In case you haven't noticed, the beauty industry is fascinated by high-tech gadgets and gizmos lately. There's now a plethora of nifty devices like microcurrent tools and blowdryer-brush hybrids, but one tech-power tool that our complexions can't seem to get enough of is LED face masks. Yes, they may look horrifyingly similar to Michael Myers’ notorious mask (which makes them double as a Halloween costume, too!), but your pores will thank you for popping one of these on your face for a variety of reasons — which we’ll get into. First, let’s start with the basics of LED face masks.
How Do LED Face Masks Benefit Skin?
According to dermatological nurse and celebrity facialist Natalie Aguilar, LED light therapy is an extremely gentle yet effective skin treatment used for targeting a variety of skin concerns. “Depending on how deeply a particular device penetrates, LED therapy is thought to have different biological effects,” says Aguilar.
One of the best parts about using LED light for your skin is that it has no downtime, so you can give yourself a quick treatment and immediately head out without any redness or irritation. You can get an intensive LED light treatment on your skin at a medical spa, dermatologist's office, or your facialist if they offer it, but they cost a pretty penny. However, here's some wonderful news: You can also invest in your own LED face mask to use in the comfort of your own bed!
The Best LED Face Masks
What to Consider
Which LED Light Color Should You Choose?
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new LED face mask is the color of the light. Each shade targets a unique issue, so making sure your LED face mask emits the shade you need to address your skin concerns is extremely important. Here's what you need to know about the most popular LED light colors:
- Red: According to Aguilar, LED red light is the most popular color and is known for its anti-aging properties. “The sun gives plants the energy they need to convert light energy into chemical energy — similarly, red light gives our skin energy to charge our power cells, the mitochondria,” she says. “With this energy, cells are able to repair themselves and become healthier, and can promote healing in skin and muscle tissue.”
- Blue: This popular shade of LED light is perfect for addressing more acne-focused issues. Aguilar tells us, “Blue light therapy helps soothe inflammation, irritation and destroy acne-causing bacteria.” It’s a beneficial treatment for those with acne because, according to Aguilar, “it can be used often, it works well, and the chances of being allergic are non-existent.”
- Amber: Amber LED light is a highly underrated color and benefits just about any skin type, but especially people on the drier side of the complexion spectrum. Dr. Ava Shamban, the founder of Ava MD Dermatology, Skin Five Medical Spas, and The Box by Dr. Ava, says, “Amber light improves oxygen circulation leaving skin with a beautiful, radiant glow and more hydration.” It’s also great for those who have redness and/or rosacea, adding that it “helps with discoloration, skin rejuvenation, and boosts lymphatic flow.”
Thankfully, a few LED face masks give you the option of multiple shade colors and brightness intensities, but most of them come in either red or blue colors.
What’s the Price?
We’ll be honest with you — while LED light therapy masks are usually cheaper than most in-office LED treatments, they can still get pretty pricey. We’ve provided a range of products that vary in price that don’t sacrifice quality but don’t be surprised if you still end up shelling out $200-plus on one of these devices.
With that being said, think of purchasing one as an investment. Considering that one session of LED light therapy at the spa can cost around $25-$85 per session on average (meaning it can be even more expensive, depending on where you go), purchasing one for home treatments can save you a lot of money in the long run.
What’s the LED Light Count?
Of course, you want to get the biggest bang out of your buck. So, making sure your LED face mask has enough light to actually make a difference is essential. Most LED face masks can range anywhere from as few as five lights to an intensive 200 lights. While you may be thinking that more equals better, staying within that LED light range is the most effective and most common. If you'd like something more intense, then we recommend going to your trusted skincare professional for an in-office treatment.
How Long Is Each Treatment?
Looking for a quick 10-minute treatment, or would you rather relax and binge some of your favorite shows while you chill in your LED face mask? Some masks have shorter treatment times, while others can run for 30-plus minutes. But if we're honest, it's more about consistency than the length of each treatment session. It's all about preference — as long as your LED face mask frequently (at least three times per week), your treatments will be effective.
1
Targets Face + Neck
Dermashine Pro 7 Color Wireless LED Face Mask
• Light Count: N/A
• Treatment Length: 15-30 minutes
Want to target your face and neck at the same time? Then grab this wearable device, stat. We admit this LED face mask is a little freaky-looking, but anything in the name of beauty, right? It comes with a neck attachment to target any skin issues (think fine lines, wrinkles, sagging) that you may notice on your neck, all while targeting your skin concerns as well.
That's not the only reason to get excited about this mask: it's completely rechargeable and wireless, so you can walk freely around your home, and it has seven different LED light colors to choose from. Plus, you can also switch through the five light intensity options to make your experience as bright (or as dim) as you'd like.
Read More: The 7 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes That You Need for a Deeper Cleanse
2
Best Wand
Spa Sciences CLARO Acne Treatment Light Therapy System
• Light Count: 33 LED lights
• Treatment Length: 3 minutes per area treated
If you'd rather not strut around with a face mask full of LED lights (we get it), then opt for this LED light wand. Each of the two light head options (one red, one blue) has 33 powerful LED lights that emit acne-fighting properties so you can spot, treat, and kick blemishes to the curb. This device is also FDA-cleared and clinically proven to treat mild to moderate acne, so you know you're getting your bang for your buck.
Speaking of price, it's less than $50, making it one of the cheapest options to choose from on this list.
3
Best Splurge
DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
• Light Count: 148 red LED lights, 68 blue LED lights
• Treatment Length: 3-14 minutes
OK, I know that this pick is extremely pricey. But if you want to treat your entire body for certain skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and dark spots, then this is well worth the investment (or the spaced-out Klarna payments).
What I love the most about this LED body mask is that it's flexible, so it can hug every contour of your body no matter where you place it. It also uses a combination of red and blue lights to target any of your skin issues (like my body acne, which it worked on like a charm) within a swift 3-minute session or 14-minute intensive session if you have some time to spare.
Just to note: The 3-minute session is meant to address wrinkles and skin sagging, while the 14-minute session is meant to address acne.
4
Multiple Light Options
Solaris Laboratories NY How To Glow LED Light Therapy Mask
• Light Count: N/A
• Treatment Length: 15 minutes
This sleek and less frightening take on LED light therapy masks has the top three colors you'd need (red, blue, and amber) to address a variety of skin concerns, all for less than expensive in-office facial treatments.
Its quick and painless 15-minute sessions will perk up your complexion no matter what your concerns are, plus its dimmer lights allow you to actually be able to see and check off stuff on your to-do list while you pamper your pores to some much-needed R&R.
5
Best for Spot-Treating
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpotLite Acne Treatment Device
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
• Light Count: 2 LED lights
• Treatment Length: 3 minutes
If you just have a few teeny problem areas you'd like to address, then there's no need to shell out hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned cash on a full-sized LED face mask. Instead, opt for this tiny-yet-mighty pocket version of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's LED light-therapy devices.
This device uses two LED lights (one red, one blue) to specifically address blemishes. Think of this as a BFF to your usual acne spot treatments: Simply use this device before you apply product for a full 3 minutes per spot, and then go ahead and complete the rest fo your acne-fighting routine. Seriously, it's that easy.
6
Under-$100
Skin Gym WrinkLit LED Mask
• Light Count: N/A
• Treatment Length: 15-30 minutes
OK, so this mask is just under $100, but every dollar counts, right?
And to be fully transparent, this is probably one of the only masks you'll find for less than a triple-digit price that won't put you at risk for vision issues (like the notorious drugstore option, which shall not be named here, which was recalled for causing such problems.) The lesson here? Don't be cheap when it comes to these devices!
Beyond its price, this mask from Skin Gym also provides three LED light colors to choose from (red, blue, and orange for brightening skin) to treat your skin accordingly.
It's also wireless, so you can run around your home (or outside if you're daring) without being limited in movement.
7
Flexible Fit
PRIORI Skincare UnveiLED Mask
• Light Count: 52 LED lights
• Treatment Length: 10 minutes
When it comes to LED face masks, one of the most annoying things to deal with is how uncomfortable most of them sit on your face. Luckily, PRIORI just solved this issue by creating a flexible face mask that will hug the contours of your face with total ease.
This Flexi silicone-based mask is powered by red LED lights and infrared technology to get the light deep within your pores. These deeply penetrating light waves kickstart your skin's collagen production to create a brighter, plumper, and more youthful appearance to your complexion.
8
Best for Lips
reVive Light Therapy Lip Care
• Light Count: N/A
• Treatment Length: 3 minutes
Your LED face masks targets just about everything part of your face (even your under eyes) except for one: your lips. If you're noticing a few fine lines around your mouth, then give this mini LED light therapy lip treatment a try.
It's meant to stimulate collagen production with its red LED and infrared lights to create a fuller, plumper, and smoother look for your lips, so you can feel ready to pucker up and kiss tiny lines and thinness goodbye.
9
Small Yet Powerful
SolaWave Wand
• Light Count: 5 LED lights
• Treatment Length: unlimited (use as long as you'd like!)
This nifty device may look small, but it has quite a few specs to get excited about. Not only does it use red LED light therapy to perk up your skin, but it also infuses the powers of microcurrent technology, therapeutic warmth, and facial massaging to give your skin the ultimate treatment. Simply swipe across your face slowly (bonus: The head swivels so you can get all of your contours) to get the best out of your treatment.
If you want to read a full review before you buy, check out our photo director’s full experience with the SolaWave Wand here.
10
Biggest Color Range
SKIN INC Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light ++ Device
• Light Count: 5 LED lights
• Treatment Length: 10 minutes per session (recommended use: twice/day)
This nifty wand has a total of five different light colors to choose from to target just about any skin concern that comes to mind. Your light color options to choose from include red, blue, amber, orange, and purple (which helps to soothe and revive skin), and each option is just as powerful as the rest to revive, glow, soothe, optimize, and sculpt your complexion.
Long story short: This device will make your skin look and feel its absolute best!
This device also uses sonic technology to stimulate your skin. Think of it as an added massage to your LED light therapy experience, and who doesn't like a good facial massage?
Jennifer Hussein
Beauty Editor
Jennifer is the Beauty Editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse.
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