| Meet Our Testers: | Their Role: |
|---|---|
| Sophie Cockett | GLAMOUR Senior European Commerce Editor |
| Neamh Randall | GLAMOUR Commerce Picture Editor |
| Fiona Embleton | GLAMOUR Associate Beauty Director |
| Lucy Morgan | GLAMOUR Purpose Editor |
| Georgia Trodd | GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Writer |
| Hattie Cotmore | GLAMOUR Associate Visuals Editor |
How we test LED face masks & what to look out for:
Investing in an LED face mask isn't like picking up a new retinol serum or moisturiser. They’re expensive – and not all face masks are created equal. So, we've consulted experts and tested market-leading designs to ensure you only buy something that'll work.
Hannah Measures and Laura Ferguson, founders of The Light Salon, told me not to be fooled by a huge number of bulbs or multiple colours – if the wavelengths of light and the dose aren't correct, no matter how many bulbs there are, the mask won’t be effective.
“Clinically-proven wavelengths of light are key, they should be seen as the ingredients you look out for in your skincare, such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide etc that are known to make a difference to your skin,” they said. “The most clinically-proven wavelengths of light, 633 nanometers & 830 nanometers – these are clinically proven to make a difference to the skin’s hydration, wrinkles and firmness.”
As well as looking out for clinically-proven wavelengths of light, we call in each LED face mask to test it for size. We test each LED face mask for 30 days, over the course of one full skin cycle, and take before and after pictures.
Before: Georgia Trodd testing The Light Salon LED face mask.
After: Georgia Trodd testing The Light Salon LED face mask.
GLAMOUR editors consider performance across four primary categories: results, safety (we ensure they’re FDA-cleared), research and the science behind specific claims, plus value for money. We’ll also consider functionality andfeatures like whether they’re wireless, have adjustable velcro straps and come with eye protection, whether they're comfortable and whether they're portable.
Meet the experts:
| Name | Expertise |
|---|---|
| Laurence Newman | CurrentBody CEO. |
| Dr. Maryam Zamani | Dermatologist and founder of MZ Skin. |
| Dr Radmila Lukian | Dermatologist at Lucia Clinic. |
| Dr Jinah Yoo | Dermatologist at Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology. |
| Dr Dan Belkin | US board-certified dermatologist. |
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy refers to the process of exposing skin to different wavelengthsof light which “stimulate collagen production and purify the skin”, Dr Radmila Lukian said. The light emitted by your LED face mask is absorbed by your skin, and as the light wavelength increases, so does the depth of penetration.
Each different light type – usually represented by a different treatment mode in your device – stimulates a different response. This means every colour boasts different skincare benefits.
LED light therapy “can help improve skin texture, reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone,” as well as calm psoriasis, improve the general appearance of your skin and reduce visible signs of ageing.
Do LED face masks work?
Yes, LED face masks are good for your skin, particularly if you want to boost collagen production in a bid to give structure, strength and elasticity to your skin. “LED light therapy have been proven to treat such a wide range of concerns over the past thirty years," CurrentBody's CEO Laurence Newman told me.
One study carried out in 2021, showed an improvement in atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition) in both men and women after twelve weeks of phototherapy, while a small 2018 study found green light therapy to aid in fading melasma and hyperpigmentation. Elsewhere, the NHS has a few medical applications of LED light therapy, such as for treatment of wound healing. “Particularly, for chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores,” Laurence said.
What are the different lights in LED masks for?
“The colour of the LED light to use depends on your specific skin concerns,” Dr. Jinah Yoo said.
| Colour | Use |
|---|---|
| Blue Light Therapy | A bacteria-fighting LED light. It triggers photochemical oxidation in order to kill acne-causing bacteria living on the skin. This makes blue light an excellent choice for those with pimples, eczema or rosacea. |
| Red Light | Stimulates our fibroblasts for cell renewal and ATP regeneration |
| Near Infrared Light | Has no colour but it can be used as an anti-inflammatory. |
| Yellow Light | The least common in at-home devices, working to revitalise the skin, reduce swelling and boost your skin's radiance. |
How long should you use an LED face mask for the best results?
“It is generally safe to use an at-home LED face mask every day,” Dr. Lukian said, “but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not overuse it. Using it for up to 20 minutes a day, three-five times a week is a good starting point.”
