My Dog is Scared of Red Light Masks and You Should Be Too

Last Christmas, my mom was excited to receive and sport her new LED mask, a product that promises glowing skin, fewer wrinkles, and some vague sense of “wellness.” She put it on immediately. My dog, however, was not as impressed. The second the red lights came on and her face disappeared behind a glowing plastic shell, he froze. Since then, every time she wears it, he refuses to be anywhere near her.

At first, it was funny. But after a while, I realized my dog might be onto something. 

There is something deeply unsettling about carrying on a conversation with someone when their expressions are replaced by an artificial mask. It feels uncanny, like you’re speaking to an artifice. You’re looking at a manufactured version of a human. And yet, this is what we’re increasingly willing to accept in the name of “self-care” and “optimization.”

The Rise of “Self-Care” Trends

The popularization of red light masks shows just how invested we’ve become in health trends. These devices promise transformation: clearer skin, slower aging, and higher confidence. While according to Boulder Medical Center, red light therapy may offer some limited benefits, the dramatic results advertised online are often exaggerated. 

And this is far from the only trend.

Whole body vibration platforms claim you can improve fat loss and circulation just by standing still. Mouth taping is promoted as a solution to snoring, bad breath, and other sleep problems. The carnivore diet cuts out nearly all plant foods in favor of meat in order to achieve a dramatic change in BMI. However, major medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic warn that many of these trends are oversold and misunderstood.

This isn’t an entirely new phenomenon. During the Cold War, extreme diet trends like the “cabbage diet”, which urged people to only consume soup, were promoted as quick fixes for weight loss. In the 1970s, sugar free foods and appetite suppressants promised slim bodies through restriction and gimmicks. Every generation has had its miracle cure. People have always wanted shortcuts to health.

I would argue that the difference is now the internet.

Today, trends spread instantly. A single influencer can convince millions of people that a product changed their life. Algorithms reward extreme claims, not balanced advice. A video promising a way “to lose 20 pounds in two weeks” will always outperform one that promotes eating vegetables, moving your body, and being patient. As a result, misinformation travels faster than ever, and the pressure to keep up is constant.

Now I don’t want to fall into the same rhetorical trap that these companies are and overstretch my argument. I am not too prideful to admit that for some people these products and diets aren’t completely useless. Light therapy can help certain skin conditions. High-protein diets work for some people. Medical treatments can be life changing when used appropriately. But online, these ideas are turned into one size fits all miracles. My issue is not with our advancements in medical technology, but the way they are being marketed towards the masses. Suddenly, you’re told if you aren’t spending just the right amount of money on masks, machines, monthly supplement subscriptions, you’re failing at taking care of yourself. 

For students, this is especially harmful. When you’re balancing tuition, rent, and groceries, being told that “real wellness” requires constant spending is exhausting. Health becomes another thing you’re behind on. Another way to feel inadequate.

So what should we do instead?

No one is saying you can’t spend money on things you enjoy. If a skincare device makes you feel confident, that’s fine. If a gym membership motivates you, great. But before buying into the next trend, it’s worth asking: am I doing this because it fits my life, or because I’m afraid of missing out?

There are also more accessible options that actually work. Sauna use, for example, has been linked to relaxation and cardiovascular benefits, and many nearby places offer affordable options for students. In fact, one of our writers, Lilliannna Feronti, highlights student-friendly sauna spots that don’t break the bank. The Bubble Run Club is a great way to get active and stay social, all for free. Walking, sleeping well, cooking simple meals, and managing stress may not be trendy, but they’re reliable.

Most importantly, everything works best in moderation.

Consider having to explain to your children or grandchildren in the future that you fell for the Jell-O diet, the cabbage cleanse, or the latest viral shortcut. Do you really want to explain why you relied on injections or gadgets instead of learning how to care for your body mindfully?

My dog doesn’t recognize my mom when she’s behind a glowing mask, and in a way, that’s symbolic. When we hide behind products and trends, we lose touch with what health actually looks like: slow, imperfect, and most importantly, personal.

In a world where everything, including our bodies, is packaged and sold to us, skepticism is a form of self-respect. You don’t need every new gadget. Sometimes, the healthiest choice is doing your research and trusting yourself.

• diet
• fitness
• health
• mouth taping
• red light mask
• sauna
• self care
• wellness