How to Use an LED Face Mask: A Step by Step Routine
Published October 2026. Updated October 2026.
Quick answer
Read the manual, start with a clean dry face, choose one mode and one intensity level, keep your eyes closed or shielded as directed, let the timer run, then switch off and wipe the mask. For the AWA LX500, the product page lists a 10 minute session, 3 to 4 times a week. This is a routine for handling the device, not a promise about outcomes, and your manual always wins.
The short version of the routine
People searching for how to use an LED face mask usually want one thing: a clear order of steps they can follow the first time without second guessing. Here it is in seven lines, then each step in detail below.
- Read the manual and find the mode and intensity buttons.
- Prepare a clean, dry face.
- Pick one mode.
- Pick one intensity level.
- Put the mask on and settle in.
- Let the timer finish.
- Switch off, wipe down and store.
This guide is part of our LED face mask series. For the big picture on modes, wavelengths, fit and care, see our LED face mask guide.
Step 1: Read the manual first
Every mask has its own button layout. On the AWA LX500, the product page says you press the Mode button to cycle through its three modes, and that there are 3 intensity levels with automatic shut off. The LX300 lists red, near infrared and blue modes plus additional color modes. Spend two minutes with the manual before the first session so you know which button does what without fumbling in the dark with the mask on.
Step 2: Prepare your face
The product pages for both AWA masks say to use the mask on clean, bare skin and to apply serums and moisturizer after the session, not before. In practice that means washing your face, drying it, and removing anything you do not want sitting between the mask and your skin. The preparation guide in this series covers what to skip in more detail. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, handle the mask like any other device that sits against your face: start from a clean surface so the inside of the mask stays clean too.
Step 3: Choose one mode
Choose a single mode for the session. The AWA LX500 lists three:
| LX500 mode | Wavelengths | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Mode 1 | Red plus near infrared (630nm + 850nm) | Visible red together with invisible near infrared |
| Mode 2 | Blue (415nm) | Visible violet blue |
| Mode 3 | Mixed (415nm + 630nm + 850nm) | All three wavelengths together |
The mode descriptions here say what each mode physically is, not what it will do for you. If you want a fuller explanation of each color, our modes guide in this series goes through them. For wavelengths in general, our wavelength guides cover 630nm, 850nm and 415nm.
Step 4: Choose an intensity level
If your mask has intensity levels, start at the lowest level for your first session and see how it feels. The LX500 lists 3 levels. Higher is not automatically better, and nothing about a higher level changes the advice to follow the manual. Our guide on using a device beyond its manual explains why.
Step 5: Put the mask on
Take off glasses and contact lenses, move hair away from your forehead and ears, and fit the mask so it sits evenly on the face. Adjust straps before you switch the mask on, not during the session, so the light is not moving around while it runs. Then pay attention to your eyes. The LX500 product page says to keep your eyes closed during use, and the LX300 is described as eye shielded. Near infrared is invisible, so never assume a mask is off because you cannot see light. Our eye protection guide covers eyewear in more depth.
Step 6: Let the timer run
For the AWA LX500, the product page lists a 10 minute session, 3 to 4 times a week. The LX300 page lists about 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. Use the mask's own timer and automatic shut off rather than watching the clock, and do not add a second session on the same day to make up for a missed one. For how session length works across devices, see how long a session runs, by the manual.
It is fine to rest, listen to something or sit quietly. Avoid moving around a lot, and do not run a second light device over the mask at the same time.
Step 7: Switch off, wipe down and store
When the session ends, switch the mask off and let it cool for a minute. Wipe the inside with a soft, slightly damp cloth, let it dry and put it in its case. Then apply your serums and moisturizer, if you use them. A dedicated cleaning guide in this series covers the details.
First session checklist
| Check | Done when |
|---|---|
| Manual read | You know the mode button, intensity levels and shut off behavior |
| Face clean and dry | No products between the mask and your skin |
| Eyes covered or closed | As the manual directs |
| One mode, lowest intensity | Selected before the mask goes on |
| Power ready | Charged or plugged in for the whole session |
| Cleanup planned | Cloth and case are within reach |
Common mistakes
- Skipping the manual and learning the buttons mid session.
- Changing mode or intensity halfway through, which makes the session harder to track.
- Applying serums before the session, when the product pages say to apply them after.
- Opening your eyes to check that the light is on. Near infrared is invisible.
- Doubling up sessions in one day to catch up on a missed day.
- Skipping the wipe down, so product residue builds up inside the mask.
- Expecting this guide or the mask to answer a medical question. Speak to a qualified professional for those.
Related guides
Device pages
Read the full page and label for each mask before you use it: AWA LX300 and AWA LX500. Browse the whole masks collection to compare. Questions? Visit the learning center.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to put anything on my face before an LED mask session?
Both AWA product pages say to use the mask on clean, bare skin and to apply serums and moisturizer after the session. Start with a washed, dried face.
Should I wear the mask with my eyes open or closed?
Follow your manual. The AWA LX500 product page says to keep your eyes closed during use, and the LX300 is described as eye shielded. Near infrared cannot be seen, so do not judge by sight.
How long should one session last?
It depends on the mask. The AWA LX500 product page lists 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, and the LX300 page lists about 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. Use the built in timer and follow your manual.
Can I switch modes during a session?
It is better to pick one mode per session so the session is easy to track. Check your manual for how your mask handles mode changes.
What should I do if the mask feels uncomfortable?
Stop the session, switch the mask off and check the fit and intensity level. If discomfort continues, speak to a qualified professional.
Sources
- FDA: Premarket Notification 510(k). Explains that a 510(k) is a premarket submission showing a device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, and that a company must receive an FDA order before marketing it.
- FDA: General Wellness policy for low risk devices. Final guidance dated January 2026 on the agency's compliance policy for general wellness products. It is a policy document, not a statement about any one device.
Regulatory note: select devices carry FDA 510(k) clearance for specific, limited uses; most are sold as general wellness products. Masks cleared for the face only. Read each product page and label.
How we create this guide
AWA sells red light therapy devices. We write these guides to explain how devices work and how to choose and use one. This is general information, not medical advice. Read each product page and label. See our editorial standards.