Hey!
In case you've had your head buried recently, LED masks are having a bit of a moment. Everyone from red carpet royalty to Sharon up the street seems to be using one. But what on earth is all the fuss about? Do they actually work, or is it yet another expensive skincare trend with little to no scientific backing? Obvs, I had to find out, so I bought one of the most popular on the market - the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask.
Before I dive into my personal findings, let's take a look at what LED masks are supposed to do.
Benefits of LED Masks in Skincare
1. Stimulates Collagen Production: Red light therapy has been shown to penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Collagen production helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
2. Improves Skin Texture: By promoting collagen synthesis, red light therapy can also improve overall skin texture, making it appear smoother and more even-toned.
3. Reduces Inflammation: Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm redness and irritation in the skin. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or rosacea.
4. Enhances Wound Healing: LED masks, especially those emitting red light, can accelerate the skin's natural healing process. Red light therapy has been shown to promote tissue repair and regeneration, making it effective for treating wounds, scars, and other skin injuries. Also great for healing spots and blemishes faster.
5. Increases Blood Circulation: Red light therapy can improve blood circulation in the skin, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells more effectively. This can result in a healthier complexion and improved overall skin health.
6. Non-Invasive and Painless: LED masks are non-invasive and painless, making them suitable for all skin types and ages. Unlike some other skincare treatments, such as chemical peels or laser therapy, LED masks do not cause any discomfort or downtime.
Phew, that's quite the promise! In a nutshell, red LED masks say they're going to make your skin better. But how?
The Science Behind Red LED Masks
The science behind how red light masks work lies in the interaction between the LED light and the skin cells. Red light, which typically falls within the wavelength range of 620 to 700 nanometers, is able to penetrate the skin's outer layer (epidermis) and reach the deeper layers (dermis). Once absorbed by the skin cells, red light stimulates the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cells, to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This increase in ATP production triggers a cascade of cellular processes, including the activation of fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen production. As a result, red light therapy helps to rejuvenate the skin from within, leading to a variety of cosmetic and therapeutic benefits.
Ok, so that's the sciency stuff covered! I've been using this face mask for a few months now, so let's talk about my findings...
Here's what it looks like on - kind of feel like Leonardo Di Caprio in 'The Man in the Iron Mask' wearing it...
Ooh, eery!
Anywho, this isn't particularly glam to wear - but who cares, since you'll only be wearing it for 10 minutes max?
This mask has a velcro fastening to attach it to your head. The mask is quite flexible, which I love because it means you can use it elsewhere on the body (I mean, you can't attach it, but there's nothing stopping you from lying down for 10 minutes with this on your chest!)
It's controlled via a wire which plugs into a portable battery. It has a simple on/off switch (no timer control) - it's extremely basic, but why complicate something like this? For me, I like the simple, paired-back features. No fuss, no muss!
I've been using this in the morning after washing my face and before I put on any skincare. It says to avoid using this while wearing SPF, because the SPF will stop the red light from penetrating the skin. So this is best used in the morning, fresh faced, or at night before you do your nightly skincare routine.
Out of all my posh skincare tools, I find this the easiest and most convenient to use. I use it near enough every day because I don't have to use it alongside any creams or other products. It's so simple to use, a monkey could do it (a monkey with EXTREMELY LOVELY skin). Because, unfortunately, I do think this works. I say unfortunately because this isn't cheap - retailing at around £300, it will be out of budget for a lot of people. But I will say that if you can afford to invest in this, do it - because this IS an investment for your face. With regular use, I've noticed my skin glows. I haven't used proper foundation in weeks - my tinted SPF is now enough to give me the coverage I want most days. I haven't used concealer in a good long while, either. Whenever I've had the occasional spot, I've noticed it's gone within 24 hours. I suffer with redness, and this has also helped alleviate some of that.
As someone who sees their skincare and anti-ageing products and tools as a preventative thing, I absolutely love this. I'm definitely going to continue using it because it has not felt like a hassle to include into my daily routine (unlike some other tools I've tried). In fact, it's a pleasure to use and I like to spend the 10 minutes enjoying some quiet (you can do your regular tasks while wearing this, but there will be a bright red glow in your eyes, which might annoy some people. The mask does come with a little eye mask, for those with sensitive eyes!)
The mask can be purchased from the CurrentBody website for £299, or from Amazon (for those of you with Amazon Prime) here.
Definitely a win for me. What do you think?
Melissa x
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