One of the most common questions I receive is, "What do you think about LED masks?" It's a totally fair question considering all the masks that have hit the market in the past few years. So let’s break down why I love LED treatments and why I choose the Celluma Pro.
My celluma is permanently plugged in next to my bed
Do LED Masks Work?
Yes! LED therapy has been proven effective in various studies and while I won’t bore you with linking them all, if you’re interested, this website compiled a long list of recent LED studies that you can review.
The general takeaway is that LED can increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, kill acne bacteria, decrease inflammation, improve acne prone skin, skin tone, texture and clarity, decrease wrinkles as well as ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm, and pain associated with arthritis.
But there are a few things to note
Consistency is everything. In all of the studies I’ve read, LED was used at least 2x a week for at least 8 weeks.
Not all LED masks are created equal. LED therapy works by utilizing different wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns. So the mask you buy needs to offer a range of wavelengths to effectively address various skin concerns.
Why I choose Celluma Pro
It’s FDA approved and has clinical studies to support its use.
It offers three settings: Acne, Wrinkles, and Aches & Pains. The Acne and Wrinkles settings are self-explanatory, but I find the Aches and Pains setting particularly useful. It not only alleviates pain but also accelerates healing. I frequently use it on my stomach during my period or after a workout if I’m sore. Additionally, it aids in speeding up recovery following in-office treatments like Morpheus8 or Clear and Brilliant. As someone prone to bruising, I also use this setting to help bruises heal faster on my legs. Lastly, it can even stimulate hair growth!
It’s a panel–this is both a pro and a con. It’s a con because you have to sit under the dome and you can’t multitask like you can with a mask that has eyeholes. But it’s also a big pro because it covers more surface area and can be easily used all over the body. For example you can wrap the panel around joints, or lay it on your back following the curvature of your spine. Personally, I find it beneficial because it encourages me to take a break from the constant scrolling. Sitting under the Celluma a few times a week is great for my mental health because it forces me to slow down. My Oura ring almost always registers a Celluma sesh as a nap, and sometimes I even fall asleep! LED naps are the best naps, imo.
I am not exaggerating when I say I use my Celluma every day. It is permanently plugged in next to my bed. I try to use it on my face twice a week, but I also use the wrinkle setting on my neck and chest while I work. I often use the aches and pains setting on my stomach when I’m reading at night because it’s just nice, warm, infrared light.
I notice the most immediate difference if I’m having some type of skin reaction, such as folliculitis or a rash because after a Celluma session, my skin is instantly calmer.
It’s one of the things I miss the most when I travel because although they tout that it’s travel-friendly, it’s still pretty cumbersome to pack. Last year I bought a new one and hand carried it to Europe as my “personal item.” Proof below!
Yes I hand carried my Celluma in its box to Europe.
The Price
Okay, this is where I lose people. It’s $1,800 for the Celluma Pro, which is their flagship product and the one estheticians and derms use in-office.
But the way I see it, if you really use the product consistently and take advantage of all 3 settings, the cost per use is actually quite low. Secondly, you can easily spend more than $1,800 a year on skincare that is significantly less effective. The Celluma is proven to work and will last you many years. And, if you go to a facial place, they can charge around $75 for a 30-min Celluma session so according to girl-math, my Celluma is basically free.
Where To Buy:
You can buy a Celluma Pro online via their website, or Joanna Czech. I bought mine at GoodSkin in Los Angeles. I have the version with the cord but there is a new cordless version which I would suggest!