What the four light modes on the GLOAM mask are, what their wavelengths mean, what near-infrared is, and why none of them is UV.
Colour is wavelength
Every colour of light has a wavelength, measured in nanometres (nm). Our eyes see roughly 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (deep red). Near-infrared lies just beyond red, from about 700 nm upwards: it's light we can't see.
Ultraviolet (UV) lies below 400 nm. None of the GLOAM mask's LEDs is ultraviolet: its visible light runs from 410 nm to 630 nm, and its near-infrared is 850 nm.
The four GLOAM modes
- Red: 630 nm deep red light, paired with 850 nm near-infrared.
- Blue: 470 nm cool blue light on its own.
- Purple: 410 nm violet light, paired with 850 nm near-infrared.
- White: 465 nm white light (a blue-based LED), paired with 850 nm near-infrared.
Why near-infrared looks dim
In the Red, Purple and White modes, some LEDs give out 850 nm near-infrared. Because it's outside what we can see, those LEDs may look faint or dark even when they're working. That's normal.
What research has looked at
Researchers have studied red and near-infrared light on skin for years, under the name photobiomodulation. Results depend on the device, the light dose and how a study was run, and many studies used professional lamp units rather than masks.
Our Science page summarises one published controlled trial, including its limits. We don't claim that the GLOAM mask gives any particular result.
Choosing a mode
Pick a mode on the remote for each session; many people simply choose by preference or the time of day. Use one mode per session, for 10–15 minutes, and follow the user manual.
The GLOAM Twilight Beauty Mask is a cosmetic device for at-home use, not a medical device. See How to use, Safety information and The science.