LED face masks: Do they actually work?

Are they effective?

The effectiveness of these masks is largely dependent on how you use them, says Kammi Brown, director and senior therapist at Skin by Kame.

“To have a therapeutic effect, it must be used three or more times per week for 10 minutes minimum. Some conditions will require longer,” she says.

Brown points to a few clinical studies on the effectiveness of LED light therapy; however, most existing research acknowledges the need for further trials to determine the full extent of its efficacy. Other studies focus purely on medical-grade devices rather than less-powerful at-home masks.

Brown says the right skincare is generally more important than the use of an at-home light mask. This is particularly the case for severe acne, Manoharan notes, which is often best targeted with a range of treatments like LED masks, skincare, prescription medications and peels or lasers.

Owner of Skindepth Dermatology Dr Alice Rudd says at-home masks can’t offer the same results as professional treatments, which often have much higher energy outputs. At-home results will therefore appear more subtle, even after prolonged use.

“While at-home devices are convenient, treatments in specialist skin clinics provide more significant outcomes,” she says. “The at-home devices need to be used very regularly – a couple of times a week.”

Further, at-home masks may lose more power over time compared with clinic masks, which are regularly serviced.

Better than botox?

Home-use masks can work in tandem with more invasive procedures like botox and fillers, but they don’t operate the same way.

“Botox rapidly improves dynamic wrinkles by relaxing muscles, whereas LED more conservatively improves fine lines and wrinkles over time,” Manoharan says.

He says fillers restore lost volume, which LED therapy cannot do.

“For someone looking for milder, long-term skin improvements, LED masks are a great preventative tool. However, for more dramatic results, professional treatments are still the gold standard.”

Loading

How safe are they?

Generally, LED therapy is safe, but it must be used correctly. Rudd suggests protecting your eyes, either by wearing goggles or masks with in-built eye protection. Overusing an LED light mask can also lead to dryness and irritation.

“People with light sensitivity, certain skin conditions, or photosensitivity should consult a dermatologist before use,” she says.

Are they worth the money?

At-home LED masks retail anywhere between $100 and $1000. Brown says she would usually only recommend home LED for virtual clients who don’t live close enough to a clinic for regular treatment.

“Going with a reputable brand that’s sold alongside a cosmedical or cosmeceutical skincare line is the safest option,” she says, adding that pricey masks from beauty chains aren’t usually powerful enough to be worthwhile.

Manoharan agrees, noting buyers should choose only masks that are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Look for products within the effective light wavelength range, 630–660 nanometres for red and 415 nanometres for blue.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.