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Red light therapy face masks have become a trend thanks to beauty and wellness influencers on social media. Also known as LED masksThey use red light, near infrared light, or blue light of different wavelengths It claims it can improve the appearance of your skinboost collagen production, and if they have blue light, target acne.
The best part is that you can use these masks at home without ever setting foot in an esthetician’s office. However, these LED masks are not cheap and only some of them are FDA approved, while others are not.
If you are going to invest in an LED mask, it is important to know how to use it properly and what to look for when choosing the best mask to suit your needs. I spoke with a dermatologist and plastic surgeon to find out the best way to use an LED light therapy mask, as well as any risks and benefits to consider.
Where should you include an LED mask in your skin care routine?
It is important to get the best results when using red light therapy during your skin care regimen.
Your skin care routine typically includes serums, creams, ointments, and other topical products targeted to your skin’s needs. If you are using an LED mask, it is important to know the best placement in your routine to get the most out of it.
Dr. Eleonora Fedonenko, Medical Director and Dermatologist at Laser skin care In Los Angeles, she told CNET that she recommends starting any treatment with an LED mask on a clean face, free of creams and serums. “If there are residues of makeup or sunscreen, it can block the light from reaching the skin and reduce the effectiveness of the session,” Fedonenko said.
Important considerations
When choosing an LED therapy mask, it is important to choose one that is FDA-approved, as this indicates that the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness. Fedonenko also recommends researching the company and checking that they have conducted clinical studies regarding the wavelengths used.
“Red light should be between 630 and 660 nanometers, and near-infrared light should be between 830 and 850 nanometers, as they are the two most common wavelengths for promoting collagen growth while reducing inflammation,” Fedonenko explains.
You’ll also need to make sure the mask fits your face properly and distributes light evenly on your skin for best results. Some models CNET recommends: Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask, RENPHO Artemis LED Facial Mask and Omniluxe face contour.
How often do you use your LED mask?
Using a red light therapy mask a few times a week should be enough to see an improvement in your skin.
It’s important to know how often to use your LED therapy mask because you don’t want to overuse it. Fedonenko recommends targeting treatment for 10 to 20 minutes, three to five times a week.
“There is a correct timing that depends on the power output of the device. For example, 10 minutes with a high-output radiation mask and more with a low-output mask may be enough,” Fedonenko says. Radiance refers to the amount of light that reaches the skin.
Dr. Amy Pandey, A Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeonHe recommends using a red light therapy mask at home with a radiation of about 20 to 50 milliwatts per square centimeter, saying, “This level of radiation has been shown to be sufficient to provide measurable results from home use while providing comfort and safety.”
Fedonenko points out that FDA-approved devices typically have a radiation of at least 30 mW/cm2. Try to avoid masks with light levels between 10-30 mW/cm2, because even though the light penetrates the skin, Fedonenko says it’s not strong enough to produce results, because it elicits only a little measurable cellular response.
Be careful with masks with radiation levels higher than 100 mW/cm2, as they tend to be too powerful, especially if you switch from a lower intensity version. “Many of my patients have come to me with persistent redness because they switched from a lower-powered device to a higher-powered device, where the output is the culprit and not the frequency used,” says Vodenenko.
Fodenenko warns against using your LED mask daily because some people believe that doing more will speed up the process, when in fact it can have the opposite effect. “Patients came in with very tight and rough skin, and they were using the mask every day in order to speed up their results,” Fedonenko says. Instead, it’s important to give your skin time to recover in between Red light therapy Treatments because light stimulates cellular repair.
Pandey agrees and says frequent use and harsh products can also cause damage. “If someone is treating themselves frequently and/or simultaneously using very harsh skincare products like retinoids or exfoliating acids, the skin barrier may be damaged, leading to more inflammation and irritation,” Pandey says.
However, it is common for the skin to experience some redness, dryness, itching, or tightness when using an LED mask. If these symptoms do not subside or get worse after treatment, it is best to seek medical guidance.
Precautions to take with LED masks
Pay attention to the type of red light therapy mask you use because it can cause other skin problems if it is not suitable.
One thing that people may not take into consideration when using LED therapy masks is that the eyes need to be protected.
“Masks are worn close to the face, and wearing them without goggles for long periods may cause eye fatigue,” Pandey says.
This is because the mask can cause light-induced headaches in people who are sensitive to light or those with certain eye conditions. It’s something to keep in mind if you have sensitive eyes or eye conditions.
Fortunately, many LED masks have built-in goggles, so you should think twice before purchasing one that doesn’t have them. You should also make sure that this part of the mask fits properly before turning it on. If you still have a headache or allergy, stop using the mask.
Other non-eye signs that you should take a break include peeling or acne on areas of skin where you wouldn’t normally experience pimples or flaking. “Slow down the number of sessions and allow your skin to heal,” says Pandey.
Signs that the LED mask is working
If you’re new to using an LED mask, there are a few ways to tell if it works on your skin. In general, you may start to see improvements within a few weeks. “These improvements include reducing inflammation, improving skin brightness and clarity, and improving overall complexion,” says Pandey.
Smoother skin and reduced fine lines are common after weeks of using an LED therapy mask because light therapy stimulates collagen production. Acne sufferers may notice fewer pimples and improvement in hyperpigmentation. People with rosacea or who suffer from redness will notice that their skin begins to calm down. “This is surprising to them because they came in with the idea that they were there for skin aging concerns,” Vodonenko says.
However, if eight weeks have passed and you haven’t noticed any difference in your skin, Vodonenko says the device’s radiation output may be the problem, so you may want to replace your current model with one with higher radiation.
Verdict on LED masks
As with any product you find yourself influenced to purchase via social media, it’s still important to take these trends with a grain of salt. If you’re interested in adding an LED mask to your skincare regimen, be sure to do your research and choose an FDA-approved product. This assures you that it is generally safe and has been tested for effectiveness, so you know you are getting your money’s worth.
Remember, it may also take time to see improvements, so if you don’t see results right away, give it several weeks to see any changes. If you notice your skin worsening, stop treatment and seek medical care for further help.
