LED Facial Masks are a rising star in the modern skincare industry for obvious reasons. LED light therapy has been clinically proven to treat a wide range of skin conditions including fine lines, wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation (as well as many other problems) without the need for invasive methods. In addition, the innovative masks are designed to be used at home and can be used regularly for more effective results.
However, in order to capitalize on these benefits and protect your skin, it’s critical to choose a high-quality LED mask. Not all devices are created equal, and it is critical to find one that is optimized and effective for your specific skin concerns.
Below, we’ll cover the qualities of LED Masks so you can buy with confidence (and see real, long-lasting results).
Wavelength
Wavelength is the first factor to consider when you are looking for an LED mask. There are many different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum, but not all of them are beneficial to the skin. While some wavelengths have been clinically proven to improve specific skin conditions, others may actually damage the skin.
To protect your skin, it is critical that you choose an LED mask that uses a clinically studied wavelength. If a device does not show the specific wavelength it uses, we recommend you avoid using it. It’s better to be safe than sorry for your skin.
According to Dr. Jared Jagdeo, board-certified dermatologist and physician-scientist, “I always recommend choosing the wavelengths/colors of LED light that have the most clinical data to support their use, such as blue, red and near infrared. Yellow, green, amber, etc. lack more clinical data to support them.”
The light wavelengths that have been scientifically proven to support skin health include:
Red Light (630nm)
Clinical studies have found that red light at 630nm wavelengths reduces inflammation, hyperpigmentation and redness. It also stimulates cellular repair and improves skin circulation for a brighter, more vibrant complexion. Our G15, G07 and G04 Silicone LED Masks and other products utilize 630nm wavelengths.
Near Infrared Light (850nm)
Near infrared light targets deep fibroblasts and helps in the formation of collagen and elastin. This results in firmer, plumper, more youthful skin. 850nm NIR wavelengths are clinically proven to support facial skin regeneration.
Our G15, G11 and G10 Silicone LED Masks and other products utilize the 850nm wavelength.
Blue Light (415nm)
The 415nm blue light wavelength works on a cellular level to neutralize and kill acne-forming bacteria on the surface of the skin. It’s been proven to help treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
The 415nm wavelength is featured in our G15 mask and G11mask, which 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. The obvious: a combination of red light and near-infrared light, such as that found in the SGROW device, is ideal for treating mature skin. Red light (630nm) has been shown to increase cellular energy, thereby initiating cell renewal to reduce inflammation, redness and correct hyperpigmentation and photodamage. Near infrared light (830nm) is best for reducing wrinkles as this light penetrates deeper into the skin to target fibroblasts, which stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, resulting in plumper, firmer, more youthful skin.
Clinical Research
Many of the LED devices available today aren’t backed by clinical data to prove their safety and efficacy. As we mentioned above, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of any LED device with clinical studies before purchasing. Most LED devices on the market today do not have their own clinical data supporting their claims, so if you can’t find any clinical research to support the device, we wouldn’t recommend investing in it.
Output, intensity and distance from the treatment area
Your skin must absorb an optimized 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 as a flashlight shining on a wall – the closer you are to the wall, the brighter and more intense the light will be.
With this in mind, we recommend choosing an LED mask made of flexible, medical-grade material rather than a hard-shell mask. This ensures that the device will fit the curves of the treatment area and absorb as much of the emitted light as possible. Hard-shell LED masks are not flexible and may leave certain areas of the face untreated, resulting in uneven results. Device straps are also an important consideration, as fragile or improperly positioned straps can affect the fit of the device to the treatment area.
All SGROW LED products are made from medical-grade flexible silicone, and our masks come with two adjustable straps (one along the top of the head and one along the back of the neck) that allow the LED to fit directly against the skin. This means that the mask delivers a high concentration of light at a low output, providing safe, uniform results.
Number of LEDs
The number of LEDs in a light therapy device is not necessarily greater than the number of LEDs, as the radiation from each LED bulb spreads to the skin. However, if the spacing between the LEDs is too large, the light concentration will be reduced and may affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
The greater the number of LEDs and the smaller the spacing, the more uniform the effect will be. The number of medical grade LEDs currently hot in SGROW devices include:
G15 Mask: 122pcs
G11 Mask: 122pcs
G07 Mask: 160pcs
G04 Mask: 120pcs
FDA and Safety Clearances
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, reviews medical devices to determine which are safe and effective. The FDA’s seal of approval is an important quality to look for in LED light therapy masks, as it verifies the manufacturer’s claims. Many LED devices on the market today are not agency-cleared and without clearance from the experts at the FDA (and international equivalents), you can’t be certain that a device is safe and effective for your skin. Therefore, we can’t recommend LED device brands that haven’t been cleared by the FDA.
At SGROW, safety and efficacy are of utmost importance. All of our devices have been FDA-cleared, SAA-approved, CE, FCC, ROHS-certified and so on. Additionally, all of our devices conform to international safety standards, including eye safety.
Choosing the Right LED Mask for Your Needs
Your skin deserves the best, but not all LED light therapy devices meet that standard. Additionally, given that an LED mask is a significant investment in your skin’s health, it’s worth thoroughly reviewing your options.
While they can still save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars compared to in-office light therapy treatments, medical-grade LED masks are expensive. However, it’s worth choosing a top-rated, clinically proven mask to protect and effectively treat your skin. If you’re just getting started with LED therapy and aren’t sure if it’s right for you, we recommend starting with our G15 mask.
As you browse the LED masks available today, review the information above to ensure your choice is safe, effective, and in line with your skincare goals.
