You might be familiar with LED masks in your general skincare routine, but how much do you know about the benefits of LED for the rest of your personal care regimen?
With LED emerging as a popular, long-standing addition to many people’s daily skincare routines, it’s no wonder that its benefits for the rest of your body are now being showcased. And while your hands may be an overlooked part of your anti-ageing routine, they really shouldn’t be. With thinner skin and far fewer sebaceous glands than elsewhere to lubricate the skin and keep it supple, LED hand masks that can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, keep skin plump and healthy and improve the appearance of age spots suddenly seem like a good idea.
Vogue’s pick of the best LED hand masks at a glance:
In this article:
Read on to discover more and Vogue’s pick of some of the best LED hand masks to try.
CurrentBody
Current Body LED Hand Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This compact device uses patented pillow technology, which disperses light for maximum LED coverage, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce dark spots.
- Type: Lamp
- Specs: Red light (633nm), near-infrared light (830nm)
- Recommended usage: 10 minutes daily
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: An FDA-cleared, dermatologist-recommended device that’s clinically-proven to ease inflammation, pain, and irritation associated with joint pain. As well as improving mobility, the red light therapy will help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation if used regularly.
- Type: Glove
- Specs: Red (633nm) and near-infrared (830nm)
- Recommended usage: 10 minutes daily
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This glove uses red and near-infrared light to improve skin quality, tone, and texture. While fine lines and wrinkles are softened with regular use, any inflammation or soreness you may have from overwashing or dryness should also be nixed.
- Type: Glove
- Specs: Red (633nm), near infrared (830nm)
- Recommended usage: 10 minutes daily
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Using over 600 different points to deliver eight different wavelengths of LED light (including orange to improve texture and yellow to reduce redness), this flexible silicone mitt works hard to improve the appearance of skin on the hands, including increasing firmness and elasticity and plumping the skin. A gold-plated bracelet fixture around the wrist ensures it doesn’t slip off while in use.
- Specs: Near-infrared (854 nm), red (637 nm), blue (465 nm), green (520 nm), orange (600 nm), yellow (580 nm), purple (440 nm), cyan (485 nm)
- Type: Mitt
- Recommended usage: 5 minutes daily
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Using patented AstraeaNatura technology, these simple to use red light to help skin shed pigmented cells faster, which helps to reduce dark spots and improve the overall texture of skin. Green light targets melanin clusters in the skin to prevent them from surfacing.
- Type: Contoured silicone mitts
- Specs: Red (630nm), near-infrared (830nm), green (500nm)
- Recommended usage: 10 minutes daily
FAQs
How do hand LED hand masks work?
“Hand LED masks operate using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver specific wavelengths of light to the skin,” explains Emily Buckwell at The Beauty Tech Group. “These masks are designed to target common skin issues on the hands, such as dryness, age spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.”
What’s the difference between LED face mask technology and hand mask technology?
“The main difference is the area of application,” says Buckwell. “LED face masks are designed to fit the contours of the face and address skin concerns like acne, ageing and pigmentation. They focus on rejuvenating and improving the overall appearance of facial skin. On the other hand, hand masks are designed to treat the skin on the hands, targeting issues like dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. While the technology is fundamentally the same, face masks generally deal with facial skin concerns, whereas hand masks are more focused on addressing skin conditions unique to the hands.”
What issues can an LED hand mask treat?
“LED hand masks are specifically designed to tackle issues related to the hands, such as dryness, rough texture, age spots, sun damage, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Buckwell. “They are ideal for treating skin concerns unique to the hands, which often show signs of ageing earlier than other parts of the body.”
Who do LED hand masks work well for?
“Hand masks work well for individuals experiencing dryness, rough skin, and signs of ageing on the hands. They are particularly useful for those with age spots, sun damage, or fine lines on their hands and anyone looking to rejuvenate the appearance of their hands,” she adds.
Anyone who should avoid using an LED hand mask?
“While LED masks are generally safe, some individuals should avoid them or use caution,” says Buckwell. “People with photosensitivity (due to conditions like lupus or medications that increase sensitivity to light) should avoid using LED masks. Pregnant or breastfeeding women may also choose to avoid these devices, though there is no conclusive evidence of harm. Additionally, those with active skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds should consult a dermatologist before using LED therapy, as the light may irritate sensitive skin.”
How often should I use an LED hand mask?
“For optimal results, LED masks should be used about 3-5 times a week, with each session lasting 10 minutes,” says Buckwell. “This frequency ensures that the skin receives consistent treatment to address the targeted concerns. Once you begin to see results, the frequency can be reduced to 1-2 times a week for maintenance. However, it’s always best to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for each mask.”
What results can I expect?
“With consistent use, LED hand masks typically lead to softer, more hydrated hands, with visible improvements in skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. Both masks contribute to rejuvenating the skin and creating a more youthful, radiant look,” says Buckwell.
How long will it take to see results?
The time it takes to see results can vary depending on the individual and the specific concerns being treated. You might see initial results like softer skin and better hydration after 1-2 weeks. Reduction in wrinkles and pigmentation issues can take around 4-6 weeks, with the best results showing after 6-8 weeks of regular use,” adds Buckwell.
