LED Face Masks for Anti-Aging and against pimples - does LED therapy really work?
- Kat
- Apr 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10, 2024
Since Emily in Paris we have been seeing LED face masks again and again in the beauty world. Various TV shows talk about the anti-aging effects, even pimples and bumps can be treated with it. Can that be really true?
How do I use an LED face mask and which light helps to fight what? Which brand is the best? A comparison of LED face masks.
Content
Which effects does an LED face mask have?
LED face masks have a variety of effects. Depending on the color of the light, different improvements in the skin's appearance can be achieved.
Which LED light helps for what?
Which light helps with anti-aging?
Red: Collagen boost, anti-aging, against wrinkles
LED light with a wavelength of about 630 nm
Which light helps against pimples?
Blue: against pimples and acne, reduces bacteria
LED light with a wavelength of about 460
Green light: Soothing, against hyperpigmentation
LED light with a wavelength of about 520 nm
Yellow: For more even skin, against redness
LED light with 630 + 520 nm
Many light spectrums, including pink light, currently have no scientifically studied effect.
What is Near-Infrared (NIR)?
Near infrared penetrates deeper into the skin and optimizes the effect of the light spectrum. It works at around 850 nm. For better results, always choose a device that uses 850 nm NIR when purchasing.
How to use an LED face mask?
Using the masks themselves is very simple and hardly needs any explanation.
What should you consider before using the LED face mask?
Before use you should clean your face. Some skin care products can reduce the penetration of light into the skin.
When and how long should I use LED therapy?
Most manufacturers specify a duration of 10 minutes. It is best to integrate LED therapy into your evening routine.
How often do I use the LED face mask?
It is usually recommended to use it 4-5 times a week. Please check the information for each device.
Precautions using LED face masks
Protect your eyes! Please always check the sellers' websites to see what is recommended for the device in each individual case.
Some manufacturers point out on their websites that eye protection is not necessary when using LED face masks. Others recommend eye protection when exposed to blue light.
As a precaution, additional eye protection is always advisable!
Even though some devices come with some kind of frame attachment to protect your eyes, I wouldn't rely on it 100 %. Especially if you have the impression that the light is too bright or uncomfortable when using it.
Are there side effects using LED light therapy?
Please pay close attention to the information provided by the device manufacturer!
The masks should not be used if you have pre-existing conditions that cause sensitivity to light or are taking medications that cause it e.g. lupus erythematosus, photosensitive eczema, albinism. Also light-related headaches or eye diseases. There is also no experience with the use during pregnancy.
This list is not complete. Please pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions!
If you have any concerns or pre-existing (skin)diseases, contact your dermatologist before starting use.
Which is the best LED device for anti-aging?
Comparison of LED face masks
Project E Light Aura
7 colors, total of 450 LEDs (3 per lamp), incl. remote, solid mask
✓ Pros:
Price; cheaper directly on their website than on Amazon, around 130 €
❌ Cons:
Solid mask, offers less individual adjustment and comfort
No NIR
IBORRIA
4 colors: Blue, Yellow, Red +NIR
288 LEDs (4 per bulb), incl. remote, flexible mask
Density of the LEDs 38 mW/cm²
ca. 150 € (Promo discount code below)
✓ Pros:
flexible silicone mask
3 treatment strengths
incl. eye protection
❌ Cons:
FDA approval missing (requested)
Eye protection prevents irradiation of crucial areas around the eyes
Currentbody
Probably the most famous mask, known from Emily in Paris, but also a more expensive version,
flexible mask, LED density 30 mW/cm², 132 LED lamps (66x 633 nm + 66x 830), about 350 €
✓ Pros:
Pillow TechnologyTM
FDA Approval
flexible mask
❌ Cons:
Price
only red light
Artemis
About 2350 €, a mask from the high-priced segment. What`s different?
Power/Density of LEDs 45mW/cm², controllable via App
✓ Pros:
720 LEDs
7 colors
Different colors can be used in 1 session with the app
❌ Cons:
solid and relatively large mask that adjusts less
very high price
Conclusion
Do facial LED masks really work?
There is actual evidence of the effectiveness of LED light therapy in many studies. The effect seems to be better nasolabial than around the eyes, which may be due to the design of the mask (position of the LEDs, eye protection that leaves out crucial eye areas).
No side effects were noted.
Though it is also true that the studies on the devices were very small in terms of the number of participants and the results often mention that further studies are needed. In some cases the test subjects' self-assessment was included in the results, which is of course not very objective.
Since each persons` skin is so individual and the quality of the device is difficult to assess, an effect cannot be guaranteed. In addition, the application is quite frequent with around 4x/week, which very few people can or want to to follow so consistently.
Overall though, there is nothing wrong with using this beauty tool. If you want to integrate it into your routine, go ahead and send us pictures of success/failures (?)!
Our favorite!
The Iborria LED face mask!
As a start, the best price-performance ratio!
Get
35% discount + free delivery !
with the promo code:
auf iborria.com
*Affiliate links. If you buy from the shop through my website I`ll get a small percentage. I`m happy if you help me expand the website further that way. Thank you for your support!
Note: The Iborria promotion came after we had purchased and tested the mask.
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