Upon a glance in the mirror as you use an LED mask, it might appear that you’re wearing a serial-killer costume. While obviously it makes sense to laugh about the fact that, yes, you look a little ridiculous with a fancy skin care hockey mask strapped to your head: In order to protect your eyes, you maybe shouldn’t peek while you’ve got one on, unless your mask’s manufacturer specifically says it’s safe to use with your eyes open.
LED—or light-emitting diode—masks aim to address a host of skin-related issues, including acne and wrinkles. By using them, people are hoping to reap skin care treatment benefits they could previously only seek out at a dermatologist’s office, by way of procedures like red light therapy—these masks use similar technology, just at home. Being your own doctor also means being aware of the potential risks associated with LED light masks.
When LED masks are used as directed—which can include wearing protective goggles, keeping your eyes shut, and affixing the mask to your face correctly—the devices shouldn’t pose a high risk for eye health, Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, tells SELF. “However, incorrect usage of LED light masks can lead to eye damage due to cumulative light exposure or overload,” she adds. Basically, the key is just making sure you’re not accidentally frying your peepers by using the mask wrong or for too long of a time.
What the research says about LED lights and your eyes
Unfortunately, we’re largely lacking large-scale, randomized clinical trials or peer-reviewed, rigorous research to offer clear takeaways on whether at-home LED masks pose an eye health risk (and if so, to what degree). One 2020 case report—i.e., a scientific exploration of a single person’s experience—connected “prolonged” blue light LED mask exposure with retinal damage, and it drew the conclusion that people should cover their eyes when they use LED masks. This type of light is used in some masks, and research has shown that it can be beneficial for treating acne. That said…another small report connected red light LED therapy with potential ocular benefits, like treating macular degeneration. So the risks versus rewards here truly aren’t clear.
From what we know so far, it seems like it depends on a person’s preexisting risk of light-related eye issues. In 2019, Neutrogena voluntarily recalled its Light Therapy Mask and Activator “out of an abundance of caution” in light of “a theoretical risk of eye injury” for people with some eye conditions or ocular photosensitivity, according to a statement from the company. It noted the products are safe for the general population when they’re used correctly.
Some masks on the market today discourage their use if they know that you have sensitive eye. According to the Cleveland Clinic, ocular photosensitivity or photophobia is linked to a variety of conditions including migraines, certain allergies and albinism. Mitigating photophobia symptoms includes avoiding non-natural light, so if you have sensitive eyes or a condition that might lead to them, it’s best to talk with an optometrist or ophthalmologist about whether strapping on an LED mask is a good idea for you.
How to protect your eye while wearing an LED light mask
Dr. Green points out that you can choose a device that’s specifically been cleared for use by the FDA, which is information you’ll be able to find on the package or the manufacturer’s website—this means the agency has decided the technology a given product uses offers benefits that outweigh its potential risks, and plenty of popular masks on the market are FDA-cleared, like the TheraFace Mask and the DRx SpectraLite FaceWear Pro.