7 things you need to know before buying an LED mask for red light therapy

If you still belong to the camp of those who need convincing about the effectiveness of red light therapy, then this article is not for you. Since the 1960s, it has been known that red light helps promote hair growth and wound healing. This was discovered quite by accident by Dr. Endre Mester during an experiment that was entirely unrelated to anti aging therapies. The benefits of red light therapy were also studied by NASA in the 1990s in an effort to find a solution for faster wound healing in astronauts.

If you could look deeper into the skin to see why it responds so strongly to the red light spectrum, you would find that the wavelength of red light reaches fibroblasts, extremely important cells that stimulate collagen synthesis. When red light interacts with fibroblasts, their activity is stimulated. Red light therapy, or more precisely photobiomodulation, known as PBM, is a gentle way to improve and revitalize both your skin and hair.

Related: From hair to skin, light is the new key ingredient for beauty

The effects of red light therapy

For all of these reasons, and backed by evidence, I decided that it was finally time to buy an LED mask. More specifically, a red LED mask, as the effectiveness of red light has been thoroughly researched. At the same time, it does not irritate the skin or cause redness or discomfort during treatment. Red light therapy:

• stimulates collagen production
• promotes better circulation
• reduces signs of premature skin aging
• supports skin healing

However, there is a catch. Due to their immense popularity and widely accepted high price point, the market also offers LED masks that are overpriced and will not deliver the results you are hoping for. Before purchasing an LED mask for the most radiant and youthful skin, it is essential to know the wavelength and intensity of the light the mask emits, as well as how flexible, comfortable, and heavy the mask is. A mask that is extremely heavy will pull the face downward, an effect you likely want to avoid.

The most important features when choosing an LED mask

Photo: Yi Ren

1/ How can you tell if an LED mask is high quality?

The quality of a red light therapy mask depends on many parameters. Still, effectiveness is fundamental, and here we unfortunately have to involve a bit of mathematics and physics. In addition to the wavelength itself, where for red light you should look for a range of 630 to 660 nm as the most effective for the skin, the surface area that the mask covers with red light is also extremely important. If you start researching, you will notice that this information is not always available. The ideal irradiance should be around 105 milliwatts per square centimeter. When this information is not publicly available, it is already a red flag for me that the mask may not be effective, and to be sure, I am happy to contact the brand directly.

2/ Which light should you choose?

Since studies on effectiveness have been conducted on red, blue, and near infrared light, stick to masks that offer these three light therapies. Other colors, such as green, purple, or yellow, have not been studied as extensively, so avoid masks with a rainbow effect. You may end up overpaying for features you will not even use.

3/ The weight of an LED mask matters

With a bit of online research, it is possible to find information about the weight of masks. Those that retain a molded shape are usually somewhat heavier than fully flexible ones. The problem arises when a mask is so heavy that it pulls the face and skin downward, the exact opposite of what you want to achieve. If you cannot find information about the weight of the mask itself, keep in mind that the perception of heaviness can also depend on the strength of your neck muscles. On average, masks weighing up to 200 g will be tolerable. Masks that are heavier than that, including some that exceed 600 g, will be quite uncomfortable and may cause a pulling sensation.

4/ Comfort of the LED mask

Various masks are available on the market, ranging from fully molded to extremely flexible. This feature can also depend on your personal preferences. Although I personally prefer flexible masks, they are not necessarily the most effective. Effectiveness depends on the power the mask delivers across the surface of the skin and on the wavelength of the light it emits. Taking all of these characteristics into account, comfort should be chosen according to your own preferences.

5/ How quickly do results appear after using an LED mask?

Results also depend to some extent on you. The mask needs to be used daily, in accordance with the instructions on the packaging. Some masks recommend wearing it for only three minutes, while others suggest a ten minute daily treatment. However, as with any treatment that stimulates collagen production, the natural metabolism and skin renewal process cannot be switched on and off at the push of a button. On average, at least three weeks of daily use are needed to see more noticeable changes in the skin, especially when it comes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

6/ Safety of the LED mask

Red light therapy technology has been approved by the FDA, the United States Food and Drug Administration. Many brands highlight the FDA cleared label, which means they use approved technology, although the product itself is not necessarily tested by the FDA. In addition to this label, I believe there is another very important safety feature. Eye protection. A high quality mask should have a built in silicone frame or some other barrier around the eyes, or offer protective goggles that come with the mask, in order to safeguard eye health.

7/ Who actually needs an LED mask?

Red light therapy is an excellent addition to aesthetic treatments and to your routine when you want to address visible signs of premature aging. In other words, if your skin has started to lose its glow and elasticity, and wrinkles have deepened and become more pronounced, an LED mask can be an excellent choice.