LED face mask safety: who should be careful.

What the studies report

Across the trials summarised on this site, side effects were rare and short-lived, such as mild redness or warmth. A systematic review of 31 LED trials noted few adverse events, and an overview from Massachusetts General Hospital described side effects as almost absent. Most trials were small and short, so rare or long-term effects are less well studied.

Eyes

Bright visible light close to the eyes can be uncomfortable, and blue light carries a recognised photochemical hazard for the retina at high exposure. Use the eye protection supplied, keep your eyes closed if the manual says so, and do not look directly into the LEDs. In 2019 Neutrogena withdrew its Light Therapy Acne Mask, citing a theoretical risk of eye injury for people with certain eye conditions or taking light-sensitising medicines.

Ask an eye specialist first if you have a retinal condition, glaucoma, or diabetes affecting the eyes, or have had eye surgery.

Light-sensitising medicines

Some medicines make skin or eyes more sensitive to light. Examples include isotretinoin, some antibiotics such as doxycycline, and certain diuretics, antipsychotics and supplements such as St John’s wort. If you take any of these, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using a mask.

Skin conditions

Talk to a dermatologist first if you have melasma or other pigment disorders, light-triggered conditions such as lupus or porphyria, active skin cancer or suspicious moles, or a history of seizures triggered by flashing light, since some masks pulse.

Pregnancy

There are few studies of LED masks in pregnancy. Many manufacturers advise checking with a doctor first.

Using a mask sensibly

Use the session time and frequency in the manual; one trial found two sessions a week matched three, and more light is not always better. Clean the mask, stop if you notice persistent redness, headaches or eye strain, and check the device for an FDA record or CE marking on our FDA page.