The 14 Best LED Face Masks to Brighten, Tighten, and Clear Your Skin at Home With Light Therapy
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Updated February 29, 2024: This article on the best LED face masks was updated with new expert input on the best light therapy tools to invest in for skin benefits and firsthand editor review notes after a round of product testing. We are currently testing additional LED light therapy masks from brands like Medicube and MMSkincare for consideration in this expert-approved guide.
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When celebs like Dakota Johnson, Kate Hudson, Dua Lipa, or Victoria Beckham need to look radiant for a red carpet, there’s one tool they reach for: LED light therapy face masks. This skin care technology (short for light-emitting diodes) looks straight out of a sci-fi movie, but there’s science to back its benefits. In short, LED light therapy employs wavelengths that target skin concerns from acne to signs of aging. And the good news: The best LED face masks are conveniently designed for at-home use, whether you’re scrolling on the couch or ticking chores off your to-do list.
The painless and quick at-home treatments offer various light therapies; red and blue light therapy are the most common options you’ll find. “Red light therapy is a low-level laser light therapy that exposes the skin to low wavelengths of light in order to address a number of skin concerns,” explains New York City dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. “The light causes cells to work more efficiently and regenerate and repair damage, without pain or downtime.” The benefits of blue light therapy cater to those looking to clear breakouts, as the wavelengths destroy a type of acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Light therapy used to be reserved for the dermatologist’s office, but now the skin care trend can come straight to you with portable LED face masks and red light therapy devices readily available for at-home use. LED light therapy tools range from handheld devices to masks that strap around your head to target your entire complexion in one go. The newest devices in the category? Reusable adhesive light therapy patches that are designed to zero in on smaller problem areas — primarily for targeting breakouts or discoloration (think a powered-up pimple patch).
Deciding on the right LED face mask to reap the benefits of red light therapy and more depends on your skin concerns and goals, as different color wavelengths target unique concerns. Our editors thoroughly tested and researched the category with the help of experts to whittle down the options to the very best.
Top LED Face Masks of 2024
Editors’ Choice: Sun Home Saunas Radiant Face Mask
Editors’ Choice: Therabody TheraFace Pro
Editors’ Choice: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Editors’ Choice Verdict: Top 3 LED Light Therapy Tools of 2024
Our editors conducted extensive research and testing to narrow down this list of the top 14 LED light therapy tools. After speaking with experts and testing out many of the tools on our own, three options stood out as the best in the category for their comfortable feel, results, and versatility. Below, the three top LED face masks and light therapy tools based on our expert input, research, and testing.
Sun Home Saunas Radiant Face Mask: A standout for its range of light therapy options — including red, deep red, amber, near-infrared, and blue light therapy — this LED face mask provides major value for those who are new to the LED face mask category. It’s our choice for an all-in-one LED face mask that can help with signs of aging, acne breakouts, and skin inflammation.
Therabody TheraFace Pro: Our testers rank the Theraface Pro as a great option for shoppers looking for an LED face tool that does more than just light therapy. The LED rings deliver red and blue light therapy, however additional included attachments offer microcurrent, massaging, and cleansing capabilities (providing major bang for your buck).
HigherDose Red Light Face Mask: Red light therapy is one of the most well-studied wavelengths, with promise for reducing wrinkles and skin inflammation. While HigherDose’s mask doesn’t have blue light therapy to help reduce acne, it’s our testers’ choice for those dipping into the LED face red light therapy mask category for brighter, more radiant skin.
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EDITORS' CHOICE
Sun Home Saunas Radiant Face Mask
Editors’ choice review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Skin concerns: Acne, sun damage, fine lines, dullness, pigmentation
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red, deep-red, amber, near-infrared, and blue light
Special features: Digital control panel with built-in timers
$399
Sun Home Saunas’ Radiant Face Mask offers five wavelengths, most notably red light, deep red light, and blue light therapy. This combination earned it a top spot on our list of the best LED light therapy masks, as it can target multiple skin concerns with the flip of a switch. Toggle to the red light therapy setting for a boost in radiance and to reduce fine lines and pigmentation from sun damage, or go with blue light therapy when breakouts emerge. Also unique to this LED light therapy mask: an amber light setting. According to a 2015 review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, this yellow wavelength helps to speed up wound healing, which is helpful for recovery after in-office resurfacing laser treatments like Fraxel.
Yes, the Sun Home Saunas LED face mask is great for those who take skin care seriously, but its handheld remote control also make the tool intuitive to use for beginners. The flexible silicone material comfortably hugs your face with two straps that keep the mask flush from the top of your forehead down to your chin, plus a cordless design means you won’t be tethered to an outlet during your light therapy session.
Comfort: 4.9/5 rating | Ease of use: 4.9/5 rating | Results: 4.8/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $399
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Therabody TheraFace Pro
Editors’ choice review rating: 4.8/5 rating
Skin concerns: Hyperpigmentation, acne, skin laxity, dullness, and fine lines
Treatment area: Face and neck
Types of LED lights: Red, blue, and red and infrared
Special features: Interchangeable heads for microcurrent, massage, cold and hot therapy, and deep cleansing
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$399
$399
Looking for an LED skin care tool that can do more than just light therapy? Go with the TheraFace Pro. This handheld device offers different attachments for LED therapy, percussion massage, microcurrent facials, and a cleansing brush head to treat both your complexion and your facial muscles.
The LED ring encircles the device’s entire head, so you can cover a lot of facial real estate fast, and you can choose your LED light therapy color — red, blue, and red infrared light — to reduce wrinkles around the eye, banish acne and blemishes, or a provide warming sensation to temporarily reduce irritation and discomfort. Read our full review for more details on the do-it-all device.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “My TheraFace is among my post prized skin care possessions. I use the cleansing brush nightly and the cold ring to depuff after wine night. But the blue light LED ring is the attachment I’m most thankful for. It’s a godsend when I feel a breakout coming on: I massage my face with the ring and notice decreased inflammation and redness the next day.”
Comfort: 4.9/5 rating | Ease of use: 4.8/5 rating | Results: 4.7/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $399
EDITOR'S CHOICE
HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
Editors’ choice review rating: 4.8/5 rating
Skin concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red
Special features: Cordless; straps to keep it in place while you’re wearing it
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$349
$349
HigherDose has long been loved for their infrared sauna blanket, but they also make an LED red light therapy mask that’s dermatologist-approved. “One of my favorite LED light therapy masks is the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask,” says Dr. Engelman. “This mask is high-quality and delivers red and near infrared light to the complexion in a safe and effective way. These devices are only as good as how often you use them, which is another reason why this mask is a good choice. The comfortable material, eye holes, straps, and cordless design make regular use easy as you can wear it anytime, anywhere.”
Editor testing and review notes: “When I use HigherDose’s face mask regularly, I notice a subtle-but-definitely-there improvement in the texture of my skin. It’s one of the few beauty tools that improves the look of discoloration on my cheeks from sun exposure — an issue that takes patience to tackle with topical face serums. I also notice less redness and an immediate boost in radiance immediately after use.”
Comfort: 4.8/5 rating | Ease of use: 4.9/5 rating | Results: 4.8/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $349
BEST FOR A FICKLE COMPLEXION
Skin Gym WrinkLit LED Mask
Skin concerns: Fine lines, breakouts, inflammation, and acne
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Blue, orange, and red
Special features: Spacious eye opening; sunglasses-style arms for easy wearing; wireless
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$99
If you’re battling breakouts one day and dullness the next, then this is the best LED face mask for you. This Skin Gym mask delivers blue, red, and orange light therapy to target sun damage, fine lines, inflammatory acne, and dullness. It has a visor-like design that sits about an inch away from the face for targeted light therapy without the sensation of heat (on smaller face shapes, this silhouette can disperse light therapy benefits onto the neck, too). Even better, the wireless shield situates on your face like a pair of glasses, so you don’t have to fuss with straps or cords.
What testers say: “Lately I’ve noticed that my fine lines were becoming more noticeable and I had noticed a faint age spot starting to show. Using this mask has allowed me to hit the rewind button! It’s so easy to use and the different colors allow you to target different problems at different times. A great value!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $99
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
Skin concerns: Skin laxity, redness, acne, hyperpigmentation and fine lines
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red, blue, and combo red and blue
Special features: Adjustable head strap; cordless
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$455
With consistent use, this FDA-cleared LED red light therapy mask can smooth fine lines and help to clear out acne-causing bacteria. Taking inspiration from the laser treatments in Dr. Gross’ dermatological practice, this mask delivers an at-home version of the light therapy treatment, allowing you to switch between red and blue light therapy. In addition to its anti-aging perks — including reducing wrinkles and dark spots as well as firming up skin — it’s been clinically proven to clear acne in two weeks. The best part? Where most of the best LED light therapy masks require 10 to 25 minutes of use per session, this one does its work in just 90 seconds.
What testers say: “When I first got it and was really good about baking it into my daily routine, I saw results. My normally large pores looked smaller, my skin looked slightly tighter and more smooth. I’m 41 and really good about my anti-aging products but I’ve discovered that by also using this, I can make those results push just a bit further.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $455
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Skin concerns: Dullness, dark circles, dark spots, puffiness
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red
Special features: Also delivers galvanic current, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$169
$169
Solawave’s 4-in-1 LED light therapy tool is a red carpet skin care secret for stars like Reese Witherspoon, Meghann Fahy, and even Pedro Pascal. The magic of the tool is its versatility: It delivers red light therapy for an immediate glow, but also has settings to improve the absorption of your skin care, and to therapeutically warm up your facial muscles. Oh, and did we mention it’s a face massage tool, too? Although it’s no bigger than a marker, it’s a powerful, multitasking device that’s great for red light therapy beginners, or those who need a travel-friendly tool to stash in their weekender bags.
Editor testing and review notes: “The Solawave wand is my favorite skin care tool to travel with — particularly if I’m traveling for a wedding or a birthday — it’s a small but mighty tool for depuffing my face and brightening my skin. I’ll use the red light therapy setting on post-acne marks on my cheeks, then switch the setting to massage away puffiness under my eyes in the morning. Pro tip: Use the therapeutic warmth setting over a sheet mask for a mini facial on-the-go.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $169
BEST LED FACE MASK FOR FAST RESULTS
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Skin concerns: Acne, hyperpigmenation, rosacea, uneven texture, fine lines, and skin laxity
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red and near-infrared
Special features: Straps for wearability; skin-hugging flexible silicone material
$380
“Our CurrentBody mask is a celebrity favorite due to the flexible silicone and how easy it is to use,” explains Laurence Newman, CEO of CurrentBody. Fans include Kate Hudson, Renee Zellweger, and Kaley Cuoco, as well as Dakota Johnson (makeup artist George Eisdell used the tool to prep her skin for the ‘Madame Web’ premiere). Lily Collins can be spotted wearing it in ‘Emily in Paris,’ too.
“It is flexible silicone and doesn’t need to be plugged in to a power supply, so once you put it on, you’re free to carry on your day as you wish,” Newman explains. “It has a 10-minute treatment timer so you know when to take it off — it really does the thinking for you.” Designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in four weeks with consistent use, this anti-aging LED light therapy mask firms and tightens the skin to create a more toned, lifted and rejuvenated-looking complexion courtesy of its red and near-infrared light therapy technology. It’s one of the strongest red light therapy options for at-home use.
Editor testing and review notes: “This mask is one of the most comfortable LED face masks I’ve ever tried. The silicone material feels cool and soft on my skin, and the ear loops keep it snug on my skin while I’m folding laundry or answering emails. For those looking specifically for one of the best red light therapy masks, this is the one for you — it’s unfussy but powerful.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $380
BEST LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK FOR ACNE
LightStim for Acne LED Light Therapy Device
Skin concerns: Acne
Treatment area: Face and body
Types of LED lights: Blue and red
Special features: Self timer set for three minutes per treatment area
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bluemercury Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$169
$169
If tackling breakouts is your main goal for LED light therapy, then reach for this Vanessa Hudgens-approved device that treats current breakouts and prevents future ones by killing the bacteria that causes breakouts (it’s FDA-approved for the treatment of mild to moderate acne). The combination of red and blue light also brings down redness and inflammation, and works just as well on blackheads as it does for cystic acne — or even backne. Best of all, it only takes one minute a day.
What testers say: I am a nurse and esthetician, and I firmly believe in blue light therapy. This particular device has been a lifesaver for my mild acne, and my perioral dermatitis.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $169
Ora LED Light Energy Mask
Skin concerns: Acne, inflammation, scars, fine lines
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red, blue, green, yellow
Special features: Includes seven settings for different skin concerns
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$75
An affordable option for those looking to dabble in LED light therapy without spending hundreds, Ora’s LED Light Energy Mask is a top-rated option at Ulta. Although inexpensive, you’ll get seven total settings to choose from, allowing you to tailor your treatment to your current skin concerns and goals. You can slip it on like a pair of sunglasses and go about your chores; no need to fuss over cords or outlets with this light therapy mask.
What testers say: “I got this November 2022, and ever since, I’ve gotten compliments on my skin all the time. I’m 41 and I get told I look in my early 30’s by other moms I meet at the playground while I’m taking my kids out to play. I have mainly used the red setting for months, 20 minutes a day at night. Im currently switching it up to green and white for 6 weeks to see if anything changes. Im pretty happy with it, my skin has a nice glow and looks smooth. It help minimize my breakout, I only have blemish issue when I close to my period, my heal time for blemish is alot quicker than before.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
BEST LED FACE MASK FOR A SECURE FIT
Omnilux Contour Face LED Light Therapy Mask
Skin concerns: Fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red and near infrared
Special features: Straps and flexible material for comfortable fit
Omnilux Top-Quality Store Badge on Google
$395
Looking for an LED light therapy mask with proven results? Go with Omnilux’s LED Face Mask. It’s one of the most well-studied and best red light therapy masks on the market (research on the device has been published in the Journals of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, Photobiology, and more), validating its efficacy in treating skin concerns like acne.
To ensure this won’t budge during 15-minute treatments, this Omnilux LED face mask is sculpted to the contours of your face, while the straps wrap around your head for a snug yet comfortable fit. After four to six weeks of consistent use, you can expect to see less redness, pigmentation, and fine lines and winkles.
What testers say: “Working in a hospital still wearing an N95 thick mask has traumatized my skin. This product heals, reduces redness, and improves my facial texture. My face looks brighter, like I’ve had a good night’s sleep.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
BEST FOR EASE OF USE
The Light Salon Boost Advanced LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Skin concerns: Dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red and near infrared
Special features: Cordless; clinically-proven 830 nanometer wavelengths
Bluemercury Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$495
What makes this one of the best LED light therapy masks is the fact that it’s flexible, so it’s easy to shape the soft silicone design to your face. It brings The Light Salon’s signature Skin Health & Rejuvenation Treatment into your home to deliver the same perks for your skin: brightening, rejuvenating, lifting, plumping and strengthening. The FDA-cleared device has both LED red and near-infrared light to get the job done. To reap all the rewards, do a 10-minute session three to five days a week for one month.
What testers say: “This mask is worth every penny. I am a beauty gadget freak and this one is my favorite. It is easy to use and every time I use it I feel I look better. It gives a nice glow and makes the skin look healthier and more luminous.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
BEST MULTILIGHT FACE MASK
MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
Skin concerns: Redness, fine lines, acne, broken capillaries, and pigmentation
Treatment area: Face
Types of LED lights: Red, blue, yellow, green, and white
Special features: Adjustable strap
Bluemercury Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$670
$670
The MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device has unique light settings to bring in-office treatment results at home. It features red light therapy to help boost collagen and elastin production (hello, firmer skin!), also reducing inflammation, helping to improve the appearance of scars, and healing sun damage and blemishes. This top LED light therapy mask also delivers skin-clarifying blue light and green light therapy that calms, minimizes pigmentation, and homes in on broken capillaries and sun spots. Yellow light brings down redness and ups circulation, and white light gets deep into the skin to help heal wounds and repair skin. The mask can be used two to three times per day, gradually working your way up from 10- to 30-minute sessions.
What testers say: “After using this mask, I get no spots ever, my pores look reduced (because they are super clean) and my dermatitis is barely even noticeable to me. The yellow light also works wonders for anyone susceptible to face puffiness.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $670
Riki Loves Riki Riki Miracle LED Patch
Skin concerns: Acne
Treatment area: Face and body
Types of LED lights: Red and blue
Special features: Includes charger, carrying case, and adhesive strips
$84 $105 20% off
This adhesive LED light therapy patch comes highly rated by hormonal acne sufferers who need a quick solution for pesky cystic breakouts. Rather than a full face mask, it targets a two-inch swath of skin — perfect for zeroing in on a pimple. It comes packaged in a carrying case with 40 single-use adhesive strips, keeping the device sanitary for each use. As for the wavelengths, the device emits red and blue light to clear bacteria-causing acne and help prevent scars in the wake of breakouts. Pop it on for six minutes and repeat as needed until you’re in the clear.
