A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 2)

Written By JiaXi Chen

You’ve got smart everything: phones, watches, even fridges. But what about skincare?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how much time and money these devices can save.

To start off, if you don’t know what tools best suit your needs, use this form to find out:

Now that we’ve discovered the device you want, click the link to explore how it works, pros and cons, and what to expect:

  1. Sonic Cleansing: Handheld Devices

  2. Microcurrent Firming: Handheld Devices

  3. RF Anti-aging Devices: Handheld Devices

  4. LED Light Therapy: Handheld Devices vs. Face Masks

  5. Percussive Massage: Handheld Devices

  6. Microneedling: Handheld Rollers

  7. Gua Sha: Handheld Tool

  8. Thermal Treatment: Heating and Cooling Pads

 
 

If you’ve landed on “LED masks”, this one is for you. Discover if the LED tech is truly our skin's new best friend, or if it’s just another beauty buzzword.

Light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy has gained significant attention recently, thanks to its potential anti-aging benefits. At-home LED masks, which use this technology, became popular for their promise to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even address acne.

We did the research - exploring the efficacy of these devices, focusing on red and blue light therapies, and examining whether at-home LED masks are a worthwhile investment.​ Here’s what we found:

 

1. Only 2 Colors Work (have clinical evidence)

LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at varying depths, triggering biological processes that can rejuvenate the skin. Different colors of light are associated with distinct therapeutic benefits:

  • Red Light (620–700 nm): Primarily used for its anti-aging properties, red light therapy is believed to stimulate collagen production, enhance cellular repair, and improve circulation, leading to reduced wrinkles and fine lines [1].

  • Blue Light (405–420 nm): Known for its antibacterial effects, blue light therapy targets Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. It helps reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts [2].​

 

2. Red = Collagen in 2 months

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of red light therapy in combating signs of aging:

  • Collagen and Elastin Production: Research indicates that low-level red and infrared light can significantly increase the expression of collagen and elastin in human skin cells, contributing to improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth [3].

  • Clinical Improvements: A study utilizing a home-use LED device emitting wavelengths of 637 and 854 nm reported significant improvements in skin elasticity and texture over an 8-week period, with participants experiencing enhanced skin appearance without adverse effects [4].​

 

3. Blue = Pimples gone

Blue light therapy has been explored for its potential in treating acne:

  • Antibacterial Properties: Blue light at a wavelength of 415 nm has been shown to reduce sebum secretion by inhibiting sebocyte proliferation, thereby decreasing acne lesions [5].​

  • Combination Therapies: Studies combining blue and red light therapies have demonstrated inhibitory effects on mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne lesions, suggesting a synergistic approach may be beneficial [6].

4. So At-home Masks Will Work?

While professional LED treatments are available in clinical settings, at-home LED masks offer a convenient alternative with varying degrees of effectiveness. If you’re making a purchase, consider these 4 points:​

  1. Need Powerful Device and Consistency: At-home devices typically have lower power outputs compared to professional equipment, which may result in less pronounced effects. Consistent use, as directed by the manufacturer, is essential to achieve noticeable results [1].​

  2. Find Brands with Clinical Evidence: Certain studies support the efficacy of specifically at-home LED devices, for example, an at-home mask emitting red light (630 ± 10 nm) demonstrated progressive improvements in skin quality over a 3-month period, including reduced wrinkle depth and increased skin firmness [7].​

  3. Consider Side Effects: Even though LED light therapy is generally considered safe for at-home use with minimal risks, some studies have found that potential side effects are rare but may include temporary redness, irritation, or dryness. Users are advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overuse [1].​

  4. Protect Your Eyes: Proper eye protection should be used during treatment to prevent potential eye damage from LED light exposure [2][8].​

 

TL;DR

At-home LED masks that use red and blue light can address signs of aging and acne, and while these devices may not match the intensity of professional treatments, consistent use can lead to noticeable improvements in skin appearance.

Even though the treatment is non-invasive, consumers should always select FDA-cleared devices and adhere to recommended usage guidelines to maximize benefits and ensure safety.

💛 Thank you Sneha for helping with literature research to support this post! 💛

JiaXi Chen
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A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 1)