Your Most Frequently Asked LED Skincare Questions — Answered!

We’re not going to lie — when it comes to LED devices for home use, we’ve pretty much set the standard with our Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro. So when people have questions about LEDs (light-emitting diodes), it’s no surprise they come to us for answers. After all, we didn’t just create the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro — we also offer the DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro and the DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro. In short, we know a lot about LEDs! To make it easy, we’ve gathered our most frequently asked LED questions in one place, along with our answers.

Most frequently asked LED question #1: What’s the difference between a wearable and a hand-held LED device?

Answer: The core technology in both types of tools is the same. The benefit of a wearable device is that once you put it on and adjust it for a snug fit, you ensure that your skin is getting maximum, unimpeded exposure to the LEDs. Plus, you can cover more surface area with a mask, so in three minutes, you can treat your entire face or eye area, for example, and be done for the day. With a hand-held device, you’ll need to go over your skin section by section in three-minute increments to reach the same end result. There’s nothing wrong with that, but our days can get pretty busy, making efficiency our number-one priority.

Most frequently asked LED question #2: What does “FDA cleared” mean?

Answer: Not all LED devices sold for home use are created equal. (To be honest, the at-home skincare device category is woefully underregulated, but that’s a topic for another time.) If a device is labeled as “FDA cleared,” that means it’s been independently tested for safety and efficacy and its product claims are verified. Speaking of claims, you want to invest in a device that’s proven to work! So clinical proof of what the device is promising it can do is essential. All Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare devices are FDA cleared and have the independent clinical data that demonstrates consistent usage of these devices leads to an improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. (You can find this information on our website.)

Most frequently asked LED question #3: Can LEDs hurt my eyes?

Answer: Yes, LED energy is mild, but it’s not nothing. In fact, patients wear opaque eye shields for in-office LED treatments because those are typically done sitting in front of an LED panel, which isn’t designed to keep red light out of a patient’s eyes. At-home devices aren’t as strong as the ones a dermatologist uses, but you still need to think about light exposure and your eyes. The DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro and EyeCare Max Pro are designed to keep eyes safe while in use. The FaceWare Pro, for example, sits flush against the skin, so light can’t reach the eyes. (This is also an advantage wearables have over hand-held devices.) Both of these devices have been tested for safety to use without wearing goggles. 

Most frequently asked LED question #4: Is my LED device safe for melasma?

Answer: Yep, no worries there. If you have melasma, you can safely use your LED device. 

Most frequently asked LED question #5: How do I prepare my skin for an LED treatment? 

Answer: Your skin, whether it’s on your face or your body, should be clean and free from any makeup or heavy moisturizer. You don’t want anything to impede the skin’s absorption of the energy coming from the LEDs.

Most frequently asked LED question #6: Is it safe to use retinol after my LED treatment?

Answer: Totally. In fact, following your LED session with retinol is a brilliant idea because both retinol and LEDs stimulate collagen production, but in different ways. Combining the two results in max collagen-boosting power. 

Most frequently asked LED question #7: When is a better time to use my LED device — morning or night?

Answer: This is purely a matter of personal preference. The key is that you need to use your device consistently in order to see results. If it’s easier for you to fit in your daily session before bed, as you’re winding down, that’s great. If you like to start every day with your treatment, that’s awesome as well.

Most frequently asked LED question #8: Will using my LED device more than once a day increase its benefits?

Answer: It depends on your goal. If acne reduction or collagen stimulation are your desired outcomes, multiple daily sessions won’t hurt you, but they also won’t help. Skin cells become fully saturated after one three-minute session and can’t absorb any additional LED energy. (Think about what happens while you drink a ton of water. Your body takes what it needs, then expels the rest. Same idea here.) However, if you’re trying to reduce inflammation, you can totally power up your device more than once a day to help bring down redness or puffiness. Ditto if you’re grabbing your Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro to alleviate mild muscle or joint pain. However, if you’re planning to use your device in successive sessions (such as to treat a large area of the body), give it a few minutes to cool down at the end of each cycle so that it doesn’t overheat.

Most frequently asked LED question #9: How do I clean my LED device?

Answer: Such an important question! Cleaning your LED device after every session is an absolute must because oil and bacteria can build up on the inside cover. This can lead to acne, which is ironic, especially if you’re using your LED mask to get rid of breakouts in the first place! After you finish your daily LED treatment, wipe down the inside of your device with an alcohol pad or a washcloth damped with warm, soapy water. Then set it out to dry completely before your next session.

Most frequently asked LED question #10: Which light is best to get rid of post-inflammatory acne marks?

Answer: Red, hands down. You can find out more about the skin benefits of each LED color and how they work here. 

Most frequently asked LED question #11: How long will my LED device before I need to replace it?

Answer: The DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro, and DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro are built to last under normal conditions. (Don’t wear your Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro in the hot tub, OK?) Each is fully rechargeable.

You’ll get up to 10 treatments out of a completely charged Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro or Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro. (Forty-six from the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro!) We also offer the opportunity to purchase a protection plan of up to three years for each device, in case you accidentally drop yours on a cement floor or break it in some other way.

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Originally published on 11/25/2022. Updated on 9/1/2023.