A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
You may look straight out of a sci-fi movie when using an LED mask, but experts say it’s worth it given the anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits.
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LED masks and light therapy devices are all the rage these days, and for good reason. These at-home gadgets treat acne, smooth wrinkles, fade age spots and help maximize the benefits of in-office skin rejuvenation procedures, including injectables.
LED stands for light emitting diode. These secret beauty weapons work by sending out light in the visible spectrum—including blue, yellow, amber and red—and light beyond the visible spectrum to penetrate different depths of skin, explains Rebecca Marcus, MD, a Dallas-based board-certified dermatologist. Each light has a different function and targets a different skin concern.
With some masks, the different wavelengths are combined for a synergistic effect, she says. In general, while home LED light therapy masks are less powerful than the ones at your doctor’s office, they still offer promising results. They are not cheap though, and it takes time to see noticeable results, warns Dr. Marcus.
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This LED mask boats an impressive seven different light color therapies—with five levels of intensity—to address a myriad of skin concerns. Even more impressive? The under-$100 price tag. The non-heat producing LEDs penetrate your skin to boost collagen, reduce lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, complexion and more. The brand is so confident you’ll love it, they offer a 100% satisfaction guaranteed promise, plus a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Among its rave reviews, Sam states, it “definitely works,” adding: “I’m reluctant to purchase gadgets with crazy promises. After the third use, I’m a believer! It definitely helped to minimize my extra large pores and my skins texture is smoother.” Another happy shopper appreciates its neutral, simple style. “Some masks on the market make you look like Iron Man or Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky,” she says. Adding: “This has given me the same LED treatments at home, and has cost a little over the price of one dermatology office visit.”
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This newbie from the makers of Theragun is sure to become a fan-favorite. The TheraFace Pro boasts eight treatments in one handheld device. The brand’s well-known percussive therapy is adapted specifically for the face. It uses a gentle massage technique to reduce jaw discomfort (particularly helpful for those with TMJ), relax facial muscles and improve muscle tension.
More to love: Microcurrent therapy gently stimulates the face to firm and tighten, while LED light technology helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Their clinical trial results are impressive: After 12 weeks of use, 94% of participants reported their skin looked healthier overall and 89% noticed an improvement in facial contour, including improved muscle tone and skin tightness.
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Anti-aging creams can only do so much. If you want a youthful appearance without any invasive or painful procedures, look no further. This FDA-cleared LED device uses four different wavelengths to help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet and smile lines. “I love this device,” says Taylor Worden, a New York City-based aesthetician. “The LightStim is a handheld LED light that is great for specific areas on the face or body, travel or to use while watching TV,” she says.
It’s more versatile than other traditional LED masks, and allows you to easily target various problem areas, from your lips to your hands. It’s also an effective way to enhance the efficacy of skincare, like the included photo serum and sheet masque, or use your own vitamin C serums and anti-aging eye creams.
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This full-face panel features red light, blue light, amber light and infrared light, says Hadley King, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist. Amber light therapy fades dark spots and infrared helps even out skin tone and boosts collagen. “It can be used for anti-aging, acne or both,” she says. The panel, which opens and closes like a notebook, treats the whole face at once and can also be used for the neck, chest or other areas.
This device combines blue and red LED light therapy to pack a one-two punch against breakouts. “Blue LED light can actually kill bacteria that causes acne,” says Sarah Akram, an esthetician in Alexandria, Virginia. “Red LED technology—which was invented by NASA—helps your cells to heal and regenerate much faster than normal, and combining these powerful therapies on a regular basis is the best treatment for fighting acne.” No matter what type of acne you have, this can help. In fact, 100% of users participating in a clinical study experienced a significant reduction in acne.
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This FDA-cleared, hands-free LED mask employs multiple wavelengths of light to target specific issues—including acne and aging skin—and covers your full face in record time, says Dr. Marcus. The dermatologist-created device uses a powerful combination of 100 LED lights in red mode (which firms skin and reduces the appearance of sun spots) and 62 LED lights in blue mode (which calms redness and helps prevent future acne flareups). Apply your favorite skincare after each use to boost results. It’s even safe to use with retinol—just be sure you’re applying sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage.
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