A Dermatologist Says This LED Face Mask Is *Actually* Worth the Splurge (2024)

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare lights the way for LED face masks. Dr. Diggs suggests it to her patients looking for an at-home, FDA-cleared option. The mask, according to the brand, combines 162 red and blue LED lights that help to kill bacteria and keep acne at bay, while boosting collagen production to smooth lines and wrinkles. One GH editor found it simple enough to use, appreciating that the treatment takes only three minutes. (A drawback: the mask may be too narrow for some faces.)

It seems to work wonders for all different skin conditions. "Ideal for my eczema and sensitive skin, the mask's tandem red light and blue light help soothe flare-ups and acne breakouts and evens out my complexion," said GH Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin. "My rosacea has reduced," one reviewer said after a year of consistent use. "I’ve had absolutely no acne at all. My wrinkles are barely noticeable and overall my skin just looks and feels better."

Sailing ahead as the most budget-friendly option, this wireless treatment comes equipped with red light, blue light and yellow light settings for various skincare benefits. "I can see the difference with my skin, less hyperpigmentation, the fine wrinkles around my eyes and mouth seem less pronounced," one reviewer said.

Treatment time clocks in at 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the setting. Silicone lines the eye area for a more comfortable feel. Others noted that the mask is tight on the sides of their face, so depending on your face shape, it might feel restricting or tight.

This FDA-cleared red light therapy device works to rejuvenate the skin through two clinically proven wavelengths of light: red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm. It works on a cellular level to reduce sun damage, stimulate new collagen and increase elasticity and hydration in skin. "I use it every other day on average," one reviewer said. "I love how my skin is looking — reduced fine lines, improved skin firmness and faded age spots."

One caveat flagged by online users was fastening it to fit. Some wished it contoured more to rest against their forehead and chin. However, GH Beauty Lab's Review Analyst Chiara Butler found that it fits her face well, thanks to the two adjustable straps. She notes that the company has a good reputation when it comes to LED devices: "They also make professional LED panels that have shown multiple red light benefits in numerous studies."

This red light face mask is specifically designed so you can do yoga, work out or walk around while wearing it, thanks to its extra head strap. Made of medical-grade silicone, it can withstand high temperatures and is easy to sanitize between sessions. You can use a non-toxic cloth to wipe down the mask, as needed.

"I use the RL mask three to four times a week while I meditate with 528 hz music," one reviewer said. "Not only [does] my skin feels amazing and glows after each use (plus, I feel my skincare is then better absorbed, too) but it's also an incredible add-on to my meditation sessions." Amazon shoppers preferred to keep their eyes shut while wearing it because of the bright light.

Flexible silicone allows this mask to wrap around your face, making it feel almost like a sheet mask. Specifically made to target wrinkles and anti-aging effects, this mask uses red and near-infrared lights to help penetrate skin and work beneath the surface.

Butler is a fan of the simplicity of just having one setting and that it only uses wavelengths that are known to be beneficial. "The clinical testing done by the brand showed significant wrinkle reduction after 28 days," she said after assessing the data. "I also love that it comes with goggles because it's so bright that it can be a bit much for my eyes," she said.

"Having looked at a photo of when I started and four months down the line I am shocked at the difference," one reviewer raves. "It is really staggering; sun damage spots are so much better, a number having disappeared, the freckles are fading, texture of my skin is better and amazingly, my wrinkles are going, too."

Shoppers had qualms with getting the right fit around the chin due to their head shape, though: "I have to hold it down to make sure the light is near my chin," shares one. Butler also had issues with the fit over her chin, noting that it had a gap in that area.

Think superhero-style goggles for the skin around your eyes. This mask claims to smooth fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet, while firming skin and evening out tone and texture. It uses a variety of wavelengths including amber, red, deep red and near-infrared with just one mode option.

"This mask has plenty of lights packed into a small area and an impressive number of red wavelengths included," said Butler. She also likes that the treatment time is short and convenient — only 3 minutes — and that compared to many other masks on the market, it is a good value when it comes to price. Reviewers also love the quick treatment time and ease of use, but a few noted that the bright lights can take a little getting used to.

Pretty in pink, Riki Loves Riki's full face mask claims to treats signs of aging, acne and skin texture. It is a multitasker with four modes: red light to stimulate collagen, red and near-infrared to enhance blood circulation and reduce inflammation, blue light to reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation and purple light (which combines the blue and red) to combat acne while also addressing the signs of aging.

Butler likes the comfort and design of this mask and that it has small silicone eye guards that can be popped in and out of the mask. Reviewers also love how comfortable the mask is and that it's easy to use on the go, especially since it comes with a protective bag.

"It helps my skin feel rejuvenated, plump and refreshed — it’s perfect for me to use on the plane, hotel or even in Ubers," one said. One feature that Butler is not a fan of: "It includes a wavelength of blue light that has not been proven to benefit skin."

Boasting 153 lights, seven different modes and eight different wavelengths, Mirabella's mask aims to hit a variety of anti-aging and general skin concerns. It's a full rainbow of light and claims to include red, near-infrared, blue, green, yellow, cyan, purple and orange lights.

While Butler feels the mask is sturdily constructed and comfortable to wear (especially with the soft nose pads), she doesn't love that it features so many colors of light that aren't all proven to have benefits to the skin. She also notes that unlike some other masks, the lights aren’t sitting flush against the skin so the treatment may not be as intense.

Differing from its sister mask shown above, this FDA-cleared mask is all about breakouts. Butler likes that "it emits blue light at 415 nm, which has been studied for killing acne-causing bacteria." It also uses red light and has an equal amount of both — 66 bulbs of each color.

In addition to targeting active acne, it claims to reduce redness, inflammation and acne scarring. The mask comes with built-in protective eye shields, two adjustable velcro straps, a carrying case and a rechargeable battery controller.

"It has absolutely changed my skin for the better and then some. My skin looks even, pores look seamless and acne has lessened," said one reviewer. While the straps are adjustable, some users noted that it isn't an ideal fit and can be uncomfortable and leave marks on skin after using.

Stones meet science in this LED mask from Angela Caglia, a celebrity facialist and creator of her own brand. In addition to including 132 lights of red (630nm) and blue (465nm) light wavelengths, the silicone mask contains rose quartz crystals (which Caglia uses in her bespoke treatments) to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve elasticity and calm inflammation, according to the brand.

It has two settings, separating the red and blue lights into their own treatments. While we didn't test this splurge-level mask in the Lab, Butler approves of the red light wavelength and the flexible medical grade material it is made of.

Our scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab are always testing the newest skincare products, including the best acne face washes, retinol for sensitive skin, sunscreen and more.

For this article, the Lab reviewed six masks, including analyzing product claims, checking FDA clearance and clinical studies and briefly testing each one for comfort and ease of use. Additionally, we relied on our beauty experts' decades of expertise testing skincare tools, along with input from dermatologists and our beauty editors to put together this list.

When shopping for an LED face mask, here's what to consider:

✔️ Your skincare goals. If you want to target a specific spot on your body, opt to buy a device that focuses on the desired area.

✔️ FDA clearance. Before you purchase an LED face mask, it makes sense that you'd want to know that the device has been reviewed for safety and effectiveness. LED Masks don’t have to be “FDA-approved” like over-the-counter drugs or professional procedures, but instead can be FDA-cleared.

In order to do so, companies must submit their products to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and undergo the 510(k) process, which is the premarket submission that is most often used to review medical devices. "FDA-cleared" means that the FDA has reviewed and provided clearance for a device (sometimes they are cleared because they are similar to an existing product). Masks that aren't FDA-cleared aren't necessarily unsafe, but it means that the company hasn't taken the necessary steps to receive the clearance from the FDA.

✔️ Type of light. Different light settings target different concerns. You'll need to know the difference between each and what they're best for before shopping:

• Red light works to boost collagen production and help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen.
• Blue light affects the uppermost layer of the skin, helping destroy acne-causing bacteria.
• Near-infrared light penetrates skin the deepest, and it can help stimulate activity on a cellular level.
• Orange light combines the benefits of red and yellow lights while also boosting skin's glow.
• Yellow light is known for its skin cell rejuvenation and anti-inflammatory benefits. It improves blood circulation to the skin tissues, effective for healing skin redness.
• Green light can have anti-aging benefits. In one study, it was shown to protect the cells from the collagen-damaging effects of UVB light.
• Cyan light may be helpful when treating rosacea, especially when combined with red light.
• Purple light is typically a combination of two lights working at the same time, like cyan and red or blue and red, so would yield the benefits of both of those lights.

One thing to note: when researching the different wavelengths, Butler found that all lights are not created equal when it comes to studies and scientific support. She generally recommends looking for a mask that claims to emit red (625–750 nm) and infrared (750 nm and up) wavelengths. "Those wavelengths have more literature supporting their effectiveness for anti-aging," she said. "Blue light is also used to kill acne-causing bacteria, but some masks don’t emit the most commonly studied blue wavelength (415 nm) for that application, but instead emit 465 nm." The other wavelengths have the potential benefits noted above, but just haven't been studied as much.

✔️ Number of lights. "You want to look for a device with more lights which will provide more energy," said Dr. Marchbein. "The lower energy devices aren’t likely to give much of a result."

LED masks are generally safe for skin. "The energy levels achieved are effective but low, and the light is unlikely to cause damage to the skin or eyes," Dr. Diggs said. Dr. Marchbein agrees, noting that "while they aren’t as powerful as some other in office treatments including various lasers, they are safe and the benefit is that they can comfortably be used at home with low risk."

LED masks aren't going to completely fix all your issues overnight, but if you use them regularly, you may achieve some impressive results. Take note — most of these masks come with a hefty price tag, but if you want results that rival an in-office treatment, they're worth the splurge!

Dr. Diggs said that these at-home masks can be a great alternative to in-office LED therapy treatments since they are typically more affordable and accessible. You just need to be mindful in choosing the right wavelength(s) for your skin's needs.

"Any skin type can benefit from the anti-inflammatory and collagen boosting properties of LED masks, because who doesn’t want smoother, more glowing skin?" said Dr. Marchbein. "But keep in mind, these at-home treatments are not as strong as those offered in your dermatologist's office, which can be used following procedures to decrease redness as well as to combat acne especially in those who may not want to take oral or use topical medications.

They are unlikely to clear breakouts completely but instead work best when integrated into an acne or anti-aging routine, along with powerful moisturizers and chemical exfoliators such as AHAs and BHAs."

Your skin tone can play a role in both the benefits and side effects of LED masks. "Skin of color can be more sensitive to visible light than fair skin," said Butler, as noted in this review:

"Individuals with darker skin types may be at higher risk for side effects from PBM [light therapy], including erythema, dyspigmentation and blistering.”

Dr. Marchbein also advises to be cautious if you are prone to hyperpigmentation or have very sensitive skin. Redness, discoloration and blistering are potential side effects for any skin type, so Butler suggests testing them on the inside of your arm before using them on your face.

You should always follow the instructions for your particular mask. "The instructions in the masks we reviewed ranged from three times a week to once every day so it's important to read the directions before using," Butler said

Also, "remember that repeated treatments are needed and these should be used on an ongoing basis and ideally as a part of a comprehensive skincare routine for best results," said Dr. Marchbein.