Do Home Red-Light/LED Devices Work?
At-home LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy masks and devices have grown in popularity. If used consistently for a long period of time there is some evidence that they can cause a mild improvement in facial redness associated with rosacea although this is not always noticeable.
How do home devices compare to clinics?
Home devices will never be comparable to in-clinic treatments as the energy used is far lower. Even with very consistent, long-term use (e.g., 10-20 minutes daily for several months) many patients do not see a noticeabe improvement. Furthermore they will never be effective for prominent blood vessels.
How can I help
I see patients in person in central London. An in person consultation allows me to examine the skin directly including features that are difficult to capture in a photograph such as 3-dimensional changes and textural change. This is the better option where the diagnosis is uncertain, where previous treatment has not been effective, or where a procedure is being considered. For more straightforward conditions such as acne and rosacea a remote consultation with clear photographs can be a good option.
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