Red light therapy masks are marketed as an effective way to transform your skin, but the reality is far from the truth. These masks use LED lights that are grossly underpowered and deceive people into thinking they’re putting out way more light than they really are.
The popular mask claims to be giving you 30 milliwatts per centimeter squared, but in reality, it only delivers 14 milliwatts per centimeter squared directly over the LEDs, and less than 1 milliwatt per centimeter squared in the space between the LEDs.
The Deception of Red Light Mask Companies
Red light mask companies try hard to look evidence-based, but their peer-reviewed studies don’t use their masks at all. Instead, they use medical light panels they also manufacture. The reason is simple: LED light therapy requires an extreme amount of light, and extremely bright LEDs become too hot to be so close to your face.
To get the same amount of total red light used to reduce wrinkles in an Omnilux panel study, it would require wearing the mask for 17.5 hours.
The Real Evidence-Based Way to Transform Your Skin with Light Therapy
The real way to do light therapy is by using panels that:
– Use adequately powered LEDs kept away from your skin
– Can be properly cooled by heatsinks and fans
– Have lenses focusing the light so that most of it still gets to your skin despite the panel being further away
You can get the same amount of total light with six seconds on a panel rig as a 10-minute mask session.
Additional Facts About Red Light Therapy
– Red light therapy has been shown to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote collagen production.
– The optimal wavelengths for red light therapy are between 630-660 nm and 810-850 nm.
– Consistency is key when it comes to red light therapy. It’s recommended to use a device for at least 3-5 times per week for several weeks to see results.
– Red light therapy is not only beneficial for the skin but also for muscle recovery, joint pain, and even hair growth.
In conclusion, if you want to do light therapy, buy a panel. Generic wands from Amazon around $100 give over 50 times as much light and treat a much larger area than masks. Don’t be fooled by the deceptive marketing of red light mask companies.
