Best Red Light Therapy Masks of 2025, Our Top LED Face Masks | Vogue

Feb 28, 2025

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With the best red light therapy mask, one can effectively treat an array of skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, fine lines, dark spots, and more. The futuristic devices nowadays are some of the most convenient, hands-free treatments on the market; experts say that a light therapy treatment via a comfortable siliconed mask or targeted spot treatment works well in tandem with your on-going skin-care routine. But, how exactly does the technology work? To find out, we reviewed the beauty tools on the market, parsed through the Vogue beauty closet, and sifted through dermatologist recommendations to curate this edit of the best LED face masks for various needs and skin types to supercharge your skin-care regimen.

Omnilux

Contour Face red light therapy device

OMNILUX

Vogue beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the CurrentBody LED Mask for face.

Currentbody

LED Light Therapy Mask

CURRENTBODY

Vogue beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro for face.

Dr. Dennis Gross

DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device

SEPHORA

AMAZON

DERMSTORE

Qure

Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Therapy Mask

AMAZON

Vogue beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the HigherDose Red Light Therapeutic Face Mask for face.

Higherdose

Red Light Therapeutic Face Mask

AMAZON

REVOLVE

Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the Therabody TheraFace Mask for face.

Therabody

TheraFace Mask

REVOLVE

DERMSTORE

THERABODY

Vogue beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device for face.

MZ Skin

LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

BLUEMERCURY

DERMSTORE

Shani Darden

by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask

REVOVLE

Vogue beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand for face.

Solawave

Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

SOLAWAVE

AMAZON

NORDSTROM

Vogue beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite LED EyeCare Max Pro for face.

Dr. Dennis Gross

DRx SpectraLite LED EyeCare Max Pro

DERMSTORE

AMAZON

Omnilux

Blemish Eraser

OMNILUX

Skin Gym

Wrinklit LED Mask

DERMSTORE

REVOLVE

What is LED light therapy?

“LED stands for light emitting diode, a light source that shines on (and penetrates into) the skin,” Dr. Jennifer MacGregor previously told Vogue. Blue, red, and near-infrared are the most common: “The light penetrates into the skin and affects gene expression and cellular function leading to a variety of effects in the skin that are only partially understood.” All that said, she emphasizes that red light therapy really works. “How it works and how much it works is related to the target indication, wavelength of light used (affects depth of penetration and action), how much power the light source has, and how long (duration) the light is used on the skin.”

Are LED face masks effective?

“Studies suggest that LED light therapy masks can benefit the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose says. “Depending on the device and wavelength of light, benefits include treating acne, promoting collagen production, preventing signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, decreasing inflammation, and reducing hyperpigmentation, among others. Results vary depending on the device, wavelength, consistency of use, and individual skin qualities.”

According to Murphy-Rose, data suggests that LED light therapy can work to promote hair growth, too. “The mechanism is believed to be light induced increase of blood flow supporting nutrient delivery, increased ATP generation to stimulate hair follicle cells, and decreased inflammation, which promotes growth and deters loss,” she explains. “Data suggests red and near infrared light therapy in the range of 630-700nm and 810-850nm as the best for supporting hair growth.”

Benefits of Light Therapy For Your Skin

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm, the treatment works through different wavelengths of LED light to penetrate the skin at different depths to effectively combat acne, inflammation, swelling, signs of aging, collagen production, and even minor wounds. Keep in mind that these work best to supplement a well-rounded routine of in-office treatments, a thorough skin-care routine, and consistent use.

What color light therapy do you need?

Choose the light therapy color based on your desired results. “For example, someone with acne-prone skin might consider adding bacteria-killing blue-light therapy into their blemish-fighting skin-care routine, which would already include steps like cleansing, toning, and using topical acne-fighting serums formulated with retinol or AHAs/BHAs,” advises Palm. Below, more on the benefits of the most popular light therapy wavelengths.

Red: Red light is the most popular wavelength—“often used for anti-aging benefits as it has been shown to stimulate collagen production as well as decreasing inflammation, promoting healing and improving circulation,” per Murphy-Rose.

Infrared: “Near-infrared light has similar benefits as red light therapy but penetrates deeper into the skin,” Murphy-Rose continues. It is often considered a more powerful treatment for wrinkles and skin elasticity.

Blue: Blue light is a solid acne treatment as this light wavelength has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which kills acne-causing bacteria.

Yellow: “Yellow light is thought to help reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin.

What is the most effective LED light wavelength?

The most robust data comes from studies of red (620-750nm), infrared (760-1400nm), and blue (450-495nm) light therapies, according to Murphy-Rose.

What’s the difference between LED and red light therapy?

“LED and red-light therapy are both light-based treatments, but they serve different purposes and work in distinct ways,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia. “LED (Light-Emitting Diode) therapy encompasses a spectrum of monochromatic lights of different wavelengths each targeting specific skin concerns; for example blue light (470-480nm) targets acne-causing bacteria.” Whereas, red light—a specific type of LED therapy—uses concentrated red wavelengths (630 – 700nm) (or near-infrared light) to penetrate deeper into the dermis, where it stimulates mitochondrial activity, essentially powering up our cells’ energy centers “to reduce inflammation, increase cell regeneration, help healing properties, repair tissue, increase circulation, and relaxation,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch explains.

What is the difference between red light therapy at-home verses an in-office treatment?

Rambhia explains that the key differences between at-home and in-office red light therapy lie in the devices’ power, precision, and treatment protocols. “Professional in-office devices typically deliver higher energy outputs and more concentrated wavelengths, allowing for deeper penetration and potentially more efficient results in shorter treatment times,” she says. “In-office treatments benefit from medical supervision and precise calibration of treatment parameters for each patient’s specific needs. At-home devices, while more convenient and cost-effective for long-term use, generally have lower power outputs and may require longer or more frequent sessions to achieve similar results.” This is because they’re designed with consumer safety in mind, meant to be used without professional guidance, in order to avoid potential skin damage.

The two treatments differ in specs as well: “Red light therapy at home is measured in irradiance, whereas in the office it is measured in nanometers,” Gratch notes. “Treatments at home can range from 10 to 30 minutes, whereas treatments in the office are shorter and can last 10-20 minutes. Red light therapy in the office tends to be more powerful and results are much faster. However, there is a difference in cost–red light therapy at home tends to be more cost-effective than in-office treatments.” Lower costs means that more people can experience the benefits—in our perspective, a worthwhile trade-off. To maximize the benefits of your at-home treatment, use it as often as your routine allows—during your morning get-ready session, amidst busy computer work, or even an at-night Netflix viewing. The results are cumulative!

How to Choose an LED Face Mask

When you choose an LED face mask, consider what you’re looking to treat and how you plan on using it.

LED Light Wavelengths: “Acne-prone individuals would benefit from blue light; those more concerned with anti-aging or psoriasis would benefit from red-light therapy; and those with hyperpigmentation or minor scarring would benefit from green light,” Palm says, noting that one should ideally use the mask three to four times per week for best results. She instructs us to avoid harsh or over-exfoliating products while using LED; rather, reach for gentle, moisturizing salves.

Technical Specs: Skin concerns and type of LED light aside, the technical specs can also be helpful in understanding which mask is for you. Someone interested in multitasking, say cleaning your space or getting some work done, while masking might appreciate a lightweight, cordless device. Someone who is interested in a mask for targeted areas of the face, like the eyes or miscellaneous dark spots, might gravitate toward a smaller gadget like a wand.

Are LED face masks safe?

While the advanced LED lights might feel intimidating, Palm explains that light therapy is considered safe with very little risk of overdoing the treatment; just opt for an FDA-cleared device, follow the instructions, and watch for any signs of irritation.

How often should you use an LED face mask?

Amin recommends using an LED face mask three to five times per week for at least 12 weeks to see best results. But of course, specific instructions vary depending on your chosen device. “Choose a reputable brand and follow manufacturer guidelines for best use,” Murphy-Rose adds.

How to Use an LED Face Mask

Generally speaking, your chosen light therapy treatment should be used atop clean, dry skin. So, use the best face wash—we love the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Facial Cleanser—or, give skin a midday refresh with micellar water before you begin your light therapy treatment by following the instructions on your mask or wand. Once complete, follow with face serums carefully chosen to your concerns—perhaps a vitamin C serum in the morning or a retinol at night—eye cream and barrier-strengthening face cream by Chanel or Avène.

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

AMAZON

DERMSTORE

ULTA

Garnier

SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

AMAZON

ULTA

Sunday Riley

CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

DERMSTORE

SEPHORA

AMAZON

RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

AMAZON

Augustinus Bader

The Rich Cream

NORDSTROM

DERMSTORE

SkinCeuticals

Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

SKINCEUTICALS

DERMSTORE

How We Tested

When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue's vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry's standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.

As it relates to LED face masks, we selected the best based on the following characteristics after at least 30 days of testing: light wavelengths, treatment types, comfort, and additional benefits offered. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.

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