Trying at-home LED light therapy is one of the BEST things you could be doing this year. Imagine having all the power of luxurious, professional-grade treatment, right in the comfort of your own space! If you’ve been burning your dollars at the nearest medical spa, you’ll be saving thousands when you use it daily. The radiant, healthy skin you want has never been this close to attainable. It all begins when you unbox your LED Mask - like our DermaGlow! But before you get going, I wanted to start you off with all the details you need to succeed. In the guide below, I’ll help you get started giving you the best steps for an effective at-home LED light therapy session. So whether you're aiming to combat signs of aging, reduce acne, boost your skin's overall appearance, or more - our expert tips will empower you to maximize the benefits of your LED mask. 

So get ready! You’re about to unlock the secrets to a flawless complexion.

STEP ONE: Cleanse Your Face

The best way to begin your at-home LED light therapy session is with clean skin. Clean skin not only helps set the mood for your self-care ritual, but also helps your LED mask perform its best. By cleansing your skin, you help to remove residual make-up and excess oils that can prevent your LED light from penetrating deeply into your skin. Dewy, clean skin not only allows the LED light to work to its best effect, but can also help you avoid those pesky clogged pores and breakouts that can accompany wearing the mask for long sessions. 

STEP TWO: Select Your Light

If you have read my previous article about LED light therapy, then you know different wavelengths (or colors) or light heal the skin in different ways. Selecting the specific light frequency for your at-home LED session is key to targeting your unique skin concerns effectively. Start by identifying your primary skincare goals, such as reducing wrinkles, combating acne, or evening out skin tone. Then, choose the corresponding light color— for example, red for anti-aging, blue for acne treatment, or green for pigmentation issues. This ensures your LED session is custom-tailored to fit your skin's particular needs.

STEP THREE: Bask In the Light

Dim the lights, set the mood, and relax with your LED mask on! Or, if you have an LED model that doesn’t need to remain plugged into a wall outlet, like our DermaGlow LED Mask, you can also move freely throughout your space, all while soaking in the LEDs’ skin-saving benefits! As for the length of your session, most at-home LED Light Masks have recommended sessions running from 5 to 20 minutes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your LED mask for the safest experience. I also recommend starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing your time wearing your LED mask. This is a great method that allows your skin to adjust to the treatment, maximizing the benefits of LED therapy without overwhelming your skin.

STEP THREE: Lock in Your Results

While LED Light therapy is not inherently drying, your skin could feel slightly drier after an LED treatment. This can occur because of your skin’s prolonged exposure to light, as well as the facial cleanse  before your session. To counteract dryness and lock in that glowy, just-got-back-from-the-spa feeling, I recommend that you follow up your LED therapy session with a good moisturizer. For this, I cannot recommend our Niacinamide Activator Serum enough. Not only does it rehydrate the skin with ingredients like Vitamin B5, Glycerin, and Ginseng, but the serum also strengthens the skin's barrier and reduces inflammation. Be sure to select a product that works synergistically with LED therapy so that you get the most out of each session with your LED mask.

STEP FIVE: Repeat for Glowing Results 

Because LED Light therapy does not emit harmful UV rays, LED therapy is considered safe for regular weekly use. So essentially, the journey is up to you! How often you choose to use your LED mask can vary depending on your skin sensitivity or goals; however, I generally recommend using your LED Light Masks 2-3 times a week. This regular use will help you rapidly see the results you are expecting from LED! So open up your online calendar and pencil in a few dates for you and your LED mask, and remember that consistency is key!

Conclusion

As we wrap up this guide, I hope you feel less overwhelmed as you unbox your LED mask and prepare for a new skincare routine that is destined for success. The steps we've discussed—from cleansing your skin to selecting the right light color, basking in the therapeutic glow, hydrating, and maintaining consistency—are your blueprint to unlocking the full potential of your at-home LED mask. By following these five simple steps, you can not only get the best skincare results,  but also turn a simple routine into a luxurious ritual. Remember, the secret to glowing skin is not just in the tools we use but in how we use them. So, take this knowledge, apply it diligently, and watch as your skin thanks you with less acne, less wrinkles, and a brighter complexion!

References

1. Study providing evidence of the effectiveness of LED light therapy in reducing wrinkles, treating acne, and improving skin complexion, highlighting significant reductions in wrinkles and enhancements in skin elasticity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134407000632?via%3Dihub. 
2. Study describing the positive effects of red LED light therapy on skin health, particularly in relation to wrinkle appearance and skin elasticity: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.13391. 
3. Study affirming the efficacy of blue LED light therapy in reducing acne inflammation: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14764172.2011.630081. 
4. Study supporting green LED light therapy in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347650780_Led_Light_in_Epidermis_Hyperpigmentation. 
5. Review exploring glycerol's multiple effects on the skin, including improvement of skin barrier function: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/159/1/23/6641450?redirectedFrom=fulltext. 
6. Study observing significant improvements in skin hydration, tone, texture, and overall appearance after using a lotion containing vitamin B5, demonstrating its effectiveness in skincare treatments: https://ijdvl.com/the-effects-of-a-daily-facial-lotion-containing-vitamins-b3-and-e-and-provitamin-b5-on-the-facial-skin-of-indian-women-a-randomized-double-blind-trial/.  
7. Study discussing the cosmetic use of ginseng, particularly its whitening and anti-aging properties: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34520601/#:~:text=Results%3A%20The%20main%20active%20ingredient,and%20water%20content%20of%20skin. 
8. Healthline article describing the basic history of LED light therapy, as well as how safe LED is for cosmetic use: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/led-light-therapy#targeted-areas.