Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, Kate Hudson, and Victoria Beckham rely on LED face masks to keep their skin glowing on the red carpet. This futuristic-looking skincare technology, which stands for light-emitting diodes, may seem like it’s from a sci-fi movie, but it’s backed by science. LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths to address various skin issues like acne, wrinkles, and signs of aging. The great thing is that the top LED face masks are easy to use at home, whether you’re relaxing on the couch or doing laundry.
At-home treatments are now quick and painless, offering a variety of light therapies. The most common options you’ll find are red and blue light therapy. In the past, light therapy was only available at the dermatologist’s office. But now, you can bring this skincare trend straight to your home with portable LED face masks and light therapy devices. These tools range from handheld devices to masks that you can strap around your head to treat your entire complexion at once. The newest devices include reusable sticky light therapy patches designed to target smaller concern spots, like breakouts or discoloration.
Choosing the right LED face mask for light therapy and other benefits depends on your skin concerns and goals. Different shade wavelengths target special problems. Our editors comprehensively researched and tested this device with the support of specialists to narrow down the alternatives to the very finest.
What is LED Light Therapy?
We’re all familiar with LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes, but LED light face masks might leave us with some questions. Simply put, it’s a non-invasive treatment that penetrates the skin’s layers to enhance its condition.
While this technique has become more popular recently, NASA actually began researching the effects of LEDs on wound healing in astronauts as far back as 1990. They found that LEDs could help cells and tissues grow.
LED Light therapy utilizes LEDs of different wavelengths to address various skin concerns such as psoriasis, acne, sunburn, fine lines and wrinkles, and more.
How to Choose the Best LED Mask
Finding an effective LED mask requires perseverance. To reap the benefits, make sure it addresses your skin issues and that you can stick to the suggested use for four to ten weeks. The following tips will help you choose the ideal LED mask for your skin type:
- Light Modes: Different colors of Light react differently with your skin. Red Light, for example, increases the creation of collagen, blue Light combats germs that cause acne, and green Light lessens hyperpigmentation. While some LED masks feature many light settings, some only have one. Select an LED mask whose light modes correspond to the needs and objectives of your skin.
- Mask type: There are two types of LED face masks: flexible and hard/firm. Hard masks are sturdy and long-lasting, while flexible masks are soft and conform to the contours of your face. Choose an LED mask that fits your face well and doesn’t irritate or create pain.
- Usage: Specific guidelines on how long and how frequently to apply each LED face mask are included with the product. For optimal results and to avoid any possible adverse effects, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Please ensure that the use guidelines align with your schedule and way of life.
- Wired or wireless: Certain LED masks are wireless, which eliminates the need for cables to link them to a power source. These are lightweight and simple to haul around. On the contrary, masks that include cords need to be plugged in. However, their performance is more dependable and steady.
- Accessories: Add-ons like eye protection, serum, a charger, or a remote control are included with certain LED masks. These extras can enhance your LED treatment experience and improve the results you get.
- Additional features: Certain LED masks include additional features like heat, sound, or vibration. These elements come with additional advantages including entertainment, relaxation, and massage. Make sure the LED mask you buy has the qualities you find useful and pleasurable.
- Price: Depending on their brand, features, and quality, LED masks vary in price. Select an LED face mask that fits within your spending plan and offers excellent value for money. In order to guarantee a positive experience, don’t forget to verify the warranty and customer service.
Types of LED light therapy
An excellent substitute for in-office LED therapy treatments is at-home LED masks. For many people, they are a superior option as they are easily accessible and reasonably priced. Choosing the appropriate Light for the skin condition you have is essential to the effectiveness of LED mask treatment.
- Red Light (620–630 nm): Skin cells produce collagen for a firmer, smoother texture because this potent color increases blood circulation. It works wonders for reducing big pores and fine wrinkles.
- Blue Light (465-470 nm): This Light is ideal for clearing up acne since it kills the Porphyrins bacteria, which dries up acne lesions and leaves the skin clean.
