If you’ve been on Instagram lately, then I’m sure you’ll have come across a photo of someone wearing one of those futuristic-looking LED face masks. I’ve been seeing these high-tech beauty tools everywhere at the moment, with lots of people raving about the positive effects that they can have on your skin. However, after having a look online, I quickly realised that these masks aren’t cheap. In fact, some can set you back over a thousand pounds, so I was keen to know what I would be getting for this kind of money. As a beauty editor, I am lucky enough to speak to industry experts on a daily basis, so I decided to reach out to Dr. Raj Arora, NHS doctor and key opinion leader at FOREO, and Dr. Maryam Zamani, oculoplastic surgeon and founder of MZ Skin, to find out everything there is to know about LED light therapy, including how these at-home masks actually work.
I quizzed both experts on some of the most-asked questions when it comes to LED light therapy, as I would never recommend investing in such an expensive beauty product without knowing all of the facts first. That being said, after speaking to both Dr. Arora and Dr. Zamani, I think I might just have to give one a go…
First things first, what actually is LED light therapy? According to Dr. Arora, LED stands for light-emitting diode, and is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that uses light to address skin concerns. “Essentially, LED wavelengths enter the skin’s layers and stimulate the skin’s natural healing mechanisms.”
Dr. Zamani says that it has been used for over 30 years to heal the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin. “LED therapy uses light from the visible spectrum to stimulate the cellular response to regenerate through a process called photobiomodulation. Shorter wavelengths target superficial skin while longer wavelengths penetrate more deeply.” The light essentially re-charges the cells “energy battery” and the skin is then able to use the energy as fuel to repair and rejuvenate damaged cells, and boost the skin’s natural repair process.
There are different ways that you can try this treatment out, either at a clinic or at home by using an LED face mask.
A lot of people often ask me what skin concerns LED light therapy can help with. The great thing about this treatment is that you can choose from a range of lights to help tackle specific things, such as fine lines or acne. According to Dr. Zamani, red and blue lights are the most commonly used treatments, however, Dr. Arora has broken down each light and its individual benefits below:
This light stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to firm and lift the skin. Dr. Zamani adds that this light canalso reduce inflammation, heal blemishes, and help improve scarring.
Blue light can help to target acne-causing bacteria, in turn minimising future breakouts, while also reducing inflammation and speeding up the recovery time.
Although not as common as the two above, green light can help to even out your skin tone, tackle dark circles and brighten dull complexions.
Yellow light can ease redness and swelling from things such as sunburn, rosacea or inflammation.
White light can penetrate deeply into the skin, and can help activate the natural renewal of skin cells.
Before thinking about trying an LED facial or investing in an at-home mask, it’s important to check whether this treatment is safe for you. Speaking to Dr. Zamani, she says that although everyone can benefit from light therapy, if you suffer from seizures or epilepsy, she doesn’t recommend using this treatment at home or in a clinical setting due to the bright lights. She also advises that anyone suffering from migraines, eye conditions or taking certain medications should also give this treatment a miss. Most devices will also advise not to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you’re worried about whether you can overuse your LED mask at home, Dr. Arora says not to worry. “Generally speaking , you cannot really ‘overuse’ an at-home LED mask if you are using it correctly and sensibly. The longer the exposure to LED therapy the better the outcome, unless skin is sensitised or you are using active skincare ingredients that may make the skin more prone to sensitivity.” She explains that LED light therapy does not contain UV light and therefore does not carry the same risk of burns.
If you’re keen to give LED light therapy a go at home, then it’s best to invest in an LED face mask with the correct light settings depending on your skin concerns. In order to get the most out of your mask, Dr. Zamani advises to follow the manufacturers instructions, unless you have been told by your own doctor or dermatologist to use the device in a different way. “I would also recommend to build up using the device to build tolerance and to reduce the risk of skin feeling dry or irritated,” she explains. She also advises consulting your doctor or dermatologist if you are using medical grade skincare or active ingredients to make sure that these won’t cause any harmful reactions when combined with LED light therapy.
So, now that you know everything about LED light therapy, you might be asking yourself, is it worth it? In my opinion, an LED face mask is a worthwhile investment if you are looking to tackle specific skincare concerns. The treatment has a wide range of benefits, and if used consistently overtime, can make significant improvements.
Although it might seem like a lot of money straight away, when you compare the price of an at-home mask to an in-salon treatment, it is a lot more cost-effective. As summarised by Dr. Zamani, “I love the skin-boosting effects of LED and think it is the best at-home device that can be done safely.”
Pros:
– Can tackle a range of skincare concerns
– An at-home mask can be a lot more cost effective than regular in-salon treatments
Cons:
– Masks have to be used consistently over time in order to see results
– Some masks can be very expensive
Next up, I Put an £1400 LED Facial Device to the Test—These Are My Honest Thoughts