Ashley Tisdale sheds light on the common condition.
LED light therapy masks look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—which makes sense, considering the results they deliver are out of this world. Research suggests these beauty devices harness the power of specific wavelengths of light to tackle everything from wrinkles to acne, and give you pro-grade skin treatments without ever having to get off your couch. A one-time investment can give you years worth of glowing skin, and an excuse to do something good for yourself in the name of self-care the next time you cozy up for a Netflix movie marathon.
With multiple different types of LED treatments out there, there’s truly an LED mask for every skin type, concern, and schedule. Whether you’re looking to zap breakouts with blue light, smooth fine lines with red light, or calm irritation with yellow light, the tech has something to offer. Think of it as mood lighting, but for your face—and yes, the glow-up is real.
To help you figure out which mask is right for you, we’ve rounded up the best LED light therapy masks on the market. Ahead, you’ll find a breakdown of top picks, complete with what makes them stand out and who they’re best for. Let’s get glowing!
Best for all skin types: Omnilux Contour Face, $399
Best for acne: Currentbody Skin Anti-Acne LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $380
Best for fine lines: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare FaceWare Pro 295, $455
Best double-duty: Skin Gym Pro LED Light Therapy Mask, $300
Most comfortable: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, $349
Best for around the eyes: SolaWave Eye Recovery Pro, $199
Best for tension: Therabody TheraFace Mask, $599
Best for face and neck: Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask, $1,900
What is an LED light therapy mask?
“LED” stands for “light emitting diode,” and in mask form, it allows you to get the benefits of a pro-grade light treatment without having to book (or spend for) an appointment.
“LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment involving the use of specific wavelengths of non-thermal light to permeate the skin at different depths in order to promote healing,” explains licensed esthetician Shani Hillian. These masks work by using different wavelengths of light to penetrate your skin and come in different colors that each target a different concern. They’ve long been used in dermatologists’ and estheticians’ offices, and getting them in mask form allows you to reap the benefits of a pro-grade treatment without having to book (or spend for) a pro-grade treatment.
The skin benefits of LED light
LED lights come in nearly every color of the rainbow, which brands claim can serve different purposes in supporting the health of your skin. Most commonly, though, red light and blue light are used in LED masks, as growing evidence indicates these types of light have measurable benefits.
- Red light: Best for wrinkles: Studies indicate that red light can penetrate the skin at a depth that stimulates fibroblasts (aka the cells responsible for the production of collagen and elastin), which helps improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines. It also enhances circulation to give skin an inside-out glow, and has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness and irritation.
- Blue light: Best for acne: Research suggests blue light works on the top layer of skin, and has antibacterial properties that kill acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, blue light has oil-balancing and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it the best choice for fending off breakouts.
What to look for in an LED light mask
Wavelengths of light
In order for LED light to work its magic, you need to be sure you’re getting enough of it to the right layers of your skin. With that in mind, it’s important to look for the right wavelength for each type of light.
- Red: 630–700 nm
- Blue: 405–470 nm
- Green: 520–560 nm
- Yellow: 570-590 nm
Types of light
Different LED masks are equipped with different bulbs. Some will only give you one type of treatment (typically red or blue), while others allow you to customize a full face-care routine with the entire rainbow. When deciding what to invest in, think about the results you’re trying to achieve, and opt for a mask that has the type of light (or lights) that will allow you to get there.
Treatment time
Depending on the mask, LED treatments can range from 5 to 30 minutes‚ so you’ll want to choose one that works with your schedule. Many devices come with automatic timers that turn off the bulbs when the session is complete, so you can turn them on, pop on a show, or clean the kitchen, and not have to think about it again.
Plug-in vs. rechargeable
Speaking of your schedule, you’ll also want to think about how you want to use the mask. Some of them need to be plugged into the wall, which limits how much moving around you can do during your treatment. If you plan to treat yourself to a masking session while doing your chores, you’ll probably want to go with a cordless, rechargeable option.
Clinical evidence
Ideally, any LED mask you purchase should come along with clinical results to back up its effectiveness. Studies conducted by the brand are great, but those conducted by third parties are even better.
Generally speaking, LED light masks are safe for all skin types and come with low risk and no downtime. One thing you’ll want to keep in mind, though, is that you should always wear eye protection—AKA those little goggles you used to get at the tanning salon—but the good news is that most masks on the market have a pair of ’em included.
Shop the best LED light therapy masks
Best for all skin types:
Often referred to as “the Rolls Royce of LED masks,” this mask is the creme de la creme of at-home red light therapy—and after testing nearly a dozen of the other offerings on the market, I understand why. It combines red (633 nm) and infrared light for a no-frills treatment that really works—the infrared basically works as a supercharger for all of the red light’s collagen-stimulating benefits. It’s made from silicon, fits comfortably on the face, and gives double-duty benefits of an instant glow and fewer wrinkles over time.
