SEE THE LIGHT
Gimmick or glow-giver? Ashleigh Cometti speaks to a skin expert about at-home LED face masks
ATREATMENT formerly reserved for skin clinics has trickled its way into the mainstream, with an onslaught of at-home LED light therapy devices promising a multitude of skincare benefits.
Simply put, LED light therapy works by exposing skin to different-coloured wavelengths of light, each of which has a different effect on the skin — from reducing inflammation and acne, to banishing wrinkles and discolouration — at depths your topical products can’t reach.
These futuristic-looking face masks have proven a hit with the Hollywood set, with everyone from Naomi Watts to Chrissy Teigen taking to Instagram to share a snap while donning one.
But are at-home LED masks worth the hype? Below, one expert weighs in.
What is LED light therapy?
LED (light emitting diode) therapy was originally developed by Nasa in the 1990s to heal wounds and soothe inflammation during space missions.
Soon after, the technology was quickly adopted by the skincare community after it was revealed the treatment also helped to stimulate collagen, fade age spots and combat acne.
As the founder and director of boutique skin clinic Mooi Skin, Haley
Asbridge explains, LED light therapy is like a workout for the skin.
“LEDS stimulate the mitochondria of the cell (powerhouse of the cell) so that your skin cells have more energy and work more effectively,” she says.
After a course of LED, Haley says skin cells function more effectively — and its ability to heal skin and boost collagen production renders it as an excellent treatment for those struggling with acne, premature ageing, rosacea and psoriasis.
What colour LED do I need?
LED isn’t limited to one shade only — the term points to different wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum, each of which penetrates the skin and is absorbed by its receptors. “The different coloured lights are at different depths in the skin and stimulate
a different response,” Haley says.
Red is commonly found in at-home LED masks and deeply penetrates the skin to boost its cellular repair function and collagen stores, soothe inflammation and redness, and leave skin plump.
Blue is best for breakouts, as its antibacterial properties kill off the bacteria that lead to acne. It also plays nicely with red light when combined in at-home devices.
Yellow can be difficult to come by in athome LED masks, but is said to bring down swelling and restore radiance.
Infra-red light penetrates deeper than any other shade, working on a cellular level to address the signs of ageing by replenishing skin cells, supercharging collagen and elastin production and fasttracking the skin’s wound-healing response.
Do at-home masks work?
While Haley says some at-home LED masks on the market do work but not all are created equal.
“There are some brands on the market that are not powerful enough to create change in the skin and lack the clinical studies and FDA clearance,” Haley warns. “Some of the ones that aren’t FDA cleared are just like putting a light bulb next to your face. You need to make sure you do your research. I wouldn’t bother with the ‘cheap and cheerfuls’ to be honest.”
Can at-home masks replace clinic treatments?
There are benefits to both, but at-home LED masks don’t include as many bulbs as inclinic LED machines, meaning it may take longer to see visible results.
“No at-home mask will be as powerful as some of the top LEDS, however, they can complement your at-home routine and take it to the next level,” Haley says.
Consistency is key — use your at-home LED mask every second day for 4-5 weeks and expect to see changes in your skin, before reducing your usage to once or twice a week as maintenance, Haley says.
What should I put on my face before my LED mask?
For best results, Haley advises using your LED mask on freshly cleansed skin. Otherwise, consider applying a watersoluble vitamin C such as the Aspect Dr Active C, $150.
Applying too many products beforehand can prevent the wavelengths from penetrating into the skin. Afterwards, slather on your preferred serum and moisturiser.
A few suggestions:
❏ Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware Pro, $711: The most recognisable of all the masks on this list, this device is fitted with 100 red and 62 blue LED lights to work three-fold to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, combat discolouration and clear acne. Not to mention the pretty rose gold accents make it a little less “Freddy Krueger” and a little more gram-worthy. ❏ Foreo UFO 2 Facial Treatment Device For All Skin Types, $453: If you require your facial device to have a few more features to justify its designer price tag, consider Foreo’s spherical offering. Four different functions allow you to tailor your treatment: cryotherapy to reduce puffiness and firm skin; thermotherapy to help skincare permeate deeply into skin; 8 LED lights in varying wavelengths to repair; and T-sonic pulsations to boost circulation.
❏ Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, $547: Popular with celebrities like Carey Mulligan and Kristin Davis, this mask delivers a double dose of LED light to the skin. It sees two different wavelengths combine, which stimulates the skin’s natural rejuvenation and wound-healing processes, causing new skin to form.
❏ Omnilux Contour Face, $899: Comfort is key, and this flexible face mask bends easily around facial contours and features two soft head straps for an ultra-snug fit. It harnesses the youth-giving powers of red and near infra-red light to address the visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
❏ MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device, $986: This goldstandard skincare device features five different light settings to target myriad skin concerns including ageing, acne, redness and discolouration.