If you want to kick-start collagen production, smooth fine lines, and decrease acne, you could spend days (or years) fine-tuning your skincare routine. Or, you could just start using an LED mask. "LED light therapy is an incredible treatment that uses low-level light therapy through the use of LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, that use proven wavelengths of light to treat different skincare concerns," says Shani Darden, a celebrity esthetician and the founder of Shani Darden Skin Care. "It’s a safe, non-invasive treatment that everyone can benefit from."
You'll end up with a rather colourful light show, too, once you pick up an at-home mask. "The red light targets inflammation and boosts collagen replication, while the blue light kills acne-producing bacteria," explains board-certified dermatologist Deborah Longwill. "The yellow light or amber light helps reduce pigmentation and old acne blemishes and the orange light helps increase circulation to the skin."
The catch? As with any skin-altering treatment, you should check in with a dermatologist before splurging on the pricey devices. "One of the main concerns with LED light treatments is eye protection, so be sure that the mask you choose is safe and to always protect your eyes," adds Longwill. Once you've done that, shop our picks for the best LED masks, ahead.
This article first appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.
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When you ask a beauty fan about LED masking, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's consumer-friendly version will undoubtedly come up. It's one of the more popular picks for at-home users, and features 100 red LEDs and 62 blue LEDs. (So, great for acne treatment and anti-aging.)
"The Déesse mask features 770 LED lights, which is much more than most masks on the market," explains Darden. "The more lights, the more effective the mask will be."
Longwill notes that a handheld LED device can be "less harsh" on your eyes—and in the case of this acne-specific LightStim wand, it's also more affordable.
Optimizer Voyage Glasses for Bright Eyes Custom LED Light Treatment, SKIN INC Supplement Bar
Are you actually only interested in light therapy for your eye area? There are masks for that. This sleek option includes red, yellow, and orange combination light to specifically treat tired-looking skin.