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Mar 24, 2023

19 Best LED Face Masks 2023

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Achieving professional results from the comfort of your couch is a win in any beauty lover's book. One way to do just that is with the best LED face masks. Like sauna blankets and deep tissue massagers, these top facial tools make great self-care gifts for the women or men in your life who deserve some relaxation.

LED face masks sound — and look — futuristic, with the results to match. Unlike sun exposure, LED (light-emitting diode) masks deliver a healthy kind of light to your skin, and you don't need sunscreen to bask in them. The painless and quick at-home treatments are available in a number of different colors and wavelengths; red and blue light therapy are the most common options you’ll find. Red light therapy helps treat signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and blue light therapy is a non-irritating way to treat acne.

Light therapy used to be reserved for the dermatologist's office, but now the skin care trend can come straight to you: LED face masks and red light therapy devices have come a long way and now offer the same professional technology at home. (But keep in mind that treatments at the doctor's office typically have stronger results, so it’ll take longer to see that with at-home devices.) We tapped the pros to share the best options to try at home.

There are four main types of LED light therapy — red, blue, yellow, and green — and each color treats a different skin concern. Here's a primer on what these lights can do.

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Best Overall

HigherDose has long been loved for their infrared sauna blanket and they recently added an LED face mask. "One of my favorite LED light therapy masks is the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask," says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD (who has worked with the brand). "This mask is high-quality and delivers red and near infrared light to the complexion in a safe and effective way. These devices are only as good as how often you use them, which is another reason why this mask is a good choice. The comfortable material, eye holes, straps, and cordless design make regular use easy as you can wear it anytime, anywhere."

What reviewers say: "I have been using the HigherDose mask three times a week for this past month and have begun to see a real difference in the texture of my skin and reduction of rosacea I have on one cheek. My skin is firmer and some of the fine lines around my mouth are starting to soften. It's easy to use and clean and I certainly can't argue with the price point!"

Courtesy of HigherDOSE

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask $299 Buy Now AT HIGHERDOSE

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask $299 Buy Now AT NEIMAN MARCUS

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask $299 Buy Now AT AMAZON

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask $299 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Best Overall, Runner Up

It only takes three minutes for this FDA-approved LED red and blue light mask to zap fine lines and the bacteria that causes acne. You can opt for just red or blue light or use both. Taking inspiration from the laser treatments in Dr. Gross’ dermatological practice, this mask delivers the at-home version. In addition to its anti-aging perks — including reducing wrinkles and dark spots as well as firming —i t's been clinically proven to clear acne in two weeks. If you’re all about a spot treatment, downsize to the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpotLite Acne Treatment Device instead.

What reviewers say: "When I first got it and was really good about baking it into my daily routine, I saw results. My normally large pores looked smaller, my skin looked slightly tighter and more smooth. I’m 41 and really good about my anti-aging products but I’ve discovered that by also using this, I can make those results push just a bit further."

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device $435 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device $435 Buy Now at violet grey

Best Budget LED Face Mask

This affordable mask offers every LED light color you can think of with seven different choices, so it can tackle practically any skin-care issue. There's red light to boost blood flow and collagen; blue to calm and tighten skin; green for pigmentation, fine lines and anti-aging; yellow to reduce redness and smooth skin; purple for an allover relaxing boost; light blue to soothe; and white to improve skin color.

What reviewers say: "I have been using this LED mask consistently for about a month and a half and I do see some results. My neck wrinkles are noticeably lighter, pigmentation and acne scars fade much faster, and I’m experiencing fewer breakouts."

Courtesy of Amazon

Project E Photon Skin Rejuvenation Face & Neck Mask $199 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Best for Targeted Goals

Designed to activate the effects of a single-use UFO Activated Mask (which are sold separately), this professional-grade device only takes 90 seconds to work its magic. It relies on heating, cooling and T-Sonic pulsations to drive the ingredients deep into skin to maximize benefits of the specific masks, including deeper hydration and smaller pores.

What reviewers say: "I have really never had issues with my skin until this year. I’ve tried many different things to keep the acne at bay, which had resulted in sensitive skin. In the week I’ve had this, my skin has started to look a lot better. I utilize the LED therapy (without a mask) the most. The technology baffles me precisely because my skin is sensitive to sunlight, but this hasn't irritated or broken me out! The heating and cooling features are fantastic."

