LED technology has long been used in medical settings to treat various skin concerns, including eczema, mild to moderate acne, psoriasis, and sun damage.
Now, the at-home LED skincare industry is booming, with masks and devices ranging from £40 to £1,500.
These devices use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate skin cells through repeated exposure. While manufacturers claim they can reduce acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines, do these bold promises hold up to expert scrutiny?
The global LED skincare market is projected to reach £600 million by 2032—almost double the estimated worth of airflow technology, including products like the Dyson Airwrap, at the same point.
According to consultant dermatologist Dr. Jonathan Kentley, LED technology works by allowing the skin to absorb light energy, triggering cellular changes through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM) .“This stimulates the formation of new blood vessels and skin cells, along with increased collagen and elastin production,” Dr. Kentley told the .PBM is also gaining recognition for its ability to treat acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate oil production in the skin. However, a recent comprehensive study on PBM suggests that further human clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effectiveness.NASA first began studying LED technology in the 1990s to explore its potential in cell regeneration.
Since then, medical-grade LED devices have been widely used by dermatologists for years.However, at-home LED masks have only been available in the consumer market for about five years and are significantly more affordable than medical-grade devices.The key differences between professional and retail LED devices lie in the strength of the LEDs, the number of bulbs, and how closely they sit to the skin during use.
LED Therapy Masks Are ‘Visually Interesting,’ But Do They Work
Dr. Justine Kluk, a leading dermatologist specializing in acne treatment, acknowledges that at-home LED masks sound promising but believes manufacturers may be overstating their benefits.
“There haven’t been any large-scale clinical trials to confirm whether at-home LED masks deliver the same dose of light as professional devices used in clinics or hospitals,” she told the BBC.
“No one is testing these devices on large enough sample sizes for long enough periods to give us complete confidence in their effectiveness,” she added.
As a result, Dr. Kluk believes that while LED masks might offer some skin benefits, they are likely to be modest at best.
The Rise of Skincare in the Beauty Industry
Skincare now accounts for nearly half of all global beauty sales and is expected to outgrow haircare, makeup, and fragrance in the coming years.
This surge in demand is being driven largely by Generation Z (born 1995–2009) and even Generation Alpha (born 2010–present), whose interest in skincare is heavily influenced by social media trends.
Dr. Kluk notes that consumer interest in at-home skincare treatments has skyrocketed since the Covid-19 pandemic, and LED masks, in particular, have gained popularity due to their visually interesting appeal.
“Seeing people wearing glowing red LED masks while watching TV naturally sparks curiosity,” she explained.
She also revealed that nearly every other consultation she’s had in the past six months has involved questions about LED masks, demonstrating just how much attention these futuristic-looking devices are getting.
Do LED Face Masks Really Work? Here’s What Users and Experts Say
A quick search for LED masks on social media platforms like TikTok brings up hundreds of videos featuring users showcasing their results after using at-home LED devices.
Natalie O’Neill, 29, tells the BBC that she initially started using an LED mask “out of curiosity” rather than to treat a specific skin condition like acne.
“I noticed a difference in my skin after just a couple of weeks, and it really helped in preventing breakouts,” says O’Neill, a skincare content creator.
She also claims the mask has made her skin tone appear more even and has helped fade marks on her face more quickly.
Unlike some influencers, O’Neill was not paid to promote a particular LED mask and clarifies that she uses it as part of a broader skincare routine, not as a standalone treatment.
“People often assume that an LED mask will deliver the same results as red light therapy in a professional clinic—but that’s not necessarily the case,” she says.
Why Are LED Masks So Popular?
One of the key appeals of LED masks is their ease of use, making them an accessible skincare tool for many consumers.
Laurence Newman, CEO of CurrentBody—one of the world’s leading sellers of at-home LED masks—has witnessed the industry evolve over the years.
Having started by supplying professional equipment to clinics over 25 years ago, Newman developed an at-home LED mask in 2009, launching the company’s first device a decade later.
“We see that people use it for just 10 minutes and get an instant glow afterwards,” he tells the BBC.
Newman adds that more women are now shifting towards non-invasive skincare solutions, looking for ways to improve their skin without resorting to Botox or fillers.
He emphasizes that at-home LED masks are still in their early stages, with ongoing advancements and a growing movement to educate consumers about their proper use.
Are LED Masks Worth the Investment?
Dr. Jonathan Kentley, a consultant dermatologist, states that photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy—the process through which LED masks work—is generally considered safe, even at high levels. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the skin.
“There have been numerous studies on PBM for various dermatological conditions, but many lacked standardization and were often funded by manufacturers, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions,” he explains.
For those considering buying an LED mask, Dr. Kentley advises choosing a device with EU safety certifications and a high density of LED bulbs to ensure the skin receives sufficient energy exposure.
Dr. Justine Kluk also weighs in, stating that while she doesn’t want to discourage anyone intrigued by LED therapy, consumers should set realistic expectations before making a purchase.
“This is a significant investment,” she says.
“An LED mask may complement a good skincare routine, and in cases like acne, it could support prescription treatments and lifestyle changes—but it’s unlikely to be a standalone solution.”