- Green Light (515–525 nm): Promotes wound healing, nourishes aged skin, reduces acne scars, and balances and cures pigmentation.
- Yellow Light (565–590 nm): Enhances microcirculation and modifies variables that affect the synthesis of melanin, which causes freckles and dark spots to disappear. It increases the skin’s oxygenation, giving it a glowing appearance.
- Purple Light (400–420 nm): This combined phototherapy action of red and blue Light relaxes the skin and enhances lymph metabolism.
- Clear Blue Light (500–520 nm): It reduces inflammation on the skin, increases cell energy, and improves skin metabolism.
- White laser light: It counteracts the effects of aging by encouraging relaxation and triggering the skin’s natural regeneration mechanism, giving the impression of younger, healthier skin.
Check the number of lights in every mask before selecting one. For greater facial coverage, use more lightbulbs. But a mask with more lightbulbs does not always mean it’s better. Each mask uses a specific spectrum of light wavelengths to target skin concerns, producing different colors.
How Does LED Light Therapy Work?
As we age, skin cells naturally lose their ability to renew themselves properly, and factors like trauma and skin disorders can worsen this process. LED mask for face addresses this issue by using light energy to rejuvenate and repair damaged cells. For instance, it can kill bacteria to treat acne or stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve circulation, and speed up tissue repair.
During the treatment, you simply lie under a light screen while the device does its work. Many users of LED therapy, incorporates it into every facial. The process typically involves cleaning the skin, using a lactic acid brightening peel, and performing extractions if necessary. Then, the advanced part of the facial includes a complete (20 minutes) session of LED light therapy. If someone opts for just LED therapy, the process involves cleaning the skin and applying LED treatment followed by SPF to finish.
How to Use an LED Face Mask?
First of all, it is important to remember that patience and diligence are essential in any skincare treatment. The majority of research on light treatment recommends doing 10-to 20-minute sessions two or four times per week. Regular use of at-home devices can improve your skin and supplement professional treatments, even though you’ll probably notice quicker improvements with treatments at your dermatologist’s or aesthetician’s office.
The device and kind of skin you have will affect how long it takes to see results. You may notice that your skin has a healthy glow right away after using at-home LED face masks. On the other hand, certain outcomes can take longer and differ for each individual. After about four months of regular usage, you are likely to notice results.
- Clean your Skin: Make sure the LED face mask and your skin are both clean before using it. Surprisingly, this is the one time we recommend against using sunscreen. Before applying the mask, it is advised to avoid using sunscreen since it may obstruct red and near-infrared Light. You can immediately apply the mask to your clean skin. Before using the LED device, think about applying a purifying face mask to your skin for an even deeper cleaning.
- Set your Timer: Some tools come with automated timers, making it easy to know the optimal duration for maximum benefits. If they don’t, aim for around 15 minutes every other day. Make your session enjoyable by picking up your favorite book or sinking into your silk PJs before turning on the mask.
- Follow with Skincare: Your skin should feel renewed after your treatment rather than sensitive or irritating. Get in touch with your dermatologist if it does. Use your morning moisturizer or tinted moisturizer with SPF after applying the mask in the morning if you’re using one. After the treatment, we advise putting on a moisturizer at night to hydrate and nurture your skin.
- Commit to Regular Treatments: Regular usage of LED face masks will provide the finest results. Use it at least four times a week for two to four months to establish a regimen. Being constant is crucial, particularly in the beginning when you need a more aggressive start-up.
Which Color LED do I Need?
