
Red-light masks: can they really slow ageing?
From Science Weekly by The Guardian
May 26, 2026 · 14 min
About this episode
The episode explores the effectiveness of home red-light therapy devices in reducing skin aging and discusses scientific insights on their benefits.
Home red-light therapy devices have exploded in popularity as masks, body wraps and mittens promise to reduce wrinkles, redness and even acne. But do the claims stack up, and what other benefits are scientists investigating? Ian Sample hears from his co-host, Madeleine Finlay, and the consultant dermatologist Dr Jonathan Kentley. Kentley explains how the potential benefits of red light were discovered, how it is thought to interact with collagen in our skin, and what science has to say about its impact on our appearance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
People in this episode
Host: Ian Sample
Guests: Madeleine Finlay, Dr Jonathan Kentley
Topics covered
- red-light therapy
- anti-aging
- dermatology
- skin health
- scientific claims
Keywords
- red-light masks
- wrinkles
- acne
- collagen
- skin appearance
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Guardian
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