You can also choose a pro kit. It includes a Microdart Serum Patch that delivers ingredients like green tea and niacinamide directly to your breakouts, and acts as an LED-powered after-effect to soothe and treat stubborn blemishes.
FAQ
Are LED lights effective against acne?
LED light therapy masks can be an effective way to treat acne, especially when they combine blue, red, and near-infrared wavelengths. “Blue light penetrates the upper layers of the skin and kills the acne bacteria. Think of it like a bouncer at a club kicking out troublemakers before they can cause havoc,” says Dr. Gohara. “Red light goes deeper and promotes healing by calming inflammation and promoting collagen and circulation. Near-infrared light goes even deeper and supports long-term skin repair and soothing.”
According to Dr. Levy, these devices are particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne and hormonal acne. “Blue light helps reduce inflammation and target Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that contributes to acne formation,” she says. “Red light is particularly effective at calming redness and reducing post-inflammatory erythema (red marks that remain long after the acne has healed).” However, she points out that light therapy is generally ineffective against comedones such as blackheads and whiteheads.
These wavelengths of light target both the root cause and visible sequelae of breakouts, making LED masks a smart choice for managing mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
How often should I use the LED mask to see results?
To get the best results from an LED mask, “consistent use is key,” says Dr. Gohara. “Most people need to use an LED device three to five times a week for several weeks to see improvements. Think of it like going to the gym for your skin.” Although the results are long-lasting, she notes that maintenance is essential to prevent breakouts. “One short session a day is usually enough. This is not a ‘more is better’ situation.” If you’re looking for long-term results, stick to a regular routine.
What are the disadvantages of LED therapy?
Results often require several weeks of continued use, and the devices can be expensive. Be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer, especially since overdoing it can cause minor side effects like temporary redness and dryness. “It’s always wise to consult a dermatologist before starting any LED treatment,” Dr. Noah Grach, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York, previously told Allure. People who may avoid LED acne treatment include “people with darker skin, people with certain conditions such as melasma, sensitive skin, or people taking Accutane for acne,” he says.
meet an expert
Dr. David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist with Idris Dermatology in New York City, Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT, and board-certified dermatologist Lauren L. Levy, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York, board-certified dermatologist at Lewis Dermatology Associates in New York City.
How to test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.
For our list of the best LED masks for acne, we considered each product’s performance across four main categories: product ingredients, effectiveness, product feel, and value. All products have been determined to be outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, with special consideration by board-certified dermatologists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
Beautiful items are purchased individually. You might be looking for a face cream to combat stubborn dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be looking around for the latest products to hit the hair market. No matter what you’re looking for or what your personal needs and concerns are, Allure wants to guarantee you’ll love everything we recommend in our stories. To achieve that goal, we believe it is essential to have a diverse team of writers and editors, as well as a wide range of external testers and industry experts that we engage on a regular basis.
After all, can you really say that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 if your testers only solicited opinions from people who haven’t yet turned 30? Can you honestly think that a high-end diffuser that has never been tested on curls is worth your hard-earned money? We are proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin colors, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. That means you can get a fair review of every beauty product in your beauty closet.
