So, how effective are LED face masks, really?
There are two questions I'm asked invariably as a beauty journalist: 1. 'Is the Dyson worth it?' (that's the Airwrap or dryer, usually) and 2. 'What retinol should I use?' I know the answers to these questions like the back of my hand (the first answer is yes; the second is Medik8). Recently, a third question has been thrown into the mix: 'shall I get an LED face mask?'
I couldn't answer as confidently or as quickly here. They're expensive. I wanted to be certain that if someone was about to pay north of £200 in pursuit of better skin, it would be worth it. Not only this, but like most at-home tech, I knew that there would be some time spent in order see results.
And so, I took it to the experts. Here, they divulge what LED face masks can (and can't) do for your skin, how often you should use them, as well as the best LED face masks to shop now. I, alongside Red's Beauty Director, Alex Friend, have put all the best LED face masks through their paces to not only test their efficacy, but also comfort and ease of use. Below, find everything you need to know before you jump in.
How does LED work?
'LED masks use light-emitting diode therapy to deliver specific wavelengths of light to the skin,' says Dr. Raj Arora, GP and FOREO ambassador. Wavelengths and lights will have different benefits. Red light penetrates deepest into the skin, and promotes collagen production, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenates skin tone. It also increases circulation, promoting blood flow to the area to help deliver nutrients and oxygen,' she says.
'Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria to help reduce breakouts and inflammation, while green light can also help to reduce pigmentation.'
How often should I use one to see results?
Dr. Arora says that consistency is key. 'Ideally, you would wear the mask for around 10-15 minutes a few times a week, depending on the treatment goals,' she says. 'Consistency is important. With sporadic use, you won't see as many skin benefits.'
I pose the same question to aesthetic doctor, Dr. Ahmed. 'Our skin measures time in skin cycles,' he says. 'I think it takes two cycles to see a real improvement. It's generally around four to six weeks per skin cycle. I'd say use it for eight to 12 weeks, and you'll see a signficiant improvement in skin quality. Most patients see improvement a lot sooner.'
Where in my routine should I use LED?
Dr. Ahmed recommends using your LED face mask on clean, dry skin, straight after cleansing. Do so before you use a serum or moisturiser; it gives the best chance of the lights penetrating the skin.
What do different light modes do?
Different lights benefit our skin in different ways, so here's how to find out which best suits your skin's needs.
Red: 'This acts directly on the cells that help support collagen production,' explains Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa. 'It helps provide support and structure to the skin, and is therefore used to help reverse some of the signs of ageing.'
Infrared: The most commonly used light in light therapy, infrared is known for treating wrinkles and fine lines, and increasing collagen density.
Blue: 'This is often used in home LED masks as a treatment for acne due to its potential for reducing sebum in oily skin and the bacteria that causes acne,' says dermatologist Dr. Sharon Wong.
Amber: Fewer at-home options feature this light, but it’s known as being good for those suffering from sensitivity, rosacea or redness. It works to increase cellular growth to promote healing and keep skin cool and calm.
Green: If age spots and hyperpigmentation are your bugbears, use green light. It helps brighten the skin (including dark under-eyes) and is often used to treat broken capillaries.
Is there anyone who shouldn't use LED?
Most people can use LED face masks comfortably, but there are some exceptions. 'If you've got very sensitive skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn't use LED,' says Dr. Arora.
What is the most effective LED face mask?
Red has taken the guesswork out of LED masks to bring you the best on the market. From handheld devices to ones you wear, meet the best LED face masks that work hard to improve the quality of your skin. Scroll down to discover everything there is to know.
202 Silicone Mask
Expensive, yes, but best in class. There are eight (yes, really) light modes here that target a whole host of skin concerns, including brightening, loss of elasticity, inflammation and more. I was immediately struck by the brand's impressive clinical results: wrinkles were reduced by 32% in two weeks, and blemishes reduced by 48% in that time, too.
When I took it home to test, I noticed it had more significantly more bulbs than I was expecting. I wasn't imagining it: it has 600 sources of light, so you can guarantee maximum exposure to the LED. I loved the app you can download with the mask, which has pre-programmed treatments that take the guesswork out of using it. Having tested mine for a number of weeks now, I'm struck by how the texture of my skin has improved (less bumps, more smoothness), as well as its glow. It looks plumper and fresher, in a way that I'm yet to achieve with skincare alone.
My only wish is that it would cover more of the crow's feet area. All in all, a smart mask that I'm going to use for years to come.
Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, Series 2
CurrentBody are experts in at-home tech, and its latest LED mask is very good indeed.
Firstly, the fit. The design and comfort of the mask was a big factor in Series 2's design: trialled on a variety of face shapes and sizes, the adjustable straps and flexible silicone mean that it fits well on everyone, from large men to petite women and everyone in between. The silicone is super comfortable, and covers just about everywhere on the face, including the chin and just below it.
It has three wavelengths: red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared, for maximum efficacy. We found it was particularly good at brightening skin and evening tone. The 236 LEDs aren't blindingly bright, and we found it easy to wear while doing other things around the house.
UFO 2 Device
There's much to love from beauty tech brand Foreo, and their LED tool is no exception. This tool fits perfectly in the palm of the hand and uses a combination of heat and cryotherapy, as well as vibrations to relax facial muscles, sculpt them and help skin be more receptive to product.
As well as the benefits above, there are also eight LED settings to treat multiple skin concerns. You need to sync your device with the Foreo app when you get it; it's full of tips on how to get the most of your new tool, as well as explainers on the different modes. Combining LED with temperature variation and vibration means this doesn't feel worlds away from a real facial, all done at home. Smart.
Platinum LED Mask
This luxe mask tackles everything from dullness to blemishes with aplomb. The price tag makes it a hefty investment, but our reviewers said it helped improve the overall look and condition of their skin after only a month of use, and they found it irritation-free.
Light modes include near infrared, red, blue and pink (that's red and blue combined). This is a rigid, heavy device, and as such, treatment time is only 9-20 minutes depending on the mode you use. The size is warranted, though: there are 1,026 lights in here, and the area covers both the face and neck. No area on the face is left untreated.
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