At-home LED face masks are an increasingly popular skincare tool that usually offer different modes to help improve your skin.
But what is the difference between the red and blue LEDs in face masks, and what does each colour do? And, most importantly, which LED colour will best suit your skin?
We explain the difference between red and blue lights in LED face masks, and offer expert advice on which you should look for when making the investment.
Still not convinced about the merits of an LED face mask? We sat down with a dermatologist and asked them to give their two cents on the tech, which you can read in our do LED face masks work guide.
What is the difference between red light and blue light?
Most LED face masks are fitted with multiple LED colours to choose from, with each one offering different benefits and treatments for your skin. Red is arguably the most common, and is predominantly used for anti-ageing thanks to its promise to boost collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In order to do this, the red LED wavelengths work deeper into the skin to help stimulate cell production.
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In fact, you should look closely at how strong your face mask promises its red light is. It’s recommended that red light should be between 630 to 660 nanometers to effectively penetrate skin and stimulate the production of collagen, according to Mark Patrick, Director of Technical Content from Mouser.
However, as seen with the Shark Cryoglow, blue light is an increasingly common LED choice too. Unlike red, blue LED wavelengths don’t quite penetrate the skin as far down as red, and are used to target acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Mark Patrick advises that blue LEDs should emit wavelengths between 405 to 420 nanometers, so make sure you check this when shopping around.
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We chatted with consultant dermatologist Dr Paul Farrant at Experts in Skin and Hair who explains that “by neutralising bacteria and reducing inflammation, blue light helps to treat active breakouts, prevent new acne from forming and reduce oil production”.
Should I use blue light or red light?
Choosing between blue or red light therapy depends on your skin concerns. If you’re worried about wrinkles, inflammation or want to give your skin a boost, then red LEDs will suit you best.
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If, on the other hand, acne is your biggest skin concern, then blue LEDs are better suited for you.
Which LED color is best for anti-aging?
Red LEDs are the optimum choice for anti-aging, as its wavelengths can penetrate deeper into the skin to encourage the stimulations of collagen producing cells, which helps to make skin appear plumper and firmer than before. This can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too.
However, Dr Farrant warns that users should maintain “realistic expectations”, as at-home LED face masks need time and consistency to make a difference. Essentially, you shouldn’t expect professional-level results overnight.
Is it better to use LED masks at night or morning?
There isn’t actually a recommended time to don an LED face mask, and really it depends on when you prefer. While some suggest wearing a face mask in the morning is a nice way to get energised for the day, others prefer to include theirs as part of their evening skincare routine instead. There is no right answer, it just depends on your routine.
