LED face mask side effects and eye safety: what to know first

According to the American Academy of Dermatology's red light therapy page, red light "appears to be safe" in the short term, research hasn't linked it to cancer (it isn't UV), and the most common side effects are mild: some people get temporary mild pain or irritated skin.

Brands describe the same picture. Omnilux, for example, says some temporary redness or warmth after a session is usually just body heat and the device sitting close to your skin, and should fade quickly. If it doesn't, stop and ask a doctor.

The AAD also reminds us that nobody knows yet what very long-term use does, because the research hasn't been done. That's a reason to stick to the session times brands give, not to double them.

This is where masks differ most, so here is what each brand on our list says, word for word where we can:

• Omnilux says its masks are safe on uncovered eyes and conform to IEC/EN 62471, the international photobiological eye-safety standard. The Omnilux Clear (blue light) adds built-in eye shields anyway, because some people find blue light uncomfortable.
• HigherDOSE and Qure put goggles or protective eyewear in the box.
• Therabody ships protective eye shields with both TheraFace masks.
• CurrentBody includes eye inserts, mostly so you can read during a session.
• Shark adds cooling pads under the eyes and lists no separate protection.
• Celluma says goggles aren't included and may interfere with the fit.

The AAD's rule is simple and worth repeating: wear eye protection if the directions tell you to, use the protection they recommend, and never swap in sunglasses.

Put together the brands' contraindications and the AAD's advice, and the list looks like this:

• Anyone with a condition that makes skin sensitive to light (the AAD gives lupus as an example).
• Anyone taking medication that increases light sensitivity. Some prescription medicines do; ask your pharmacist.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Solawave lists both).
• Active cancer, epilepsy or light-triggered headaches (Solawave).
• People under 22, for Solawave.
• Recent facial surgery, injectables or peels: ask the person who did them.

The AAD also flags darker skin tones: research shows they are more sensitive to visible light, which can lead to hyperpigmentation that lasts. A dermatologist visit first is a good idea.

CurrentBody builds a sensitivity test into its instructions: a short session, then wait at least 24 hours; if the skin turns red or itchy, the device isn't for you, and CurrentBody says you can return it within 14 days for a full refund. Omnilux suggests testing on your arm first if you have reactive skin.

It costs you a day and it's the cheapest insurance there is. Do it before your first full-face session, especially if you are adding new serums at the same time.

1. Start with clean, dry skin. Many brands say to apply serums after, or use only the products they pair with the device.
2. Stick to the session time: 3 minutes (Solawave, Qure, DRx), 10 minutes (Omnilux, CurrentBody, HigherDOSE), 12 minutes (TheraFace Mask Glo) or 30 minutes (Celluma).
3. Don't stack sessions in a day to "speed things up".
4. Clean the mask as the manual says, and don't share it without cleaning.
5. Stop if you get headaches, eye discomfort or a rash that lasts.

Choosing a mask with a usable return window, like Shark's 60 days or Solawave's 100, also means you can stop without losing your money if your skin disagrees.