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If you’ve been keeping up with all of the latest and greatest high-tech beauty gadgets out there, then you’ve probably heard about LED (light-emitting diode) masks. Some of the best LED face masks and devices can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and scars; soothe rosacea; and treat inflammation, among other skin benefits.
“LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at varying depths, triggering natural biological responses,” Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy, founder of Glo by Glen Skincare, tells The Hollywood Reporter. The New York-based board-certified aesthetic physician is known for pioneering beauty-hacking, her approach of combining science-backed techniques, lifestyle adjustments and innovative tech to “optimize beauty from the inside out,” she says. At her Brooklyn medispa, Nosworthy offers her starry (and HIPAA-confidential) clientele dermal fillers, microneedling, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections and more skin enhancements. Also on the menu is the celebrity-loved, red carpet-ready Glass Facial, a rejuvenating treatment that uses her collagen-stimulating topical polydioxanone (PDO) serum, hulauronic acid and a microdose of Botox.
When it comes to LED, “each wavelength of light delivers unique benefits, so choosing the right one for your skin concerns is essential,” Nosworthy explains. Measured in nanometers (nm), “red light (620 to 700 nm) penetrates deeply into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production, while near-infrared light (700-1200 nm) penetrates even deeper than red light to target muscles and joints.”
She continues, “blue light (400-490 nm) targets the surface layer of the skin, killing acne-causing bacteria, and green light (495-570nm) affects skin pigmentation by calming overactive melanocytes.”
At a Glance: The Best LED Therapy Face Masks & Tools
- BEST ON AMAZON Aphrona 7-Color LED Mask, $144
$180 - MOST VERSATILE MASK HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, $349
- BEST RED LIGHT PANEL LED Technologies Lux Collection dlp IIa LED Treatment Panel, $299
$399 - BEST FOR SPOT TREATING ACNE Solawave Bye Acne Pro Kit, $42
$84 - BEST UNDER $100 SkinGym Wrinklit LED Mask, $69
$99 - BEST FOR DARK SPOTS Therabody TheraFace Mask, $525
$599 - BEST CLINICAL GRADE Lyma Laser, $2,156
$2,695 - BEST UNDER $400 Omnilux Contour Face Mask, $345
$395 - BEST UNDER $500 Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
- BEST LED FACE & NECK TREATMENT LED Esthetics Glotech Face Mask with Collar, $686
$786 - BEST LED NECK MASK Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask, $150
$299 - BEST FOR SCALP Foreo Luna 4 Hair, $199
- MOST HOLLYWOOD-LOVED CurrentBody 2 LED Light Therapy Mask, $469
- BEST INVESTMENT Déesse Pro LED Light Mask, $1,360
$1,700
LED light therapy was first developed by NASA scientists in the early ’90s, first for plant growth experiments in space and thereafter to boost the wound healing of astronauts. The light’s wavelengths can go deep into body tissue to promote blood circulation and collagen production, which is why the skin-care industry jumped on the high-tech train to bring LED light therapy to top Hollywood spas.
Related: The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Every Budget
“The use of light on skin is not a new technology, but as LEDs have improved and become more efficient, so have LED-based technologies,” Mike Poling, president of Lightwave, and a 16-year innovator in the field, recently told The Hollywood Reporter. He explains that the usage of LED lights on the skin helps to re-energize cells: “This increase in energy helps our cells function more like they did when we were younger with the immediate effects being a release of endorphins, a reduction in inflammation, and an increase in lymphatic system activity to help detoxify the body.”
Today, the masks are more easily accessible and have quickly become an MVP among skin-care tools for at-home facials. Among the most popular LED face masks includes New York-based aesthetician Dr. Dennis Gross’ DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED mask — designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and treat acne — that went viral in 2020 after stars including Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Lucy Hale and Halle Berry shared their lockdown selfies wearing the device.
How to Choose the Right LED Mask or Device
Nosworthy adds that there are several factors to consider as you’re choosing the best LED device for yourself. Skin concerns, power output, size and design, safety, ease of use and budget are all important when selecting the right one. “Choose FDA-cleared devices to ensure safety and efficacy, and look for built-in eye protection or use goggles if the device doesn’t include them,” she says.
