Light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy is a noninvasive treatment for a wide variety of skin concerns. It’s gained popularity as an anti-aging treatment in recent years due to its subtle but noticeable effects without the downtime of other skin treatments.
Doctor’s offices offer clinical strength treatments. There are also home LED devices like the Omnilux LED mask that offer a milder but more convenient treatment option.
What Is LED Phototherapy?
LED light therapy exposes skin to different wavelengths of light. The light penetrates the skin and stimulates healing and cell production to improve the appearance of the skin.1
The wavelengths each represent colors on the light spectrum, and different colors penetrate the skin to different depths:2
- Blue light affects the uppermost layer of the skin
- Yellow or amber light penetrates deeper layers of skin
- Red light travels farthest into the skin
Red and blue wavelengths are used most frequently in skin care and provide LED phototherapy benefits. Red LED light therapy may stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation. In addition, it may stimulate hair growth and reduce the effects of psoriasis. Blue LED light therapy may destroy the bacteria that cause acne.3
Professional vs. Home LED Treatments
Professional LED treatments use a mask or other mechanism to expose the skin to light and are available at doctors’ offices and some medical spas. Treatments typically take about 30 minutes. There is no downtime, though you may experience mild redness. Treatment costs start at $25 but may be as much as $100. Most people need a series of treatments to see results.4
Home LED devices have become popular as well. Products such as the Omnilux LED Mask offer the benefits of red light LED therapy at home. You can choose between a contoured mask or a bib-style version that treats the neck and décolleté. Each device costs $395.5
Is Omnilux Worth It?
The Omnilux offers both blue and red wavelengths to treat multiple skin concerns. You can use it three to five times per week, for ten minutes per session, and results should be visible within about four weeks. Reviewers at Buzzfeed6 and the Daily Beast7 saw improvements in redness, hyperpigmentation, and skin firmness after testing the Omnilux mask.
Experts caution that at-home LED devices are less intense than professional treatments. The results from at-home devices may be subtle or take longer than getting a series of professional treatments. However, the Omnilux does offer results and may be more affordable than repeated professional treatments.8 The Omnilux Mask may be a good addition to a skincare routine for preventing or managing mild signs of aging. It may also be useful for maintaining results after professional skin treatments. If you have serious skin concerns, talk to your dermatologist before trying any LED device.
Sources:
- WebMD: “What Is LED Light Therapy for Skin?”
- Cleveland Clinic: “LED Light Therapy: How It Works.”
- WebMD: “What Is LED Light Therapy for Skin?”
- RealSelf: “What Does LED Light Therapy Cost?”
- Omnilux: “Shop.“
- Buzzfeed: “FINE LINES AND AGE SPOTS MAY HAVE MET THEIR MATCH WITH THE OMNILUX LED LIGHT MASK.”
- The Daily Beast: “This FDA-Cleared Light Therapy Mask Truly Turns Back the Clock.“
- Consumer Reports: “Do At-Home LED Face Masks Work?“
