Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale known for delivering natural, long-lasting results in facial rejuvenation. CNET recently turned to Dr. Admire as one of the specialists behind its investigation into why LED face masks so often fail to deliver visible results.
Most of the time, an LED mask underperforms because of how it's used, or because it was never built to deliver a meaningful dose of light in the first place. In this blog, Dr. Admire draws on his experience with patients to walk you through the mistakes covered in that CNET feature on LED mask mistakes, and what separates a mask worth keeping from one that ends up in a drawer.
It Takes Weeks, Not Days
Red light therapy, known clinically as photobiomodulation, can produce gradual changes at the cellular level, but a single session won't erase fine lines or tighten skin overnight.
Dr. Admire told CNET that many of his patients quit after a week or two, right when the effects are just starting to build. A 2023 study on red light photobiomodulation tracked visible skin improvements over three months of regular use, with results still holding a month after treatment stopped. Stopping early cuts that process off before it has a chance to show.
What to Look for Before You Buy
Marketing claims and social media buzz won't tell you whether a mask can actually treat skin. Two devices that look nearly identical can perform very differently depending on their wavelength and power.
Before choosing an LED mask, check for:
- Red light wavelength between 630 and 660 nanometers (the range linked to smoother tone and texture)
- Near-infrared wavelength between 810 and 850 nanometers, which reaches deeper into the skin
- Irradiance, or light strength, of about 30 to 100 mW/cm² at the skin's surface, clearly disclosed by the manufacturer
- FDA clearance and published performance data
- Built-in eye protection, especially for anyone with light sensitivity
Where an LED Mask Fits, and Where It Doesn't
An LED mask works best alongside a skin care routine. Sunscreen remains the most reliable way to prevent further sun damage, and retinoids have solid evidence behind them for improving existing signs of aging skin. Neither should be swapped out for a mask.
At-home devices also have limits compared to in-office care. The clinical team at AdmireMD Skin + Wellness Clinic offers Sciton HALO and BBL HERO® treatments, delivering far more controlled energy than a consumer device can. For volume loss or structural changes in the face, that kind of correction calls for a surgical or injectable plan instead.
Dr. Admire on Building a Skin Care Plan That Works
Used consistently and chosen carefully, an LED mask can be a solid addition to a skin care routine. Dr. Admire and the AdmireMD team can help determine whether your current routine, an in-office treatment, or a combination fits your skin and goals best. Schedule a consultation to find out what makes sense for you.