Fashion and Beauty 31st January 2024 by Adele Miner

Are LED Face Masks *Really* Worth Investing In?

They're all the rage.

Photo by Dinç Tapa / Pexels

Once something you can only access in a facialist’s clinic, LED face masks are slowly but surely infiltrating our at-home self-care routines, and the results they promise are becoming hard to ignore.

Sure, the last thing we need is another step to add to our skincare routine, but with celebrities, beauty editors and dermatologists raving about the device it’s piqued my interest.

We’ve seen celebs such as Kourtney Kardashian and Victoria Beckham sporting them but before we blindly jump into buying one just because they’re celebrity catnip, we want to know exactly what they are and what they can do.

Speaking with Certified Dermatologist Dr Isabel Haugh (@drisabelhaugh), she explains how the trendy mask works on the skin: “LED face masks are skin devices with tiny light bulbs (LEDs) that emit specific wavelengths of light. LED devices are designed to address various skin concerns and are becoming increasingly popular in the skincare industry.

“A lot of these devices over-promise and under-deliver. However, there is more and more clinical research giving evidence for the benefits of LED light, particularly for anti-ageing and acne. Light therapy has been used in dermatology for a long time to treat an array of conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.

“Different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at different depths, hit various targets and yield varying results. Red light, for example, can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.

“Blue light has antibacterial properties, making it effective for treating acne. Meanwhile, near-infrared light can enhance wound healing and reduce inflammation.”

Putting a bright light so close to your face can feel a little scary at first, and while there are no known side effects from using the device so far, Dr Isabel recommends not overdoing it, “Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, but using the mask 2-3 times a week for around 10-20 minutes per session is a common recommendation. For best results, LED face masks should be used as a supplementary treatment and they should not replace a robust skincare regime.”

It should be said, that investing in an LED mask isn’t like picking up a new serum to try out, it’s an expensive investment to make and not one we recommend lightly. Most masks on the market cost anywhere from €200 to €2,000, so what kind of results can people expect to see if they do make the hefty investment?

“Consistent use of LED face masks can lead to improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and a more even skin tone but results will vary depending on the wavelength of light being used, the intensity of the light, the individual and the specific skin concern being addressed,” says Dr Isabel.

If you’ve decided that an LED mask is for you, knowing which one to get can be tricky. With so many on the market and varying prices, I ask Dr Isabel if going down the cheaper route can conjure the same results.

“Higher-priced masks often incorporate advanced technologies, premium materials, and may offer a wider range of customisable settings. They may also have undergone more rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. Additionally, high-end masks may have a greater number of LED bulbs, providing more comprehensive coverage during each session.”

While the results of at-home LED masks can be less dramatic and take a longer time when compared to clinical LED devices, they do provide a more affordable alternative to booking into a salon every month or so. Putting my girl maths to good use, the average 30-minute LED session in a clinic costs around €50, if you get one treatment per month, that costs €600 a year.

But if you invest in your own face mask for around €500, your cost-per-use over one year is on average €1.92, and less the longer you use it. If regular salon appointments aren’t feasible for you, but you would like radiant skin year-round, this could be your answer.

This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb issue of STELLAR magazine. 

Tags: