Are LED Masks Worth The Hype?

They can look like something out of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but these masks are here to slay your fine lines, not you.

LED masks have taken over our feeds, and here’s the science behind them. You know how the longevity bros are getting inside a red-light chamber for muscle soreness and relaxation? These LED masks for the face are the skincare version of that. They use low-level LED wavelengths, typically in the range of 620-850 nm to help promote collagen production in the face, calm inflammation and help with fine lines. With consistent use, they may also help improve acne and skin texture.

With more skincare trends and rituals than people left to try them, it’s only fair to judge a book by its cover, as did I. LED light for the face? It sounds insane. I had my doubts, until I finally gave in.

I’ve always had good skin (not boasting, just stating some facts), but after using it on and off for a few years, I’ve noticed an improvement in fine lines, pigmentation and excess sebum. I've only found my skin looking and feeling firmer and more lifted. Radiant too. Of course, a lot has to do with a dedicated skincare regimen and a healthy lifestyle, yes, but the mask does help take things to the next level. Amplify it all, essentially. And who doesn't like that, isn't it? Plus, the older you get, the more you start noticing and appreciating these things.

The masks come at different price points, but quality matters; it determines the light output and, ultimately, how effectively the mask works.

Here’s my Sunday night ritual: after a face cleanse, and before applying any skincare, I put on my red-light mask for 20 to 30 minutes. I’d heard the best time to use any active is after the mask, when the skin is supposedly better able to absorb it. I wait for about 10-15 minutes before applying retinol serum, since the mask generates heat.

There’s a quote I saw online: Do they love you or the mask you put on every day? I’d say, maybe it’s because of it?

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