Just unboxed your first mask and wondering where to start? This guide walks you through how to use an LED face mask step by step, from prepping your skin to cleaning the mask afterwards, so it slots easily into your evening wind-down. No complicated rules, no salon appointment — just a simple beginner's routine you can follow at home.
We'll use the Pro Light Thera™ Mask as our example throughout, but the basics apply to most at-home LED masks. Always read the user manual that comes with your device first, as it's the final word on settings and session times for your mask.
What an LED face mask is (in plain English)
An LED face mask is a wearable panel of small LED lights that sits over your face. You put it on, choose a setting, and relax while it runs for a set time. The Pro Light Thera™ Mask is made from soft, flexible silicone with over 200 LEDs arranged across the face, and it offers red, blue and near-infrared light settings with multiple modes and session durations.
Most people use an LED mask as a calming, hands-free addition to their skincare routine — something to look forward to at the end of the day. If you'd like the bigger picture on red light before you start, our Red Light Therapy 101 guide is a good primer.
Before your first session: a quick checklist
- Charge it up. The Pro Light Thera™ Mask is powered via USB-C and works with standard charging adapters, so give it a full charge before your first go.
- Read the manual. Get familiar with the modes, the controls and the safety guidelines for your specific mask.
- Adjust the strap. Fit the adjustable head strap so the mask sits snugly and comfortably without pressing on your nose.
- Check in with your health. If you're pregnant, photosensitive, take medication that makes you sensitive to light, or have a medical or skin condition, check with your doctor or dermatologist before using any light device.
How to use an LED face mask: step-by-step beginner's routine
Here's a simple routine to follow, whether you use your mask in the morning or as part of your night-time ritual.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin
Start with a fresh, clean face. Remove makeup, sunscreen and any heavy products with your usual cleanser, then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Bare skin means nothing sits between your skin and the light, and it keeps the inside of your mask cleaner too.
Step 2: Keep skincare light (or skip it)
For beginners, the easiest approach is to use the mask on clean, dry skin. If you like to apply something first, keep it to a thin layer of a simple serum and let it absorb fully. Avoid thick creams, oils or anything with active ingredients your manual or skincare professional advises against using alongside light devices.
Step 3: Put the mask on and get comfortable
Line up the eye, nose and mouth openings, then secure the strap. Lie back on the couch or sit somewhere comfy — this is your excuse to slow down. Keep your eyes closed during the session for comfort, and follow your manual's advice on eye protection.
Step 4: Choose your setting and session length
Select a light setting and session length using the controls. The Pro Light Thera™ Mask offers several modes and session durations of up to 30 minutes. As a beginner, start at the shorter end of the range for your first few sessions so you can see how your skin feels, then build up gradually within the guidelines in your manual.
Step 5: Relax while it runs
Pop on a podcast, a calming playlist or simply enjoy a few quiet minutes. Many people find this is the part of the routine they love most: an enforced pause in a busy day. Try not to move around too much so the mask stays evenly in place.
Step 6: Finish your skincare
When the session ends, remove the mask and carry on with the rest of your routine — moisturiser at night, or moisturiser and SPF in the morning (a non-negotiable under the Australian sun). If it's a morning session, you can follow with light makeup, such as a swipe of the Pure Veil™ Colour Changing Foundation Stick for a quick, natural-looking finish.
Step 7: Clean and store your mask
Wipe the inside and outside of the mask with a soft, damp cloth after each use. Skip harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the silicone. Let it dry, then store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
How often should beginners use an LED mask?
Consistency matters more than marathon sessions. Rather than using your mask for as long as possible, pick a realistic schedule and stick with it. A good starting point is a few sessions a week at a shorter duration, increasing gradually if your skin feels comfortable — always staying within the frequency and session times recommended in your user manual.
A few tips to help the habit stick:
- Anchor it to something you already do, like your evening cleanse or your favourite show.
- Keep the mask somewhere visible and charged, so it's ready when you are.
- Take a quick selfie in the same light each week if you'd like to keep track of how your skin looks over time.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
- Doing too much, too soon. Longer or more frequent sessions aren't automatically better. Start gently and build up.
- Using it over makeup or SPF. Always start with clean skin.
- Layering strong actives. Keep pre-mask skincare simple, especially at first.
- Skipping the clean-up. A quick wipe after every session keeps your mask fresh and hygienic.
- Expecting instant changes. Think of LED as part of a steady routine, alongside sun protection, hydration and good sleep.
- Ignoring how your skin feels. If you notice any discomfort or irritation, stop using the mask and speak to your doctor or dermatologist.
Red, blue and near-infrared: which setting should you try first?
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the different colours. Our advice for beginners is to keep it simple: pick one setting from your manual, use it consistently for a few weeks, and get to know how the routine fits into your life before experimenting. Your user manual explains what each mode on your mask is designed for.
If you're also curious about red light for other parts of your routine — like wearable wraps and belts — our guide on which red light therapy device is right for you compares the options.
Your LED mask routine at a glance
- Charge the mask and read the manual.
- Cleanse and dry your skin.
- Apply a thin serum, or go bare.
- Fit the mask and adjust the strap.
- Choose a setting and a shorter session to start.
- Relax with your eyes closed until it switches off.
- Moisturise (and SPF in the morning).
- Wipe the mask clean and store it.
That's it — a simple, repeatable routine that turns a few minutes into a little moment of me-time. Please note: if you're pregnant, photosensitive or have a medical condition, check with your doctor before using red light or any LED device.
Shop the products in this guide
- Pro Light Thera™ Mask — a flexible silicone LED face mask with red, blue and near-infrared settings for your at-home skincare routine.
- Pure Veil™ Colour Changing Foundation Stick — a quick, swipe-on finish for post-mask mornings.
Free shipping across Australia and a 30-day money-back guarantee on every order.
0 comments