Pro Tip: LED Face Masks Are *Way* Cheaper Than A Bougie Spa Facial

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Let’s talk skincare. There are a lot of important products to consider when it comes to perfecting your routine—serums, retinols, and moisturizers—but have you ever considered adding in a more high-tech step? Let me introduce you to LED light therapy masks, the at-home treatment that can make a huge difference in your skin's appearance.

"LED light tools emit different wavelengths to target different skincare concerns, including reducing acne and fine lines, boosting collagen, and improving your skin tone and texture," says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Sound like something you're interested in? Well, there are a few things to consider before heading straight to the store, like which light colors are the best for your skin type, what labels look for on the box, and, of course, how to use them.

Best LED face masks

What to consider

Brand

Look for masks from reputable brands or producers. "These are safer, more effective, and will have gone through safety and efficacy testing," says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.

FDA-Approval

"It’s best to look for an FDA-cleared device with some peer reviewed clinical data to back it up," says dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. If the device isn't FDA-approved, you probs don't want to pick it. All the masks on this list are FDA-approved, so you can rely on their safety.

Light Color

Make sure you find the right light color for what you want to treat, says dermatologist Leah Ansell, MD. Blue light can treat acne, while red light can diminish redness and rejuvenate your skin, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, she adds.

Wavelength

Take note of the number and quality of lights on the device, says Dr. Shirazi. The proven wavelengths include 415 nanometers (nm) of blue light, 630-680 nm of red light, and 830 nm of near-infrared light, she says.

Comfort

If you want to add an LED light mask into your routine pretty regularly, you'll want to make sure it's comfy and easy to use. "These considerations will allow you to have a better experience using the mask," Dr. Engelman adds.

How our team chose the best LED light therapy masks

For two years, Women’s Health editors, including our assistant love and life editor Addison Aloian, associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner researched and tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated LED face masks. Our team consulted eight dermatologists and one plastic surgeon, tested products ourselves, and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 13 best items for a wide range of skincare needs and budget preferences.

Ahead, check out the 13 best expert-approved LED face masks for every skin type.

LED Light Therapy Mask

This versatile mask can do it all, says facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD. It comes with a whopping seven light modes: red, blue, green, yellow, purple, light blue, and white—all of which have different benefits. Some of them include increasing blood flow, improving pigmentation, and speeding up tissue metabolism. But it won't just be your face reaping the benefits—it has a neck attachment, too.

One tester, who paired this mask with a Nuderma high frequency wand, said she saw a major change in her face for the better. "I used them both religiously almost six to seven days a week for a month or two. I saw a difference in my face pretty fast."

LED Light Facial Mask

This face mask comes with red, blue, and orange lights for a variety of skin needs. Plus, it's lightweight, rechargeable, portable, and very easy to use, testers say. Some even see a difference in their skin after just one week. For under $60, it's a great value for all it has to offer.

"It has three different lights and each one has a different function. My favorite was the red light," says our tester. "You can see an improvement in my skin already—you have to use it 20 minutes a day but it's super comfortable, so it's easy to use."

Red Light Therapy Face Mask

Combining red and near-infrared LED light, this mask is high-quality, addressing issues of fine lines and wrinkle prevention with its more intense red light therapy, explains dermatologist Sherwin Parikh, MD, co-founder of skincare brand A.P. Chem. Reviewers love how it has improved their cystic acne and smoothed out wrinkles. The infrared heat can help with redness and inflammation, too.

One tester who tried this mask says they love the way it makes her skin feel and how easy it is to use. "My skin feels immediately fresher and rejuvenated after I use it," she says. "I was also impressed that it came with plug options for different countries, making it super easy to travel with."

Light Wand For Acne

LightStim's FDA-approved wand uses non-UV red light and blue light at the same time during treatment, and it specifically treats acne. "Blue penetrates the skin at a different depth and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties," says Dr. Camp, who adds that this is a great option for anyone with acne. Since it's FDA-approved, you can trust the device's safety, too

One of our testers told me that they gave this a shot based on their esthetician's suggestion for acne, and they couldn't be happier. "I used it every night while my skin was breaking out, and since then I haven’t had any acne," she says. "I think this device really kills off all of the bad bacteria on your skin. I am amazed that I am no longer breaking out."

Contour Face

One thing about me is I'm really bad at using devices—tbh, I don't always have it in me to use one early in the morning or at the end of the day. However, this one from Omnilux is so easy to use. I just plug it in while I'm laying in bed (yup, under the covers!) and let it do its thing for 10 minutes.

I use this device three times every week and I've seen results super quickly—my skin looks clearer and brighter and it has an overall glow like I've never experienced. As someone with some dark spots here and there and quite a few acne scars, I've actually seen a difference in the severity of these imperfections. As with anything, if you're consistent with this, you'll probably see results.

Something to note about this mask: be super gentle with it. One of our testers noted that the lights can easily break if you're not gentle when using and storing it.

SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, Dr. Parikh, Dr. Camp, and Dr. Garshick all rave about this mask, which claims to help improve sun spots, age spots, and discoloration while helping with current acne and future breakouts. It's definitely pricey, but it'll last for years and it's FDA-cleared.

"Using a combination of red and blue light, this mask works to support collagen production as well as reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation," Dr. Garshick explains.

One tester used to use the Trophy Skin LED mask when she needed a more intense treatment on her deep pit scars and open pores. "Now, I use this to enhance my glow and to kill dark spots before they become more permanent," she says. When she gets the occasional breakout, the red light helps to calm inflammation, too. "I love getting into bed with this and a book, the heat feels really nice and soothing."

How To Glow LED Light Therapy Mask

This multi-purpose mask, recommended by Dr. Sperling, has four LED light therapy colors: red, blue, amber, and green. "Using NASA technology, it works to help visibly plump the skin and reduce signs of aging," she says. It can also kill acne-causing bacteria and give your skin more of a glow—plus, it's FDA-approved.

"I've used this about five times and I've already received so many compliments on the overall look of my skin," says a WH tester. "I use it for acne and bloating/lymphatic drainage, and it really works." Convinced yet?

Skin LED Light Therapy Mask

This FDA-cleared mask comes at the recommendation of Dr. Garshick, who recommends it for evening out texture. "Incorporating both red and near infrared light, this LED light therapy tool has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the skin tone and texture," she adds. This one is also loved by celebs like Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kaley Cuoco. Now that's saying a lot.

UFO 2

Not in the mood to wear a full mask? DW, this handheld device is just as powerful. It packs a serious punch and comes with the glowing recommendation of Dr. Garshick. Yes, it has LED light options (eight, in fact), but it also provides heat to stimulate blood flow, cryotherapy to soothe redness, and T-Sonic pulsations for a facial massage. This one's great if you want an all-inclusive spa moment right at home.

"This product is a must-buy if you are not a person who likes to go out for facials or wear a mask," says one of our testers. "It’s a total time-saver and it gives you an instant glow. I have used it for my acne and the blue light works wonders."

PRO LED Light Mask

If you've never heard of celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden, then you must be living under a rock. Aside from the innovative in-office treatments she hosts at her spa, she also has a super successful skincare line. One of the most groundbreaking launches she's come out with is this LED light mask for the face and neck, which targets skin concerns such as aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne.

It's definitely the priciest option on this list, but that number is saying a lot about how efficacious it is. It's so powerful, the LED lights within this mask deliver the absolute highest dose of red, blue, and near-infrared light therapy in clinically shown wavelength combinations to boost the appearance of the skin.

As a bonus, it also comes with a remote control, so you can easily switch the lights around without having to take the mask off. Worried about leaving it on for too long? Don't be—it automatically turns off after the ten-minute session is complete.

Wrinklit LED Mask

Recommended by both Dr. Parikh and Dr. Camp, this mask is a good budget-friendly full-face treatment that employs red, blue, and yellow light to improve the overall complexion. Some benefits include improving acne and redness while smoothing out fine lines. Reviewers say it's helped with eczema, rosacea, and acne while giving skin a radiant glow.

"This LED mask has complete functions, with each light corresponding to each effect," says one of our testers. "It is very convenient to use and easy to operate." After a few days of continuous use, they told us that their skin felt smooth and delicate, and the fine lines were also reduced.

LightMax Supercharged LED Mask

Dr. DeRosa also recommends this pink mask, which offers medical-grade treatment with red and blue light options. You can set it to two different modes—the anti-aging mode helps firm your skin with collagen production, and the acne mode uses anti-bacterial properties to clear your skin. It's pricey, but the FDA-cleared device is designed to plump and firm skin while reducing hyperpigmentation quickly and effectively.

As it turns out, WH editors love this mask, too. "Results pending on whether the mask does anything for my forming wrinkles and occasional pimples, but so far, this mask has been a breeze to use," says commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. She notes that the set up process requires some time since the mask needs to be charged. Additionally, she says the mask is on the heavier side so it's probably best to use this while laying down to watch your favorite TV show.

Meet the experts

• Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD

• Dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD

• Dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD

• Dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD

• Dermatologist Sherwin Parikh, MD

• Dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD

• Dermatologist Leah Ansell, MD

• Dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD

• Plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD

Are LED face masks effective?

Absolutely, experts say. "They work by sending light waves deep into the skin barrier to trigger intracellular reactions, which vary based on the wavelength of light used," says Dr. Engelman. The benefits depend on the color of the light, because each will penetrate the skin at different depths, adds dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.

Here's exactly how red light therapy works, for example: "The mitochondria in your cells soak up energy from red light to produce more energy in the skin, healing and repairing damaged cells while promoting tissue and cell repair," says dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD.

Are LED face masks safe?

Yes, they're generally safe for most users, says Dr. Engelman. "LED light therapy is not an invasive treatment, and when done properly, the risks are minimal," she continues. A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology points out that this treatment has an "excellent" safety profile, Dr. Ansell adds. While they're safe to use on the skin, there's some concern about damage to the eyes with these lights. So, it's a good idea to wear goggles to help protect them.

Individuals who are photosensitive or have connective tissue conditions should either skip LED light therapy or approach it with caution, advises Dr. Ansell. For those of you that can use one, Dr. Engelman suggests wearing it for 15 to 30 minutes a few times a week, but it's crucial to refer to your specific mask's instructions for the recommended time.

What are the types of LED light therapy?

Most at-home red light therapy devices come with several waves of light, the most common shades being red and blue. However, all shades have different benefits. DeRosa breaks it down:

• Red light helps smooth out wrinkles and boost collagen production

• Blue light is great for eliminating acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation

• Yellow light helps with skin repair

• Green light treats hyperpigmentation

How do you use an LED face mask?

"The best way to use an LED light therapy mask is on clean skin," says Dr. Engelman. After washing your face in the morning or at night, set your mask to the proper wavelength, then put on goggles and use it for the recommended amount of time. Post-use, finish the rest of your skincare routine, she says. And definitely use it before applying retinol, says Dr. Shirazi.

What are the benefits of using an LED face mask?

Dr. Guanche says that the red-light therapy feature in these devices is especially helpful. "Studies have found that red light therapy helps with photodynamic therapy to treat some skin cancers and conditions, such as psoriasis and acne, as well as provide anti-aging benefits," she says.They're, of course, not as strong or fast as in-office LED light therapy, but they're a more affordable and easy at-home option, especially if people want to extend the results of in-office treatments, Dr. Engelman adds.

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