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CurrentBody’s LED mask provides “anti-aging” red and near-infra-red light therapy to the face. It is supposed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, “clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% in just 4 weeks”. It promises to improve skin tone and texture and firm the skin. It has won many beauty awards and is loved by celebrities like Kaley Cuoco, Renee Zellweger, and Kate Hudson. 95% of users said their skin tone, texture, firmness, and tightness was improved.

The price of the full kit has been dropped from $868 to $628; such a deal! The mask alone sells for $399. They recommend using it for 10 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week. Some users do it every day.

The device combines Red (633nm) and near Infra-Red Light (830nm) to penetrate deep below the skin’s surface, delivering key nutrients to skin’s cells to stimulate the natural rejuvenation process. This encourages the skin to efficiently repair and renew it’s [sic] cells, naturally reversing the ageing process. The dual technology also helps to increase the production of collagen to reveal a firmer, tighter complexion.

This therapy must be good since it originated with NASA. “NASA discovered that LED light stimulates the body’s natural skin cell renewal process, using the technology for muscle repair and reducing inflammation.”

Testimonials claim glowing skin and benefits beyond the skin: relief of jaw pain, relaxing the trapezius, less stomach bloat and a flatter belly, relief of low back pain and period pain, scar over eyebrow no longer visible, mood improved, improved sleep. It is said to reduce stress, increase serotonin levels, to boost radiance, to improve blood flow, and to boost oxygen to the skin cells. Light therapy has been shown effective for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), acne, and some other conditions. Some studies have shown promise, but the evidence is far from conclusive. Here’s the study they cite – note that it doesn’t test the mask they are selling.

There are many other LED mask products on the market. Is CurrentBody’s better than the others? I couldn’t find any studies comparing one to another.

Conclusion: Glowing testimonials but no conclusive evidence

The testimonials go far beyond the science and claim benefits that are subjective and are almost certainly placebo effects not due to the mask. It may be worth the big bucks to some people who can afford it. It may provide confidence and improve their self-image. I’m not convinced.

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  • Harriet Hall, MD also known as The SkepDoc, is a retired family physician who writes about pseudoscience and questionable medical practices. She received her BA and MD from the University of Washington, did her internship in the Air Force (the second female ever to do so),  and was the first female graduate of the Air Force family practice residency at Eglin Air Force Base. During a long career as an Air Force physician, she held various positions from flight surgeon to DBMS (Director of Base Medical Services) and did everything from delivering babies to taking the controls of a B-52. She retired with the rank of Colonel.  In 2008 she published her memoirs, Women Aren't Supposed to Fly.

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Posted by Harriet Hall

Harriet Hall, MD also known as The SkepDoc, is a retired family physician who writes about pseudoscience and questionable medical practices. She received her BA and MD from the University of Washington, did her internship in the Air Force (the second female ever to do so),  and was the first female graduate of the Air Force family practice residency at Eglin Air Force Base. During a long career as an Air Force physician, she held various positions from flight surgeon to DBMS (Director of Base Medical Services) and did everything from delivering babies to taking the controls of a B-52. She retired with the rank of Colonel.  In 2008 she published her memoirs, Women Aren't Supposed to Fly.

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