Before you wear LED masks…what should you know?

Red LED light masks tout their ability to improve skin and delay the appearance of aging, but their true effectiveness has more to do with science than marketing.

The increasing demand for these masks, whether in beauty centers or at home, is due to their ease of use and their spread through social media, where they are presented as the new “fountain of youth.” Despite this rhetoric, the technology is not new, as it was used for years in the medical field, before it was reformulated cosmetically.

Scientifically, the effect of red light appears when it is of a specific wavelength (about 633 nm for red light and 830 nm for infrared light). Unlike ultraviolet rays, this light does not harm the skin, but rather acts as a vital stimulant for cells, especially the mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy within the cell. This stimulation helps the skin to renew itself and improve its balance naturally, in a process known as “photobiomodulation.”

Red light is characterized by its ability to penetrate the skin more deeply compared to blue light, which explains its effectiveness in improving skin elasticity, radiance, and reducing wrinkles. But its results are cumulative and slow, because it does not directly change the skin, but rather supports its natural mechanisms.

Studies also indicate its benefits in calming inflammation and regenerating tissues, but it is not a magic solution to all cosmetic problems. Experts warn against multi-colored masks, as blue light may exacerbate pigmentation in some skin types, and very deep infrared rays may cause dark spots if used without supervision.

The difference between home use and clinics is not in the principle, but in the method of delivering energy. Home appliances come in direct contact with the skin, which reduces energy loss and makes them effective at lower capacities. Scientifically, the most important thing is regularity, which is easily facilitated by home use, as one session does not exceed ten minutes.

LED masks may improve skin quality and slow the signs of aging when used regularly and thoughtfully, but they are not a substitute for medical or surgical treatments, and are not without warnings if misused.