DIY LED Skincare Mask & Loungewear

In this project, we’re exploring how to create a DIY LED skincare mask and LED loungewear as a budget-friendly alternative to expensive red light therapy devices. Inspired by Kim Kardashian’s £78,000 LED bed, this project uses red LED strips to provide skincare benefits while being convenient to wear.

For the LED Mask:

1. A welding mask (acts as the base)
2. Red LED strips (with the correct wavelength)
3. Soldering kit (soldering iron, solder wire)
4. Wires (to connect the LEDs)
5. Power supply (compatible with LED strips)
6. Electrical tape (to insulate connections)

For the LED Loungewear:

1. Oversized tracksuit (or any comfortable clothing)
2. Red LED strips
3. Reflective tape (to maximize light exposure)
4. Velcro (for attaching LEDs in a removable way)
5. Fabric panels (to hold LEDs in place)
6. Wire connectors (to connect LED strips together)
7. Electrical tape

Red light therapy works within a specific wavelength range to promote skin benefits.

Not all red lights work—heat lamps are often mistaken for red light therapy but emit heat, which can counteract the benefits.

LEDs with specific wavelengths (usually around 630-660 nm) are ideal for this purpose.

This project was a three way collaboration with Michelle (Lab Muffin) and Becky Stern. Michelle’s video dives into the science behind red light therapy, explaining how different wavelengths affect the skin and whether DIY solutions can actually be effective. Becky’s video features one of her infamous teardown, where she takes apart a leading LED skincare mask to analyse how it works and whether it's worth the price.

Prepare the Welding Mask

1. Clean the surface where LEDs will be placed.

Cut & Solder LED Strips

1. Measure and cut the LED strips to fit inside the mask.
2. Solder wires to connect strips in parallel or series as needed.
3. Insulate all connections with electrical tape.

Attach LEDs to the Mask

1. Stick LED strips inside the mask, ensuring even distribution.
2. Secure wiring neatly so it doesn’t interfere with wearing.

Test & Adjust Brightness

1. Turn on the LEDs and check visibility.
2. Adjust brightness levels if needed.

These are the LEDs I used for this- https://www.blockbluelight.co.uk/collections/sleep-enhancing-lighting/products/red-light-led-strip-light

If you don’t want to DIY your own LED mask, you might be interested in Becky’s Flex PCB mask, which she designed as a more refined and wearable alternative. Unlike the DIY version, Becky’s mask uses a custom flexible circuit boardfor a sleeker, more lightweight design, making it a great option for those who want a high-quality homemade solution without all the soldering.

Clothing:

1. Choose an oversized tracksuit to allow space for components.
2. Identify sections where LEDs will be placed (arms, legs, back).

Make sure the garment can take so extra weight.

Prepare the LED Panels

1. Cut fabric panels for each section.
2. Attach reflective tape on one side to enhance LED effectiveness.
3. Stick LED strips onto the panels.

Wiring & Soldering

1. Solder wires to connect LED strips.
2. Use different wire colors to differentiate positive/negative.
3. Cover soldered points with electrical tape.

Attach LED Panels to Clothing

1. Sew Velcro strips inside the clothing.
2. Attach LED panels using Velcro (this allows for removal when washing).

Power & Connection

1. Ensure all LEDs are connected and functional.
2. Route wires neatly to avoid discomfort while wearing.

This project was a fun experiment to see what was possible with DIY red light therapy using LEDs. While not a professional skincare solution, it was an entertaining way to explore engineering and create a budget-friendly alternative to expensive LED skincare devices.

The LED mask turned out to be a practical and wearable option, though it could benefit from better LED placement for more even skin coverage. The LED loungewear, while functional, proved to be quite heavy, making it less comfortable for long-term wear. However, the use of Velcro attachments was a great solution, allowing the LED panels to be removed for washing and making the clothing more practical.

Overall, this was a fun engineering challenge, proving that with a little creativity and some soldering, it’s possible to DIY skincare tech. While this project wasn’t meant to replace commercial LED therapy products, it was a great way to explore how red light works and what’s possible with accessible materials. It’s always exciting to see what’s doable with a mix of science, problem-solving, and a bit of entertaining engineering!