It has a spooky, robotic look and a different world of glow when worn, and these LED masks give your entire FYP a science fiction vibe. Appropriately, it was a NASA researcher Discovered the possibility of medical light therapy Treat wounds, arthritis, glaucoma and other diseases in the 1990s.
By the early 2000s, its LED light therapy was becoming more popular in dermatology clinics where patients wore LED masks or used similar devices to slow aging and treat acne. And now, technology has dripped into our homes. Brands like Omnilux and Dr. Gross have popularized direct LED masks for consumers to be used regularly in the privacy of your own home, with a range of price ranges (below $100 to $500) It can be used below. But does the LED mask actually work? It depends, I say Dr. Samantha Venkatischdermatologist at Rush University Medical Group in Chicago.
How do LED masks work?
The mechanism behind the LED mask is called photobio modulation, Venkatesh said. This process involves wavelengths of light that allow skin cells to act differently differently or behaviours, such as wound healing, acne targeting, or wrinkle minimization.
The mask generally comes with two main light options: red light and blue light. Depending on the price range of the mask, some also offer amber, green, yellow, and white light wavelengths. The wavelength is about 700 nanometers, and the red light used to penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, Venkatesh said.
Blue light with a short wavelength of around 400-500 nanometers does not become very deep. Instead, it is thought to target acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. “Both penetrate the skin at different depths, which lets you know what they’re working on,” Venkatish said.
Researchers have not conducted robust studies on whether home-based LED masks actually work, but there is some evidence that devices used in physician offices have several advantages , said Venkatesh. Research on 2007 and 2017for example, we found that the use of red light therapy can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles. However, for masks that emit blue light, 2019 Meta-analysis The verdict concluded that there has not been a publication on the effectiveness of LED light therapy for acne.
“Some studies have shown that it helped,” Venkatish said. “Some studies have shown that this is not the case. So, not robust data.”
Do I need to wear an LED mask?
For most people, using LED masks several times a week is not harmful and can be a little better depending on what you use. Venkatesh recommended some tips for effective use.
Purchase only LED masks approved by the FDA. “Be careful when looking at these devices,” she said. “Make sure you have FDA clearance to ensure that it is tested and safe and emits the required wavelength of light.”
Benefits require consistent use. She said 10-15 minutes is recommended three to five times a week. Please clean it. Wear a mask immediately after purifying your face and before applying skincare products. Once done, apply lotion and serum and clean the mask with alcohol wipes. It is also wise to choose a mask with built-in eye protection to ensure that your eyes do not get damaged.
“If you use light-based devices every day, you just don’t want to consistently cause problems,” she said. “It’s meant to protect your vision over time.”
LED masks are generally considered safe for most people, but some should avoid using them, Venkatesh advised. These include people with photosensitive disorders, lupus, or melasma. Anyone taking certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline, should be careful with both general acne treatments. Medicines can increase the sensitivity of the sun. “If they use similar antibiotics, I might not use a combination of light and antibiotics,” she said.
As LED mask research continues to evolve, Venkatesh remains cautiously optimistic about treatment and its potential benefits in skin conditions. And she doesn’t discourage people from using them, particularly to minimize annoying wrinkles. “Fun,” she said. “And I think it’s definitely worth adding to the everyday for people who really want to help with facial aging. But with the right precautions, Choosing the right device is extremely important.”