Do LED Face Masks Work?

At home LED facial devices have become increasingly popular, offering a home skincare routine without the cost of a beauty salon appointment.

The question is, do LED facial devices work and how effective are they?

The evidence suggests that LED light therapy can support visible improvements when used consistently. At home LED facial devices operate at a lower intensity than salon equipment and results will need to build up gradually. Regular use matters, as does choosing a device that you will feel comfortable using.

In this review we compared four popular LED facial devices, looking at how they work and their pros and cons: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2, Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro, Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask and TheraFace Mask Glo.

What does LED light do?

LED light comes in different colours and red and blue light are the most common LED wavelengths used in facial devices, along with infrared (invisible to the human eye).

Photobiomodulation is the skincare term for using LED wavelengths to create changes in the skin. Each colour reaches a different depth in the skin, so LED facial devices use different wavelengths to treat different skin concerns. Red and near-infrared light are often linked with smoother, firmer-looking skin, whilst blue light is often used in blemish skincare routines.

CurrentBody Skin Series 2: the straightforward choice

CurrentBody Series 2 is an LED mask that uses red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared light. It has three light wavelengths and 236 individual light-emitting diodes. The LED mask has a flexible design and sits close to the face, which matters because light exposure depends on the distance between the device and the skin.

The LED mask is designed to support the appearance of smoother, firmer and brighter-looking skin over time.

How to use:

• Use the mask for 10 minutes a day, 3-5 times per week.

Timeline for results:

• Appearance of smoother texture, reduced redness and more even-looking tone reported after 8 weeks of consistent use.
• Appearance of fewer fine lines and plumper-looking skin reported after 8 weeks of consistent use.

Pros:

• Wireless mask.
• Focused red and near-infrared light routine.
• Clear choice for readers interested in regular LED use.

Cons:

• Less versatile than a handheld multi-function device.
• A close-fitting mask will not suit everyone.
• Results need consistent use over time.

Medicube AGE-R Booster: for different skin concerns

Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro is a handheld beauty device with several functions, including Booster, MC, Derma Shot, Air Shot and sonic vibration.

This device is great for treating different skin concerns and allows you to create your own custom weekly skincare routine using the different modes.

How to use:

• Use Booster, MC and Derma Shot for 5 to 10 minutes, 1 to 3 times daily.
• Use Air Shot for 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week.

Timeline for results:

• Results vary by mode, skin condition and consistency. The device should be judged as a multi-function beauty tool rather than as a dedicated LED mask.

Pros:

• Several beauty-device functions in one product.
• Handheld design gives you control over different areas of your face.
• More versatile than a single-purpose LED mask.

Cons:

• More settings to learn.
• Requires active use rather than hands-free wear.

Shark CryoGlow: mask with under-eye cooling

Shark CryoGlow combines red, blue and infrared light with under-eye cooling. Its LED modes are Better Ageing, Blemish Repair and Skin Sustain. The separate Under-Eye Revive mode uses cooling technology to provide a refreshing sensation around the eyes and reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness.

How to use:

• Wear the mask according to LED treatment times which range from 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the mode you select, such as Better Ageing or Blemish Repair.
• Use the Under-Eye Revive mode for 5-15 minutes, according to the selected setting.

Timeline for results:

• The cooling feature provides a refreshing sensation around the eyes and the effect is immediate.
• Appearance of fewer blemishes and smoother-looking skin reported after 4 weeks of consistent use.
• Appearance of fewer fine lines and firmer-looking skin reported after 8 weeks of consistent use.

Pros:

• Short treatment options.
• Red, blue and infrared light modes.
• Under-eye cooling.

Cons:

• Bulky storage compared with a flexible mask.
• More features mean more decisions.

TheraFace Mask Glo: vibration for face and scalp massage

TheraFace Mask Glo is an LED device that uses red, red plus infrared and blue light in a guided 12-minute treatment. TheraFace Mask Glo helps with the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, skin tone and texture.

TheraFace Mask Glo also includes vibration in the head strap for a gentle scalp massage.

How to use:

• Wear the mask daily for 12 minutes.
• The device automatically cycles through three 4-minute intervals of red, red plus infrared, and blue light therapy.

Timeline for results:

• Appearance of fewer fine lines, firmer- and brighter-looking skin, reduced dark spots and more even, smoother-looking texture reported after 12 weeks of daily use.

Pros:

• Guided 12 minute treatment.
• Red, infrared and blue light options.
• Pre-programmed treatment.

Cons:

• Treatment takes longer than Shark's shortest modes.
• Mask weight and fit will depend on the user.

Which one should you choose?

CurrentBody Skin Series 2 is a simple, hands-free red light mask that treats the whole face in a 10-minute session.

Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro is a handheld device offering several beauty-device functions in one product.

Shark CryoGlow stands out for its short LED treatment modes and under-eye cooling feature.

TheraFace Mask Glo combines three LED treatments and is the only device with a guided 12-minute routine.