LED Face Masks: How to Pick the Best for You Coverage, Design & Proven Results
As a skin expert with over 30 years of experience, there is one device I will always advise you to invest in wisely is an LED face mask. Getting the right mask can transform your skincare routine and deliver brilliant results, from increasing collagen to reducing the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and redness. However, sadly, not all LED masks are created equal.
In this blog, I’ll break down everything you need to know when choosing the best LED mask for your skin, from bulb placement and design to the wavelengths that truly deliver results. I’ll also compare flexible silicone versus rigid styles, so you can confidently choose a mask that genuinely works.
I’m excited to share that CurrentBody has given me an exclusive 20% discount code for their LED devices this Black Friday, but it’s only available for a limited time. Please keep reading to discover the code and learn exactly what I, as a skin expert, look for in an LED face mask to ensure it truly delivers visible results.
Why LED Bulb Placement Matters
Did you know that some LED masks don't cover the entire face, leaving gaps where no benefits occur? One of the most important factors when choosing an LED light therapy mask is the placement of the LED bulbs.
Now this might sound strange, but hear me out. I recently tried an LED mask, and there were no LED bulbs under the eyes; the first bulb was just underneath my cheekbone. I need LED light therapy under my eyes to tackle lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, and improve skin firmness. The best LED masks won't leave any gaps or untreated areas. Every part of your skin should receive consistent light exposure for visible, even results.
What to Look For
Make sure the LED bulbs are positioned where you want your mask to work, and avoid any gaps at all costs. These are some of the most common areas where I’ve noticed LED masks fall short:
Temples: If fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are your concern, ensure your mask has LED bulbs that cover the temples and the surrounding area.
Mouth: To smooth lines around the mouth and address nasolabial folds, look for masks that focus the LED bulbs around the mouth
Jawline: For sagging or loss of definition, your red light therapy mask should treat both above and below the jawline, as collagen loss affects the entire area.
Between the eyebrows: Many LED masks miss this area completely. If frown lines are your concern, make sure your mask includes bulbs here, too.
Gaps in LED positioning = uneven results and missed treatment zones.
Does the Number of LED Bulbs Matter?
Logic will have you believe that the higher number of bulbs in your LED mask equals greater coverage and, therefore, better results. However, it's more complicated than this. Too few, and you will get uneven light distribution, leaving areas of the face untreated, and deliver poor results; however, more bulbs doesn’t always mean better. There is real science behind LED bulb placement and spacing: because each bulb emits light to a specific radius, they should be positioned so the light overlaps slightly for more even coverage. If they overlap too much, this can lead to skin overheating and overstimulation, resulting in irritation rather than regeneration and rejuvenation. Whilst it’s important to be aware of, don't compare bulb numbers alone, as it won't always equal the best results.
The Correct LED Wavelength Matters
Many at-home LED face masks will offer a choice of light therapy settings. These are helpful if you want to target different skin conditions. Whilst this flexibility sounds great, please be aware of this not-so-well-known catch: when you switch between light modes, not every bulb delivers the specific wavelength. When this happens, there will be large gaps where no bulbs are active, leaving parts of the face without light therapy.
If the skin goals and priorities are collagen boosting, skin rejuvenation, and regeneration, you will want to ensure that your LED masks include deep near-infrared light (1072nm) and that the bulbs are positioned where you need them most. Some masks don't deliver deep near-infrared to the eyes, mouth, jawline, or forehead; these are exactly the areas prone to collagen loss and the ones that will benefit from deep near-infrared light, as it's effective at boosting collagen production, reducing lines and wrinkles, and improving overall skin tone.
Silicone LED Masks vs Rigid LED Masks
With so many LED masks on the market, one of the most common questions I’m asked is: Which is better, silicone mouldable LED masks or rigid LED masks?
When it comes to at-home LED light therapy masks, the mask should sit directly against the skin, hugging the contours of the face for maximum light absorption and results. If the mask sits even slightly away from the skin, you lose the power and precision of the LEDs. In fact, some rigid LED masks can sit up to 2cm away from the face, which means you could lose up to 90% of the LED light’s effectiveness.
As a skin expert, this is one of the most important pieces of advice I can share: choose a mask that’s flexible and mouldable so it conforms to your unique face shape, as no two faces are the same.
Skin Expert Approved Cheat Sheet: How to Choose the Best LED Mask
When it comes to investing in an LED face mask, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Here’s your skin expert approved checklist to help you choose a device that truly delivers results.
