An LED Mask Is The Perfect Investment For Black Friday
If you’ve ever splashed out on an expensive facial, you probably have light therapy to thank for that glowy finish. The good news is that modern tech now helps you achieve luminous skin from your sofa thanks to an LED face mask.
'But do they really deliver the same results as my facialist?' we hear you ask, and the answer is, alas, 'no'. Nothing can replace an experienced professional, but at-home LED gadgets will supercharge your regular skincare routine and prove a solid investment in the long run.
The best LED masks can be expensive, but if you use them properly and consistently, you will notice impressive results. Keep reading to discover the best way to use an LED mask and see which ones have the ELLE seal of approval.
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Do LED masks actually work?
While different lights and treatment times all play a part, light therapy has been used in the best dermatology clinics for many years now. ‘Previously, LED (light therapy) was only available via advanced clinicians and dermatologists,’ explains says Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, medical doctor and founder of the Joyful Skin Clinic. ‘But now, consumers are able to use light LED from the comfort of their homes, while enjoying a glass of wine and watching TV.’
The technology is certainly growing in popularity, but can it rival in-clinic results? ‘The quality and efficacy of at-home LED masks may vary, but more studies are needed,’ she says. ‘It is important to use them consistently alongside an excellent skincare routine for maximum benefit.’
What are the benefits of light therapy?
Light therapy has been around for decades. Originally developed to help heal and repair skin tissue, it’s since earned its rightful place in the dermatologist's office, solving skincare issues from breakouts to redness. But how does it work?
Dr Fabusiwa explains: ‘Plants directly absorb light from the sun in order to grow. In the same way, certain wavelengths of light (particularly red, infrared and blue lights) can be absorbed into our skin cells, improving their health and helping to reduce wrinkles, inflammation, acne, scarring and premature signs of ageing.’
That ticks a lot of boxes on our skincare list, but how do you know which lights you need? Well, they all serve a unique skin purpose:
Red: Supports the production of collagen, which helps provide support and structure to the skin. Red light is therefore used to help reverse some of the signs of ageing, and some studies suggest that it may be useful for certain types of hair loss.
Amber: Helps those with sensitive skin struggling with redness, flushing and rosacea as it works to increase cellular growth, which promotes skin healing and soothes inflammation. However, it's not found in many at-home options.
Green: A saviour for those struggling with age spots or hyperpigmentation, this light helps brighten the skin and can be used to treat broken capillaries and dark under-eye circles.
Blue: Helps manage inflammation and destroys the species of bacteria on the skin that's most prevalent in acne. It also helps reduce oil production.
Infrared: Potentially the most commonly talked about from our list of colours, this light is famous for tackling fine lines and wrinkles and increasing collagen density.
How do you use an LED mask?
Each LED mask will come with its own specific guidance, but as a general rule, most advise using three times a week for maximum efficacy – and you shouldn’t have to wait long to enjoy more radiant skin.
‘Hopefully, you should notice results quite early on in your treatment,’ says Dr Fabusiwa. ‘However, as with many areas of skin health, consistency is key. Don't give up if you haven't noticed improvement in a few weeks. Unless it’s irritating your skin, keep going.’
It's normal for your skin to feel a little dry initially after each treatment, but take a break if you experience any irritation.‘Make sure you hydrate your skin barrier by using nourishing creams, and always use SPF,’ she adds.
Are LED face masks safe?
LED masks are non-invasive and don’t emit UV light (the kind that can cause burns), meaning most experts agree that they shouldn't cause any harm.
‘LED light therapy is generally considered safe, but those with sensitive eyes may be at risk,' says Dr Fabusiwa. ‘Consider wearing appropriate eyewear to minimise the risk of theoretical eye damage, and check with your GP prior to starting treatment, particularly if you're worried about a particular skin condition.’
How we test
When it comes to skincare tech, consistency is paramount. We always test LED masks for a minimum of one month, and ensure we cover a broad range of skin types and concerns, including those with sensitive skin. We've also taken into consideration the comfort and ease of using the LED mask, how user-friendly they are and the different LED light modes.
So, if you're now wondering what the best LED mask is, keep scrolling to discover our 2024 favourites – plus, you'll find many have made their way into the Black Friday sales.
The best LED masks for 2024
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dr Dennis Gross is a big name in celebrity circles, and following his successful skincare line, there's no doubt that this is a good investment.
Using a combination of both red and blue LED light to boost collagen production, improve skin texture, smooth wrinkles and combat acne, it will also address any fine lins and wrinkles. Plus, it's comfortable to wear and has an impressive battery life.
Platinum LED Mask
Resembling a medieval knight's helmet (just us?), this LED mask from Cellreturn is a definite investment when it comes to the price, but believe us when we say it is truly the crème de la crème of the at-home light therapy world, promising to tackle an array of skin concerns.
Not only will it help improve fine lines, wrinkles, redness and inflammation, but it's easy to operate and it'll even work to help clear up breakouts more quickly.
Solawave Advanced Skincare Wand
Whether you’re travelling for work or play, it’s easy to let your skincare rituals fall by the wayside.
This lightweight model is perfect for packing in your carry-on and offers up to two weeks of daily use from just one charge – result.Intuitive and easy to use, it's beginner-friendly and it'll work to quickly combat acne and blemishes, as well as working to improve overall texture.
If you’re looking for an all-singing, all-dancing facial tool to take everywhere, make it this one.
Boost LED Face Mask
When it comes to LED masks, comfort is key. After all, who’s going to put up with regular treatments if the mask is heavy and slipping out of place? Not us.Which is exactly why we love this lightweight silicone mask.
It's super comfortable, meaning you can wear it around the house throughout the 10-minute treatment. It'll help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all whilst making you look brighter and more radiant.
Beauty Pie C-Wave Light Facial
Beauty Pie has been bringing us the best tech and beauty innovation since its inception. This LED mask is a steal compared to some of its luxe counterparts with an impressive list of clinicals.
MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
This mask offers no less than five LED light modes (including red, yellow, blue, green and white) that can be used individually or together in order to target your individual skin concerns, as well as several settings to modify time, intensity and light.
Over time, it'll help ensure skin looks brighter and more radiant, and if you have a few different issues you're looking to target with LED light, this could be the mask for you.
UFO Accelerated Mask Treatment Device
The most compact LED face mask of the bunch, if you think its size will impact performance then prepare to be proved wrong. It'll give good glow, and the two minute treatment times means there's no excuse not to used it.
Powered by an app and used in combination with potent Korean-inspired masks, it has ultra-fast warming, cooling and T-sonic pulsations alongside eight LED lights that work to infuse the essence from the mask deep below the skin's surface.
Professional LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Boasting impressive functionality at a fraction of the price, this LED mask really does rival some of its more expensive counterparts. It allows you to customise your treatment to your own individual skin concerns, and it's much easier to use than you might initally think.
Over time, it'll work to improve skin radiance and texture, but patience is key as the brand suggests a minimum of four months use before long-term, visible results will show.
Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Achieving glowing skin isn’t just down to your highlighter — get that enviable naked radiance in a matter of minutes (10 to be precise) with this clever mask.
While it may look daunting to use, it's easy enough to set up. It'll leave an enviable glow in its wake, and with time, it'll help fine lines and wrinkles look less prominent.
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