Chrissy Teigen Uses This Dermatologist-Approved Mask for Glowing Skin
Here's what you should know before you try a LED light therapy mask for yourself.
Chrissy Teigen spent her Monday night channeling Hannibal Lecter, wearing a somewhat scary-looking white mask glowing with red light while hilariously trying to drink wine through a straw. But no, the model turned cookbook author wasn’t giving us a sneak peak of her Silence of the Lambs-themed Halloween costume—she was actually giving herself a medical grade, low-level light therapy facial.
Teigen is just one of the many celebrities (including Katy Perry, Madonna, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Alba) who have made LED beauty masks a regular part of their skincare routine. But why exactly is there so much buzz surrounding these devices? We talked to a dermatologist to dig deeper into the trend, and find out how exactly it may benefit your skin.
How do LED light therapy masks work?
Light therapy masks stimulate cell production within the body, which increases your body's healing process, explains board-certified NYC dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist
This results in decreased inflammation, as well as enhanced production of collagen, or the building blocks of your skin. A boost in collagen is a great thing, especially if you want to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin tone and texture, says Dr. Jaliman.
On top of that, the masks can also be helpful in combatting acne. "Red and blue light treatments are effective because they bring oxygen deep to the skin and help kill the acne bacteria," Dr. Jaliman explains. "Since these lights are also anti-inflammatory, they help heal acne faster." In general, red lights are more commonly used to fight the signs of aging, while blue masks are geared toward acne. However, a combination of both is usually ideal for most skin types, says Dr. Jaliman.
But are light therapy masks actually effective?
While no studies have been conducted on brand-specific LED masks, there is lots of research backing up light therapy in general—and it goes back 40 years. In fact, NASA first began studying the capabilities of LED lights back in the 1980s. Initially using them to speed up the plant growing process, they eventually discovered that red lights helped heal the wounds of astronauts in outer space by encouraging the collagen production process.
So should you try a light therapy mask for better skin?
It depends on your personal preferences. An at-home device can give you good results, but in-office treatments utilizing the same technology are more effective, says Dr. Jaliman. It's also important to note that many models can be ridiculously expensive, but more budget-friendly options do exist.
While we can't be sure of the exact mask Teigen was wearing, it looks an awful lot like the Déesse Pro LED Mask, a favorite from celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden—that runs for a whopping $2,300. Then there are options like the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask, which will only cost you $30.
Dr. Jaliman says that you will probably get better results from a more expensive model. While a light therapy mask at a lower price point can work, it will probably require more treatments. For instance, some of the more expensive models feature more lights, as well as a greater variety of them. The Déesse Pro, for example, offers nine different modes of red, blue, green, and yellow.
Also, take into consideration that some of the less expensive models require monthly battery refills. So in addition to the initial cost, you will be required to purchase battery packs as needed. However, it certainly doesn't hurt to start with a less expensive option to test the waters.
How to use a light therapy mask
While each mask has specific instructions on how to use them, most advise you simply clean your face first and use for 20 to 30 minutes daily or as needed. While it isn't a bad excuse to kick back and relax at the end of the day, you might want wait until after your treatment to kick-off happy hour, as you might have trouble sipping your cocktail or wine—something Chrissy Teigen learned the hard way!
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