The road to clear, dolphin-smooth skin requires you to be armed with an arsenal of everything, from pimple patches to minimize breakouts to the best retinols for sensitive skin, and of course, the absolute best LED face masks to work underneath the surface to fight inflammation and impending breakouts.
“LED (or light emitting diode) therapy is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to target anti-aging concerns, acne, and hyperpigmentation,” says double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick. “It can increase collagen production to ward off fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, reduce inflammation, and increase blood circulation, which can overall create a more youthful complexion.”
First making their way from spas into peoples’ homes during the pandemic, these cutting-edge devices remain beloved by countless beauty editors, celebrities, and skincare professionals—and for good reason. Originally developed by NASA in the ’80s for plant growth experiments, the technology has since been found to offer numerous skincare benefits.
Melissa Wilson, licensed esthetician is a huge fan of LED masks for their ability to transform the skin. “Over time, most people do experience improvements in their skin’s appearance, as the wavelengths work to improve the skin on a deeper level than superficial creams,” says Wilson. “You typically see the best results when using LED face masks in combination with skincare products and facial treatments.”
Of course, not all LED face masks are made equally. Ultimately, “the efficacy of LED therapy is dependent on the type of device used as well as how often the device is used,” adds Dr. Patrick. To help you find the ones worth investing in, we’ve compiled the best-LED face masks for achieving spa-level results at home. From compact, travel-ready devices to full-on Michael Myers-style masks for every budget, shop picks backed by experts, customer reviews, and our own meticulous testing.
Our favorite LED Face Masks for Fighting Acne and Wrinkles in 2024
LightStim for Wrinkles
Price: $249
HigherDOSE Red Light Therapeutic Face Mask
Price: $349
How do I know which LED light color is best for me?
Each colored light therapy has its own set of benefits to address different skin concerns. Some of the most common types of LED light therapy include:
Red:
This is one of the most popular types of light therapy, specifically for anti-aging purposes. “Red light can help with collagen production to give you a more youthful glow and complexion,” explains Wilson. “It can also help reduce inflammation, ease puffiness, and give skin a bright and lifted look.”
Blue light:
“This affects the uppermost layer of your skin and may help to destroy acne-causing bacteria,” says Wilson.
Green:
“Green light therapy goes a level deeper and helps with tissue repair, which can then help reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots,” she says.
Yellow:
“Yellow light penetrates a level deeper and has soothing effects, helping to fade the appearance of dark spots,” shares Wilson.
White:
“White light therapy can help to specifically accelerate healing for issues like scarring and certain types of dermatitis,” she notes. Plus, white light “helps with improving things beyond the skin, like mood and side effects of seasonal affective disorder.”
Cyanine:
“Cyanine LED light is used for assisting and reducing swollen capillaries as well as inflammation. Studies have shown this treatment has also been used to treat mild forms of acne,” states Wilson.
If turning back the clock is your main prerogative, Dr. Patrick mentions that “many anti-aging devices will use a combination of red and yellow or red, green, and yellow LED light to impact changes associated with aging, such as collagen stimulation, fine lines and wrinkles, redness, and hyperpigmentation.”
What else should I look for in the best LED face mask?
Aside from choosing a design with the best LED color therapy for your skin type, selecting the best style really comes down to personal preference. “Since LED light therapy devices come in a range of designs with varying levels of involvement, it’s up to the user to decide which type of design they like best, how much they want to spend, and the time commitment they’re able to maintain,” says Dr. Patrick.
No matter which style you choose, “seek out options that are sturdy and comfortable since you’ll wear the device on your face for up to 20 minutes,” Wilson advises.
What’s the best way to use an LED mask?
While you’ll want to check each device’s specific instructions, Wilson says there are a few general key tips for optimal use. “Place the shield over your face while sitting or laying in a comfortable position and turn the mask on. Use the mask on freshly cleaned skin, without any products—unless they are specifically formulated for use with the LED mask. After your LED session, you can follow your normal skincare routine and apply your typical products,” she adds.
For the best results, Wilson recommends using an LED light therapy mask for a minimum of three to five days per week. “I advise people to start low and go slow and see what frequency works best for their skin,” she says.
Are LED face masks safe?
“LED masks only emit certain types of UV light which we often encounter in the world, so they are mostly safe and do not pose much of a risk,” says Wilson. “That being said, they may not be suitable for everyone, and it is always wise to consult your dermatologist before investing in a new skincare device.”
Some devices are FDA-approved, so you can seek out those options for an extra level of assurance.
When should I expect to start seeing results?
Patience and consistency are key. “Any initial change from LED light is going to be very subtle since the impact is mostly at the cellular and tissue level,” explains Dr. Patrick. “Some studies have shown that skin texture and appearance can be improved even after a few sessions, but keep in mind these changes are going to be temporary. The only long-term anti-aging change that will result from LED light therapy is the potential stimulation of collagen, which takes longer to achieve and requires consistent use to maintain it. Typically, you need to use your mask at least three to four times a week to see a change in the skin over time,” he says.
“Like any new skincare device or topical treatment that you introduce into your routine, it is suggested to use a LED mask for a minimum of two to four weeks to see optimal results,” adds Wilson.
Another thing to remember is that at-home devices are not as strong as the ones found in your derm’s office. “Office-based lights are much more powerful than home-based devices. However, it’s sometimes impractical to get office-based treatments and adhere to the frequency they require, so at-home LED face masks can be a suitable alternative,” Dr. Patrick adds.
