Yahoo Lifestyle 
Do at-home LED face masks actually work to improve your skin?
We tested an LED face mask and fill you in on how to get the best possible skin!
An LED face mask is quite the investment, so if you're looking to drop some coin on an at-home mask, but aren't sure if it's worth it, we're here to help!
We trialed the TheraFace Mask, Therabody's at-home LED face mask, which is an award-winning, FDA cleared mask that also boasts vibration therapy to make your nightly routine very relaxing with a face and head massage!
The TheraFace Mask boasts the ability to improve:
The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Firmness, facial contour, and sagging/loose skin
The appearance of skin tone evenness with visible dark spot lightening
Skin radiance, luminosity and the overall appearance of healthy skin
Skin texture and smoothness
After just eight weeks of nightly use, clinical studies showed firmer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin*.
I used the mask for a similar amount of time and did receive compliments on my skin, however, I have a sister who is a dermatologist and have had a very good skincare routine for years, so I must admit that I didn't see a huge change overall. This could also be because, at 31, I don't have a huge amount of wrinkles. That doesn't mean that I will discontinue my use, quite the opposite! Prevention is always better than the cure, so I'd say it's better to use it and slow the effects of ageing rather than wait until I 'need it'.
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One of the best parts of this mask for me (after the vibration/massage feature, of course) as someone with acne-prone skin, was the fact it also uses blue light, which targets acne and acne-causing bacteria.
The mask has three settings - red light, red + infrared light, and blue light – something that not every mask on the market has.
The red light is used to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve firmness, while the red + infrared light targets dark spots and works to improve radiance.
How does an LED face mask improve skin?
So, what's the actual science behind LED face masks? We spoke to Lissa Bankston, Director of Education and Human Performance at TheraBody, who explained why you might be keen to try one out.
"LED masks are made up of a specific number of LED lights - for TheraFace Mask that’s 648 LEDs - and when these are turned on, they emit wavelengths which are visible through the colours you see (Red, InfraRed and Blue)," Lissa tells us.
"For TheraFace Mask, these wavelengths vary from around 400-830, and have been designed by our team to deliver maximum treatment efficacy in the shortest amount of time. The higher the wavelength, the deeper the penetration. For example, TheraFace Mask’s Blue light wavelength sits at ~415 (enough to help kill acne-causing bacteria, and reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin that cause breakouts), while the InfraRed wavelength is ~830, meaning a deeper penetration to reduce dark spots and improve radiance."
What makes the TheraFace a great option?
"Not only does TheraFace Mask have 3x more LED lights than the leading LED mask competitor, but the preset treatment times have also been optimised for maximum treatment effectiveness in the shortest amount of time, making it a seamless addition to your skincare routine!" Lissa added.
"As a bonus, the device has been designed to provide a relaxing vibration therapy massage during the treatment for a spa-like experience," she continued. "This increases circulation, reduces tension, and can also help provide relief from aches and pains."
As mentioned before, the massage feature is a great added bonus, but also knowing that in just ten minutes a night, I can improve my skin? That's pretty easy!
What skincare should you be using?
While you can invest in an LED face mask, you probably want to be investing in the right skincare as well!
Dermatologist Dr Shreya Andric previously told Yahoo Lifestyle that while "there is no one-size-fits-all skincare regimen", there are certain products with active ingredients that you should be looking out for.
These products listed below are simply what works for me, but I thought I'd share my favourite skincare items and why they work.
La Roche Posay - Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser
I've been using this cleanser for the last year (before that, I used the Effaclar + M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser, but was recommended to switch to this one), and have no complaints, it's great! It exfoliates and reduces excess sebum production, making it perfect for acne-prone skin.
SkinCeuticals - Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin
"Vitamin C is an antioxidant which works at reducing sun damage, promoting collagen synthesis and reducing pigmentation and can therefore also help to achieve a glow!" Dr Andric tells us.
I personally love this product as it's made for oily skin and contains salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts. I use this in the morning only and always ensure to wear sunscreen daily, which is especially important when using a vitamin C product.
"A vitamin C serum will work synergistically with your sunscreen to reduce sun damage and any pigmentation that may be starting to develop," Dr Andric advises. "Make sure you don’t forget the neck when applying your serums/creams!"
SkinCeuticals - Blemish + Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum
Another great product from SkinCeuticals, I use this product in both the morning and evening, as it helps to reduce the formation of acne and clogged pores, while also improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. If you're new to this product, make sure you start slowly before using twice daily.
UltraViolette Supreme Screen Hydrating Sunscreen
I use this every day after applying my serums in the morning, and because it's so hydrating it acts as a moisturiser as well!
"Sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging tool that we have but it also prevents skin cancers which are the most common type of cancers we see in Australia," Dr Andric says.
"I encourage all my patients to incorporate sunscreen into their daily routine as it should be second nature, however hats and sun avoidance are also important factors."
"Look for sunscreens that are at least SPF30+ and that have broadband UVA and UVB coverage. UVA is responsible for photoageing and UVB causes burning and skin cancers so you want to block both of those.
"Any sunscreen with the above that is approved in Australia will be good because the TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] has such strict criteria. The most important factor is finding a sunscreen that you/your skin likes that you know you will wear every day."
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Prescription retinoid
Before starting with a prescription retinoid, I used a retinol night cream from SkinCeuticals. In case you're not aware of the difference, Dr Andric explains, "Retinoids are active and available by prescription only, whereas retinols require two steps to be converted to the active molecule and so are less potent but also less irritating.
"They can be used to treat acne and melasma, reduce acne scarring and are also effective in reducing fine lines, freckles and sunspots when used for longer than six months.
"Other than sunscreen, topical retinoids are the most effective anti-ageing product you could be using. Apply to clean skin at night using a pea-sized amount for the full face. Start 2-3 times a week to begin with, then build up to every night as tolerated."
Ensure you apply a moisturiser over the top and use sunscreen during the day as retinol and retinoids can make your skin more sun-sensitive. These products should also not be used during pregnancy, but Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative is safe during pregnancy.
La Roche Posay - Effaclar Duo+M Anti Imperfections Moisturiser
This is the moisturiser I use in the evenings after using my Blemish + Age Defense serum and prescription retinoid. I love that it's super light and great for acne-prone skin.
If I were on the ball enough, I would also get monthly Hydrafacials, as I find my skin really glows after those!
*Results from a 12-week clinical study with 31 subjects and 1x/day use of pre-programmed 9-minute treatment. Individual results may vary.
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