Potential Issues With At-Home LED Masks
They're Not Tailored to Individual Needs: With in-office LED therapy, dermatologists are able to assess skin's needs and tailor the procedure to each person. That obviously doesn't happen with at-home LED devices and masks. And one size doesn't necessarily fit all: Rabach points out that not every patient may require the same amount and duration of treatment.
User Error: In our immediacy-driven world, we want results and we want them now. That can make people guilty of ignoring instructions and pushing treatments more. "Just because some is good, more is not better or best," cautions Shamban. "Following the directions and manufacturer guidelines of any home skin tool or device is paramount to its success and safety." Failing to do so could lead to irritation and other side effects.
Not Prepping Skin Correctly: To go along with the previous point, it is also important to prep skin as directed. That includes everything from washing your face to applying/not applying certain products. Some devices have products that can be applied before and after. Ignore the prep and it's at your skin's risk.
LED Masks and Sensitive Skin: Shamban says that potentially those with sensitive skin can safely use LED masks. That said, she suggests checking with a board certified dermatologist before using LED devices at home, particularly if you have any skin conditions, like rosacea or melasma. Additionally, the devices should be used with caution by people who are using medications like Accutane, retinols, glycolics or antibiotics that make skin more sensitive to light, per Rabach.
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Watch Out for Eye Damage
Another important detail? When using at-home LED devices, you must remember to protect your eyes. Full stop.
Eye damage is especially a concern for certain people with eye-related disorders, like ocular albinism or congenital retinal disorders, says Rabach. Additionally, people who take medications that make them more sensitive to light may experience blurry vision, eye pain, eye irritation and/or changes in vision. She says that more serious problems include irreversible peripheral vision loss or complete impairment.
"Our eyes have macro sensors which could be effected or degrade over time. But, for damages there would need to be a significant overload or cumulative exposures, or damage at bright and high intensity," reports Shamban. "Complications or adverse reactions — while generally very rare — would be light sensitivities, redness or dry eyes."
Therefore, always, always wear goggles when using light treatment masks, even if they aren't provided with the device. (In the case of professional treatments, Shamban says that in her practices they always administer treatments with eye goggles and recommend patients keep their eyes closed for the entire duration of treatment.)
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The Potential for Sun Damage
Concerned about getting sun damage while using an at-home LED mask? This is one area users don't have to stress about. Rabach says that LED does not contain UV light. Licensed Esthetician and Founder of StackedSkincare Kerry Benjamin says that she has encountered a few studies that suggest LED treatments produce a very small amount of UV radiation, but none have shown that there's enough UV light to cause the typical problems associated with UV damage (sunburns, skin cancer, vision problems). Therefore, using sunscreen during treatment is not necessary. Similarly, Shamban says that photoallergy and phototoxicity generally result from UV exposure, not LED.
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Masks Versus Wands
There are LED masks that slip over the entire face then there are smaller handheld wands that target specific areas. Rabach says that at-home wands are less effective than masks because the placement of the mask ensures that every part of skin treated has the same level of light. With wands, it is more difficult to apply the light evenly. Furthermore, masks are hands-free and wands obviously aren't. On the flip side, Benjamin says that wands are likely safer for vision because they're moving around the face.
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How to Stay Safe While Using a LED Mask
Firstly, when purchasing an at-home LED mask check the label to see that it is FDA-cleared, says Rabach. Next, wear blackout or opaque goggles at all times when using it. And follow all the instructions from skin prep, to usage to duration. Read the instructions fully before beginning so you know the full deal, then read them throughout the procedure. And consult the fine print. Benjamin suggests speaking with a professional to figure out the best length and frequency of treatment for your skin.
It's also important to temper expectations. Shamban highly recommends LED as a treatment, but says the only "Insta-result" will be the lit photo for Instagram. No device will have the power of an in-office treatment. And even professional treatments require multiple sessions and consistency for results. At-home devices are a lot less powerful. Rabach adds there is no scientific data supporting that at-home LED treatments are effective for improving skin over time.
Furthermore, Shamban always recommends people check with a board certified dermatologist before starting anything new including products, tools and technologies. After all, they're professionals for a reason.
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