You already know that we're huge fans of LED masks here. In fact, we're not the only ones obsessed—Bella Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Hudson, Kourtney Kardashian Barker (the list goes on) have all praised light therapy.
But for those of you who may not be familiar with the at-home treatment yet, we have a few experts who can fill you in on the benefits these devices provide. "Studies suggest that LED light therapy is beneficial," explains board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. "Red light has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can reduce and prevent wrinkles and can improve skin texture. Red light is often thought of as the 'anti-aging' light, while blue light is the 'anti-acne' light. Blue light has been demonstrated to treat acne by reducing P. acnes bacteria and by decreasing the activity of acne-promoting oil glands. Optimal results will be achieved while combining light therapy treatments with a well-designed skincare routine and to consider in-office procedures that are capable of bringing about the most significant improvements."
Many masks are designed for quick treatments (starting at 10 minutes a session) and can be a nice addition to any skincare routine since they require pretty much no extra effort. But with these kinds of devices becoming more popular, it can also be tough to know which ones offer the best results and which ones are right for your particular skin type. For a little expert advice and device recommendations, keep scrolling below.
How to Choose the Best LED Face Mask
When selecting the right device for you, experts say it's important to keep your skincare goals in mind. "It is really important to choose the proper wavelength for your skin concerns," says Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Red light is good for anti-aging, stimulating collagen, and reducing inflammation. Blue light is best for reducing acne-causing bacteria and helping to control oil production. Devices that offer adjustable settings and different wavelengths of light are best for customizing treatments."
Now, I know you may be eager to go out and snag one in the bargain bin, but Murphy-Rose also recommends using an FDA-cleared device from a reputable company. The masks that are most effective contain medical-grade wavelengths of light and are costly because of it. Quality devices are ones that contain the same caliber of LED therapy that dermatologists and aestheticians use in their practices. So yeah, don't be alarmed if you see a few masks on this list that cost a pretty penny—these devices deliver quick results and may even rival a treatment at a professional's office if used consistently. Without further ado, keep scrolling for the best LED face masks at a few different price points, and be sure to read our review on SolaWave's Wand, one of the best LED tools on the market.
If Bella Hadid loves it, this mask must be doing something right. This FDA-cleared option from Omnilux provides red light therapy proven to help reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness. This mask comes recommended by Farber as well as the brand's Clear Mask ($395), which targets acne.
Pros: Red light wavelength reduces fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "Love the device. Would recommend to friends and family! I purchased it because I wanted to slow down the appearance of wrinkles. It has really helped make my skin appear smoother. Really happy!"
CurrentBody's Skin LED Mask uses red light in 10-minute treatment increments to boost skin cell productivity. It gives skin a more youthful appearance by stimulating collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines, evening the skin tone, brightening, and tightening. I use this mask four to five times a week, and it's by far my favorite option. After a couple weeks, I noticed my skin had an extra glow to it that wasn't there before and hyperpigmentation faded so much more quickly than normal.
Pros: Boosts skin cell productivity, stimulates collagen production, improves fine lines, brightens
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "I’ve been using my LED mask every morning for almost a month, and I’m thrilled with the results thus far! This past year I’ve lost over 100 lbs and also had skin cancer removal on my forehead. My hopes were to improve skin laxity/texture and promote healing at the surgery site on my forehead, excited to see continued improvement!"
I have this device from Newkey and think it's one of the best options at a lower price point than other masks out there on the market. It offers seven light colors, and you can change the strength of the light and the duration of the treatment. It's a great option for those who are new to light therapy and would like help with moderate acne or fine lines and wrinkles. It also offers adjustable times on treatments so you can do a longer or shorter treatment if you like.
Pros: Less expensive than other options, seven light color therapy options, adjustable time settings
Cons: Not cordless
Customer Review: "This mask did A LOT for my skin. The thing I noticed the most was that it gave my skin a glow and reduced inflammation. I used it daily for two weeks. Full disclosure - I did return it but not because it wasn’t producing results. You have to use it for 20 minutes a day (recommended time) and it just turned out to be difficult to find that time in my day. This mask is not cordless so you are somewhat tethered to one spot while using. I purchased a different mask that is cordless and requires 3 minutes a day - however the new mask was extremely pricey. If you are looking for an affordable LED light mask and don’t mind any of the above then this is the mask for you. You WILL get results with time and consistency of use."
I love that this option from Houzzi offers seven different light therapy colors for a truly custom treatment. This mask also offers custom treatment times and can go all the way up to 60-minute treatment times.
Pros: Offers seven light therapy colors, customizable strength, more affordable than other light masks
Cons: The cord is too short
Customer Review: "I love that this has so many color options and strength choices. You can intensify the mask as you see fit. I stay lower and it’s still awesome. Very powerful for the price. I wish the cords were different. Not very long and come disconnected if not on a solid surface which is hard when you’re plugging in and trying to lay back on a bed or in a chair. Also, I don’t use the strap bc the plastic hurts around my eyes. But it still works fantastic when you lean back and prop up the cord."
