Both LED (Light-Emitting Diode) therapy masks and laser therapy masks use light to stimulate the skin. These two technologies, although similar, offer distinct benefits and have varying effects on skin health.
What are the key differences between LED and laser therapy masks? Keep reading to find out!
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a common treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate changes in skin cells by:
- promoting healing and regeneration,
- stimulating collagen production,
- eliminating persistent blemishes such as scars, stretch marks, sun damage, or dark spots.
During phototherapy, the skin absorbs light energy, triggering cellular changes through a process known as photobiomodulation (PBM). This process influences gene expression and cellular functions, leading to various effects on the skin, although these effects are not yet fully understood.
In phototherapy, the skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of light for a set amount of time. The light can be delivered using lasers, which emit a single, concentrated wavelength, or LEDs, which can produce various specific wavelengths to treat larger areas.
Different wavelengths, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (blue, red, yellow), or near-infrared light, penetrate the skin to different depths and target different structures, making them effective for treating specific skin conditions.
The effectiveness of both LED and laser light therapies is largely influenced by the wavelength of the light used.
LED light therapy
LED light therapy works by emitting low-energy, non-coherent light waves. LED light is excellent for addressing surface-level skin issues, such as reducing redness, minor skin blemishes, and early signs of aging.
LED devices are gentle and emit low heat, making them a good choice for sensitive skin.
LED wavelengths
LED face masks use non-coherent light, meaning the light waves scatter in multiple directions and are gentler and more diffuse than laser light. LED face masks use multiple wavelengths of light, each targeting different concerns while covering a larger surface area, ensuring even distribution of light therapy benefits.
LED masks typically use blue, yellow, red, and near-infrared light, such as the Advanced LED therapy mask available at Augment Life Shop:
Our Advanced LED Therapy Mask features four targeted light modes, each designed to deliver maximum skin benefits:
- 440 nm (Blue Light) – Reduces acne by targeting bacteria that cause breakouts.
- 590 nm (Yellow Light) – Soothes skin, reduces redness, and improves circulation.
- 630 nm (Red Light) – Boosts collagen production, minimizing fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.
- 850 nm (Near-Infrared Light) – Penetrates deep to promote healing and skin regeneration.
What is an LED face mask best used for?
LED light therapy offers a range of benefits for skin health and appearance, particularly in addressing surface-level concerns such as acne, mild wrinkles, and inflammation. Regular use of an LED mask can help improve skin clarity and tone.
These masks are safe for sensitive skin and provide a broader, more convenient solution for visibly rejuvenating the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are especially effective for improving skin tone, smoothing fine lines, and promoting overall skin rejuvenation.
You can read more about the LED face masks in our previous articles:
Laser light therapy
Laser light therapy, on the other hand, uses coherent light, which is more focused and powerful. Laser light penetrates deeper into the skin layers, targeting specific areas with precision. This depth and focus make laser light more effective for issues like:
- wrinkles,
- skin texture improvement,
- collagen regeneration.
Laser light, thanks to its coherence and power, can penetrate into the dermis (the middle layer of the skin, rich in collagen) and even deeper, making it more effective for collagen remodelling and firming the skin.
Laser wavelengths
Laser light therapy masks primarily use Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) technology.
LLLT utilizes focused laser energy to influence cellular activity in the skin and underlying tissues. These masks contain laser diodes that generate a single, coherent wavelength of light, meaning the light waves are aligned and travel in the same direction.
The light produced by these masks is high-energy and monochromatic (single-wavelength), enabling concentrated beams to reach specific skin layers with precision. As a result, laser light can penetrate the skin deeply without significant loss of power, making it highly effective for targeted treatments.
Laser light therapy masks typically operate within the red (630–680 nm) and near-infrared (800–830 nm) spectrum. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration; thus, near-infrared light penetrates more deeply into the body than red light.
Both red and near-infrared light induce photobiomodulation therapy, which promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation and pain, and restores function, owing to its penetration power and ability to positively modulate biochemical and molecular responses (1).
What is a laser therapy mask best used for?
Laser light therapy is a powerful tool for targeting more specific skin concerns, and it is commonly used for anti-aging purposes. Laser light reaches deeper layers of the skin, making it more effective for fine lines, deep wrinkles, and skin tightening.
LLLT supports skin rejuvenation by increasing collagen production and decreasing collagen degradation (2).
LLLT technology is used to treat conditions requiring healing stimulation, pain and inflammation relief, and function restoration. It has beneficial effects on:
- wrinkles,
- acne scars,
- hypertrophic scars,
- healing of burns,
- reducing UV damage (both as a treatment and as prophylaxis),
- increasing pigmentation and reducing depigmentation in pigmentary disorders (e.g., vitiligo)
- inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis and acne (2).
Who Should Avoid Phototherapy?
Phototherapy is generally considered safe for most people, with minimal side effects. The most frequently reported side effects may include mild redness and warmth in the treatment area, which typically resolve within a few hours.
However, individuals with certain health conditions may need to avoid light therapy. Make sure to consult with your healthcare professional before starting phototherapy if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding,
- Are taking medications that increase photosensitivity,
- Have light-sensitive conditions (like lupus) or active skin infections,
- Have a family history of skin cancer
- Have liver disease.
Conclusion
Both LED and laser light therapies can provide therapeutic benefits. The key differences lie in the light source, intensity, directionality of application, and safety considerations.
For deeper concerns like wrinkles or loss of skin elasticity, laser light is more effective, while LED light therapy supports long-term skin health, slows down the skin aging process, and clears acne, depending on the specific colour wavelength used.
Literature sources:
- Yadav A, Gupta A. Noninvasive red and near-infrared wavelength-induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2017 Jan;33(1):4–13. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12282. PMID: 27943458.
- Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41–52. PMID: 24049929; PMCID: PMC4126803.