Color | Wavelength Interval (nm) | Skin Penetration Depth (mm) | Treats Skin Conditions |
Infrared | ~ 700 – 1,000 | 2 – 3 | Penetrate deeper into the skin for amplified results |
Deep Red | ~ 650 – 1,000 | 2 – 3 | Wrinkles, volume loss, wounds, cystic acne |
Red | ~ 700 – 635 | 1.7 – 2 | Skin repair, hydration, sunken skin, Sun damage, Rosacea |
Orange | ~ 635 – 590 | 1.5 – 1.7 | Rosacea and skin redness |
Yellow | ~ 590 – 560 | 0.6 – 1 | Redness, inflammation, sun damage, visible veins, scarring |
Green | ~ 560 – 520 | 0.5 | Uneven skin tone, brown spots, freckles |
Cyan | ~ 520 – 490 | 0.4 | Swollen capillaries |
Blue | ~ 490 – 450 | 0.3 | Acne, eczema, psoriasis |
Violet | ~ 450 – 400 | 0.1 | Increase cell regeneration |
LED Face Mask Benefits
Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits offered by LED face masks.
- Rejuvenate and Heal Skin: LED masks are a terrific way to rejuvenate and restore the radiance to your skin. In addition to their many anti-aging advantages, they may also help minimize scarring and enhance the texture of the skin.
- Treat Skin Allergies and Conditions: LED masks have developed into intriguing instruments for attaining a glowing complexion. They successfully address common skin problems, including inflammation, UV damage, and wound healing. These masks may also hasten the healing process for ailments including dermatitis, Rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Anti-aging: It’s still beneficial to use even if you don’t have any particular skin issues. LED masks are a great way to get younger-looking skin by minimizing aging indications and improving overall attractiveness. Red Light increases the skin’s blood flow, which encourages cells to create more collagen and leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth. It also aids in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, as well as big pores.
- Treat Acne: LED light treatment targets certain skin issues by using different visible light wavelengths. Blue Light is an excellent alternative if you have acne since it may dry up pimples and lessen acne occurrences. LED face masks may be expensive, so consider your options carefully before making a purchase. Fortunately, you may use LED masks in addition to conventional skincare products. Enjoy them while you can since light therapy enhances the absorption of skincare products!
Our Top Picks for the Best LED Face Masks
In order to identify the top LED face masks for you, we thoroughly examined and compared a wide range of models, taking into account their features, effectiveness, and user reviews. An LED face mask can be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for if you’re tired of trying out skincare products or devices from beauty subscription boxes and not seeing results. These are the greatest LED face masks that we think you should get.
1. Foreo UFO 2
The Foreo UFO 2 device is something we adore dearly. It’s really simple to use, and it only takes 90 seconds to process! You can use it wherever you choose, even the restroom, thanks to its wireless design. The way our skin changed in less than four weeks, however, really astounded us. Our fine lines started to soften, giving us a smoother, younger-looking appearance. For the first time, individuals we didn’t even know began praising our skin since our faces were so glowing.
Since it functions differently than the majority of other masks we’ve tested, there is a little learning curve. The LED gadget shouldn’t come into close contact with your skin. Rather, you must apply the activation mask to the device’s applicator. As a foundation layer, this thick, moisturizing mask facilitates the device’s glide over your skin and amplifies its therapeutic benefits. Pressing the button on the side of the gadget to turn it on is as simple as using the app to choose your treatment settings. The default selections for these settings are based on the kind of mask that they are compatible with.
What we like:
- We saw noticeable improvements, including brighter skin and fewer wrinkles.
What could be better:
- It might be a little challenging to follow the directions.
2. SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand
Red Light diminishes wrinkles and fine lines while increasing skin flexibility and collagen synthesis. Among the most sensible and easy-to-use solutions we tested was this red light wand, which is a pencil-sized, cordless device. With the ability to spin for treating difficult-to-reach areas, its tip has a rectangular applicator that activates immediately upon skin contact. Since its intended application is for the whole face, we ran it over our forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks despite its small size. We had to let it take two hours to charge before we could use it, but that one charge lasted for a whole week.
Overall, the wand experience was really soothing and akin to getting a professional facial. It was like getting a mini-hot massage just where we needed it. After utilizing it three to five times a week for two weeks, we saw some changes in our dark spots. Each session lasted around five minutes.
What we like:
- It’s really easy to use and ideal for traveling.
What could be better:
- There was no visible decrease in wrinkles.
