LED face masks have grown in popularity over the years. The clever beauty gadgets promise a salon-worthy facial in the comfort of your own home, and boy do they deliver. Celebrities all around the world have converted to using the LED masks to up their skincare routine. Everyone from Victoria Beckham, Suki Waterhouse and Halle Berry have been seen getting their glow on with these famous masks.
They may look a little scary, but these beauty devices mean business when it comes to skincare. We've spoken to the experts and answered all of your pressing questions on how these masks actually work, so keep on scrolling and don't forget to check out the exact masks that the celebrities use. If you really want to up your skincare game, we've also got guides to the best cleanser, best toner and best face serum for that extra glow.
What is an LED face mask?
First things first, what are these masks? Also known as LED light therapy masks, these skincare tools use light therapy to treat different skin conditions.
"LED therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to rejuvenate and visibly improve the appearance of the skin, by sending energy into the cells," explains Dr Ayah, clinical director of Harmony Medical Aesthetics.
"It was originally discovered by NASA and adopted by skincare experts due to its healing properties. Fast forward a number of years and the salon devices have been adapted for home-use, making it much more accessible."
What skin concerns can LED face masks help with?
“There are so many benefits to using LED light therapy," says Dr Ayah. "What I particularly like is that fact that is suits the majority of skin types so I can safely recommend it to all my patients."
Most masks combine both red and infrared LED light. "The former helps long term with collagen production, but the infrared really elevates it with its healing and calming properties. I have a mask which I sterilise and use for patients post peels to allow them some downtime from the world too. Having the mask on will both promote collagen synthesis post peel and a sense of calm in the patient."
So, if you want to calm irritation, heal scarring and have plumper-looking skin, these masks are the way to go.
Should I use an LED face mask every day?
Most masks will come with their own individual instructions. They may advise using the mask in more frequent, short bursts, or for longer periods of time. We advise to always check the instructions before using your device for the first time in order to see the best results.
The celebrity-approved LED face masks to buy now:
After reading that, you might want to invest in an LED face mask yourself. If so, keep on scrolling to shop the exact masks that the celebrities use. If they are good enough for the A-listers, then they are definitely good enough for us.
1. CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Used by Suki Waterhouse, Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian, Kaley Cuoco, Renée Zellweger and Trinny Woodall (to name a few), this CurrentBody mask is a hit with the stars. It uses red and near infrared light to help stimulate collagen and elastin production, leaving you with firmer, plumper-looking skin. It has a flexible fit, meaning it can curve to the contours of your face, and the brand recommends using it for ten minutes, five times a week.
2. The Light Salon BOOST LED Mask
Spotted on Victoria Beckham herself, this mask by The Light Salon is a bestseller for a reason. The red light works to stimulate collagen, calm the skin and help heal scarring, while the near infrared light boosts circulation. It also comes with a handy head strap so you don't have to hold it in place.
3. Déesse Pro LED Phototherapy Mask
This Déesse mask is definitely one of the more expensive ones on the market, but it's not hard to see why. Reportedly used by Kim Kardashian, this mask comes with 770 LEDs, four wavelengths and six settings, to tackle a number of skin concerns. Alongside red and near infrared light, blue light helps to fight acne while green light works to reduce dark spots.
4. Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Rita Ora and Lucy Hale are just two celebrities who have been seen wearing this LED mask by Dr Dennis Gross. The mask combines both red and blue light, to firm the skin and help tackle blemishes. Much like The Light Salon's mask, this also comes with a head strap, so you can wear it hands-free.
5. CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector
Ok, so this is a little different to your usual LED mask, but it's just as impressive. The CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector uses four different types of LED light to help tackle dark circles and fine lines around your eyes and improve elasticity. It was even spotted on Lauren Ridloff as she got ready for this year's Oscars.