Courtesy of Bloomingdales

Foreo UFO 2 Power Mask & Light Therapy Device $299 $209 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Foreo UFO 2 Power Mask & Light Therapy Device $299 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Foreo UFO 2 Power Mask & Light Therapy Device $299 Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Best Aesthetician-Approved Mask

Czech says that she is "in love" with the medical-grade Lyma laser from the UK. "And everyone knows I hate lasers!" One reason she loves the Lyma is because it's not just a laser, it's also an LED device, featuring four high-intensity blue LED lights to eliminate surface bacteria-causing acne, strengthen skin elasticity and tighten cellulite, as well as neutralize the appearance of rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Engelman is another fan of the Lyma, calling it "an absolutely amazing tool that gives anyone the power to substantially improve their skin's appearance at home."

What reviewers say: "The Lyma Laser is a magic wand. I am 47 years old and have tried many an anti-aging procedure and gadget. Anti-wrinkle injections, filler, LED, microcurrent, ultrasound, skin boosters, microneedling, etc. This is the best thing I have tried by far! I have seen a great improvement in all of my problem areas on my face. Lines are reduced, skin and lips are plumper, skin is tighter and more glowy and the sagging in my jowls is much better."

Editor's testing and review notes: "Thanks to frequent sunburns on my chest area during my teenage years (my greatest regret in life) my décolletage has a smattering of sun spots," senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor Claire Sullivan admits. I got to test-drive this device for three weeks during the pandemic, and daily 15 minute session made a noticeable improvement in my pigmentation and surprisingly, my skin texture."

Courtesy of Lyma Laser

Lyma Laser $2,695 Buy Now at lyma

Lyma Laser $2,695 Buy Now AT VIOLET GREY

Best Multipurpose LED Face Device

Finally, the brand that healed and recharged our bodies has launched an all-in-one facial device, the TheraFace Pro, letting us receive the very best the tech world has to offer. This handheld device combines LED therapy, percussion, microcurrent and cleansing to treat both your complexion and your facial muscles. The LED ring encircles the device's entire head, so you can cover a lot of facial real estate fast, and you can choose your LED light therapy color — red, blue, and red + Infrared light — to reduce wrinkles around the eye, banish acne and blemishes, or a provide warming sensation to temporarily reduce irritation and discomfort. Read our full review for more details on the do-it-all device.

What reviewers say: "I have tried the percussive attachment, microcurrent, and LED head's so far and I feel like my skincare routine has been elevated. I love the ability to do some self-care and at-home facial massages with this. I also have some acne that pops up from time to time and I think the blue LED light has started to help calm it down!"

Editor's testing and review notes: "My TheraFace is among my post prized skin care possessions," says Sullivan. "I use the cleansing brush nightly and the cold ring to depuff after wine night. But the blue light LED ring is the attachment I’m most thankful for. It's a godsend when I feel a breakout coming on: I massage my face with the ring and notice decreased inflammation and redness the next day."

Courtesy of TheraFace

Therabody TheraFace Pro $399 Buy Now AT NEIMAN MARCUS

Therabody TheraFace Pro $399 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Therabody TheraFace Pro $399 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Best Portable LED Face Mask

Since you can juice up this LED face mask by Priori Skincare thanks to its rechargeable battery, it doesn't have to be plugged in to use it, giving it bonus points for portability. It only takes one 10-minute session to see results, specifically plumper, brighter skin with improved texture. The FDA-approved mask is made out of a very flexible and lightweight material that wraps around the face, making it comfortable to wear.

What reviewers say: "I have seen improvements in a few fine lines by my eyes, way less redness in my cheeks, and overall skin radiance! I’m in my early 30's and very vigilant about skincare, and it's one of my favorite parts of my nightly routine. Yes it's pricey, but it's truly worth every penny."

Courtesy of Amazon

Priori Unveiled LED Face Mask $429 Buy Now AT SKINSTORE

Priori Unveiled LED Face Mask $429 Buy Now AT DERMSTORE

Best for a Fickle Complexion

If you’re battling breakouts one day and dullness the next, then this is the best LED face mask for you. This Skin Gym smart mask is designed to change with your skin, since it has blue, red, and orange lights to treat different conditions. You can choose whichever your complexion is calling for that day. Even better, the wireless shield works anywhere.

