Christine Drews Sieger
An expert says LED face masks can improve skin health, but visible results often require months of consistent use.
LED face masks have become a popular skincare product in 2026, with more consumers using light-based technology at home. According to The Independent,
London-based aesthetic doctor Dr Ahmed El Muntasar believes the masks can be effective, though not necessarily quickly.
Many of the devices cost several hundred pounds, so the question is not only whether the technology works but also what users can realistically expect. Dr Muntasar says: “Absolutely, LED masks do work.”
He explains that LED treatment can support the skin’s natural processes through light energy. According to him, it may help reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and promote skin healing.
Results Take Time
According to the doctor, LED treatment is not a quick fix. The effects on skin firmness typically become visible only after several months of regular use, although many users notice a healthier glow earlier in the process.
For acne-prone skin, improvements may occur more quickly, and some users see visible changes within the first month.
However, the expert stresses that results depend on the specific condition being treated.
His recommendation is daily use, or at least five times a week. Most masks, he says, are designed for treatment sessions of around 10 minutes, The Independent reports.
Not All Light Is Equal
According to the expert, three types of light therapy have the strongest scientific support: red, near-infrared, and blue light therapy.
Red light is associated with collagen production and skin structure, while blue light is primarily used to treat acne.
Green light may help with pigmentation issues, he says, but the evidence is more limited. He does not give the same level of support to all the additional colours used in the marketing of some products.
The implication for consumers is that the most expensive mask with the most features is not necessarily the best choice. The most important factors are consistent use and well-documented light wavelengths, The Independent reports.
Not All Experts Are Convinced
Not all experts are equally convinced about the LED masks succes. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the research remains limited.
Dermatologist Elizabeth Buzney of Harvard Medical School describes LED therapy as a promising area.
Nevertheless, they emphasize that the evidence is not yet strong enough to determine how effective the technology truly is.
As a result, Harvard maintains that it is still too early to assess the long-term effectiveness of these products, even though preliminary findings for certain skin conditions appear promising.
Sources: The Independent, Harvard Health Publishing
