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Introducing a revolutionary journey that fuses science and beauty: Did you know LEDs have been around since 1962?
NASA stumbled upon its skin-healing magic in the ’90s, marking a pivotal moment in skincare technology. Since then, researchers have delved into LED light therapy, revealing its capabilities to reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, combat bacteria, and boost collagen production. While dermatologists and estheticians have employed this technology for nearly two decades, it’s only recently that at-home devices have been creating a buzz. Search “LED light therapy” on TikTok and Instagram, and you’ll see what I mean.
But let’s be honest: in this tech-meets-skincare world, sorting through the facts and hype isn’t a walk in the park. So, here’s a comprehensive guide to LED face masks. I’m sharing all you need to know about LED face masks, including the truth about how they work, the cost involved, and the LED face mask that’s stealing the spotlight right now.
So, how do LED masks actually work?
LED therapy uses specific light wavelengths, stimulating skin receptors like topical ingredients. These receptors allow light to enter cells, working at various skin depths. Different wavelengths yield distinct responses, with benefits dependent on the emitted light’s color.
Unlike in-office lasers, LED face masks offer a gentler approach to altering skin function. This makes them a fantastic addition to any at-home skincare routine, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, inflammation, and acne without causing adverse skin reactions.
For more on LED light therapy, including a comparison of many of the LED masks on the market, check out my fellow skincare blogger Vanessa’s blog post here.
What are the benefits of LED masks?
LED face masks address skin concerns such as firming, wrinkle reduction, inflammation reduction, breakout prevention, and oil production and regulation.
- Green light tackles hyperpigmentation
- Red light stimulates collagen production for anti-aging and
- Blue light treats acne by killing bacteria and reducing sebum production
What to Look For in an LED Light Therapy Mask
LIGHT
Red Light
If you’re focused on signs of aging, look for a mask with red light. This specific wavelength is ideal for helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother, less wrinkled skin. It’s also fantastic for minimizing the look of pores and calming inflammation.
Blue Light
If you’re looking to get rid of blemishes or prevent future breakouts, you’ll want to use blue light because it’s known for its ability to kill acne-causing bacteria. It also keeps oil production in check and can be an effective treatment for acne and eczema.
DESIGN
LED light therapy face masks vary, so looking for a design that fits your lifestyle is important. I personally look for:
The Power of The Mask
The number of LEDs on the mask is essential; a minimum number is required for optimal efficiency (at least 100). Additionally, the power or irradiance is also important. This is measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2), and the ideal range is between 25 and 50 mW/cm2. For a deeper dive into the science, Vanessa of Goals To Get Glowing has an excellent article on LED light, including all the technicals. Basically, a sufficiently robust mask allows you to have good efficiency in the treatment without the need to use it for too long every day.
Comfortability
I want it to be comfortable to wear, especially if I want to use it consistently. Head straps are necessary so the mask fits well on my face and stays on while I move around.
Eye Protection
Ideally, a good LED mask has eye protection for safety.
Mobility
I prefer NOT to have to plug it in somewhere for more mobility, so I can multitask while I use the mask.
Knowing what you want from the LED mask is important to get the most bang for your buck. You want to ensure you can tailor the LED mask treatment to your skincare goals.
Cost
LED masks range from $85 to upwards of $500. While affordability is important, beware of inexpensive options as they might sacrifice effectiveness, durability, and longevity. An LED mask priced at $50 is questionable, with materials and overall build quality lacking to withstand long-term use or provide the most effective results.
But there’s no need to splurge on a $2,500 LED face mask to find something very effective! You can find very effective options between $300 and $600.
My Current Favorite LED Face Mask: Currentbody LED Light Therapy Mask
As someone focused on anti-aging, I’ve always preferred LED face masks with red light.
The Currentbody Light Therapy Face Mask is an LED-studded mask that combines red and near-infrared lights to boost collagen production, accelerate wound healing, and enhance skin texture, tone, and firmness. And the light wavelengths are proven to have the most significant effect on the skin.
Crafted from a patented flexible silicone, the Currentbody LED face mask ensures that light penetrates every nook and cranny of the face. And the Pillow Technology™ diffuses LED light so it spreads evenly, hitting every spot of your face. With a quick ten-minute treatment time, the multitasking potential is high.
Currentbody’s LED mask is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% in four weeks. And storage and travel are easy thanks to the included dust bag.
Oh, and did I mention it comes with eye protection? This is a big plus for better comfort during use. Although truth be told, you will catch me breaking the rules because I often rock this mask while watching TV without eye protection.
PROS: Currentbody LED Light Therapy Face Mask
- With consistent use, it’s helped me maintain a healthy, glowy complexion, improve my skin texture, reduce irritation and blemishes
- Doesn’t require daily use (You can get great results using this mask three to five times per week)
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to use
CONS: Currentbody LED Light Therapy Face Mask
- The cord can be cumbersome
- Lacks an extra head strap for a better fit, but you can easily purchase one for $7 on Amazon to enhance comfort and fit
Tech Specs
- Target Area: Face
- LED Light: Red
- Skin Concerns: Aging, skin tone
- Material: Flexible silicone (27 cm x 19 cm)
- Treatment Time: 10 min
- Wavelengths: 633nm; 830nm
- Irradiance: 30 mW/cm2
- Fluence: 18 J/cm2
- Warranty: 2 years
Where To Purchase
You can purchase the Currentbody LED Face Mask on the Currentbody website.
SAVE WITH MY DISCOUNT CODE!
Get 15% off with my exclusive code BEAUTYINCOLOR
- Regular Price: $380
- Price after using my code: $323 (a $57 savings)
How to Incorporate LED Face Masks Into Your Skincare Routine
You can integrate LED light therapy masks into your morning or evening skincare routine based on your desired outcome.
Some suggest using LED face masks in the morning to enhance your skin’s appearance and overall radiance. Alternatively, using an LED face mask at night can calm skin inflammation caused by exposure to skin irritants we experience during the day, like pollution, especially for us with sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Remember that consistency is the key to seeing noticeable results, regardless of when you wear your LED face mask. Use the face mask roughly three to five times weekly for 10 minutes for maximum effectiveness.
Lastly, how long does it actually take to see results when using an LED Face Mask?
If you want to see an instant improvement, remember that at-home LED light therapy isn’t a quick fix. Visible enhancements usually take a minimum of four to six weeks. Remember, consistency is key, so be consistent with using it because it’s pointless otherwise.
It’s also helpful to manage expectations. If you’re dealing with more pronounced wrinkles or severe acne, talk to your dermatologist. They can discuss alternative treatments (like Botox or Accutane) to compliment the benefits of LED face masks.
Do you use LED face masks? If so, which one is your favorite?
Great information! I’m going to buy the Currentbody LED mask. Thanks for the discount code.
Author
Great blog post.
So helpful! I’ve been thinking of getting one of these! Thanks so much!