What reviewers say: "Lately I’ve noticed that my fine lines were becoming more noticeable and I had noticed a faint age spot starting to show. Using this mask has allowed me to hit the rewind button! It's so easy to use and the different colors allow you to target different problems at different times. A great value!"

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Courtesy of Skin Gym

Skin Gym WrinkLit LED Mask $99 $Buy Now AT ULTA

Skin Gym WrinkLit LED Mask $99 Buy Now AT SKIN GYM

Best LED Face Mask for Fast Results

"Our CurrentBody mask is a celebrity due to the flexible silicone and how easy it is to use," Laurence Newman, CEO of CurrentBody. "Fans include Kate Hudson, Renee Zellweger, and Kaley Cuoco. It is flexible silicone and doesn't need to be plugged in to a power supply, so once you put it on, you’re free to carry on your day as you wish! It has a 10-minute treatment timer so you know when to take it off — it really does the thinking for you." Designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just four weeks, this anti-aging LED light therapy mask firms and tightens the skin to create a more toned, lifted and rejuvenated-looking complexion thanks to its anti-aging red and near-infrared light therapy technology.

What reviewers say: "I’ve been using the LED mask for five months, around four times per week. When I first started using the mask, I noticed the inflammation around my cheeks improved and the texture of my skin improved a bit. Continual use of the mask improved the texture, hydration, and overall look of my skin. The inflammation around my spots reduced a lot, especially around the cheeks."

Editor's testing and review: "This mask is one of the most comfortable LED face masks I’ve ever tried," says Sullivan. "The silicone material feels cool and soft on my skin, and the ear loops keep it snug on my skin while I’m folding laundry or answering emails."

Courtesy of CurrentBody

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask $380 Buy Now AT CURRENT BODY

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask $399 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Best Basic Model

Perfect for those who don't need all the bells and whistles, this Beautimate LED face mask gets the job done while going easy on your wallet. You can choose from seven different settings to warm up (pun intended) to the sensation of using a LED light therapy mask. Each treatment only takes 10 to 15 minutes to soothe your complexion and boost blood circulation and cell growth.

What reviewers say: "I use it for myself to build collagen and for my teenage son for acne. It's great for helping you relax."

Courtesy of Beautimate

Beautimate Facial Skin Care Mask $100 Buy Now AT WALMART

Best LED Face Mask for a Secure Fit

To ensure this won't budge during 15-minute treatments, this Omnilux LED face mask is sculpted to fit your face, while the straps on the back ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. After four to six weeks of use, dedicated fans can expect to see minimized redness, pigmentation and fine lines and winkles. Skin is left looking younger and healthier.

What reviewers say: "Working in a hospital still wearing an N95 thick mask has traumatized my skin. This product heals, reduces redness, and improves my facial texture. My face looks brighter, like I’ve had a good night's sleep."

Courtesy of Omnilux

OmniLux Contour Face $395 Buy Now AT OMNILUX

Best Two-For-One

Get two for the price of one with this Hime Sama LED light therapy mask that comes in two separate pieces to treat your face and neck. The options don't end there — there are five levels of seven different color lights to choose from. There's red light to increase blood flow and collagen, blue light to calm and tighten, green to improve pigmentation and fine lines, yellow to smooth and reduce redness, purple to relax, light blue to soothe, and white to accelerate tissue metabolism.

What reviewers say: "I’ve been using this face mask for several months now. It's such a great beauty routine find. A light therapy treatment can cost a lot in a spa so I love that I have this at home to use as much as I want to! I love that it has seven different lights on it all to tackle different skin concerns."

Courtesy of Walmart

Hime Sama LED Skin Mask-CE Cleared Pro 7 $230 Buy Now

Best for Ease of Use

What makes this one of the best LED light therapy masks is the fact that it's flexible, so it's easy to shape the soft silicone design to your face. It brings The Light Salon's signature Skin Health & Rejuvenation Treatment into your home to deliver the same perks for your skin: brightening, rejuvenating, lifting, plumping and strengthening. The FDA-approved device has both LED red and near-infrared light to get the job done. To reap all the rewards, do a 10-minute session three to five days a week for four to six weeks.

What reviewers say: "This mask is worth every penny. I am a beauty gadget freak and this one is my favorite. It is easy to use and every time I use it I feel I look better. It gives a nice glow and makes the skin look healthier and more luminous."

Courtesy of Nordstrom

The Light Salon Boost LED Face Mask $495 Buy Now AT BLUEMERCURY

The Light Salon Boost LED Face Mask $495 Buy Now AT DERMSTORE

Best Multilight Face Mask

The MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device has unique light settings to bring in-office treatment results at home. It has red light for a collagen and elastin production boost, to reduce inflammation, help improve the appearance of scars, and heal sun damage and blemishes. There's also clarifying blue light as well as green light to calm, minimize pigmentation and home in on broken capillaries and sun spots. Yellow light brings down redness and ups circulation, and white light gets deep into the skin to help heal wounds and repair skin. The mask can be used two to three times per day, gradually working your way up from 10- to 30-minute sessions.

What reviewers say: "After using this mask, I get no spots ever, my pores look reduced (because they are super clean) and my dermatitis is barely even noticeable to me. The yellow light also works wonders for anyone susceptible to face puffiness."

Courtesy of Revolve

MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device $578 Buy Now AT THIRTEEN LUNE

MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device $578 Buy Now AT BLUEMERCURY

MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device $580 Buy Now AT SSENSE

Best LED Light Therapy Mask for Lips

Turn back time to get fuller, smoother lips with this LED light device that is just for your lips. Red LED lights trigger collagen production in the lips to increase elasticity and circulation, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and increase firmness. Its clever design is hands-free, as you can keep it in place with your bite.

What reviewers say: "I’ve been using this about a year now and have experienced the following: more relaxed look around d mouth, fuller lips, lines are much fainter. It's extremely easy to use."

Courtesy of reVive Light Therapy

Revive Light Therapy Lip Care $99 Buy Now AT revive light therapy

Revive Light Therapy Lip Care $99 Buy Now AT WALMART

Best LED Light Therapy Mask for Acne

When zapping zits is your main goal for LED light therapy, then reach for this little guy that treats current breakouts and prevents future ones, too, by killing the bacteria that causes breakouts (it's FDA-approved for the treatment of mild to moderate acne). The combination of red and blue light also brings down redness and inflammation, and works just as well on blackheads as it does for cystic acne — or even backne. Best of all, it only takes one minute a day.

What reviewers say: I am a nurse and esthetician, and I firmly believe in blue light therapy. This particular device has been a lifesaver for my mild acne, and my perioral dermatitis."

Courtesy of Nordstrom

LightStim for Acne LED Light Therapy Device $169 Buy Now AT nordstrom

Stocked with three settings that target the common signs of aging and treat breakouts, this Revive LED light therapy panel emits medical-grade infrared lights to promote your skin's natural regeneration process and stimulate collagen production. Its oversized panel design makes it great for treating wrinkles, discoloration, uneven texture and acne on the neck, chest, hands and back as well.

What reviewers say: "I have been using this panel for almost 3 months now and can confidently say that this product has worked for me. Most of my adult life, I have had acne, blemishes, and cysts on my back that have been persistent and impossible for me to get rid of — until now."

Courtesy of revive Light Therapy

Revive Light Therapy dpl II-Professional Anti-Aging Panel $399 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Revive Light Therapy dpl II-Professional Anti-Aging Panel $399 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Best Splurge

Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden has touched many VIP complexions (Jessica Alba, Shay Mitchell, and January Jones, to name a few). This LED mask collaboration with Darden and tech-forward skin care tool brand Déesse gives you a taste of her magic at home. Many LED face masks can feel uncomfortable on the eye area, but this one has silicone inserts to protect and pad your delicate eye area. Equipped with three treatment modes and 238 LED lights, it’ll deliver visible brightening, tightening, and clearing results with consistent use.

What reviewers say: "The thing I didn't realize I would enjoy so much from using my new LED mask is the 10 minutes of "me" time it gives me, but what I’m truly happy with is the noticeable smoothing of the horizontal lines in my forehead and the fine lines developing around my eyes, especially along the lower orbital bone. I’ve also noticed more of an overall glow to my skin since beginning the therapy."

