I’m going to call it and say I’ve tried pretty much every facial treatment going. Largely because I’m curious, but also, it’s good to be able to offer advice to friends on what to try based on their skin concerns (once ‘less rose’ has been ruled out). Next up, we’re talking LED facials – the facial that triggers the body’s repair mode with light energy. The goal? To boost collagen and help to heal my scar tissue.
By Liz Hambleton
-
1 It’s not good if you’re claustrophobic
Heads up; most LED facials use a Darth Vader-like mask in the treatment. Mine sat very close to my face and took a few minutes to get used to. Your eyes are closed – sometimes with goggles on – and the lights are very bright, so can be strange for a bit.
-
2 It's really relaxing
That said, once I’d chilled out, I found myself drifting off into a lovely sleep as the lights washed over my face. I think I was under the mask for around 20 minutes in total and could have happily stayed there much longer.
-
3 Each colour light does a different job
I had general LED to boost my overall skin texture, but if you have a specific skin concern, you can opt for the light that best treats it – a mixture of red, yellow and blue was used on me. Red is great for improving age-related concerns, blue fights acne and acne-causing bacteria and yellow gets to work on sun damage.
-
4 I felt refreshed after
Unless LED is one part of another facial type, there’s not much happening to your skin aside from sitting under a mask. That means it’s unlikely you’ll leave feeling like you've ‘had a facial’, but I did leave with a fresh-looking glow – the kind you’d get after a sauna trip. The next morning, my skin was smoother and more radiant, plus the scar tissue above my eye was less noticeable.
-
5 Where to try it?
My top spots for an LED facial in London would be The Organic Pharmacy and LondonCryo. Enjoy.
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
What does an LED facial feel like?
You might find an LED facial relaxing once you get used to the mask. The mask sits very close to your face, feels bright against closed eyes, and may take a few minutes to adjust. Many people drift off to sleep during the approximately 20-minute session as the lights gently wash over their skin.
What do different LED light colours target in a facial?
Each LED light colour targets a specific skin concern. Red light is used for age-related concerns, blue light helps fight acne and acne-causing bacteria, and yellow light works on sun damage. You can choose a combination or select the colour based on your skin’s needs.
How does your skin look after an LED facial?
Your skin will likely have a fresh-looking glow after an LED facial, similar to the radiance following a sauna session. By the next morning, you may notice smoother, more radiant skin and reduced visibility of scar tissue. The treatment is gentle, with minimal physical sensations on the skin.
How long do you spend under the LED mask during a facial?
You typically spend around 20 minutes under the LED mask. The treatment duration is enough for most people to relax and may leave you wanting to stay longer. This timeframe allows the light energy to activate the skin’s repair mode effectively.
Is an LED facial suitable if you feel claustrophobic?
An LED facial may not be comfortable if you are claustrophobic, as most treatments use a mask that sits very close to your face. You keep your eyes closed, sometimes with goggles on, and the bright lights can seem intense at first. Some people need a few minutes to get used to the sensation and proximity.