Our beautician puts on her mask and sees the light. What do LED masks do for your skin?

LED masks are the latest trend in the world of skin care. With their ability to rejuvenate and improve the skin, these futuristic-looking masks promise to revolutionize traditional skincare routines. But what's the point?

While carnival participants wear their favorite masks during this time of year, beauty enthusiasts and skincare enthusiasts prefer a completely different type of mask. LED masks to be exact. Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, and Chrissy Teigen are also fans and swear by daily light therapy to keep their skin youthful and wrinkle-free. Although LED masks for home use have been flooding social media for several years, the technology behind the popular gadgets is nothing new.

In the 1980s, NASA scientists discovered that LED light therapy helped boost cell turnover and speed up wound healing in astronauts in space. These findings formed the basis for the development of LED light therapy as an effective treatment for skin problems and rejuvenation on Earth. Since then, dermatologists have been using this technique to treat their patients' skin problems, such as hyperpigmentation or acne.

How it works?

LED masks for home use contain small LEDs that emit different wavelengths of light, red, blue, green, or yellow. Light waves penetrate the skin, each of which has its positive effect. “Red light reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen production and thus has an anti-aging effect,” says dermatologist Isabelle Fraibont. “Blue light kills the bacteria that cause acne.” Yellow LED light has a soothing effect and helps soften the skin. Green light is used to fade hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and sun spots, and improve complexion.

“Be careful with cheap masks, they probably don't even have an LED light.”

So make sure you choose an LED mask that focuses on your skin's specific needs. “Self-use in a mask that emits red and blue light. This way I can choose the blue light on my chin and the red light for the rest of my face. If you do not suffer from acne, a red light mask is sufficient. Do not use blue light if you have hyperpigmentation.

How often should you apply the mask?

Using the LED mask is simple: place the mask on a clean face, select the desired program and let the LED light do its work. It sounds easy, but discipline is a must. “To see results, most masks need to be used daily. Depending on the brand, light sessions last from three to ten minutes.

Anyone who wears a mask consistently will reap the benefits after an average of six weeks. Although Dr. Fraibont remains cautious: “Light therapy is a good addition to medical skin care and cosmetic treatments, but don't expect miracles. Deep wrinkles won't just disappear suddenly.”

how much does it cost?

LED masks are not cheap. For a good mask you pay on average between 300 and 400 euros. So be careful with cheap masks, because there is a high probability that they do not have an LED light. (By Laure Vandendel)

Genius Lite by Talika, €319. www.douglas.be

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