What testers say: “This is an amazing device! I have a big, inflamed pimple and I used this for six minutes and I could instantly see that the pimple was less inflamed and less visible. I love how convenient this is to use and is portable for on the go. I could also multitask with it and used it while I was getting ready.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $84
BEST SPLURGE
Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask
Skin concerns: Acne, skin laxity, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles
Treatment area:
Types of LED lights: Red, blue and near-infrared
Special features: Neck panel; remote for easy use
$1,900
Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden has touched many VIP complexions (Jessica Alba, Shay Mitchell, and January Jones, to name a few). This LED mask collaboration with Darden and tech-forward skin care tool brand Déesse gives you a taste of her magic at home. Many LED face masks can feel uncomfortable on the eye area, but this LED mask for the face has silicone inserts to protect and pad your delicate eye area. Equipped with three treatment modes and 238 LED lights, it’ll deliver visible brightening, tightening, and clearing results with consistent use.
What testers say: “The thing I didn’t realize I would enjoy so much from using my new LED mask is the 10 minutes of “me” time it gives me, but what I’m truly happy with is the noticeable smoothing of the horizontal lines in my forehead and the fine lines developing around my eyes, especially along the lower orbital bone. I’ve also noticed more of an overall glow to my skin since beginning the therapy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,900
What Is LED Light Therapy and How Does it Work?
“LED is a skin care treatment that uses varying wavelengths of light,” explains Newman. These wavelengths penetrate the skin at varying depths to target skin care concerns ranging from signs of aging to acne. “It was discovered about 60 years ago when NASA engineers were approached by Johnson & Johnson to create medical equipment involving red LED light, knowing the range of the wavelength would get into your dermis, because that’s where collagen synthesis happens,” explains celebrity aesthetician Joanna Czech.
And what, exactly, was NASA’s intent? To discover how to get the body to absorb medication via LED light therapy. “They wanted to use it for chemotherapy patients who could not swallow medication because of nausea and who were very fragile,” says Czech. “They applied it on the skin via medicinal patches, and doctors would shoot the patches with red light, and when patients returned for check-ups several sessions later, doctors noticed a different quality of skin where the patches were. Skin was tighter, brighter and skin markings were more shallow.”
LED Light Therapy Benefits
There are four main types of LED light therapy colors — red, blue, yellow, and green — and each color treats a different skin concern. Many of the best LED face masks will employ multiple colors that allow you to switch up your treatment based on your skin goals. Czech reassures us that it is safe to combine different light therapies. You could easily use a red LED face mask on a Monday and safely use a blue LED face mask the next day without a hitch. Here’s a primer on what these lights can do when used consistently.
Red light is used to stimulate collagen production and strengthen our skin. “Red wavelengths are very useful light sources for many medical and skin applications due to the penetration depth,” explains Dr. Macrene Alexiades, founder of MACRENE actives and associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. “They have been associated with benefits in wound healing, acne treatment, hair growth, and skin and tissue rejuvenation.” According to Czech, every single person can benefit from red light. “You can use it wherever you need increased elasticity, like your face, hands, or even the skin above your knee,” she explains.
Blue light has antibacterial properties that make it a winning treatment for those dealing with acne (it’s often used during facials after the extraction phase to zap any lingering bacteria on the skin). “Blue light therapy is a great, safe, and noninvasive option for helping treat and even prevent acne breakouts because it targets and destroys Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium found on the skin that is responsible for acne,” explains Dr. Engelman.
Green light prevents hyperpigmentation from forming, according to Czech. “It’s also known as a calming light and works on vascular systems, so it’s an anti-redness light as well, like for acne scars,” she explains. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Wound Repair and Regeneration also pointed to green light therapy’s benefits for wound healing. This means the wavelength could also help those who are recovering from active acne.
Yellow light prevents photoaging, meaning from the sun or other external factors, like environmental stressors or smoking, and works to evens out skin tone. A 2015 review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology notes that yellow light therapy is also helpful for speeding up recovery after in-office laser resurfacing treatments, too.
How Do You Use an LED Face Mask?
