At-Home LED Face Masks:

TikTokers everywhere are raving about LED therapy from the comfort of their couch. At-home LED face masks have officially gone viral, and skin enthusiasts are racing to add one to their Amazon cart. Decades of testing and research have everyone sold on the benefits of professional LED therapy, but the question is whether those benefits translate to at-home devices and whether they are worth the investment. Viral or not, here’s what you need to know about at-home LED face masks before hitting the “Buy Now” button:

LED Face Mask Benefits

LED (light emitting diode) devices penetrate varying wavelengths of light into the skin, causing positive cellular interactions that vary depending on the light. LED therapy is known for its benefits for acne-prone skin, rosacea and inflammation improvement, and for encouraging collagen production for anti-aging. LED is also recognized for its pain-relieving abilities, such as joint pain and injury healing. LED was originally developed by NASA scientists to promote plant growth. Once the healing benefits of LED were discovered, the treatment was then used to promote wound healing for astronauts and eventually immersed in the world of skin and aesthetics for its anti-bacterial and cell renewal benefits.

Blue LED Light vs. Red LED Light

Blue light has a shorter wavelength and is used for improving acne and killing surface bacteria, while red light penetrates deeper into the skin, promoting collagen production to reduce visible signs of aging, redness, and inflammation.

Professional vs. At-Home LED Face Masks

Professional LED therapy will deliver better results than at-home LED masks because professional devices are higher powered. This means that light wavelengths are penetrating deeper into the skin than at-home treatments will allow for due to safety regulations. With a professional treatment, targeted serum is applied to the skin before going under the light to act as a light absorber, causing a positive chemical reaction in the skin.

The skin benefits of both professional and at-home LED therapy can, dare we say, be overpromised. We have had many clients through our doors looking to use LED therapy on its own to treat acne or significantly improve or even eliminate lines and wrinkles. While LED therapy is offered as a stand-alone treatment and its skin benefits are no question, its true power comes with combination therapy. 

At Natology, LED therapy is incorporated into facials, including acne and anti-aging-specific facials, and is used to speed healing after treatments like microneedling and laser resurfacing. No matter if you’re utilizing professional LED treatments or an at-home LED mask, it’s important to understand that LED therapy on its own will not provide dramatic change to the skin. However, consistent use of LED can result in skin improvement over time, but consistency is the key.

Browse our skin treatments for treating acne and improving visible signs of aging

Are At-Home LED Face Masks Safe?

Though we can’t speak to any specific products, FDA-approved at-home LED masks are considered to be generally safe, the biggest question mark being eye safety. With professional LED therapy, eye shields are provided to prevent eye damage from the intensity of the light. Some at-home LED masks come with eye protection or recommend eye protection, while others do not. Whether using a silicone or plastic mask, there can be a risk of light spillage into the eye area. If you decide to purchase an at-home LED mask, ensure you choose one that is FDA-approved and read and follow the frequency recommendation and safety protocols.

Getting the Most Out of LED Therapy

You will likely be underwhelmed if you’re seeking LED therapy as a stand-alone solution to acne, scarring, lines and wrinkles, or tone and texture. LED therapy is intended to complement in-clinic treatments like facials, microneedling, laser peels and resurfacing, and chemical peels for true skin rejuvenation. LED therapy on its own and done consistently is best used to aid in healing, tackle minor acne bacteria, and reduce inflammation and redness.

Before hitting the “Buy Now” button on the LED face mask sitting in your Amazon cart, think about the results you are trying to achieve with LED therapy and if the investment in an at-home mask makes sense for you. How dramatic of a change in your skin are you looking to achieve? Or are you simply looking for at-home maintenance in between your in-clinic treatments? How sensitive are your eyes and your skin, and is there potential for irritation to occur? These questions can help you decide if the investment in an at-home LED mask is worth it for you.

Not sure what your skin needs? Book a complimentary consultation and work with our team of skin experts to curate a unique treatment plan tailored to your skin goals!