LED masks are effective in improving facial glow and flush, reveals study

11 Oct 2022 --- The use of LED face masks has been found to improve a user’s overall skin glow and facial flushing by researchers at Namseoul National University, South Korea. They were driven by a need for in-depth standardized research on the methods to validate the effectiveness of LED masks and functional cosmetics on facial skin.

Published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, the study aimed to empirically prove the effects of LED masks and ampoules that contain plant complex extracts on four facial skin elements – flushing, excess sebum, hyperpigmentation and overall glow according to various skin types. 

The researchers conducted a test for an extended period compared to previous studies.

An ampoule provided by Cellreturn (a colorless, transparent gel containing more than 18 plant complex extracts), a fourth generation Platinum LED mask and the MARK-VU, a light source LED analyzer for skin analysis, was employed.

LED masks promote biochemical reactions within human cells by using light from various sources. LED lights are low energy and do not emit harmful ultraviolet or unnecessary infrared rays.

Improved skin benefits
The study diagnosed skin conditions per skin type on 12 defined elements, checking the participants’ skin condition four times during the course. The test was conducted for 12 weeks with the participation of 50 men and women aged between 20 to 50 to strengthen the validity of the collected empirical data.

In men, the most significant change was observed in the overall skin glow while in women it was facial flushing.

The analysis revealed that the change rate in men’s skin condition was greater than in women’s. However, the study credits this to men neglecting skincare in their daily life receiving continuous care during the test period.

According to the test results, compared to other ages, participants in their 20s witnessed the most reduction of excess sebum production and increase in the overall glow.

Reduction of pigmentation for those in their 30s, a decrease in flushing for those in their 40s and an increase in the overall glow for the testers in their 50s was also noticed.

Results indicate that the effect on skin differs according to age.The study calls for more reliable empirical data.

Deeper penetration for glow
The study lists the benefits of LED masks and explains that LED light sources penetrate deep into the skin in a painless, non-invasive way.

“In particular, the red wavelength band (630 nm) of the light, which is effective on hypodermal cells, has been found to successfully induce collagen synthesis by activating human dermal fibroblasts, as well as regenerating skin and healing wounds through neovascularization,” explain the researchers.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits LED lights to be used as supplementary medical devices and skincare devices. The technology of equipping facial masks to emit far-infrared rays that can vibrate the skin cells 2,000 times a minute was proven to be effective by the Korea Institute of Dermatology (KIDS).

In the research, two participant groups were tasked to use the LED mask and ampoules based on the manuals provided by Cellreturn according to their skin type.

Dipped in 24k gold and hyaluronic essence
The cosmetic product used in the study is a “Rich Gold Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule” has been developed by Cellreturn with their specialized technology.

Containing 18 natural plant extracts, Cellreturn claims that its formula, which includes 24k gold and concentrated hyaluronic essence, is “over four times richer than existing therapy ampoules and thus helpful in creating an ideal skin condition.”LED masks promote biochemical reactions within human cells by using light from various sources. 

Skin benefits from astragalus root extracts, which can calm irritated skin by removing harmful foreign substances and Madonna lily extracts are highlighted, which contain mineral substances that can eliminate waste buildup from the skin.

Future scope for LED masks
The study quotes previous research to state that LED masks aid the active components of functional cosmetics to be safely absorbed into the skin and thus enhance their effectiveness.

They also report that since LED masks are low-energy devices that do not emit harmful substances nor cause heat damage to the skin, using the masks causes few side effects and can improve skin in a painless, non-invasive manner.

Highlighting the short duration of previous studies, the study calls for more reliable empirical data. “There is insufficient research on the methods to validate the effectiveness and improvement in skin conditions observed from using beauty devices and cosmetics,” it states.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria