How often should you use an LED face mask?

Should you use an LED mask every day?

Daily use is appropriate when your mask's directions specify it. Otherwise, follow the stated schedule rather than borrowing one from another mask. Devices differ in light wavelength, power, session duration and treatment frequency, so a session count alone is not enough to choose a routine. The best treatment frequency is still unsettled. Do not extend sessions or add treatments beyond the instructions in an attempt to speed up results.13

What does an LED face mask do?

LED therapy uses light to treat skin concerns without an invasive procedure. Red light may reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen, a protein that supports skin structure. Blue light may destroy bacteria involved in acne. LED therapy does not treat blackheads, whiteheads or acne cysts. Home masks tend to deliver subtle changes rather than dramatic wrinkle or acne results, despite looking like equipment for a much larger production.2

How do you use an LED face mask?

1. 1Cleanse your face and remove makeup before putting on the mask.
2. 2Fit and position the mask as directed for your particular device.
3. 3Use the specified eye protection. If protective goggles are required, wear them every time; sunglasses are not a substitute.
4. 4Run the mask for the stated session length, then remove it.
5. 5Continue treatment at the frequency specified in the instructions.

LED treatment has no usual recovery period, but take extra care with sun exposure for the following 48 hours and apply sunscreen. An LED mask is an addition to cleansing, moisturizing and daily sunscreen, not a glowing replacement for the rest of the bathroom.124

How long does it take to see results?

Expect a course of regular treatments rather than an immediate change. In a controlled trial of a home mask combining 630 nm red light and 850 nm infrared light, improvements in crow's feet differed significantly from the sham device at weeks 8, 12 and 16. Participants were adults of Asian descent aged 30 to 65. That gives a useful example of the timescale for wrinkle treatment, rather than a deadline for every mask. For signs of aging, continued follow up treatments are needed because skin continues to age. Some people do not see results.15

Who should check before using an LED mask?

Speak with a dermatologist before starting if you take medicine that increases light sensitivity, have a light sensitive condition such as lupus, or have a history of skin cancer or inherited eye disease. People with darker skin tones should also seek advice before using red light: greater sensitivity to visible light can lead to persistent dark spots. Choose a device intended for your concern and look for FDA clearance, which indicates low risk rather than effectiveness.12

Stop using the mask and contact your healthcare provider if you develop hives, inflammation, pain, a rash or redness after treatment. Short term safety appears reassuring, but the long term effects of repeated LED treatment remain uncertain.2