Bulb placement - check that the LED bulbs cover all the areas you want to treat and avoid unnecessary gaps.
Correct LED lights and wavelengths - Make sure the LED wavelengths align with your skin goals. If anti-ageing is your priority, make sure your LED mask includes deep near-infrared (1072nm). This penetrates the deepest layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production and ensure they are correctly placed where you need them to deliver results. If it's breakouts, ensure your LED includes Blue (415nm) and red (633nm) to help eliminate bacteria. By targeting bacteria, you can help target existing breakouts and prevent new spots from forming, and the red will help with healing.
Flexible, mouldable design - make sure your LED mask fits closely to the face and leaves no gaps, it’s essential for maximising the absorption and delivering results.
Secure fit - Ensure the LED masks have double straps (one above the ear and one below the ear) and adjustable fastenings to keep the mask secure and in contact with your skin throughout the treatment.
Clinically proven results - always check that the brand you have chosen has conducted clinical tests and not just perception studies. Perception studies: “my skin felt firmer and smoother” versus clinical studies: “increased plumpness by 57%, lines and wrinkles reduced by 30%” Perception studies are helpful, but I always prioritise clinical, scientifically validated results.
LED mask and bulb authenticity and quality assurance - Ensure every LED bulb is individually tested, and that the brand is transparent about the quality assurance tests they have conducted, or not, as is often the case. This guarantee ensures the quality of the bulbs and consistent light output, and all of this helps you achieve your skin goals.
My Favourite LED Mask
If you’re wondering which LED face mask I personally trust and recommend, the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2 is one of my top choices. This is the gold standard for LED masks, combining the latest LED technology, including the three most important lights that tackle loss of plumpness and reduce lines and wrinkles whilst leaving the skin more radiant, brighter, and smoother.
Red light (633nm) – is your ‘Skin’s Cellular Recharge’ reaching the epidermis and upper dermis layers of the skin, boosting cellular energy (ATP production) and improving the way skin cells repair, regenerate, and perform. Boosting radiance and supporting collagen production.
Near-infrared (830nm) – is your ‘Skin’s Repair Mode’ reaching the mid to lower dermis and works on the skin’s structure, promotes skin healing and firmness. Working deeper to strengthen the skin’s support structure, making it ideal for those experiencing loss of firmness.
Deep near-infrared (1072nm) – is your ‘Skin’s Rebuild Mode’ and the most advanced wavelength penetrating the deepest, especially powerful for targeting advanced signs of ageing, such as sagging, loss of firmness, and deeper lines
The best LED masks combine red light (633nm), near-infrared (830nm), and deep near-infrared (1072nm) wavelengths across the entire face for clinically proven, complete coverage.
Clinical results after just 8 weeks of daily use for 10 minutes:
Wrinkles and fine lines reduced by 30%
Skin plumpness increased by 57%
Brightness boosted by 27%
Redness reduced by 19%
The CurrentBody Series 2 LED mask fits comfortably against the skin thanks to its flexible silicone design, ensuring maximum light absorption and even coverage. It’s a brilliant example of what to look for when investing in at-home LED light therapy due to its effective wavelengths, intelligent bulb placement, and clinically proven performance.
CurrentBody Series 2 has partnered with Veritace®, which is a unique end-to-end production & testing system that guarantees only the most precise LEDs power their technology, and they are currently the only brand to test and guarantee every part of the mask, including the bulbs.
I have linked the CurrentBody Series 2 for you below.
Don't forget to use my discount code: FIONAB for 20% off.
Now is the perfect time to invest in this LED mask as CurrentBody only does this discount once a year, and it’s the biggest discount they offer. It's the perfect time to start investing in your skin ahead of the new year, or to buy the best gift for someone in time for Christmas.
CurrentBody Series 2 ticks all the boxes, and if you are looking to level up your skincare routine, enhance your cellular energy, boost collagen, and strengthen the skin support structure, this is a must-have.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right LED face mask can be overwhelming, but once you understand what really matters, from bulb placement and wavelength accuracy to mask design. Investing in a high-quality LED light therapy mask, such as the CurrentBody Series 2, ensures you achieve proven results in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re unsure which LED mask best suits your skin type or goals, please always contact me at info@fionabrackenbury.com. As a skin expert with over 30 years of experience, I’ve tested and compared these devices and can help steer you in the right direction. Healthy, radiant, and rejuvenated skin starts with the right technology, and now you know exactly what to look for.
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