This mask also offers seven colors, and you can adjust the intensity of the light, which makes it another great option for beginners.
Pros: Great for beginners, seven color settings for a custom treatment, has both a face and neck attachment
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "Absolutely LOVED this LED light therapy mask by Hime Sama. Its very easy to use and it is not uncomfortable. My favorite thing about this particular mask is that it has 7 color settings to choose from depending on your preference or skin need. My personal favorite is the green light not only does it balances skin tone, reduces puffiness and improves the complexion of the skin it releases stress. Overall I have truly seen a difference on my skin and so far I am loving it!! Highly recommended it!"
Aphrona also offers seven light color options and is FDA-cleared. It's also coated with pearl powder, which makes it scratch-resistant. Additionally, you can pair it with your favorite water-based serums to enhance your results. We wouldn't recommend pairing it with with any harsher actives like retinoids, BHAs, or AHAs, but pairing it with gentle, water-based serums with no exfoliants may be beneficial.
Pros: Offers even light color therapy options, reduces redness and skin inflammation
Cons: Not very comfortable to wear
Customer Review: "It's very relaxing and soothing. I'm still pretty new to using this device but I'm really happy so far! I will be back in a couple months to give an update on my skin results. But as of now, I noticed that my redness has calmed. My skin is looking really nice and the texture is soft. I am not experiencing any breakouts (shocking). So I think it's helping me that as well. Which is amazing. I have not gone through all the different colors yet. Really looking forward to that also."
This mask from The Light Salon is an at-home version of the brand's in-salon Skin Health & Rejuvenation Treatment. It does exactly what it sounds like with the addition of plumping and brightening the skin. The mask also improves cell activity and treats all layers of the skin by stimulating collagen and encouraging healing.
Pros: Stimulates collagen and encourages healing, reenergizes skin
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "I researched this a lot before I bought and I’m happy to say I’m so happy I went for it. I see a noticeable difference in skin tone and texture every time I use it, and can tell the results are actually lasting. Coupled with a nice serum this has changed my skin for the better."
Our very own beauty director, Erin Jahns, is a fan of this luxe LED face mask from Dr. Dennis Gross. There are three treatment options with this mask: red light therapy, blue light therapy, and a combination of the two. It really allows you to customize your results and even helps prevent future breakouts.
Pros: Three treatment color options, customizable experience
Customer Review: "Just takes 3 minutes! I use it on the red/blue combined setting every morning. The 3 minutes is so manageable for every day use, and after about a month of use, I can see the impact and improvement it's having on my skin."
This red light therapy mask combines red and near-infrared LED technologies to enhance your natural glow. It mimics the low-level rejuvenating wavelengths found in natural sunlight and leaves your skin extra radiant.
Pros: Gives skin a youthful glow, decreases skin inflammation
Cons: Battery doesn't last long
Customer Review: "I've had this red light face mask for almost two weeks and am loving my results already! My skin is so much more glowy, and I haven't had a new blemish since."
Skin Gym's option is a tad budget-friendlier. The mask features blue, red, and orange light therapy designed for acne-prone skin. The addition of orange light is nice because it is said to help give dull skin more of a youthful glow.
Pros: Designed for acne-prone skin, helps brighten your complexion
Cons: Charging port can be faulty
Customer Review: "So far I have been using this LED facial mask three times a week. The acne on my chin is completely gone and the mark is getting lighter. Love it."
MZ Skin has this sleek gold mask that features five light colors: red, blue, white, yellow, and green. If you have sun spots, pigmentation, or sensitive skin, the green and yellow light therapy options on this mask might be good for you. Yellow light boosts circulation and lymphatic flow and soothes the skin, while green light helps reduce pigmentation, broken capillaries, and sun spots.
Pros: Five light therapy color options, results can appear quickly
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "Amazing! Best thing I have used for my skin. Immediate results."
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
French It Girl Jeanne Damas Spills Her Coveted Beauty Tips and Pregnancy-Safe Skincare PicksIt's French girl fall.
-
The Smartest Shoppers Prep for Black Friday Now—26 Beauty Items I'm BookmarkingCall it FOMO or call it being prepared…
-
Lili Reinhart Knows You're Sick of Celeb Beauty Brands—Here's Why She Wants You to Trust HersEspecially if you have acne.
-
According to Our Shopping Data, These Sephora Products Are *Extremely* PopularThe clock is ticking.
-
J.Lo Told Me This Skincare Step Is "Overrated," so I Overhauled My Winter RoutineSpoiler: My skin has never looked better.
-
Madelyn Cline Just Told Me She Swears By This $17 French Moisturizer for Great SkinMakeup artists also love it.
-
This Italian Highlighter Gave Me An Angelic Glow (And Countless Compliments)It's never leaving my vanity.
-
The NOW Founder Gara Post Just Shared Her Self-Care Cheat Sheet With Me—10 Items I'm Buying ImmediatelyWe're so aligned on our wellness practices.
