Beauty trend
LED mask: How light therapy can help improve skin
There are now LED masks for use at home
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There is already a well-known beauty trend in Hollywood that is now spilling over to us: treatment with an LED mask. It is said to help you achieve firmer, cleaner skin. But how exactly does it work? An expert reveals this starwhat you should pay attention to.
Among other things, it is said to be able to alleviate impurities, pigment disorders and irritations, reduce wrinkles and even strengthen the immune system: The Light therapy is also a popular method in the beauty sector to counteract skin problems – and can now even be done at home. With a LED mask you can use the method yourself, which was previously only available in the beauty salon. But how exactly does it work? And what should you consider when buying and using such a face mask? Dr. med. Susanne Steinkraus has a specialist practice for dermatology, aesthetic medicine, laser medicine and cosmetics in Hamburg. She explains that starwhat you should know about the beauty tool.
How does an LED mask work?
An LED mask works, as the name suggests, with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that work in the deeper layers of the skin (up to ten millimeters deep). The masks are usually equipped with over 100 small LED lights. There are different light variants that combat different skin problems through their different light waves.
Light colors and their effect
This explains Dr. med. Steinkraus: “Red light (550 to 660 nanometers) is a classic in light therapy and its positive effects have long been clinically confirmed. Red LED light stimulates collagen production. Fine lines can be plumped up and the formation of new wrinkles can be slowed down. The treatment with red light also stimulates blood circulation and can therefore ensure a fresher complexion. No wonder then that Masks with red LEDs are a popular anti-aging tool.”
Blue light (400 to 450 nanometers), on the other hand, can have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, according to the expert. “It can help reduce blackheads, pimples and oily skin. Stubborn acne and psoriasis can also disappear thanks to the blue LEDs. In addition, blue light stimulates oxygen production, making the skin appear vital and lively.” Another plus point: “Blue light influences the hormonal balance and can therefore help with winter depression and sleep disorders. Perfect for the dark season,” explains Dr. med. Susanne Steinkraus.
Also green light (~ 525 nanometers) promotes skin rejuvenation, as the expert explains. It has a calming and wound healing effect. “Dark pigment spots can be broken up by treatment with green light. Over time, the complexion can become more even and look more youthful. Green LED light also relieves migraines.”
Not all light waves have proven effects
However, Steinkraus points out: “While red, blue and green are already well-known in light therapy, there are also masks with a larger selection of colors. The However, the promised effects have not yet been proven.” According to some manufacturers, pink/violet light is said to stimulate cell regeneration and renewal and has a detoxifying effect. Yellow light is said to smooth the skin and reduce redness. White light is said to stimulate metabolism and minimize fine lines.
There is also treatment with one five-fold (or even seven-fold) combined LED light: Such masks are usually equipped with around 150 small diodes that can emit red, blue, green, yellow light and white light, either individually or in combination. There are also face masks that are only intended to intensively combat very specific skin problems, like this Model from Currentbodywhich combines red LED light (633 nanometers) with near-infrared (830 nanometers) to achieve better anti-aging results.
You should pay attention to this when using an LED mask
By regularly using an LED mask, the skin can become cleaner and the connective tissue become firmer. Pigment spots, sun damage and other problems can also be corrected. Regarding use, Steinkraus says: “Two to three times a week You can use the mask with LED function for 15 to 20 minutes each. Before use, thoroughly cleanse your face of make-up and apply a cooling serum or day cream. This can increase effectiveness. A pair of safety glasses will protect your eyes from the LED rays – you should wear these throughout the entire treatment.”
The expert explains that the application works best while lying down and if you position yourself in a relaxed manner. After application you can care for your face as usual. In order to achieve a visible and, above all, sustainable effect, one consistent and regular use an LED mask is necessary. You should also strictly follow the instructions on the product and not irradiate your face for longer than recommended. Dr. med. Susanne Steinkraus also points out that devices for use at home are usually limited in their effectiveness because the light dosage is significantly weaker than during treatment by a specialist. You should never believe any promises, but rather seek advice from a dermatologist first.
Possible dangers when using an LED mask
But can using an LED mask also bring dangers? Steinkraus says: “The brightly colored masks may seem a bit strange at first glance and raise concerns – but you don’t have to, because the masks usually have no UV content and only use targeted wavelengths. As a doctor, I only recommend light therapy if you are pregnant from or when taking medications that make the skin sensitive to light.”
It is best to discuss its use with your dermatologist beforehand. “What’s most important is that you… Protects eyes from the light of the LEDs. As a rule, the light therapy devices are designed in such a way that the eyes are spared; eye protection is included in the scope of delivery or you can purchase one yourself.”
These LED products also exist in addition to masks
There are LED masks not just for the face. The procedure can also be used in the neck and neck area, for example, and can help to improve the skin and stimulate collagen production there. For example, Currentbody has one LED mask for neck and décolleté developed that works on the same principle as the face mask. It can also be used preventatively to counteract deeper wrinkles and signs of skin aging.
There are also LED products just for the eyes or individual areas of the skin. Here too, you should make sure that you protect your eyes properly. You should also always look at customer reviews and read them carefully. Products should always come with clear instructions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
A notice: This article contains general information and cannot replace a visit to a dermatologist.
Sources: “Skin matter Miltenberg“/”Skin styling“
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