Is LED light therapy safe for your skin? Dermatologists answer key questions

Ask a skincare enthusiast what is the secret behind their glowing and flawless skin chances are they might say LED light therapy This one as we know it is unlike any other face masks we have been using for optimal care of our face skinThis new techdriven skincare trend took the internet by storm last year after many international celebrities posted pictures of themselves that showed bright neon lights emanating from a facecovered robotlike maskDermatologists wave a green flag however you must consider a few factors before making a purchase Rise in popularity of this skincare trendDr Meghna Mour aesthetic dermatologist cosmetologist trichologist laser specialist and the founder of Skuccii Supercliniq says ldquoThe LED light therapy originated when NASA used it to promote wound healing in astronauts This propelled the finding that it helps in skin regeneration Originating from NASAs research for plant growth LED therapy gained popularity in skincare due to its noninvasive nature and effectivenessrdquoLED or Light Emitting Diode therapy is a noninvasive treatment that utilises a specialised device emitting specific wavelengths of light These wavelengths target different skin concerns by penetrating the skin and stimulating cellular processes This technology however is not new It has been used by experts for professional treatments at skin clinics for yearsFurther Dr Gitika Sanodia Biyani dermatologist cosmetologist and trichologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital adds ldquoLED light therapy originated in the medical field for wound healing and expanded into skincare due to its ability to address various skin concerns Its popularity grew as more people sought noninvasive treatments for antiageing acne and overall skin rejuvenation Its expanding use in diverse skin concerns contributed to its widespread acceptance and integration into contemporary skincare routinesrdquoLikewise Dr Rinky Kapoor consultant dermatologist and dermatosurgeon The Esthetic Clinics says ldquoRecognising the innumerable benefits the LED face mask light therapy offers celebrities and beauty influencers began using the device This too led to the rise in popularity of this skincare trendrdquoBuying the face maskldquoWhether you should invest in an LED light therapy face mask depends on your specific skincare needs and concernsrdquo says BiyaniThe face mask targets any skin issues using different lights installed Those who have issues such as acne psoriasis pigmentation or uneven skin tone can yield benefits from using this maskThere are mainly four lights installed in the mask1 Red light for antiageing This colour helps stimulate collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles thereby reducing signs of ageing and may also delay the process reducing fine lines2 Blue light for acne treatment This targets acnecausing bacteria aiding in the prevention and management of acne breakouts3 Amber light for inflammation reduction Amber light helps in soothing the skin by reducing inflammation 4 Green light for pigmentation This helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation The overall result is an improvement in skin texture a reduction in inflammation and various therapeutic effects This treatment is known for its versatility addressing multiple skincare issues with minimal risk and downtime making it an appealing option for those seeking gentle yet effective skin rejuvenationThe LED face mask light therapy might look like lavish spending but its not It is pretty affordable However the cost of each mask will differ depending on the brand and its features Kapoor says ldquoEntrylevel masks can be affordable but highend ones with more features may be costlyrdquoThe cost of a basic LED face mask starts somewhere at Rs 1500 and goes up to Rs 43000Before you make a purchase it is important to look at devices from various brands Speak to a few people who have already used the mask to understand how their experience was If purchasing online always read product reviews to gain more clarityFurther always check if the device is safetyapproved by bodies like the FDA Check the quality of the brand It wouldnrsquot be wise to go for any brand selling these masks at cheaper rates as this is a skincare productYou must also circle on a mask that best meets your skinrsquos requirements Many might simply have acne breakouts and might not need a mask that also resolves pigmentation issues In such a case you can pick a mask offering only those features that you require This way you can also cut down on the cost These are some ways to pick the right mask that suits your skin needs and fits your budget Risk factorsAs a lot of us might fret about using the mask radiating bright light Mour says ldquoWhen used correctly and with guidance from a dermatologist LED light therapy face masks are safe for use at homerdquo This said she also states ldquoLED face mask is ultimately a medical grade device and should be done under doctorrsquos supervision Itrsquos always preferable to seek such therapies in aesthetic medical centresrdquoBiyani too is assertive of the benefits the face mask offers ldquoLED face mask light therapy is safe if you follow the instructions These masks use lowlevel light which is generally lowrisk when used correctlyrdquoWhile the mask is largely safe to use it might have adverse effects on some1 It might cause strain to the eye and also lead to headaches2 Repeated use may cause dryness and burning of skin and eyes3 It can lead to developing signs of insomnia4 The face mask may also cause mild visual side effects5 Overuse of the mask can also lead the skin to become sensitiveHow to use the maskTo use LED face mask correctly follow the instructions carefully mentioned in the package Use it for 1020 minutes two to three times a week focusing more on regular use than doing it often The best time to dive into this skincare is after cleaning your face You can use it during day or night whichever suits you Following these steps makes sure it works well and is safe for your skinOnce you are done make sure to apply a nonirritating moisturiser to further soothe the skin Along with this one must never discontinue their regular application of sunscreen during the day This is essential to protect the skinCommon misconceptionsTo truly utilise the potential of LED face mask light therapy itrsquos necessary to get rid of certain common misconceptionsSome people think using an LED light therapy device will give instant results but thats not true It takes time to see improvements so you need to stay patient and consistent for the best resultsAnother misconception is thinking that LED therapy can replace all your other skincare habits While its helpful it works better when combined with other skincare habits like cleaning and moisturising your skin Using it as part of a complete skincare routine gives you the best results and makes sure youre taking care of your skin the right wayThe mask might not be suitable for allPregnant women should refrain from using LED light therapy devices The effects of this therapy on pregnancy are yet not known so it is best to avoid it to ensure safetyFurther those whose skin is sensitive to light or those on certain medications should try to avoid going ahead with using the device If at all you wish to give it a try it is best to seek advice from your dermatologist to ensure safety and efficacy for your specific situation This can help you avoid any negative effects of the therapyAlternatives to using the LED face maskThere are other things you can do for your skin instead of using LED light therapy if you are still apprehensiveYou can try chemical peels which help make your skin tone better or microdermabrasion which makes your skin feel smoother Laser therapy too is good for wrinkles and pigmentation Its important to talk to a professional to figure out which one is right for your skinDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance