Does the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask Live Up to the Hype? I Tried It
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Not to be a teacher's pet, but I pretty much trust everything deputy beauty director Lauren Balsamo tells me to do with my face. She's been a beauty editor for a whole decade, having interviewed top experts and tested thousands of the best products, including pro treatments and skincare devices. So when she told me she swore by LED masks, I went on my own search for less inflamed, clear, smooth skin. Quickly, I learned a common favorite was the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask—and I had to get my hands on it myself, ofc.
I began testing this mask exclusively for months, then compared it to others on the market (from cheaper alternatives to higher-tech options), all in service of giving the most thorough review on this v-expensive skincare tool. Plus, I also tapped dermatologists for all the info on LED masks. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know, but first, lemme give a run down of the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask:
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
What it is: An LED light therapy mask that offers red, blue, and purple light
Who it's for: Anyone looking to help potentially reduce fine lines and wrinkles, bring down inflammation, and clear acne
Skin type: All
Rating: 4.5/5
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
sephora.com
$465.00
Does Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask really work?
TL;DR: The Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask will *potentially* work. While there's no hard evidence for it, some experts believe that red LED (aka light-emitting diode) light "act on fibroblast cells in your skin, which play a role in collagen production," says dermatologist Hadley King, MD. "So, in theory, red light could help to reverse some signs related to photoaging in the skin—like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and dullness—but in reality, we don't yet have enough scientific evidence to prove effectiveness."
Blue light, however, is often recommended for acne, since it can potentially reduce activity in your sebaceous glands, as well as kill some acne-causing bacteria. The Dr. Dennis Gross mask, FYI, offers both red, blue, and purple light, which combines them both—and is what I normally use as someone who is 27 and wants to avoid wrinkles but also still has acne.
That said, like she mentioned, "more research is needed to confirm that these lights are truly effective and that they produce lasting results," Dr. King says. And if you're comparing LED masks to in-office laser treatments (or at-home lasers, like the Nira Laser), don't expect nearly the same level of results, as there's not even remotely as much data proving them to be comparable.
How often should you use Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask?
You should use the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask for three minutes a day at least three times a week to see results, says Dr. King. But (!) remember that the results will be modest at best. Don't expect miracles from this at-home treatment, and in any case, always make sure you're consistently following a skincare routine of washing off your makeup, slathering your face in moisturizer, and protecting your skin with sunscreen every single day—that's the most surefire way to clear, smooth skin, y'all).
For reference, I personally sit with my Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask about four to five times a week. It's easy af to incorporate into my routine, and it makes me feel like I'm doing something for my skin, so I don't mind doing it a bit more. But three days a week will suffice for my lazy ppl. And you can also add on extra treatments, like the LED Lip Mask, which I <3.
Is the Dr. Dennis Gross mask worth it?
The Dr. Dennis Gross mask might be worth for it you, depending on your budget, goals, skin type, preferences, and more. For me, I personally love how this device feels on my face and seamlessly fits into my skincare routine already. It also fully covers my face and feels so comfortable to wear—not to mention that I only have to keep it on for three minutes. Compared to other devices I've tried, I've also noticed the best results from this one...but that could be because I love the feel and length of treatment so much that I'm convinced to keep going and stay consistent.
But let me bring up the elephant in the room here: This mask is expensive, coming in at $455 before any discounts (this always goes on sale during the Sephora sale, as well as Dermstore sales, FYI). There are cheaper LED masks on the market, like SolaWave and Skin Gym, that might fit into your budget a bit easier, especially with a technology that isn't entirely proven to work just yet. But personally, my favorite mask I've tried so far is the Dr. Dennis Gross, because I love that I can combine red and blue light at the same time.
Again, remember there aren't large-scale studies demonstrating that these masks are actually effective just yet. Anecdotally, though, many aestheticians and experts do swear by them (and you can see my results below for reference, as I am officially a ~believer~). So if you've got the cash and want to give it a try, you might be grateful with your results.
What are the disadvantages of LED light therapy masks?
The biggest potential disadvantage of LED light therapy masks is potentially harming your eyes, which is why it's so important to shield them during your treatment, dermatologist Cula Svidzinski, MD, previously explained to Cosmo. Also, of course, all potential products, treatments, and devices can come with risks, so it's best to talk it over with your dermatologist before self-treating to make sure everything is gucci.
However, Dr. King notes that the biggest drawback could simply be the energy suck, since LED masks just don't have that much data behind them. Instead, she recommends opting for a more proven method for anti-aging, like retinol and peptides, or looking to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for acne.
How long does it take to see results from LED mask?
It can take about four to six weeks to notice results from LED masks, but potentially even up to three to four months. LED takes time and consistency—don't expect it to change your skin overnight.
Benefits of LED Masks:
There are hella supposed benefits to LED masks, but it's important to remember that these aren't widely studied just yet, says Dr. King. "In the short term, LED lights seems to be safe, but long-term safety of these light therapies remains uncertain," Dr. King says. "The bottom line is that there aren't yet large studies demonstrating that these lights are effective."
Most notably, though? The best part about LED masks, like the Dr. Dennis Gross one, is that you can do 'em at home while you're binge-watching The Sopranos (at least, that's what I did–Christopher Moltisanti is even more babygirl with red light wafting over his face). But as far as your skin goes, you can potentially (!!) expect benefits like...
Less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles
Fewer breakouts
Reduced inflammation
Brightened, firmed skin, c/o increased collagen production
Improvements in eczema and psoriasis, according to some
My experience
About my skin:
My skin is extremely acne-prone and fairly oily, sometimes leaning combination in the depths of winter on my cheeks and neck. In general, though, I have pretty tough skin that doesn't get irritated easily, but breaks out from nearly every pore-clogging ingredient out there. My goal with the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask was to help bring down some of the inflammation from my zits, especially hormonal acne on my chin, as well as encourage collagen production to keep my skin tight and firm as I'm heading into my late 20s. And smoothing out my uneven skin texture wouldn't hurt, either.
How I used it:
Four to five days a week, in the morning, I popped on my Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask on clean skin while I sipped my iced coffee (through a straw, FYI!). Truly, it's that simple. A few times, I would use it at night while watching TV, but I prefer using it in the morning so that I don't have to split my longer nighttime skincare routine into a bunch of steps (since you should use it on clean skin, per Dr. King, versus a face covered in serums and creams).
Thoughts on the design and ease of use:
Compared to other LED masks I've tried (like the OmniLux, CurrentBody, and SolaWave), I actually prefer that this isn't a silicone-based mask that conforms to my face. I find it more comfortable and easy to wear, especially for puttering around my house with it on. All I gotta do is press the button to turn it on, and live my life. Plus, one session is only thee minutes, compared to the 10 to 15 minutes other devices require.
My results:
I'll be honest—I didn't notice that much of a difference in my skin before I saw these images side-by-side. But now, I totally can tell that my skin is less inflamed. Do I still have hormonal breakouts? Yup. But they're not nearly as red and monstrous as my normal cystic acne gets. And because of this, I've noticed my zits go away a little bit quicker. Overall, I also notice my face looks a bit less puffy—likely because my inflammation is reduced.
As far as anti-aging benefits go, I don't totally notice much of an improvement there yet (granted, I'm not completely concerned with wrinkles and fine lines just yet). However, I'm sure as time goes on, I'll begin to see those benefits, especially with continued use.
Final verdict:
IMO, the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask is worth it. My results speak for themselves. But it's v important to know that you, very well, might not have the same experience, as this needs way more studies to qualify it as a proven treatment for anti-aging or acne. Talk to your derm before dropping $$$ on this tool that might not work for you (unless you're loaded and willing to take a chance, ofc—in that case, carry on with your new LED mask!).
Meet the experts:
Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
Cula Svidzinski, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY. She was previously interviewed about LED masks.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from at-home microdermabrasion kits to ice rollers to the cost of Botox. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask after testing it on her own face for a full month, plus connecting with dermatologists all about the benefits and drawbacks.
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