Pros:
- Pairs red and infrared light to reduce wrinkles and firm skin
- FDA cleared
- Cordless design
- Face-forming, silicone fit
Cons:
- Only features one color of bulb (red), so treatment benefits are limited to anti-aging.
Best for acne:
What sets CurrentBody’s acne mask apart is its dual-wavelength technology. It combines 415 nm blue light to target acne-causing bacteria and 630 nm red light to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. It works both on the surface and beneath it, packing a one-two punch of overall skin benefits. Plus, it’s lightweight, face-fitting, and wireless—and treatments only take 10 minutes—making it seamlessly easy to integrate into your routine.
Pros:
- Silicone design that fits snugly and comfortably
- Blue and red LED light technology
- Fast treatment time
- FDA cleared
Cons:
- Primarily targets acne; doesn’t have the same wrinkle-reducing benefits as other LED masks
Best for fine lines:
Dr. Dennis Gross’s iconic LED mask was among the first to bring this type of at-home tech into the mainstream, and when it comes to fighting wrinkles, it still reigns supreme.
“It was actually first developed by the space program, by NASA, to improve wound healing in space, but then the world of dermatology found more uses for it,” Dr. Gross previously told Well+Good. “It stimulates one’s own collagen, it works on reducing redness, it works on complexion concerns by killing the bacteria that causes acne. So it does many things both in terms of the anti-aging and the firming of the skin, redness, inflammation, and acne.”
It contains three types of red light for maximum results. Amber light (605 nm) targets the top layer of skin to improve tone and texture, red light (630 nm) penetrates a level deeper to stimulate collagen production, and deep red light (660 nm) gets even deeper to enhance elasticity and firmness.
Pros:
- Features three types of red light and infrared light
- Targets wrinkles, firmness, and discoloration
- FDA-cleared
Cons:
- Hard shell isn’t as comfortable as silicone
Best for double-duty:
With a combination of red (630 nm) and blue (465 nm) LED light, this mask is great for anyone looking to target acne and wrinkles with a single device. It also employs near-infrared light, which penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate cellular turnover and give you even more powerful results. It’s made from silicone, which gives you a comfy skin-hugging fit, and (even at $300) is one of the more affordable options on this list.
Pros:
- Targets acne and wrinkles
- Flexible fit
- 10-minute treatment time
- Uses near-infrared light to make treatments more effective
- FDA-cleared
Cons:
- Does not include yellow or green light therapy
Most comfortable:
This Higher Dose mask is like an energy drink for your skin, instantly boosting radiance on even your dullest, most tired days. TBH, these masks can be pretty uncomfortable to keep on your face, but not this one. Of all the LED masks I’ve tried, HigherDoses’s version offers by far the best fit thanks to its silicone texture and straps that wrap around the top and back of your head. With red (630 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light, the mask also stimulates collagen and enhances skin health to improve elasticity and glow over time.
Pros:
- Flexible silicone fit
- Cordless design
- Easy to use
- FDA-cleared
- 10-20 minute treatment time
Cons:
- Battery life only lasts for around three 20-minute sessions
- Only offers red and infrared light
Best for around the eyes:
The skin around your eyes is far more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face, making it more prone to damage that results in fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. This ultra-targeted mask was designed with exactly those concerns—and the fragile skin they happen on—in mind. It features red, deep red, amber, and infrared light to firm skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and diminish the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Pros:
- Features three types of red light and infrared light
- Great for crows feet, dark circles, and under-eye puffiness
- FDA-cleared
- Less expensive than other options
Cons:
- Can only be used on one specific area of your face
Best for tension:
While any LED masking session is a form of self-care, Therabody’s offering takes things to a whole other level. It combines LED technology (red, blue, and infrared) with gentle vibrations to target acne and wrinkles while also relieving tension in your muscles. To put it simply, using it is an absolutely *heavenly* experience: It pulses in all the right places, delivering a gentle massage around the eyes, brows, and scalp (FWIW: you can also use the massage function without any lights). Plus, it combines red (630 nm), blue (465 nm), and infrared light to deliver the benefits of all three.
Pros:
- Targets acne and wrinkles
- Offers a gentle vibrational massage
- FDA-cleared
Cons:
- Hard exterior shell is less comfortable than other silicone options
- Pricey
Best for face and neck:
Estheticians—including Shani Darden herself—will tell you that your skincare routine should stretch from your hairline to your nipples, and this (admittedly pricey) mask is designed to do just that. It comes with a neck attachment, which includes the same combo of red (630 nm) and near-infrared LED as you get for your face. Together, this duo delivers wrinkle-reducing benefits deep below the surface of the skin, restoring a firmness from your forehead to your décolleté.
Pros:
- Combines red and infrared light to stimulate collagen
- Covers the face and neck
- Ergonomic facial fit
- Short, ten-minute treatment time
Cons:
- Expensive
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