Your questions about LED face masks 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.
Do LED face masks actually work?
“Yes, over time, they do work,” says Dr Kubicka, who adds that “it’s important to have realistic expectations”. “You won’t experience an instant change in appearance after one session.” However, the good news is that “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, Dr Kubicka says the red and near-infrared light helps to reduce inflammation and calm skin. Meanwhile, 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.
That said, the advertising standards agency (ASA) has banned companies from marketing LED face masks using medical claims such as “healing”, “treating acne” and “rosacea”. While Dr Kubicka and other medical experts have informed us that LED face masks can have a positive impact on these areas, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) told the BBC in a recent report that “there are currently no LED face masks registered” to advertise any concrete claims regarding acne and rosacea.
Are LED face masks safe?
Yes, LED face masks are “incredibly safe when used correctly and purchased from a reputable brand,” says Dr Kubicka.
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”.
From our testers’ experiences, we saw results between four and six weeks; however, there isn’t definitive proof that LED masks will be effective on all skin types in this time frame, if at all.
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 says but recommends pregnant women proceed with caution and arrange a conversation with their GP or midwife before use.
How we tested LED face masks
Over an extended period, I tried all of the LED face masks I could get my hands on and whittled down a longlist of devices to this definitive edit of my top 11. Testing each one for at least six weeks (and in some cases months), it was only the masks that passed my rigorous testing process made the final cut. I also called on some other IndyBest review experts to test further models. Given the length of time required to put a mask thoroughly through its paces, this multi-tester approached allowed us to review more of the industry’s most popular and impressive models in a shorter time.
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.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Smith is The Independent’s beauty writer. She has been reviewing the best LED masks over the past year, giving each of her picks a full eight to 12 weeks of testing. She’s written dedicated pieces on the Silk’n dual LED mask, the Currentbody LED face mask (version one) and the Beauty Pie LED mask. Lucy has a personal interest in the inner workings of a mask and takes time to interrogate the claims brands make. She has also consulted experts on what to look for (and importantly, what to avoid).
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