Can an LED face mask really transform your skin?

LED technology has been used to address a number of skin issues, such as eczema, mild to moderate acne, psoriasis and sun damage in a medical setting.

But the at-home LED market is on the verge of becoming a massive industry - with masks and other devices retailing for anything from £40 to £1,500.

The technology harnesses the power of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which then stimulate skin cells when they are exposed to the skin repeatedly.

Mask developers make big claims that at-home LED masks can be used to treat acne scars, sun damage and fine lines - but does this stand up to scrutiny?

Dr Kentley concludes that "PBM is mostly considered safe, even at high levels" so using any form of LED technology is unlikely to "cause damage to cells", however more research into how exactly PBM works is needed to understand what it can do.

"There have been many experimental and clinical studies into the use of PBM for various dermatologic conditions, however they have varied in the parameters of the device and treatment protocols," he adds.

"Many of these studies were small and unstandardised and often paid for by the manufacturers so it is difficult to draw concrete conclusions".

He says if someone is keen to buy a device they should make sure they choose one that has EU safety certifications and a high density of LED bulbs on the mask to ensure enough energy is being delivered to the skin.

Dr Kluk also says that she does not "want to discourage anyone" who is intrigued by the technology but wants "them to understand that this is a lot of money to spend on a device, which could potentially support a good skincare routine, or if it's severe like acne, a good prescription regimen and some lifestyle measures - but it's unlikely to do enough on its own."