What’s the deal with LED face masks and how do they even work?

Optimus Prime core.

At my core, I’d say I’m a pretty low-maintenance skincare girlie – I’ve used the same cleanser for the past five years now. The mentality behind it has always been ‘If it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it’.

But, as I continue to doom scroll on TikTok and Instagram daily, I get ever so slightly (read: majorly) convinced to give some of the new skincare trends that pop up on my For You Page a whirl. I mean, who can blame me? I’m just a girl trying to wade through the wild and chaotic sea of beauty and skincare.

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Something I’ve been eyeing for years now though is LED light therapy. After seeing brands like CurrentBody make their way onto the mask scene, with influencers whipping out their Transformers-esque light therapy kits mid-plane vlog (power move TBH), you can’t tell me you’re not curious about them either.

I’ve seen countless celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Lily Collins and Renée Zellweger using the CurrentBody Skin Face and Neck Kit which claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by 35 per cent in four weeks (and 95 per cent of users reported firmer skin after use too).

But, before my sensitive skin and I even think about setting foot into any kind of LED territory, I have questions. Many. Most of them are about whether sitting in a chair looking like Optimus Prime will actually do me any good. If you’re in a similar boat, you’re in luck because I’ve done you a solid and asked Dr Ahmad Chaudhry to share his wise wisdom about all things LED light therapy.

From what the heck LED masks actually are (a very valid question in my opinion) to whether they’re safe for your skin, here are the answers to some of your most asked LED mask questions.

Okay, let’s kick things off with the basics – what actually is an LED mask and how do they work?

So an LED mask is a facial treatment device that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit various wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin at different depths. They basically work by exposing your skin to specific wavelengths of light, which then trigger various biological responses.

 

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Oh wow! So, they’re efficient at combatting a lot of different skin concerns then?

It really depends on the wavelengths of light used, but yes, they can address acne, breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, redness, inflammation and even overall skin rejuvenation.

I’ve got super sensitive skin, would you still recommend trying an LED mask?

They’re generally safe for sensitive skin since they’re non-invasive and don’t generate heat. But it’s obviously essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and do a patch test to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

You can do this by testing the mask on a small area of your arm, rather than your face. However, it should be said your arm skin might not always reflect how your facial skin is going to react. But if your skin shows no adverse reactions within 24 hours, it’s likely safe to proceed with using the LED mask on your face. [Editor’s note: If any skin irritation occurs, stop using the device immediately. CurrentBody offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.] 

When it comes to incorporating it into my skincare routine, how often should I be using an LED mask?

It really depends on the specific LED mask and your skin concerns, but in general, treatments can be done [three to five] times per week for optimal results. But again, it’s super important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular device.

In terms of prepping the skin for an LED mask, is there anything I should apply beforehand? Or any products that shouldn’t be used in combination with light therapy?

Before using an LED mask, you should make sure you cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil or makeup. Other than that, there’s no need to apply any specific products beforehand. [Editor’s note: Using green tea extract prior to LED light use has been found to help accelerate LED results.]

[But I would] just avoid using photosensitising ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid and certain medications (like tetracycline) before or after LED light therapy, as they may increase your skin’s sensitivity to light.

How long should I leave it on at a time?

This can vary depending on the device, the specific treatment and your skin type. Generally, LED mask sessions range from 10 to 30 minutes, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the duration of each session, as well as the frequency of use.

 

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Due to the nature of using light and LED, do these masks ever pose any risk to the skin?

Risks associated with LED masks are minimal, but some individuals may experience temporary redness or irritation after using one. This is generally considered a normal response for some, especially those with sensitive skin. This redness is typically harmless though and should subside on its own within a few hours to a day.

However, it’s important to monitor your skin’s reaction and take note of any unusual or prolonged symptoms. The main thing to ensure is that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Otherwise, consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

What should you look for in an LED mask before purchasing one?

Ensure the mask offers the wavelengths that address your specific skin concerns and look for a device that’s been cleared by the TGA for safety and efficacy. Choose a mask that fits comfortably and securely on your face and opt for a mask with user-friendly controls and clear instructions. Research the experiences of other users to gauge the mask’s effectiveness and check the warranties too before diving in. 

Editor’s note: There are different types of masks for different types of needs and areas of concerns; CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector targets crow’s feet and 11 lines, CurrentBody Skin LED Lip Perfector aims to smooth wrinkle lines around the mouth, CurrentBody Skin Face and Neck Kit directly fights signs of wrinkles and fine lines on your face, neck and chest, and CurrentBody Skin LED Hand Perfector channels the power of LED for your hands.

Work wonders for your skin and check out CurrentBody’s LED Light Therapy Range here and use the code FASHIONCB for 15 per cent off.