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LED light therapy has gained so much buzz in recent years—and now, many skincare brands are releasing their own version for consumers to use in their homes. Although many of us were once (and may still be) skeptical and even a bit nervous about trying LED masks outside of a professional’s office, there is something to be said about their versatility and effectiveness. Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing results from just a few minutes of daily use.
Who wouldn’t love an easy-peasy skin-enhancing treatment in the name of self-care? Part of feeling good starts with looking good, which is made possible when you add high-quality tools to your routine. Taking care of your skin is a worthy investment, and an LED mask is just the treat to help get you motivated. While many masks do sit at high prices, the benefits you’ll notice from use will far outweigh the cost—and, you’ll likely need to visit your facialist a little less.
Up ahead, we share the best LED face masks that come recommended by renowned dermatologists and skincare professionals, plus some options we tested ourselves.
The Best LED Face Masks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
- Best for Anti-Aging: Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask, $349
- Best for Sensitive Skin: FOREO UFO 2, $179 (Originally $299)
- Best for At-Home Spa Experience: Omnilux Contour Face, $395
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, $647
- Best for Mature Skin: Celluma Pro, $1,795
- Best Multi-tasker: FOREO FAQ 202, $799 (Originally $947)
Our Experts
- Christina Hartmann Jenkins, L.E. and Owner, Bare Necessities Spa & Boutique
- Dr. Meredith Price, MD, FAAD, Dermatologist
- Maegan Griffin, Nurse Practitioner, Founder & CEO, Skin Pharm
- Dr. Hadley C. King, MD, FAAD, Dermatologist
How Do LED Masks Work?
LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to address specific skin concerns such as signs of aging, acne, hyperpigmentation and other woes. “Each color of light serves a different purpose. For example, red light boosts collagen production, making it great for anti-aging, while blue light kills acne-causing bacteria,” explains the Bare Necessities team. “These devices offer a non-invasive way to treat skin issues, and many LED devices now allow for at-home use with professional-level results.”
What Are the Most Popular Types of LED Light Therapy?
When choosing an LED mask, you must consider your skin type and specific concerns to find the best mask to address your needs. “The most popular commercially available types include red light, near-infrared light, and blue light therapy. As far as a ‘better’ option, I think the choice depends on your goals,” says Dr. Price. “If you’re looking to combat signs of aging like wrinkles and sunspots, red and near-infrared light would be a good choice. Blue light would be a good choice to help with an anti-acne routine. They can also be combined to help address multiple concerns at once.”
Are LED Face Masks Safe?
“LED face masks are safe, overall. It is best to choose one that is FDA-approved, and I prefer to keep my eyes closed and use eye shields to protect my eyes from the light,” says Dr. Price. “There is conflicting information on the use of light therapy for patients with conditions that are sensitive to light, such as melasma. In this case, it would be important to proceed cautiously, assess for worsening, and avoid any device that generates heat, as this can worsen melasma.”
Although many individuals find LED masks remain gentle on the skin, every person’s complexion may react differently. So, if you have very sensitive skin or a skin disorder, consult a skin health professional before including LED masks in your skincare routine. Following usage guidelines is vital to avoid overuse, skin irritation, and potential safety mishaps.
If you’re too nervous to add LED masks to your regimen straightaway, you can always book a treatment with a professional at your local spa. For example, the skincare professionals at Houston-based Bare Necessities swear by using LightStim in many facial services. “It’s a versatile option that suits various skin types; a powerful combination of red and blue light therapy, perfect for reducing fine lines and acne,and excels for those looking to address aging, acne, or inflammation,” says Jenkins, who is also advanced LED light therapy certified. Plus, if you love LightStim, it’s available for at-home use at reasonable prices.
How Do I Use an LED Mask?
“It’s important to perform your treatment after washing your face but before putting on anything else, like skincare products,” notes Dr. Price. “If I am spending the extra time to do an LED treatment (the Omnilux is a quick 10 minutes), then I like to keep the rest of my routine streamlined.” Dr. Price’s favorite skincare pairing post-LED mask treatment is Daybird 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tint. Dr. Price mentions that this tinted sunscreen (available in three flexible shades) is her “go-to” because “it combines a moisturizer, mineral sunscreen (SPF 50), tint, and serum all in one step.” Daybird’s formula has niacinamide and bisabolol to help stimulate collagen and combat inflammation, which complements the results from the LED mask treatments.
