Light therapy has gone mainstream, but are LED face masks really worth that hefty price tag? These masks are one of those devices that made the transition from “only for salons” to “available at home”. Nowadays, you can see them included in almost every influencer’s skincare routine. They emit red and near-infrared lights for targeted multi-faceted skin care, allegedly treating many different skin concerns at once. 

So what exactly are LED face masks? They look a bit robotic, kind of reminding me of ‘Star Wars’ headgear. You wear them over your face, turn them on, and they emit LED lights that are supposed to give you cleaner and smoother skin. 

As you can imagine, a good quality LED face mask will be pretty expensive. And if you decide to save some money, and buy one of those cheaper Amazon alternatives, you are probably just wasting your money altogether. 

There is a lot of science behind these masks, and most of the cheap ones might do look great, however, they won’t deliver any of the promised benefits. The light has to be at a certain frequency to work properly, so you want to invest in a trusted and tested brand. 

What are the benefits of LED masks? 

The benefits of LED masks depend on the type of mask that you are using. Each mask uses a different spectrum of light wavelengths that penetrate the skin to trigger changes at the molecular level. Each spectrum of light produces different colors to target different skin concerns. 

For example, red light is designed to increase circulation and stimulate collagen, making it useful for those looking to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Collagen loss, which usually occurs with aging and sun damage, can contribute to the first visible signs of aging.

On the other hand, blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, which can help stop the cycle of acne breakouts. These are the two most common and popular colors used, but other masks on the market use additional light, such as yellow (to reduce redness) and green (to reduce pigmentation).

Can you overdo it with LED light therapy?

LED face masks are quite easy to use. Since they do not emit UV light and are non-invasive, they are completely safe. It’s pretty difficult to overdo it, especially if you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the mask. Most of them should be used for 10 to 15 minutes, but sometimes a little longer is needed. If you notice any signs of damage or irritation, consult a dermatologist right away. 

How do you use LED masks? 

It is best to apply the mask on clean skin, without any products beforehand. Everything else creates a barrier to light, so the mask is applied to a bare and freshly washed face. After the LED mask treatment, you can apply your usual skincare products. If you use the mask in the morning or during the day, make sure you apply a thick layer of sunscreen with SPF 50 afterward. 

Are they worth the money?

In my opinion, yes. But only the ones that are proven to work. These masks are an investment. You will have to pay a couple of hundred dollars for a good one, but you will be able to use it for years. This isn’t one of the skincare categories where it makes sense to look for a bargain. As I already explained, it can be pretty tricky to create a mask with the right light wavelength. So buy from a brand that you know you can trust.