3. Nufr LED Light Facial Mask
To treat different skin conditions, this face mask has red, blue, and orange lights. It is very user-friendly, lightweight, portable, and rechargeable, according to testers. After only one week of usage, some people even report changes in their skin. It is quite well-valued for its features, coming in at around $60.
Each Light has a distinct function, and the red Light is my personal favorite. I can immediately feel my skin getting better. It’s quite comfortable and simple to use, so spending 20 minutes a day with it is a delight.
What we like:
- Reviewers say it functions swiftly.
- Reasonably priced
- Sits comfortably on the face
What could be better:
- Some customers have reported that while in use, it shuts off.
4. Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dermatologists strongly endorse this mask, which promises to address existing acne and prevent future outbreaks while also improving hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and age spots. It may be a little expensive, but it is FDA-approved and long-lasting.
This mask fights germs that cause acne and reduces inflammation while increasing the synthesis of collagen by combining red and blue Light.
A tester had previously used strong treatments to open pores and deep pit scars using a generic mask. She now wears this mask to brighten her complexion and prevent dark spots from setting in. Additionally, the red Light reduces inflammation during sporadic outbreaks. She enjoys winding down with it and a book in bed, finding the heat comforting and relaxing.
What we like:
- It is durable and lasts longer.
- Improves Rosacea.
What could be better:
The price point is higher.
5. Solawave Bye Acne
With blue Light (415 nm) and red Light (630 nm), this portable device—which weighs less than an ounce—clears acne efficiently and painlessly. It can also help reduce inflammation and give your skin a more radiant look after only two weeks of use.
What we like:
- A three-minute pimple-zapping spot therapy option.
- Uses microcurrents and blue LED Light to target germs and lessen inflammation
- The warming feature helps skincare products absorb better by opening pores.
What could be better:
- Restricted to spot therapy, concentrating on a single location at a time
- It may not be practical to treat broad outbreaks.
6. Project E Beauty Skin Rejuvenation Photon Mask
This cutting-edge LED face mask is reasonably priced and uses natural light waves that deeply penetrate your skin’s layers. Discover a range of settings like anti-aging, anti-acne, and anti-inflammatory, all at an affordable price. It has 150 high-brightness LED lights and seven LED display colors.
What we like:
- Far more reasonably priced in contrast to others
- Provides many light settings to treat different types of skin issues.
- You can change the mode, intensity, and timer using an intuitive controller.
What could be better:
- Due to its corded design, it must be hooked to a power source.
- The rigid design may not suit your facial type.
7. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite LED EyeCare Max Pro
Although this well-known dermatologist in NYC is most known for his Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads, he also has a great LED mask available. With a focus on the eyes, this FDA-approved mask seeks to improve skin tone, minimize dark circles, and lessen wrinkles and fine lines. Using hands-free light therapy, you may effectively treat frown wrinkles and crow’s feet thanks to the gorgeous rose gold design and 96 red LEDs. 97% of participants in a daily 10-week clinical research reported noticeable changes in the skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles around their eyes. Prepare to undo the effects of age by including this into your regimen in addition to applying an anti-aging eye cream on a daily basis.
What we like:
- Specially made for the eye region
- Uses four different light sources to penetrate the skin more deeply.
- Targets dark circles, crow’s feet, wrinkles, and fine lines.
- Increases the synthesis of collagen
What could be better:
- Covers just the region around the eyes; you’ll need a second LED mask for the rest of your face.
- After a year, several reviewers have seen a decline in durability.
FAQs
One of the top LED face masks is the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED mask by New York-based aesthetician Dr. Dennis Gross. It gained huge popularity in 2020 when celebrities like Kris Jenner, Lucy Hale, Kim Kardashian, and Halle Berry posted photos of themselves wearing it during lockdown. This mask, available on Amazon as an exclusive gift set, is designed to help with reducing wrinkles and treating acne.
The best LED beauty mask is the one that is gentle and effective on the skin. It must drive results within the stipulated timeframe. Moreover, it must not be harsh on the skin.
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