Between heaps of anti-wrinkle creams and acne treatments, you may be ignoring an incredibly beneficial product. What if we told you a non-invasive treatment option can help you achieve the results you’ve been seeking for so long?
Red light therapy face masks have become all the rage in the skincare world, but do these LED light therapy masks work? With any new technique, it’s understandable to doubt whether it’s useful or just another gimmicky device that wastes your money.
Fortunately, red light therapy masks may have some good news in store. Read on to discover whether these red light devices work, what benefits you can expect from them, how to use them, and which device to get.
What is a Red Light Mask?
A red light mask is fitted with red LED lights on the inside. It is used to treat a variety of facial concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. As you put on the mask, the red light gets absorbed into the skin and alleviates these concerns. The light gets absorbed into the mitochondria - the cell's powerhouse. This stimulation leads to several skin benefits that have been proven through studies as well:
The LED lights in red light therapy masks expose your skin to wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light. The ideal frequencies for red light are 630 nm and 660 nm, whereas NIR light works best at 810 nm, 830 nm, and 850 nm.
Do Red Light Face Masks Work?
We’ve mentioned some skin concerns that can be treated through red light masks, but do infrared face masks work? Here’s what the research says:
- Reducing acne scarring: Red light deeply penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing. This leads to a reduction in acne as well as acne scarring. A 2017 study of light-based treatments for acne scarring found that within 4-12 weeks of red light therapy, patients saw a 46 to 76% decrease in acne scarring and blemishes. (1)
- Increased collagen: When red light reaches the cell's mitochondria, it stimulates the production of ATP, an essential compound for cell repair. This process results in a by-product called fibroblasts, leading to greater collagen production. Collagen naturally improves skin elasticity while also helping repair damaged tissues. Elastin is another protein created during this process, which is also responsible for adding elasticity to our tissues. All of this improves the skin texture and firmness, leading to more youthful-looking skin. (2)
- Reversal of aging: This is the all-time question: do infrared masks work to reduce signs of aging? A 2023 study found that they do. The study looked at signs of youthful skin, such as a lack of wrinkles, skin elasticity, smoothness, homogenous complexion, and firmness. The results found that the effects of red light therapy are progressive and can be seen after just a month. The overall skin quality of all participants improved. Furthermore, the results last up to a month after the mask therapy is stopped, showcasing lasting skin rejuvenation. (3)
- Reducing wrinkles: Besides collagen production and blood flow stimulation, red light also reduces the oxidative stress in skin cells. Since this stress is a significant contributor to aging and wrinkles, reducing it also leads to a decrease in the visibility of wrinkles. Studies have shown that using red and NIR light twice a week for up to four weeks can improve wrinkles by up to 36%. (4)
Thus, based on a myriad of scientific studies, we can conclude that red light masks do work and offer several skin benefits.
How to Use Red Light Face Masks for Skin Benefits
Using a red light mask for your skin is a pretty straightforward process; all you need to do is follow the following easy steps:
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Make sure your face is clean: Make sure your face is clean and free from makeup and skincare products. This will ensure that light effectively enters your skin.
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Properly position the face mask: Place it on your face, ensuring it covers all parts of your skin evenly and is in place.
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Set a timer for yourself: You must ensure you don’t unintentionally burn your face. Always set a timer for ten to twenty minutes. According to most studies, this is the ideal time for effective treatment.
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Sit back and relax: Now, just let the mask do its work while you relax. Put on some soothing music or try meditating—whatever brings comfort to you.
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Show consistency: To see results, you must have 3-5 weekly sessions for at least four weeks. Don’t lose patience; stay consistent throughout the process.
How to Pick a Red Light Therapy Face Mask?
Because of how hyped-up red light masks are, there are now a ton of them on the market. But which of these should you go for? Here are things that you should look for in your LED therapy face masks:
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Look at wavelength emission: Studies have shown that your red light mask should emit red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths for optimal results. While red light works best on surface-level issues, NIR light can penetrate deeper into the skin and tackle underlying root problems. Devices from BlockBlueLight ensure that you receive both wavelengths, which is why they’re ideal for red light therapy at home.
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Check the power density: Measured in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm²), power density measures how much light energy is delivered to the skin. Devices with higher power density have much better penetration.
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Number of LED lights: A higher number of LEDs will distribute the light more evenly, leading to more effective treatment. This is why you should always pick a red light mask with many LEDs.
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Free from flicker: Flickering lights can cause eye strain and discomfort and decrease the overall effectiveness of your red light mask. This is why BlockBlueLight red light devices are free from flicker and EMF.
People Also Ask
Do dermatologists recommend red light therapy?
Yes! Many dermatologists recommend red light therapy and use it themselves, as it is a scientifically proven method of enhancing your skin.
Can I do red light therapy at home?
Yes. You can use BlockBlueLight’s red light face masks to do red light therapy sessions at home.
How long do I need for the red light mask to work?
Generally, red light masks can show results in as little as 4-6 weeks of consistent use. Depending on the extent of the problem, deeper issues may require more usage.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X16302735?via%3Dihub
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(19)33160-3/abstract
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10311288/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134407000632
