis. Red light is said to boost circulation and stimulate collagen, helping reduce signs of aging. Research shows collagen depletion can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.
Blue light, in contrast, trains its lasers on acne-causing bacteria. Red and blue – yes, like the pills – are the most common forms of light therapy, though there are masks available that utilise yellow light, to reduce redness, and green light to lessen pigmentation.
Do LED face masks work?
There is some evidence that LED masks are effective in reducing signs of aging.
In a study published in the journal Dermatological Surgery, researchers found that red LED light treatment significantly improved measures of wrinkles around the eyes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies of LEDs found both red and blue LED lights play an important role in the treatment of acne, while other LEDs (yellow LEDs and near-infrared devices) showed outstanding levels of effectiveness in reducing the lesions of herpes simplex and psoriasis while also improving skin rejuvenation. The study concluded LEDs are useful for dermatology and could be potential candidates for future cosmetic applications.
Another study gave the use of LED devices for skin rejuvenation (improving elasticity, hydration, wrinkles) a grade of “C”. They argue that more long-term research is needed.
In terms of acne, one review noted that both red and blue light therapy for acne reduced blemishes by 46 to 76 per cent after 4 to 12 weeks of treatment
Like most grooming and beauty interventions, use of LEDs should be augmented by a good skin-care regimen.
Are LED face masks safe?
There has been some controversy around LED face masks and the odd product recall, however a 2018 study found “no adverse events associated with the use of these devices and little to no downtime for the patient”. Like any product you’re best to purchase from a reputable brand.
The best LED face masks
Omnilux Men
One of the OGs in the LED face mask space – and one of the best – Omnilux has found favour with the likes of supermodel Bella Hadid. This model is specifically aimed at men, who have different skincare profiles to women, with 25 per cent thicker skin. – we need it, right! Thus, the Omnilux Men is calibrated with the deepest penetrating wavelength of near-infrared light (1072nm) to meet men’s unique skin needs. Target razor burn, dryness, fine lines, dark circles and pesky under-eye bags in one foul swoop.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2
Claiming to be 31 per cent more powerful than any other LED mask on the market, the Currentbody Skin LED light therapy mask’s other big selling point is its patented pillow technology, offering max coverage of its anti-aging red and near infra-red lights. While we’re throwing stats around, 95 per cent of users say they the CurrentBody improved their skin tone, texture and firmness.
Project E Beauty Skin Rejuvenation Photon Mask
With, count ’em, seven different modes of photodynamic therapy from red light, blue light, green light and more – this mask packs a punch. Possible benefits include increased blood flow and collagen production, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Toughest part is deciding which colour you want to use.
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
If ever a grill was made for the ’gram, it’s this one with its distinct Phantom of the Opera vibes. It’s priced at the premium end of the market but with a two-pronged approach targeting aging and breakouts, it’s a great choice for those battling issues on multiple fronts. We especially like the short treatment time of 3 minutes – you can basically chuck it on during an ad break in the cricket and you’re done. Howzat!?
San Lueur Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask
Made from a super-flexible and soft premium silicone, the San Lueur is a premium mask with a focus on comfort. It also features blue, red and near-infrared light wavelengths designed at the highest optimised energy output for an at-home LED device. It’s a serious outlay but most online users believe it’s worth the investment.
THERABODY TheraFace Mask
As a Men’s Health reader, you probably know Therabody as the brand that makes massage guns and other recovery devices. Well, they’re branching into the beauty and grooming space with this face mask, which delivers full-face red, red and infrared, and blue light with unique added tension-relieving vibration therapy – don’t panic it’s not a massage gun for your face. The result is firmer, smoother and healthier-looking skin with a visible reduction in fine lines and dark spots – hate those. The hands-free design is packed with three times more LED lights than its nearest competitor and with a nine-minute treatment time per day, it’s an efficient use of your time.
TRUDERMAL Glow
Skincare is a complex multifactorial issue with a range of familiar foes attacking your face like it was an telco’s data storage facility. To that end you want a mask that can mount a rearguard action to restore and protect your face, whether you’re suffering breakouts, want to trigger collagen production or soothe inflammation. The Trudermal LED mask offers three different wavelengths – blue light to zap acne-causing bacteria, red light to stimulate collagen smooth and reduce fine lines, and near-infrared light to probe the deeper layers of your skin to reduce inflammation.
Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Therapy Mask
Breakouts and aging are the two biggest concerns for most of us and this delightful mask can handle both. The device’s Anti-Aging preset utilises a mix of amber, red, deep red, and infrared light to reduce fine lines, while the Anti-Breakout setting pairs blue and red light to tackle bacteria-led acne. You can use these treatments across your entire face or get targeted and nuke your forehead, nose, temples, cheeks, and chin. Nice.
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