For starters, patience and consistency are key: Most studies that review the benefits of light therapy point to 10 to 20-minute sessions two to four times a week. You’ll get the quickest results by getting a treatment at your dermatologist or aesthetician’s office, but at-home devices will help improve your skin with consistent use and are a great compliment between professional treatments. Other than consistency, the time it takes to see results depends on the device itself and your skin type. “With at-home LED face masks, you might notice your complexion has an inner glow after use,” Dr. Engelman says. “Other results will take longer and depend on the individual. With regular use, you might start to notice changes after around four months.”
Cleanse your skin: Before using an LED face mask, make sure your skin and the device are clean. This may be the only time we tell you to not wear sunscreen. “Avoid using sunscreen before use as it can block the red and near-infrared light,” says Dr. Engelman. “You can apply the mask directly to your clean skin. For a deeper clean, treat your complexion to a detoxifying face mask before using the device.”
Set your timer: Some tools have automated timers so you know exactly how long to use them for max benefits. If they don’t, shoot for about 15 minutes every other day. Make your session something to look forward to by turning on your favorite show or slipping into silk pajamas before you power on the mask.
Follow with skin care: Your skin should feel refreshed, not sensitive or itchy after your treatment (if it does, dial your derm). If you’re masking in the morning, follow up with your face serums and daytime face moisturizer or tinted moisturizer with SPF. At night, Dr. Engelman suggests applying a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish the skin, post-treatment.
Commit to regular treatments: LED face masks work best with regular use. According to Czech, you should stick to a program. “You need to do it four times a week minimum, for about two to four months. The start-up needs to be a little more intense and definitely consistent,” she explains.
Is LED Light Therapy Safe?
You should not be using LED light therapy if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, but other than that, Czech doesn’t know of a single negative side effect for any of the four light therapies. “I’ve been using LED light therapy for almost a quarter of a century and I chose to work with it because they were used on chemotherapy patients with challenged immune systems,” says Czech. “So I thought, well if they can use it, anyone else can use it and benefit, too.”
Although they’re generally safe, it’s always best to talk to your primary care physician or dermatologists to make sure the mask won’t do you any harm. Look for the mask’s FDA seal of approval if you’re concerned about the product’s safety or efficacy claims.
How We Tested and Selected the Best LED Face Masks
Our WWD Shop editors began the process of selecting the best LED light therapy masks by fielding questions about the skin care technology to experts in the field, including dermatologists, aestheticians, and brand founders. Using their input and advice, we researched the category to evaluate the tools that deliver the best benefits at home. Our editors also read recent research in the category, taking note of recent peer-reviewed studies and reviews on the topic to understand the benefits and suggested usage of these light therapy tools.
Our team tested a slew of top LED face masks to assess how they feel and fit, also noting how long it takes to see results from the tools. During testing, we took note of special features that impact the overall experience with the device, noting things like ease of use, cord length, materials, and the number of light therapy settings available. We combined this testing feedback and expert input to create this list of the top LED light therapy tools across different formats, including face masks, handheld devices, and adhesive patches.
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Macrene Alexiades, MD, Ph.D., FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist in the EU and the U.S., and is certified to practice medicine, surgery, and dermatology. She holds three degrees from Harvard University: a BA from Harvard University, MD from Harvard Medical School, and a PhD in Genetics from Harvard University. She was also a Fulbright Scholar with a research award year in Europe and has been named as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2014. Today, she provides editorial expertise to multiple medical journals, and she delivers expert patient care at her bustling, high-profile New York City dermatology practice.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified, award-winning, New York City dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and media expert who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and American College of Mohs Surgery.
Joanna Czech is a world-renowned aesthetician to some of the world’s most famous faces. With studios in New York City and Dallas — along with the celebrity house calls she regularly makes — her clientele is loyal, discerning and of course, they all have impossibly gorgeous skin. And rumor has it that her wait list is six months long.
Laurence Newman serves as the CEO of CurrentBody, one of the leading companies that offer salon-quality treatments via luxury at-home beauty devices.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor at WWD. In her previous role, this writer and editor covered beauty and wellness trends at Martha Stewart Living Magazine for over six years, and has had her writing and reporting published in InStyle and Byrdie. Sullivan wrote this article on the best LED face masks after conducting a thorough round of research and testing in the light therapy product category.
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