Your LED face mask questions answered
What is the best LED face mask?
The Currentbody Skin LED red light therapy face mask series 2 is the best LED face mask. It offers incredible comfort, plus the results are incredibly impressive.
For those looking for help with texture, the Omnilux contour face and Silk’n dual LED are sure to be your best bet, with the latter working excellently as a blackhead buster. If you’re specifically looking to treat fine lines and wrinkles, it’s got to be the Rio FaceLite beauty boosting LED face mask. Meanwhile, theSilk’n neck mask makes a nice extra if you’re really looking to level up your full body care.
Do LED face masks actually work?
According to Dr Kubicka, “Yes, over time, they do work.” But “it’s important to have realistic expectations”. “You won’t experience an instant change in appearance after one session.” But – the good news – “after consistent LED usage, you will typically see improvements in tone, texture and overall skin health.”
It can also have a positive effect on complexions prone to rosacea and acne. For rosacea, the “red and near-infrared light [helps to] reduce inflammation and calm skin”. For acne-prone skin, “blue light is particularly effective in reducing acne-causing bacteria”. Additionally, “red light can soothe inflammation and support healing of post-acne marks,” adds Dr Kubicka.
Are LED face masks safe?
Yes, LED face masks are “incredibly safe,” says Dr Kubicka, “when used correctly and purchased from a reputable brand.” Comparing the effects of LED masks with those of more intense treatments – like laser – she describes how “LEDs do not cause burns or break the skin, and there is no UV radiation involved.” Her top tip? “Invest in a mask that meets UK/EU safety standards and comes with built-in eye protection.”
How long before you’ll see results from an LED mask?
“For most, the real structural benefits – such as improved fine lines or reduced breakouts – appear after four to six weeks of consistent use,” says Dr Kubicka. This is because increasing collagen production and skin renewal rates aren’t instant processes. The “effects can be long-lasting, so keep going”.
When to use an LED face mask and how often
“Always use your LED mask on freshly cleansed, dry skin, before applying serums or moisturisers,” says Dr Kubicka. “Light penetrates most effectively when there are no barriers, so apply active products afterwards.” To start to see real results, use your mask three to five times a week initially, followed by once or twice a week.
Are LED masks more effective than anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections and LED masks are different and can’t be compared on the same scale, explains Dr Kubicka. “Anti-wrinkle injections work on dynamic lines by temporarily reducing muscle movement,” she says, outlining that “you will probably notice a softened expression after injectables, however […] LED light stimulates the skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes.” Regarding the latter, these processes can then help to smooth skin, brighten and soothe irritation.
Are LED masks safe during pregnancy?
Yes, on the whole. “LED light therapy is considered non-invasive and safe, with no known risks to mother or baby,” Dr Kubicka recommends pregnant women proceed with caution and arrange a conversation with their GP or midwife before use.
LED face mask testing criteria
In order to ascertain the best LED face masks from the bad, we put together a robust testing criteria:
- Ease of use: We paid attention to the simplicity of charging, turning the mask on and off, navigating settings and the number of treatments required weekly.
- Comfort: If you’re going to be spending in excess of £100 on an LED mask, it needs to be pleasant to use, so we gauged the masks’ comfort in terms of pressure points, weight and, in some cases, pinching.
- Settings: Some LED masks offer settings for acne or hyperpigmentation, so we put these through their paces and recorded how worthwhile these additions were.
- Results: We made note of any key differences and improvements to our skin, looking closely at areas of fine lines, discolouration and blemishes to mark the changes (or lack thereof) in these zones. In order to do this fairly, we took photos of our bare skin weekly, noting down any changes in our complexion.
For more products for age-defying skin, read our round-up of the best retinol serums
