Beauty trends have always been weird. Cucumber over your eyes, lime-green goo on your face, rubbing rocks on your skin… But one beauty trend has outdone them. The weirdest of the weird…and it works?
So, how do these scary, almost robotic masks make your skin beautiful?
Mike Stark (Owner of Dermani Medspa) explains that they use “specific wavelengths of light to stimulate different processes in the skin.” Overall, Different wavelengths (and colours) provide different benefits. Red light helps boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria and treats breakouts.
“At Dermani Medspa, we see LED therapy as a science-backed, non-invasive way to support healthier skin by helping the body’s natural repair process work more efficiently.”
Mike Stark
Overall, light therapy helps improve several common skin concerns, including:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
- Redness/Inflammation
- Wrinkles and fine lines
Essentially? Every skin condition you may be sighing over.
How to use:
Dermatologists suggest using an LED Mask three to five times a week for ten to twenty minutes at a time.
It’s best to use an LED tool on clean, dry skin with no makeup or heavy products to interfere with the infrared. After treatment, Mike Stark recommends applying a quality serum or moisturizer “to support the skin barrier and hydration”.
“At Dermani MedSpa,” he says, “we always remind everyone that LED therapy works best when combined with professional treatments for a solid daily skincare routine.”
Do not expect immediate results. They’re great, but not magic. Visible results can take six to eight weeks. So don’t give up so soon!
“The thing I always tell my clients is that LED is a upportive treatment,” Stark advises, “it works best as part of a larger skincare routine rather than a one-time fix.”
You don’t want to be lectured on safety, I get it. But when it comes to electric devices on a very sensitive part of your body, you’ve got to be careful!
“Safety really comes down to using the device as it was intended, and not overdoing it.”
Mike Stark
Follow the recommended treatment time, as most masks are only designed to be used for ten to 20 minutes. “LED light therapy is generally very safe because it doesn’t use UV light,” Stark explains, “but people with certain medical conditions or those taking photosensitizing medications should talk to skincare professionals before starting.”
While it is rare to experience any side effects of LED devices, it can (possibly) cause inflammation, pain, or irritation – especially to sensitive skin and especially if you overdo it. So, just stick to the advised time usage.
Always check reviews before buying appliances, and always always follow the instructions. They’re there for a reason.
When buying an LED device, make sure it is FDA-cleared and sold by reputable brands with transparent clinical information. Giving advice on how to find the best LED beauty tools, dermatologist Mike Stark suggests checking for exaggerated claims like promising instant wrinkle removal or permanent results. “That’s usually a red flag,” he says.
While it’s always preferable to save money, Stark warns against extremely cheap devices. And, if there is no information about light wavelengths, safety, or testing, then it might be hard to know.
“…the most important test is how it interacts with your skin,” Stark urges.
Your faves fave tool
Celebrities are always the first to adopt weird beauty trends (perhaps because of their access to dermatologists, or social pressure as a public figure, and a woman). Still, as a glamorous celebrity, you have to take notes. Pens ready?
Gabby Windey, podcaster, reality star, former cheerleader, and nurse, uses Ominlux Red Light on her neck and chest, “so my PR doesn’t kill me,” she joked in an interview.
Nicole Ritchie, in her Vogue beauty video, said she uses a Cryo Shark LED mask for anti-aging purposes and to kill bacteria.
Coleman Domingo’s grooming artist, Jamie Richmond, notes in GQ how light therapy “helps with tired skin, and reduces puffiness, and the appearance of fine lines.”
Oliva Coleman uses CurrentBody’s LED Neck and decolletage mask, “…it gave her that extra bit of skin love,” her makeup artist, Sarah Uslan, said.
Halle Berry “…brings out the best of her skin,” with the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask.
Picked just for you
But you don’t have to be a celebrity to afford an LED mask. Fear not, there are price-preferable options.
Sensse LED SkinLift Face and Neck Toner Device isn’t quite a mask, but it’s all the same (red) light. SkinLift stimulates facial muscles and heats up to an optimal 45°C. It boosts collagen to enhance firmness and elasticity.
Clara Red Light Therapy LED Face Mask has three comprehensive modes for firming, brightening, and acne repair.
StylPro Radiant Eyes LED Light Goggles isn’t quite a full mask, but if you want to target around the eyes – this is the tool right for you. Designed to target crow’s feet, wrinkles, and fine lines, it will leave your skin plump and bright.
The ELLE LED Facial Therapy Massager is small but strong with red, blue, and near-infrared light. It stimulates collagen for smoother, plumper skin. And, it can fit in your bag!
Purosoinc’s 7-in1 Light therapy Face Mask utilizes (you get it) seven different light therapies. Maybe you want to boost your skin elasticity? Red Light! Target acne? Blue Light! Soothe sensitive skin? Try the yellow light. Whether it’s hyperpigmentation or puffiness, there’s a light for you!
Light therapy tools can be a bit pricey (especially the masks), but you can save money by adding a discount code from Unidays or StudentBeans.
So, is it worth it?
Clearly, there are benefits to LED tools, and it is dermatologist- and celebrity-approved. It might be better to start with a smaller LED tool, such as the Sensse LED SkinLift Face and Neck Toner Device. It’s cheaper than a full mask and will give you a nice little taste of LED beauty tools. Then, if you like the results, you can always progress up.
Remember, skincare is supposed to be a bit weird – that’s what makes it fun! And who doesn’t think a robotic-glowing mask is fun?
