SPA+CLINIC speaks to Diana Shenouda, Founder of SAN LUEUR.

For consumers, selecting an at-home LED device can be difficult in understanding what comparison of results they can achieve, compared to in-clinic services. Amongst the various devices available on the market, how can one stand out in its point of difference?

In light of this, we spoke to Diana Shenouda, Founder of SAN LUEUR, Oral Health Therapist and Laser Specialist.

According to the brand, SAN LUEUR is a world-first at-home LED device offering a delivery of all three clinically approved wavelengths at the highest optimised energy output and irradiance possible for an at-home device. The idea came to fruition when Diana was searching for an at-home LED face mask that met her evidence-based criteria. Academic journal articles and published clinical studies indicate that LED wavelengths need to be at optimal depths to provide cosmetic results. This should be paired with safe but effective irradiance (intensity of the light) and energy output.

Diana found it was practically impossible to find such a product on the existing market. So, applying her knowledge of science, skincare, and technology, Diana launched the SAN LUEUR Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask in December 2022.

We asked Diana for specifications and the science behind the device.

Construction of the device

In comparison to the rigid masks that a lot of customers have told us they find uncomfortable, too small for their face shape, or that they take up too much space to store daily or to travel with, the SAN LUEUR Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask is made with premium soft, flexible silicone with a flat design. It is comfortable to wear, can fit around your face shape, and is easy to store and travel with as it takes up little space. It is also portable, so you can multitask while wearing it. 

Consumer education

When introducing relatively new devices to consumers, we believe the onus should be on brands to ensure consumers actually understand what they’re purchasing, and why. It’s unfortunate to see people buying LED masks without knowing what determines their effectiveness.

There are companies selling LED masks claiming that more colours and more wavelengths give you better results. However, they are promoting additional wavelengths which have very little or no published clinical data to support them, and they are promoting wavelengths without taking other key parameters (irradiance and energy output) into consideration.

Then there are other companies selling LED facial masks at very low prices, not only using cheap materials in the outer construction of the mask itself but they are using cheap LED lights in the internal construction as well. On the other end of the spectrum, there are companies that solely focus on the number of LED light bulbs in their mask as a marketing tactic. As a result, they are positioning their mask at an exorbitant price point (justified by the number of LED lights), however, the other key parameters are not necessarily considered.

Specifications and supporting data

We want to educate our customers on the importance of evidence-backed parameters. These include needing the combination of wavelengths, irradiance, and energy output to be at optimised levels for the mask to be effective without compromising on skin safety. 

When we talk about ‘optimal levels’, we are referring to clinical data and findings published in academic journals, supported by formal trials and studies. These findings establish which wavelengths, irradiance, and energy output are ideal for specific skincare outcomes.

Wavelengths (measurement of light visible to the human eye, in nm) determine the target depth for the light to travel to, prompting significant and visible beauty outcomes. In one beauty device, the SAN LUEUR Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask combines the gold standard wavelengths that are the most clinically-approved: 415nm, 633nm and 830nm (Ablon, 2018; Kim & Calderhead, 2011; Zheng et al., 2020). This means you don’t have to buy multiple masks or beauty devices. We are also proud to feature dual-wave technology: published studies have shown when red and near-infrared wavelengths are used simultaneously, a more desirable beauty outcome is achieved. 

Irradiance (power density or intensity of light, in mW/cm2) is an important consideration for LED skin devices. If the irradiance is too low, the device won’t provide adequate beauty outcomes – so it’s a waste of time and money. If the irradiance is at a level that is moderate, you will need to wear the mask more frequently and for longer time periods for it to be effective. If the irradiance is too high, skin health may be compromised. 

A higher irradiance generally means a shorter treatment time is required. The optimal irradiance is considered to be around 40–150 mW/cm2 (Calderhead, 2018; Sorbellini et al., 2018). A systematic review of at-home devices found that devices with irradiances ranging from 8-50 mW/cm2 prompted significant results (Gavish & Houreld, 2019), however, an irradiance of 50-55mW/cm2 should be the upper threshold, as any higher and the device would be uncomfortable (producing heating of the skin target), potentially leading to undesired outcomes (Barolet et al 2016). 

The SAN LUEUR Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask features the highest irradiance comfortably possible for an at-home device: 50mW/cm2. This level of irradiance is paired with optimal wavelengths, making our mask highly effective without compromising on skin safety.

Fluence (energy output or density, in J/cm2) is the amount of energy delivered by the device. In low level light therapy (LLLT), there is no fixed value of fluence that always produces a positive effect. In a meta-analysis of LLLT in wound repair, energy densities from 19 to 24 J/cm2 were found to be more effective than energy densities at or below 8.25 J/cm2 (Woodruff et al., 2004). The SAN LUEUR Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask features an energy density of 23 J/cm2.  Although the energy density is an important parameter to consider as you don’t want it to be too low, the key determinant of the device’s effectiveness is the irradiance (Barolet et al., 2016). 

Let us know in the comments: Do you stock at-home LED masks, and if so, which one?

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