Courtesy of Cult Beauty

Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask $1,900 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Best for the Eyes

Tackle dark circles, crow's feet and other under-eye woes with this convenient LED eye mask, which uses four types of LED lights to brighten and smooth your eyes. Designed to fit like a standard pair of glasses, the device is comfortable to wear while you’re reading, working, or tidying up your place.

What reviewers say: "These have become a part of my nightly routine. I pop them on before bed as I read. They’re super comfy and the light doesn't cause any discomfort. In fact, I feel like it helps me settle down and fall asleep faster. combatting wrinkles & a little light therapy? Sign me up!"

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Vanity Planet Alya Red LED Eyeglasses $95 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Vanity Planet Alya Red LED Eyeglasses $89 Buy Now AT VANITY PLANET

You’ll get the quickest results by getting a treatment at your dermatologist or aesthetician's office, but at-home devices will help improve your skin with consistent use. Other than consistency, the time it takes to see results depends on the device itself and your skin type. "With at-home LED face masks, you might notice your complexion has an inner glow after use," Dr. Engelman says. "Other results will take longer and depend on the individual. With regular use, you might start to notice changes after around four months."

In clinical trials for the CurrentBody Skin LED mask, Newman says users saw results from four weeks of use three to four times a week, though it can be used more often.

You should not be using LED light therapy if you are pregnant or have a Pacemaker, but other than that, Czech doesn't know of a single negative side effect for any of the four light therapies. "I’ve been using LED light therapy for almost a quarter of a century and I chose to work with it because they were used on chemotherapy patients with challenged immune systems," says Czech. "So I thought, well if they can use it, anyone else can use it and benefit, too."

Although they’re generally safe, it's always best to talk to your primary care physician or dermatologists to make sure the mask won't do you any harm. Look for the mask's FDA seal of approval if you’re concerned about the product's safety or efficacy claims.

"LED is a skincare treatment that uses varying wavelengths of light," explains Newman, and the therapy overall has a truly remarkable history.

"It was discovered about 60 years ago when NASA engineers were approached by Johnson & Johnson to create medical equipment involving red LED light, knowing the range of the wavelength would get into your dermis, because that's where collagen synthesis happens," explains Czech.

And what, exactly, was NASA's intent? To discover how to get the body to absorb medication via LED light therapy.

"They wanted to use it for chemotherapy patients who could not swallow medication because of nausea and who were very fragile," says Czech. "They applied it on the skin via medicinal patches, and doctors would shoot the patches with red light, and when patients returned for check-ups several sessions later, doctors noticed a different quality of skin where the patches were. Skin was tighter, brighter and skin markings were more shallow."

Now, research linking LED light therapy with the medical world abound, with one of the more recent studies confirming that light therapy accelerates the healing of skin damage from cancer radiation therapy by up to 50%, so even if you were skeptical about the efficacy of these buzzy, futuristic-looking light therapy masks, you can't argue with science.

Czech reassures us that it is safe to combine different light therapies. You could easily use a red LED face mask on a Monday and safely use a blue LED face mask the next day without a hitch.

Joanna Czech is a world-renowned aesthetician to some of the world's most famous faces. With studios in New York City and Dallas — along with the celebrity house calls she regularly makes — her clientele is loyal, discerning and of course, they all have impossibly gorgeous skin. And rumor has it that her wait list is six months long.

Dr. Dendy Engelman is a New York City-based dermatologist. She's also a regular on morning shows, giving her expert medical opinion on all the latest and greatest in dermatology.

Laurence Newman serves as the CEO of CurrentBody, one of the leading companies that offer salon-quality treatments via luxury at-home beauty devices.

Kaitlin Clark is a former Beauty and Style Commerce Editor at WWD who has tested several LED face masks during her career. Kait has written, edited, and researched beauty products for nearly a decade, testing the latest skin care trends for publications such as Allure, Instyle, Reader's Digest and more. Clark wrote the original version of this story on the best LED face masks.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor at WWD. In her previous role, this writer and editor covered beauty and wellness trends at Martha Stewart Living Magazine for over six years, and has had her writing and reporting published in Instyle and Byrdie. Sullivan updated this best LED face masks guide with new products and more in-depth information about light therapy devices.

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