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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lucy Smith

The truth about whether LED face masks actually work, according to an expert

Dr Ahmed El Muntasar gives me the low-down on how and why LED masks work - (The Independent)

The phenomenon of an LED face mask is hard to avoid in 2026. A quick scroll through social media or a conversation with anyone who has a casual interest in skincare, and chances are you'll encounter the red light therapy devices that make bold promises of clearer, brighter or firmer skin.

What was once a treatment associated with dermatology clinics and high-end facialists has become increasingly accessible, with brands such as Currentbody and Silk’n bringing light therapy into our homes. As a result, LED face masks are no longer reserved for those willing to splash out on a professional appointment. But the growing number of devices on the market raises an obvious question: do they actually deliver the same results as an expert-led treatment?

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