LED masks are the rising star of the modern skincare industry, and it’s no wonder. LED light therapy has been clinically proven to treat a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation (among many other issues), without the need for invasive methods. In addition, innovative mask designs can be used at home, with more noticeable results the more often you use them.
However, to take advantage of these benefits and protect your skin, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality LED mask. Not all devices are created equal, and it’s critical to find one that’s optimized to treat your particular skin concern and to do so effectively.
Below, we’ll cover the qualities you should look for in an LED mask so you can buy with confidence (and see real, lasting results).
1. Wavelength
Wavelength is the first thing to consider when looking for an LED light mask. There are many different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, and not all of them are beneficial to the skin. While some wavelengths are clinically proven to improve specific skin concerns, some wavelengths can actually harm the skin.
To protect your skin, it’s critical to choose an LED mask that uses a clinically studied wavelength. If a device doesn’t state the specific wavelength it uses, we recommend not using it. When it comes to your skin, it's better to be safe than sorry.
"I always recommend choosing an LED light source," says board-certified dermatologist and scientist Dr. Jared Jagdeo: "I always recommend choosing LED light wavelengths/colors that have the most clinical data support, such as blue, red, and near infrared. There is not as much data to support yellow, green, amber, etc.
Light wavelengths that have been scientifically proven to support skin health include
Red Light (633nm)
Clinical studies have found that red light with a wavelength of 633nm can reduce inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and redness. It also stimulates cell repair and increases blood circulation in the skin, resulting in brighter, more vibrant skin. The 633nm wavelength is used in our LuxRenew Contour Face Pro, LuxRenew Contour Face & Neck Set, LuxRenew Wired Contour Face & Neck set, LuxRenew Contour Skin.
Near Infrared (830nm)
Near infrared light targets deep fibroblasts and aids in the formation of collagen and elastin. The result is firmer, plumper, and more youthful skin. The 830nm wavelength of near infrared light is clinically proven to help with facial skin rejuvenation.
The 830nm wavelength is used in our LuxRenew Contour Face Pro, LuxRenew Contour Face Pro Max, and LuxRenew Contour Face & Neck Pro Set.
Near Infrared (1072nm)
This wavelength of near infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin, making it ideal for men’s thicker skin. The 1072nm wavelength is clinically proven to rejuvenate men’s skin when combined with the 633nm and 830nm wavelengths. This wavelength is used in our LuxRenew Contour Face & Neck Pro Max Set Men device.
Blue Light (415nm)
The 415nm wavelength of blue light neutralizes and kills acne-forming bacteria on the surface of the skin at a cellular level. It has been shown to help treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
The 415nm wavelength is used in our LuxRenew Contour Face Clear and Mini Blemish Eraser devices to treat and prevent acne breakouts.
Combination LED Light Therapy
Some LED light therapy devices combine multiple wavelengths to more effectively treat skin problems, such as signs of aging. Dr. Jagdeo states:
“A combination of red and near-infrared light, like the one found in the LuxRenew Contour Face, is ideal for treating mature skin. Red light (633 nm) has been shown to increase cellular energy, essentially kick-starting cell turnover, reduce inflammation, redness, and correct pigmentation and photodamage. Near-infrared light (833 nm) is where you’ll see the most wrinkle-reducing benefits, as this light penetrates deeper into the skin, targeting fibroblasts and stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, resulting in fuller, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
2. Clinical Studies
Many of the LED devices currently on the market do not have clinical data to prove their safety and effectiveness. As we mentioned above, before you buy any LED device, you must verify its legitimacy through clinical studies. Most LED devices currently on the market do not have their own clinical data to back up their claims, so if you can’t find any clinical studies to back up the device, we don’t recommend investing in it. LuxRenew Contour Face technology has been used in more than 40 peer-reviewed clinical studies, which you can view in our clinical references.
3. Output, Intensity, and Distance from Treatment Area The skin must absorb the optimal wavelength of light to receive the full benefits of LED therapy. To ensure optimal absorption, consider the device’s output, intensity, and distance from the skin. You can think of these factors like a flashlight shining on a wall—the closer to the wall, the brighter and more intense the light.
With this in mind, we recommend choosing an LED mask made from SCUD material.
