Patients with darker skin often ask me the same question before any treatment. Is this suitable for my skin?
It is a fair question. Not every skincare treatment has been designed with melanin-rich skin in mind. So here is what to know about LED.
How LED is different
Many professional skin treatments rely on heat. An LED mask does not. It uses gentle, low-level light at set wavelengths. There is no UV and no downtime.
ZKIN was designed for all skin types and all skin tones. That was never optional.
What people use LED for
- A more even-looking tone. Skin that looks brighter and more uniform.
- Glow. Improves skin glow for a healthy-looking radiance.
- Smoother-looking texture. Skin that looks and feels refreshed.
How to use it well
Choose red and near-infrared. If you have melanin-rich skin, melasma or skin that marks easily, use the red and near-infrared setting and skip blue light. Blue light is popular for blemish-prone skin, but it is not the setting I recommend for skin prone to pigmentation.
Start at a lower intensity for the first week, then build up. Cleanse before every session. Use the mask three to seven times a week, and keep going. Consistency matters more than intensity. Results vary from person to person.
An LED mask is one part of a routine, not the whole of it. Daily sunscreen is still essential, whatever your skin tone. If you are under a doctor's care for your skin, let them know you are using an LED mask.
Before you start
LED masks are not suitable for everyone. Anyone should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use if pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any medication that increases sensitivity to light, or if there are any concerns about the skin. Always follow the instructions that come with the mask.
I made ZKIN to be used on every skin I see in clinic.
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Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme
Consultant Physician, founder of Adonia Medical Clinic and creator of ZKIN