If you want to target signs of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles), “choose a device with red or near-infrared light,” notes Nosworthy. Blue light is best for addressing acne, while green light is the most helpful for pigmentation or redness. “Combination devices may include multiple wavelengths for versatile treatment.”
She points out that “higher power output means better penetration and faster results. Look for devices with a power output of at least 20-40mW/cm2 for effective treatment.”
For those who are minding their budget, “professional-grade devices may cost more but deliver faster results, while affordable options are available but may require more consistent use to see effects.”
How to Use LED Face Masks and Devices
Speaking of effectiveness, Nosworthy recommends using the devices as recommended by their manufacturer, typically three to five times a week. “Always use on clean, dry skin to maximize absorption and apply hydrating or soothing products afterward to lock in benefits.”
She reminds people to be patient: “results often appear after four to eight weeks of regular use. By matching the wavelength to your specific skin concerns and ensuring the device meets safety and power standards, you can maximize the benefits of LED light therapy for your skincare routine.”
What Are the Best LED Masks and Skin Care Devices?
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best LED masks for a variety of budgets and skin-care goals — including some on sale all Black Friday weekend.
BEST LED MASK ON AMAZON
Aphrona 7-Color LED Mask
Aphrona’s FDA-cleared LED face mask features seven interchangeable color lights that offer a spectrum of benefits. Each color contains 150 narrow spectrum chips (which is apparently five times more than other masks) that are 100 percent UV-free, with the purple light mask being the least intense and the grey mask being the strongest. This mask also comes with a convenient remote to adjust the color, intensity and time to your liking.
BEST REd Light Panel
LED Technologies Lux Collection dlp IIa LED Treatment Panel
LED Technologies’ FDA-cleared Lux Collection LED Treatment Panel (on sale for 25 percent off for Black Friday) addresses fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation and acne in just three minutes per day. The panel design makes it easy to adjust the distance and angle from your desired treatment area, and offers three settings with a variety of light colors and strengths.
Best for acne
Solawave Bye Acne Pro Kit
Equipped with blue (415nm) and red light (630nm), Solawave’s Bye Acne Pro Kit (on sale for buy one, get one free) helps to “eliminate acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production and prevent future breakouts.” Ideal for spot treatments, this device also contains
BEST LED MASK UNDER $100
Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask
For a good entry-level option that won’t break the bank, try Skin Gym’s WrinkLit LED mask, which features three LED colors and wavelengths to treat different skincare concerns: blue to fight acne, red to help with wrinkles and orange to increase facial brightness. Skin Gym recommends wearing this mask for 15-20 minutes max per session.
Most Versatile LED mask
HigherDose Red Light Face Mask
Made of flexible medical-grade silicone, HigherDose’s Red Light Face Mask is equipped with 124 red and near infrared diodes for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen and elastin and minimizing redness. Choose 10- or 20-minute treatment times; the brand suggests using the mask three to five times a week to see results. Reviewers also love that the third head strap helps to keep the mask in place while moving, making this device one of the best LED masks to use while working out or doing chores.
Best LED Mask Under $400
Omnilux Cotour Face Mask
Paris Hilton told Who What Wear that she loves using Omnilux’s Contour Face mask (use code SAVE60 to save $60 off) in her morning and evening routines. For those looking to specifically target acne, Omnilux has another fan-favorite for this exact purpose: Omnilux Clear. This LED mask has passed FDA, TGA and CE regulations for treating acne and offers dermatologist-grade treatments from the comfort of your home by way of blue light that targets and kills acne bacteria and red light that aids in the production of new collagen while reducing inflammation. Recommended length of use: four 10-minute treatments for six weeks.
BEST LED Mask Under $500
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Another celebrity favorite is the wildly popular DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro mask by Dr. Dennis Gross. (Kris Jenner, Rita Ora and Halle Berry and Lucy Hale snapped lockdown selfies wearing the mask). Standout features of this mask include 100 red LED lights to support collagen production and reduce wrinkles, 62 blue LED lights to target and prevent acne-causing bacteria and an adjustable head strap for a universal fit. Look forward to seeing results after 10 weeks of consistent use.
Pro tip: You can flip the mask upside down and use it on your neck and décolletage.
BEST LED NECK MASK
Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask
Buy one, get one free during Black Friday
While aging is beautiful, some of us may not be ready for the speed at which visible signs begin to show. In addition to fine lines and wrinkles appearing on the face, which the above LED face masks aid in treating and preventing, our neck also needs similar TLC. This is where Solawave’s Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask steps in.