As with any skincare product or treatment, the best way to achieve optimum results is by being consistent. “Regular use, combined with a healthy skin care regimen, can lead to noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance over time,” says Griffin. “Also, consider pairing your LED therapy with other treatments, such as microneedling or biostimulator injections, for a more comprehensive approach to skin care.” Moreover, you can maximize the benefits of the LED mask treatments by following up with skin-quenching serums and moisturizers.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Buy Now at Amazon $455.00
Buy Now at sephora $455
Buy Now at nordstrom $455
Buy Now at walmart $435
“I’m at the geriatric Millennial age where my skin hasn’t decided if it’s ready to proceed to the next aging milestone or continue to tap into the days of my youth with a glistening T-zone bedecked with blemishes. Fortunately, the DRx SpectraLite mask treats acne and signs of life’s wear and tear, A.K.A.. aging, simultaneously with red and blue lights. If you only have one struggle (good for you), opt for the blue light to address acne or the red light to combat wrinkles and boost collagen for a smoother visage. I’m also a big fan of getting a ‘you look like you’ve had a one-hour facial’ glow in a speedy three minutes! I look forward to seeing the long-term results.” —Gabrielle Nicole Pharms, Contributing Writer
Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask
Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask
$379Buy Now at solawave
“I recommend the Solawave Wrinkle and Acne Clearing Light Therapy Mask, which provides a 10-minute treatment with both red and blue light. The flexible silicone construction makes it comfortable and well-fitting, and it’s lightweight, so it’s easy to wear.” — Dr. Hadley C. King, MD, FAAD
FOREO FAQ 202
FOREO FAQ 202
$799Buy Now at foreo
“I loved how buttery my skin felt after my first initial wear of the FOREO FAQ 202 mask. Before indulging in the treatments, I prepped my skin with the recommended FAQ P1 manuka honey primer, which I’m convinced helped my skin have such a hydrating glow and smoother texture.
I especially appreciated how the mask sculpted impeccably to my face since most LED masks tend to have a more structured mold to fit slimmer, oval-shaped faces (I have full cheeks and a round face). The mask also comes with access to the brand’s FAQ Swiss app with pre-programmed treatments that can simultaneously target areas of concern such as hyperpigmentation and breakouts.
However, I wasn’t a fan of the paid subscription. You must commit to a paid monthly subscription to unlock certain app features, such as the more tailored pre-programmed treatments. You must also download the app because it requires registering your mask before first-time usage. After dropping $800, it would be nice to be offered a free year’s subscription or a three-month trial period as an incentive, right?! Other than the mandatory app, this mask is flawless and has an advantage over most other brands in that it fits perfectly, even if you don’t have a svelte, almond-shaped face structure.”—Gabrielle Nicole Pharms, Contributing Writer
Take note: Foreo is currently offering a Black Friday special on its FAQ 202 bundle: Get the FAQ 202 device, FAQ Microneedling Patches for the forehead and FAQ 200 travel case for $799 (the typical cost of just the mask itself.)
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
$469Buy Now at currentbody
$469.00Buy Now at Amazon
“This flexible silicone mask uses red and near-infrared light to even skin tone, target hyperpigmentation, and reduce redness.” — Christina Hartmann Jenkins, L.E. and Owner, Bare Necessities Spa & Boutique
CurrentBody’s Skin LED Light Therapy Mask has 236 LED bulbs that offer three different wavelenghts: red, near-infrared and new deep infrared. It also was tested on thousands of faces to ensure optimal coverage and comfort, resulting in a flexible liquid silicone shape that can perfectly adhere to a range of face sizes.
Celluma Pro
Celluma Pro
$795.00Buy Now at Amazon
$815Buy Now at nordstrom
“This FDA-cleared mask delivers red, blue, and near-infrared light to promote collagen production and reduce wrinkles, making it a favorite for mature skin.” — Christina Hartmann Jenkins, L.E. and Owner, Bare Necessities Spa & Boutique
If you’ve ever experienced a professional facial, they may have used LED light therapy during your session in a similar way to how the Celluma Pro operates. It doesn’t sit directly on the face, but instead hovers slightly above on facial rests. It can also be positioned on other areas of the body, such as the neck and back, to help with muscle aches.
Omnilux Contour Face Mask
Omnilux Contour Face Mask
$395Buy Now at omnilux
“My favorite LED mask is the Omnilux. It’s FDA-approved, comfortable to wear, combines red and near-infrared light, and does not generate significant heat (important to me as I do have melasma). They also have a version of the mask that incorporates blue light for acne-prone skin.” — Dr. Meredith Price, MD, FAAD
“This flexible mask provides a combination of red and near-infrared light. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, improves skin firmness, and promotes an even complexion. It’s great for anti-aging, firming, and brightening. It’s FDA-cleared and very comfortable on the face, neck, and decollete.” — Christina Hartmann Jenkins, L.E. and Owner, Bare Necessities Spa & Boutique
