I don't know about you, but when celebrities start promoting beauty treatments that make them look weird, my immediate reaction is, “Who paid you to post about this thing that probably doesn't help anything?'' ?”. So when I first saw photos of people like Chrissy Teigen using LED devices to treat breakouts, I thought it was just another trendy but questionable gimmick.
Yes, even veteran beauty editors make mistakes. LEDs (better known as “light-emitting diodes”) technically work by emitting high-intensity light that is absorbed by the skin. “The most common lights are red and blue, which can be used separately or together,” explains Mona Gohara, a dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Yale University. Red light is great for stimulating collagen production (plumping the skin and smoothing fine lines). Blue is a godsend for treating inflammatory acne (surface-level spots that seem to be very easy to pop).
“Blue light also has antibacterial properties and helps reduce oil production,” adds Dr. Gohara. Very hopeful, I know. But now that we've reached the “It's Complicated” part of the show, the gold standard for LED therapy is (and always will be) in-clinic treatment. This is because doctors and medical spas have access to powerful light that simply cannot be used. It can also be used by us ordinary people. These appointments can be expensive, costing up to £250 for a one-hour session, and require multiple appointments to see results. And they are almost never covered by the NHS. Wamp. But wait (you didn't expect me to end this story on such a depressing note?) – here's a more affordable home LED gadget that's actually quite easy to use. If you use it, you will get tangible benefits. “LED therapy is far less likely to cause drama than DIY peels or rollers; you just can't mess it up,” says Dr. Gohara. I just followed his instructions and within about 6 weeks my breakouts were reduced and the redness and inflammation were gone. And at least you'll feel like a stylish celebrity for a while. Sold.
Please keep these things in mind
– LEDs may be lower risk, but that doesn't mean you can use any device you find online. Just make sure it has professional approval, like my recommendations below.
– Always start with fresh, clean skin. This means no moisturizers, serums, or makeup required. After the LED treatment, resume your usual skin care routine.
– Does the LED gear physically come into contact with your skin? After each use, turn it off, unplug it, and gently wipe it with an alcohol wipe to remove harmful bacteria.
our picks
FOREO UFO™ 2 Supercharged Facial Skin Care Device—Mint, ₹27,399
LightAura Plus LED Face & Neck Mask, ₹17,000
Erikka LED Therapy Mask, ¥14,999
SEMINO Advanced LED Light Therapy Face Mask, ¥14,995
Photo courtesy: @courtneykardashian/ Instagram
Also read: A comprehensive guide to giving your eyelashes some TLC
Also read: 8 Peptide-Infused Products to Add to Your Skin Care Routine
This article was originally published in the February/March 2024 issue of Cosmopolitan US magazine.
