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Oct 16, 2023

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At-home LED light therapy devices look pretty futuristic, especially if you’ve seen someone on Instagram wearing one that made them look like a robot. But looks aside, these LED masks and tools have many benefits for the skin.

LED light therapy tools can help promote skin elasticity and the production of collagen. They can also reduce acne and ease redness.

So, if you’re considering exploring LED light therapy and aren't sure where to start, read on to learn more about LED light therapy and what to look for when choosing the right LED therapy for you.

Here's our list of some of the best LED light therapy tools that you can order today to help light up your beauty routine.

First off, LED stands for light-emitting diode, and these LED light therapy devices can either be worn (like a face mask) or used as a handheld device to target specific areas of the body. These devices work by allowing lights of different wavelengths to penetrate the skin.

Many LED light therapy devices contain various colors and wavelengths of light, though some only use red or blue light. Research also suggests LED light therapy may help improve the look of redness, dark spots, acne, and wrinkles.

In a 2018 study, people saw results from red light therapy in as little as 3 weeks when using an LED device for 20-minute treatments, 3 times per week. A 2017 study also showed potential for LED light to reduce the size of abdominal fat deposits.

Unlike ultraviolet A or B (UVA or UVB) light from the sun, LED lights don't burn the skin. However, it's still a good idea to wear protective eyewear when using LED devices for added safety.

If you’re concerned about wrinkles and general aging of the skin, red light devices are your best bet, as "they target fibroblasts, which are involved in the production of collagen," says Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a dermatologist and the author of "Beyond Soap."

She adds that an increase in collagen may reduce visible signs of skin aging, and that recently, it's been shown to help restore hair follicles in those experiencing male and female pattern androgenetic alopecia.

For people hoping to reduce acne or make pores appear smaller, Skotnicki recommends blue light therapy. This is because the light may help shrink your oil glands, which can reduce oil production in your skin.

Research also suggests that it may kill P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for some types of acne.

There are tons of LED light therapy options available, and it can be daunting to decide which one is best for you.

To help you pick the tool that best fits your budget, we narrowed down our list by selecting products that are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have numerous great reviews from reputable websites, and are available at a range of different prices.

Like most beauty products, LED light therapy tools can vary widely in price, from under $100 to over $500.

We kept the picks on this list on the lower-to-mid end of the price spectrum to make them more accessible. That being said, there are also some splurge options.

The DeMarkQ POP tool helps treat acne in the notoriously oily T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin).The device mixes red and blue LED lights, both of which are medical grade, to reduce the appearance of acne. It's also incredibly discreet and portable — it's similar in size and look to the iPhone — and is intended to help brighten the skin and promote collagen production.The brand also offers a smaller, handheld LED device meant for spot treatments and is available for $79.

Acting as a visor that fits around your head, this hands-free device targets the skin around the eyes, helping reduce crow's feet, wrinkles, and frown lines. It's recommended for use each day for about 3 minutes.This therapy tool is intended for long-term use (about 10 weeks) in order to see visible improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tone. However, one reviewer says there was a noticeable difference after 4 weeks of daily use.

Designed to help stimulate collagen and improve skin's firmness, this LED device plugs into a wall outlet — so you don't have to worry about batteries — and emits multiple colors of light.Reviewers note that, unlike a mask, the wand can be used on the hands, neck, or any other areas of the body showing wrinkles. It also features a built-in 3-minute timer that automatically turns the device off, so you’ll know when to move onto a new spot.The kit also includes the LightStim PhotoSerum, a light-activated pro-aging face serum that helps accelerate the repair process of DNA damage from UV rays.It takes about 8 weeks of use before you start to see improvements. Once you achieve the desired results, it's a good idea to continue using the device two to three times per week.

This medical-grade light therapy device is small and lightweight enough to take with you on the go.The brand says it uses multi-wave light (meaning lights of different colors) to stimulate collagen and elastin production for even, firmer skin.Each treatment takes 3 minutes. The device is battery-powered, so you can use it anywhere.

Handheld and easy to use wherever you are, The Go 2.0 uses red and near-infrared wavelengths and comes with protective eyewear, a travel case, and a charger. An optional docking station is available separately for easier charging too. The device is also Bluetooth compatible and can sync with the Joovv app, so you can adjust the light settings and even set a daily alarm.In addition to pro-aging skin benefits, this product aims to offer a host of other health benefits too, including improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and potentially even better sleep.Joovv recommends a 10-minute treatment interval, with the device held 6 to 12 inches away from your skin. Some reviewers report positive results in just a few weeks of daily use.

This travel-size tool makes it easy to add LED therapy to your self-care routine, even when you’re not at home. Using blue light to help reduce acne-causing bacteria and redness, several reviewers note that it did a good job of keeping moderate breakouts at bay. This device is intended to help people with oily skin or people prone to acne breakouts.

It's also easy to use too — just touch it to your face and move it around in sweeping circular motions for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, it’ll shut itself off so that you can move to another area.

This is a very good option if you’re running short on time, as this LED tool can be used in as little as 30 seconds. It uses blue light to neutralize the bacteria that causes acne along with sonic pulsations that encourage blood circulation to the area of skin that you are treating.Reviewers say they began to see improvements in the skin — including a more even texture and reduced breakouts — in about 3 weeks.

This smart mask is powered by an app that helps you customize your treatment, including your preferred temperature, pulsation intensity, and LED color.This small device can be held in the palm of your hand — it's about the size of a mirrored compact — and features both thermotherapy and cryotherapy to refine your skin and reduce the appearance of pores.This one is also specifically designed to be used with the brand's UFO sheet masks that address various skin concerns, like redness, acne, and uneven texture.

Designed for the lips, this affordable light therapy mask works in just 3 minutes per day. Simply attach the mouthguard to the device and lightly bite down on the guard to hold it in place. The company says that with regular use, this tool helps improve the tone, texture, and plumpness of your lips while reducing fine lines and discoloration.This product is safe for all skin types and works by stimulating the production of collagen in the lips for an overall fuller look.

Here's what to consider when shopping for an LED light therapy tool:

LED light therapy, or light-emitting diode therapy, is a skin care treatment that can improve the look of skin depending on the wavelength of light used.

It's important to follow manufacturer instructions and to not use the device beyond the recommended time. Going overboard on any treatment may damage your skin.

There aren't any official guidelines for LED light therapy timing. But using a device for longer than recommended by the manufacturer can damage the skin.

Yes. Research from 2019 suggests that infrared light may help increase collagen production and help reduce wrinkles.

By increasing collagen production, regular use of infrared light can help plump and firm up the skin.

It depends on your particular skin care concerns. Blue light, for example, may be a better option if you’re trying to treat acne. Consider researching the LED colors that a product offers and how each can benefit your skin care goals.

LED light therapy tools use infrared light wavelengths to address certain skin issues like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven texture.

The best LED light therapy devices will have numerous great reviews from real users, are FDA-cleared, and manufactured by reputable sellers.

Grace Gallagher is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her words have appeared in Brit + Co, Greatist, The Sunday Edit, and BARE Magazine. All of her work can be found at www.gracelgallagher.com.

Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she's not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she's probably nose-deep in a good book.