LED Light Face Masks for Eczema

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or TikTok recently, there’s a good chance you’ve seen posts on light-emitting diode (LED) face masks. With their futuristic façade, they might seem gimmicky, but they can actually do a lot more than help you take fun selfies. We got the scoop on everything you need to know about LED face masks from two dermatologists, including their benefits and whether they’re safe for people with eczema.

How do LED light face masks work?

“LED light face masks work by emitting specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin to target various skin concerns,” said Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City and New Jersey. “These lights interact with skin cells to promote healing, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production. Different wavelengths correspond to different benefits, making them useful for a range of conditions like acne, aging and potentially eczema.”

Red light helps reduce inflammation, promotes skin healing and supports collagen production, plus it may be beneficial for calming sensitive skin, according to Dr. Garshick. Blue light is primarily used for acne as it targets acne-causing bacteria, but it also has mild anti-inflammatory effects. Near-infrared light, which falls just beyond the red end of the visible light spectrum and is therefore invisible, penetrates deeper to reduce inflammation and support wound healing.

Though LED face makes may seem new, they’ve actually been available for over a decade. “But they’ve gained more popularity in the last five years as people have been looking for at-home devices, and more research has been done to support their efficacy,” Dr. Garshick said.

Are LED face masks recommended for use with eczema?

“LED light is not considered [the] standard of care to treat eczema,” said Dr. Paul Yamauchi, medical director at the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center in Santa Monica, CA. “However, people with eczema can use LED light to treat acne and to rejuvenate the skin.”

One small study showed that blue light LED therapy showed some improvement in subjects with mild to moderate eczema three times per week for four weeks with no adverse events.¹ “While there is some data showing that LED lights reduce inflammation in the skin, there have not been enough sufficient clinical trials to demonstrate if they truly work for eczema,” Dr. Yamauchi said. “My opinion is that LED light therapy should not be used as a primary way to treat eczema because of the lack of studies.”

Can you use an LED face mask during an eczema flare?

There have been no studies demonstrating that LEDs treat an eczema flare. “While generally very safe and tolerable, some people might develop irritation, redness or dryness with LED lights and I would not recommend using it for very inflamed skin,” Dr. Yamauchi said.

Dr. Garshick said it’s generally best to avoid LED therapy during an active eczema flare when the skin barrier is compromised. However, she added that during periods of remission, red light therapy may help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation and may still be used by those with eczema.

Do dermatologists think LED face masks are a good item to add to eczema skincare routines?

“Most dermatologists focus on well-established eczema treatments like moisturization, barrier repair and prescription medications including topicals, oral medications and biologic injections to reduce inflammation,” Dr. Garshick said. “While LED therapy is not considered a primary treatment for eczema, some dermatologists may recommend it. Additionally, even though LED lights may not be recommended as a primary treatment for eczema, those with eczema may still consider using them for the purpose of treating other conditions.”

As for whether it’s safe for children, keep in mind that most LED masks are designed for adults, not kids. “Children can undergo treatment with LED light therapy for acne with or without eczema,” Dr. Yamauchi said. “There is not sufficient data to support its use as a primary way to treat eczema in children.”

Is an LED face mask similar to phototherapy light treatment, which is sometimes prescribed for eczema?

No. Dr. Yamauchi explained that phototherapy uses narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) light to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo. It must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. “Because phototherapy is UVB, there is a higher risk of adverse events, such as sunburn, and it is only to be used under a medical provider’s supervision,” he said. “LED light does not use UVB wavelengths.”

How do you test out an LED face mask to see if it works for you?

It’s always a good idea to do a patch test when trying a new skincare product or treatment for the first time, especially for those with eczema. “You can choose a small area that is less visible, such as behind the ear, run the mask for 1–2 minutes and then wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction on the skin such as redness, dryness or itching,” Dr. Yamauchi said.

Once that is clear, Dr. Garshick recommended starting with a shorter exposure time and gradually increasing the duration as indicated over several sessions if no irritation occurs.

In addition to face masks, LED wands are also available. “A full face mask provides even coverage, while a wand allows for targeted treatment,” Dr. Garshick said. “For eczema, a wand may be preferable to avoid unnecessary exposure on unaffected areas and to control how much light is applied to sensitive skin.”

No matter which you choose, it’s best to go with one that is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. “I would trust an LED face mask more if it is FDA approved because it has undergone clinical testing to ensure it is safe to use,” Dr. Yamauchi said. Additionally, FDA clearance ensures that the device meets efficacy standards.

What are the general pros and cons of using an LED light face mask?

Dr. Yamauchi and Dr. Garshick shared the pros and cons of LED light face masks.

Pros:

• Non-invasive and painless
• May help reduce inflammation and promote healing
• Convenience of using at home
• Safe for most skin types

Cons:

• Limited clinical research for eczema-specific benefits
• Can be expensive
• Not suitable for active eczema flares or extremely sensitive skin
• Results are gradual and require consistency

What kind of results can an eczema patient expect?

“While there is some data showing that LED reduces inflammation in the skin, there has not been enough sufficient clinical trials to demonstrate if they truly work for eczema,” Dr. Yamauchi said. “Using an LED face mask is perfectly fine for patients with eczema to treat acne or to rejuvenate the skin. However, it should not be used to treat facial eczema as a primary method. In addition, don’t have high expectations because the results can be subtle and may not work.”

Dr. Garshick added that though there is limited research on LED therapy for eczema, red and near-infrared light have potential anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-supporting benefits. “They may help with atopic dermatitis [the most common type of eczema] by calming redness and irritation, but results vary depending on the individual,” she said. “If effective, an eczema patient may notice reduced redness, less irritation and improved skin barrier function over time. However, results vary, and LED therapy is not a replacement for traditional eczema treatments.”

Ultimately, before you try an LED face mask, check with your doctor first. “For someone dealing with eczema, it is always best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best treatment options,” Dr. Garshick said.

References:

1. Kromer C, Nühnen VP, Pfützner W, et al. Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Using a Full-Body Blue Light Device (AD-Blue): Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2019;8(1):e11911. Published 2019 Jan 8. doi:10.2196/11911