Face masks are having a moment — but not the creamy kind you slather all over your skin and wash off after 10 minutes of sitting as still as a statue while watching Netflix. The type we’re referring to are LED face masks — those futuristic, face shield-like devices and hand-held wands that popularly emit red, infrared, and blue light (among other colors), and are touted by the brands that manufacture them to help address a myriad of common skin concerns like breakouts (by reducing acne-causing bacteria) and wrinkles (by giving collagen production a boost). Many LED face masks also claim to help reverse dullness, fade dark spots, and reduce inflammation. Given the popularity of at-home light therapy devices, those with eczema may be wondering if these techy tools can help soothe the itchy, scaly patches that pop up during flare-ups too. We’ll admit: It’s a question that has popped into our own minds while itching inflamed eczema patches and simultaneously staring at the LED face mask sitting on the top of my dresser.
To find out the truth about whether treating eczema with LED light therapy devices is effective (or even recommended), we turned to industry experts. Ahead, discover dermatologists’ thoughts on at-home light therapy tools, what they can and cannot do, plus their advice for preventing and soothing eczema flare-ups.
Experts Featured in This Article
Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
Aya Ahram, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City.
Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, California.
Howard Sobel, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
What Is Eczema?
There’s a decent chance you know someone who has dealt with eczema (also commonly known as atopic dermatitis) at some point in their lives. According to the Cleveland Clinic, eczema affects more than 31 million Americans and is frequently characterized by dry, scaly, bumpy, or itchy patches of skin. “Eczema can affect all body parts, but in adults, it is most common on the face, eyelids, neck, hands, wrists, arms, legs, and torso,” says board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
As for what causes eczema? Board-certified dermatologist Aya Ahram, MD, says a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors may be at play. “Some people with atopic dermatitis are missing a protein in their skin that normally holds onto moisture, allowing water to escape and irritants/allergens to enter more easily,” she says. “There is also increased inflammation due to inflammatory signaling chemicals in the skin, which causes redness, itching, and flaking.” Those with allergies and asthma are also more likely to develop eczema, adds Dr. Ahram.
What Triggers an Eczema Flare-Up?
Patches of eczema are often described as “flare-ups” or “flares,” and as mentioned earlier, they can pop up on different parts of the body, depending on the individual. What triggers an eczema flare may also vary from person to person, but Dr. Ahram says some common culprits include irritants in soaps, detergents, shampoos, and disinfectants, certain allergens (like pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander) climate factors (think cold, dry air or hot and humid weather), sweating, and different fabrics (like wool clothing).
Can At-Home LED Light Therapy Devices Help With Eczema?
When you’re using all of your willpower to not aggressively scratch that patch of rough, dry skin (which would inevitably make it worse), getting some relief from your eczema is understandably top of mind. If you already own an at-home LED light therapy device or you’re looking into investing in one, you might also be wondering if they can help soothe frustrating flare-ups. According to Dr. Ahram, LED masks can help reduce inflammation in the skin by emitting different wavelengths of light. However, she says there’s no conclusive research that proves that LED masks can decrease the inflammation that contributes to eczema. So, no, using your LED light therapy device in an attempt to clear up or even improve your eczema patches isn’t recommended.
“There was a small study done that used blue light to see if it would help patients with atopic dermatitis, and it showed some improvement. Otherwise, there has not been sufficient research done to help prove this method of eczema treatment, and it is not considered standard first-line therapy,” Dr. Ahram says.
Board-certified dermatologist Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, agrees that there is no substantial, conclusive research that proves that LED light therapy tools are effective primary treatments for eczema. “I still recommend established treatments like moisturization, barrier repair, and prescription medications as first-line therapies,” she says.
When we asked Dr. Ahram if LED masks that emit red light (one of the most common light colors you’ll find in at-home devices) can help with eczema, she said she does not consider red light therapy to be a first-line treatment for treating the condition, despite its ability to reduce inflammation. “There is limited research on its efficacy, and results can vary from person to person,” she adds. “Some people can develop worsening redness, irritation, and dryness, especially if they are having an eczema flare and the skin barrier is already compromised. You can still try to incorporate a red light mask into your routine if your eczema is under control, to get other anti-inflammatory benefits and stimulate collagen production.”
It’s worth adding that some at-home LED masks actively advise against use if you have certain skin conditions, including eczema, so it’s always a good idea to thoroughly read your user manual and also check in with your dermatologist before incorporating one into your routine.
Does Any Light Therapy Help With Soothing Eczema?
Phototherapy, a type of light therapy, is, in fact, used by dermatologists for treating eczema, but it shouldn’t be confused with LED light therapy. “There is a type of phototherapy called narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) light, which is done in a dermatologist’s office,” says Dr. Ahram, who adds that this type of light is not emitted from LED lights. “This device emits a specific wavelength of light in the UVB spectrum to help suppress overactive immune cells in patients with atopic dermatitis. This type of treatment can be used for those who have widespread eczema that is not responding to topical treatments; however, it may have side effects such as sunburn, skin aging, and risk of developing skin cancer.”
According to Dr. Berry, clinical UVB phototherapy is usually administered between two and three times a week for 12 to 16 weeks, and it provides gradual benefits. “Regular attendance is crucial for optimal results,” she says.
What Can At-Home LED Light Therapy Devices Do For the Skin?
While your at-home LED face mask might not be an eczema treatment win, it’s not necessarily rendered completely useless by experts. (Considering the splurgy, $300-$600 price tags of most reputable at-home LED light therapy devices on the market, this is comforting news.) However, they can’t be compared to in-office LED treatments.
“LED face masks and devices are widely available and promise benefits such as collagen stimulation and anti-aging effects, reduction of inflammation and redness, improved skin texture and tone, and antibacterial action (blue light) for acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Camp. “While these devices can offer subtle improvements in skin health, at-home LED masks are generally less effective than professional treatments. The benefits are usually mild and best seen with consistent use.”
Cosmetic dermatologic surgeon Howard Sobel, MD, agrees that consistency is key in order to experience results from at-home LED light therapy. “Typically, I recommend using an at-home face mask three times a week for at least four weeks,” he says. “Patients will see an immediate glow to your skin, and then in about four weeks, they will start to see results.”
Dr. Berry adds that you should always opt for FDA-approved at-home LED devices and consult your dermatologist before use if you have sensitive or compromised skin. Need some shopping suggestions? Click here for our take on some of the best LED face masks on the market.
Victoria Moorhouse is a beauty writer and editor based in New York City. She previously served as a beauty content director at Vox Media, a senior editor at Popsugar, and the senior beauty editor at InStyle.com. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Byrdie, Allure, Glamour, Parents, The Zoe Report, and more.
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