IIf you’re always on the hunt for the latest skin care gadget, you may have already tried facial rollers, sculpting wands, and dermaplaning devices. And you might be curious about the bright red masks you’ve seen doing the rounds on social media.
Red light masks use low levels of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, to stimulate skin cells, says Dr. Jennifer Sawaya, a dermatologist at Dermatology Partners Scottsdale, Arizona. “Red light is a type of visible light that has been clinically shown to rejuvenate the skin.”
Instagrammers and TikTokers claim masks – which, let’s face it, make you look like a character from a sci-fi movie – can minimize wrinkles, smooth your skin, and even improve acne. But these masks can be expensive, costing anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollarsand similar but stronger treatments are available at spas and dermatologists’ offices.
So, do homemade red light masks really work? Sawaya says that studies have shown that red light therapy can benefit the skin, but seeing results depends on using the devices regularly. Here’s what you need to know about red light masks.
What can red light masks do for your skin?
Red light therapy has been used for decades in a variety of treatments. NASA started using it to enhance plant growth in space in the 1990s and then speed up wound healing. The ability of light to penetrate the skin has been shown to help promote collagen and tissue growth.
It is also used in photodynamic therapy, which uses low-power red laser light to drive a cell-destructive chemical reaction that can treat conditions such as skin and other types of cancer, psoriasis, acne and warts, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
As an anti-aging treatment, low-level light therapy with red and infrared wavelengths can improve the functioning of skin cells, explains Dr. Heather Rogers, a dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Seattle. Cells absorb energy from light, which makes them more efficient at using oxygen and producing the compounds that cells use for fuel.
“With more fuel, cells become more active and better at doing their jobs, including DNA repair, collagen synthesis and calming inflammation,” he says.
Read more:How often do you really need to shower?
As the age begins lose collagena protein that gives your skin structure and elasticity. Sun damage can also be removed. Therefore, increased collagen production can make wrinkles and fine lines less apparent.
A 2019 sponsored company to study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggested that low-level red and infrared light stimulate biomarkers that are linked to anti-aging skin benefits, and daily home treatments could improve signs of premature aging and sun damage.
In other words, red light can help “rejuvenate” your skin, Sawaya says. “Specifically, studies they have shown that red light therapy can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, broken blood vessels, and improve skin elasticity and hydration.”
Red light is not the only color of visible light that can benefit the skin.
Another sponsored by the company to study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2018 found that red and blue light therapy could help treat mild to moderate acne. Research suggests that blue light can reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while red light minimizes inflammation. Sawaya says that blue light can also decrease the activity of oil glands, which encourage acne.
Blue light can also help treat mild psoriasis, according to a American Academy of Dermatology.
How to get the best results from a red light mask at home
It can take time to see the results of red light therapy, and it may not work for everyone, says Dr. David Kim, a dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. It is recommended to use a red light mask three to five times a week for at least a couple of months if you are interested in minimizing the signs of acne, treating acne, or smoothing your skin.
“Create your habit and stick to it,” suggests Rogers, who wears a red light mask before her morning skin care routine and before bed.
Read more:What is the best skin care routine?
Masks are most effective when used on clean, dry skin, so the light can be well absorbed by the skin, Sawaya says. Masks can sometimes dry out your skin, so Rogers suggests moisturizing afterward.
When buying a red light mask, make sure the product has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which classifies medical devices, including light therapy masks, into different categories, and follows the manufacturer’s instructions, adds Sawaya. Most products state whether they are approved by the FDA. You should only use the mask for the recommended time; Most brands suggest using the products for about 10 minutes at a time.
To improve the skin, the ideal wavelength for red light is approx 640 nanometers and about 830 nanometers for infrared light, Rogers says.
How masks at home are different from versions in the office
At-home red light masks can be beneficial, but Kim says they’re not as “robust” as the LED therapy offered at dermatologists’ offices or spas.
“Red and blue light LED masks at home use much lower energy levels than you’d expect in an in-office treatment,” Sawaya explains, so you’ll probably need to use them every day to see results.
However, at-home versions can complement in-office light treatments, Rogers says, adding that if you use your mask at home, while taking good care of your skin by moisturizing and applying sunscreen diligently, you can needing fewer in-office treatments. .
There are many red light masks available. Rogers says his favorites are from Cell and Omniluxand she suggests choosing a full-face mask or those with larger panels instead of portable wands for a more even treatment.
“For the best results, the device should be touching or almost touching your skin to ensure that the energy is absorbed into your skin,” he explains.
Are red light masks safe?
At-home LED masks are generally safe for most people because they use relatively low levels of energy, Sawaya says.
However, if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to light, you should avoid masks, unless your doctor gives you the OK, note.
Read more:5 Dermatologists on the 1 thing you should do every day
Light therapy can make it even worse melasmaa condition that causes spots to form on the skin, says Rogers. Visible light, including red and blue, could also worsen hyperpigmentation or melasma for people with darker skin tones, Kim adds.
If you’re using a red light mask every day and you’re not getting the anti-aging results you’re hoping for, or you’ve noticed dryness, pigmentation changes, or other skin changes, Kim suggests seeing a dermatologist. Doctors can recommend the best treatments based on your skin type and individual needs.