This mask uses red and near-infrared light to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote firmer skin. To use, apply a serum of your choice, secure the mask on your neck and decolletage and wear for 10 minutes.
BEST MASK WITH NECK COLLAR
LED Esthetics Glotech Mask Pro with Collar
Customers have seen results in two weeks after using LED Esthetics’ Glotech Mask Pro for 10 minutes per day, six times per week. Cleared by the FDA for class II medical use (meaning the product is safe and effective for its intended use as marketed) the device features red, near-infrared and blue light treatments that are clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation, boost collagen production, enhance skin texture, minimize pore size and reduce or eliminate acne.
According to the company, Chrissy Teigen, January Jones, Madonna and Jessica Alba are among the stores who have shared their experiences using the LED mask on social media.
Best clinical-grade laser device
Lyma Laser
While nothing can replace a pro treatment at a medical spa, the Lyma Laser is a close second. (Model Amber Valletta is a celebrity ambassador for the brand, and Hollywood facialist Joanna Czech regularly uses it on her celebrity clients.) According to the company, it’s the first FDA-cleared clinic-grade laser skin-care device that can reach the base laser of the skin, and it’s 100 percent more powerful than other LED tools. Clinical trials show that the Lyma noticeably improves face and body skin texture and elasticity, and targets signs of aging, scars, blemishes, pigmentation and redness. It’s effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and blemishes with regular treatments ranging from 15 to 45 minutes per day for three months.
It boasts a two-hour battery life on a single charge and a 10-year lifespan. Lyma recommends using the device daily with its Oxygen Mist and Glide skin-care products; laser purchases include a free 30-day supply, and skin-care subscriptions are $149 per month.
best for Scalp
Foreo Luna 4 Hair
Known for their gentle silicone facial massagers, Sweden-based beauty tool brand Foreo’s new Luna 4 Hair device uses a blend of LED light therapy and its signature T-Sonic massage technology to help boost microcirculation, unclog pores and reduce scalp oil buildup. The company says the device is “clinically proven tor reduce dandruff by 24 percent and oil on the scalp by 50 percent” within a month, and 97 percent of testers say they have thicker, shinier hair.
MOST HOLLYWOOD-LOVED
CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask, Series 2
Save on select bundles for Black Friday
CurrentBody’s second-gen LED light therapy face mask now has an updated liquid silicone material for better nose and lip coverage, an “exclusive layout of 236 LED bulbs” that emit light in three “clinically recognized wavelengths”: red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and a new dep near-infrared (1072nm). The company noted that these wavelengths help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and decrease redness. Each mask also comes with an NFC card containing Veritace’s testing and traceability data so you can see each step of the quality review process.
Kim Kardashian posted herself on Instagram using the brand’s LED face, neck and hand masks on Christmas and revealed that she “gave them as gifts [last] year,” while Lilly Collins and Suki Waterhouse are among the stars who’ve raved about CurrentBody’s face mask. Letitia Wright and Naomi Watts have reportedly used the device.
BEST LED MASK FOR DARK SPOTS
Therabody TheraFace Mask
Therabody’s latest and greatest skin-care tool, the TheraFace mask contains 648 medical-grade red, infrared and blue LED lights plus vibration therapy to help produce smoother, brighter and firmer skin after eight weeks of treatment. Following a 12-week study conducted by third-party company, participants noticed a range of improvements to their skin, including lightened dark spots. Plus, save up to 50% at Therabody’s Black Friday sale.
BEST INVESTMENT LED MASK
Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask
Given that Hollywood aesthetician Shani Darden is a go-to for stars including Jessica Alba and Shay Mitchell, it’s no surprise that success follows any product that her name is attached to. The actresses, along with Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian, have turned up on social media looking like members of the Jabbawockeez while wearing the bestselling Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED mask. (Get the face mask-only version for 20 percent off with code BF2024 at Déesse Pro’s website.)
Inspired by her iconic facials, Darden’s mask features dual-diode LEDs that deliver the highest dose of red, blue and near-infrared light therapy to support collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes and target pigmentation. Bonus: This mask also comes with a custom-designed neck attachment to target fine lines and wrinkles on the decolletage.