LED Face Mask Therapy May Not Be Without Risk

Face masks that emit red LED light have become very popular over the last decade, but are they safe?  The masks emit a bright band of red-light energy centered around a wavelength of about 630 nanometers. The light is delivered from the inner surface of a mask at very close proximity to the skin.  Such products are frequently promoted citing their potential to rejuvenate the skin, reduce local inflammation or even promote hair growth.  There is certainly a growing body of evidence that suggests red light can accelerate the body's natural healing and repair processes likely by promoting local circulation.

Users of these LED products, however, should be aware that their use may not be completely without risk.

This patient in her early 40s presented to our dermatology centre complaining of the sudden onset of a red burning rash that was limited to her face.  On further questioning, she noted that the eruption began shortly after a therapy session utilizing a red LED face mask that she purchased months earlier at a popular wholesale outlet.  Interestingly, her use of the mask in the preceding months was without incident. The only significant change in her routine was the initiation of a new “blue-green algae” supplement she had started taking just prior to her last mask exposure.

Proponents of Blue-green algae supplements suggest the possibility of health benefits including lowering blood pressure, decreasing cholesterol levels, achieving weight loss or even helping to control diabetes. Good scientific evidence to support these uses, however, appears to be rather limited. 

Blue-green algae is a common name for cyanobacteria which thrives in marine environments.  Cyanobacteria are known to harbor a photoactive substance called phycocyanobilin.  Studies demonstrate that this chemical chromophore is highly efficient at absorbing orange-red light in about the same spectrum (around 620 nm) as that emitted by red LEDs.  Phycocyanobilin is also capable of binding to human serum albumin in the bloodstream. As it remains in the blood, bound to albumin, it may be exposed to intense sources of light as it perfuses through the skin on the face. 

Blue-Green Algae "Phototoxin" Absorbs Light Near the Same Wavelength as Red LED (630nm)

Thus, this patient's red face mask exposure, in combination with the blue-green algae supplements she had consumed, was concluded to be the most likely cause of her phototoxic rash.

She was treated with topical ointment containing hydrocortisone. The inflammation in her skin improved after a week or so.  Unfortunately, her recovery was complicated by the development of hyperpigmentation as a result of the phototoxicity. This required additional therapy with a skin brightening cream that needed to be applied nightly over the next several months.

It is important to share this cautionary tale as LED light face masks, and similar products, have now become increasingly popular and widely available to the public.  Many people may not be aware, however, of the adverse reactions that may be possible from their use. Caution is suggested when applying these high intensity light-based devices so close to the skin, particularly by those who are known to be light sensitive or those taking supplements or even medications that may be photosensitizing.

1. Adapted from: Luimstra, V.M., Schuurmans, J.M., Verschoor, A.M. et al. Blue light reduces photosynthetic efficiency of cyanobacteria through an imbalance between photosystems I and II. Photosynth Res 138, 177–189 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-018-0561-5