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The best LED face masks for targeting everything from acne to redness
Including a celeb fave đź‘€
Wearing an LED face mask may look as though you've stepped out of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller but, actually, what it's doing to improve the appearance of your skin is far from horrifying.
Reigning supreme as a great all-in-one gateway to better skin, LED face masks can help everything from acne and redness to fine lines and scarring – and they have great success in boosting collagen and elastin production, too.
If you're heading to a clinic and forking out for a sesh with a skincare professional, of course, this will be more powerful than an at-home device, but research has proven that LED masks can do a masterful job at treating a range of skincare concerns.
Best LED face masks, at a glance
What is light therapy?
LED light therapy is when the skin is exposed to an array of colours on the visible light spectrum (including red, blue, or infra-red). The light is absorbed by your skin which stimulates a certain response depending on the colour you use: this could be anything from healing acne, to redness, reducing inflammation or boosting radiance.
The technique was originally (mistakenly) discovered after NASA used LED lights to stimulate plant growth in space, and found that it had skin healing benefits too.
Soon after, clinics started to use it as a fancy facial technique, and now it has become a mainstream golden ticket to a happier complexion.
How does light therapy benefit the skin?
Over to Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, medical doctor and founder of the Joyful Skin Clinic, to explain:
“Plants directly absorb light from the sun in order to grow. In the same way, certain wavelengths of light on the visible spectrum (particularly red, infrared and blue) are absorbed into our skin cells.” As the wavelength increases, it penetrates the skin further to target specific concerns, including reducing wrinkles, inflammation, acne, scarring and premature signs of ageing.
Light therapy is arguably the most famous for minimising the signs of ageing, but consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong says it may help people struggling with breakouts and oily T-zones, too.
“LED can potentially reduce sebum in skin that is oilier, lower the volume of acne-inducing bacteria and provide anti-inflammatory support.”
Cosmo’s top picks of the best LED face masks...
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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