Written by Nordic Light Lab — the UK arm of a Scandinavian family of specialist light-therapy shops, including Lysterapi.no, Norway’s largest light-therapy store with over 10,000 customers. We sell the products we write about, and we say so openly.
The UK is the home turf of LED face masks — CurrentBody and Omnilux are both British success stories, and both make serious devices. So why would anyone consider a challenger? Because this category is decided by specification sheets, not brand names. Here is how to read them.
The four numbers that decide everything
1. LED count. More diodes mean more even coverage. 2. Wavelengths. Red (~630 nm) and near-infrared (~850 nm) carry most of the published evidence on collagen and skin ageing; amber and blue serve supporting roles. Note that some well-known masks include no near-infrared at all. 3. Irradiance. Measured in mW/cm², this is the dose per minute — a mask that does not publish it cannot be compared. 4. Certification. CE as a minimum.
Where our mask stands
Our SoftSkin InfraLight LED Mask (£279) publishes all four: 240 LEDs across four wavelengths — 630 nm red, 590 nm amber, 470 nm blue and 850 nm near-infrared — with a measured irradiance of 63.2 mW/cm² and CE, ISO and RoHS certification. For neck and décolletage — where skin ageing often shows first — there is a Neck & Chest version (£149) and a combined set (£379).
To be clear about the comparison: CurrentBody and Omnilux publish their own specifications, and we encourage you to put them side by side with ours before buying anything — including from us. We win on price and on including near-infrared at this price point; they win on brand recognition and, in Omnilux’s case, a long clinical heritage. That is the honest picture.
Who should not buy an LED mask
If you will not use it three or more times a week for at least two months, the research says you will not see much — whichever brand you choose. And no mask replaces sunscreen, retinoids or a dermatologist for serious skin concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Which LED face mask is best in the UK?
CurrentBody and Omnilux dominate the UK market and both make credible devices with published specifications. Our SoftSkin InfraLight competes on hard numbers: 240 LEDs, four wavelengths (630, 590, 470 and 850 nm including near-infrared), a measured irradiance of 63.2 mW/cm2, and CE, ISO and RoHS certification - at 279 pounds. We obviously sell one of the three, so check the specifications yourself rather than taking any retailer's word for it.
What should I look for when comparing LED masks?
Four things: the number of LEDs, which wavelengths are included (red ~630 nm and near-infrared ~850 nm carry most of the evidence for collagen and skin ageing), the measured irradiance in mW/cm2 (without it you cannot judge dose), and safety certification. A mask that does not publish irradiance is asking you to buy blind.
How often do I need to use an LED mask to see results?
The studies behind LED skin therapy typically used sessions of around 10 minutes, three to five times a week, with visible changes assessed after 8 to 12 weeks. Consistency beats intensity - a mask you actually use three times a week outperforms a stronger one that stays in the drawer.
Is blue light in LED masks safe for skin?
Blue light around 470 nm is used at low doses against blemish-prone skin and is non-UV. It is not the same as the high-energy UV that damages skin. People with light-triggered skin conditions or on photosensitising medication should check with their GP first.
Does near-infrared matter in an LED mask?
Near-infrared (~850 nm) penetrates deeper than visible red light and features in much of the research on skin ageing. Several popular masks skip it. If anti-ageing is your goal, check that the specification sheet actually lists a near-infrared wavelength - not just red.