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Get Glowing With The 8 Best LED Light Therapy Masks For Every Skin Type
With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they're betting you'll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOPLED light therapy masks look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—which makes sense, considering the results they deliver are out of this world. Research suggests these beauty devices harness the power of specific wavelengths of light to tackle everything from wrinkles to acne, and give you pro-grade skin treatments without ever having to get off your couch. A one-time investment can give you years worth of glowing skin, and an excuse to do something good for yourself in the name of self-care the next time you cozy up for a Netflix movie marathon.
With multiple different types of LED treatments out there, there's truly an LED mask for every skin type, concern, and schedule. Whether you're looking to zap breakouts with blue light, smooth fine lines with red light, or calm irritation with yellow light, the tech has something to offer. Think of it as mood lighting, but for your face—and yes, the glow-up is real.
To help you figure out which mask is right for you, we've rounded up the best LED light therapy masks on the market. Ahead, you'll find a breakdown of top picks, complete with what makes them stand out and who they're best for. Let's get glowing!
Best masks, at a glance:Best for all skin types: Omnilux Contour Face, $399Best for acne: Currentbody Skin Anti-Acne LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $380Best for fine lines: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare FaceWare Pro 295, $455Best double-duty: Skin Gym Pro LED Light Therapy Mask, $300Most comfortable: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, $349Best for around the eyes: SolaWave Eye Recovery Pro, $199Best for tension: Therabody TheraFace Mask, $599Best for face and neck: Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask, $1,900
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What is an LED light therapy mask?"LED" stands for "light emitting diode," and in mask form, it allows you to get the benefits of a pro-grade light treatment without having to book (or spend for) an appointment.
"LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment involving the use of specific wavelengths of non-thermal light to permeate the skin at different depths in order to promote healing," explains licensed esthetician Shani Hillian. These masks work by using different wavelengths of light to penetrate your skin and come in different colors that each target a different concern. They've long been used in dermatologists' and estheticians' offices, and getting them in mask form allows you to reap the benefits of a pro-grade treatment without having to book (or spend for) a pro-grade treatment.
The skin benefits of LED lightLED lights come in nearly every color of the rainbow, which brands claim can serve different purposes in supporting the health of your skin. Most commonly, though, red light and blue light are used in LED masks, as growing evidence indicates these types of light have measurable benefits.
In order for LED light to work its magic, you need to be sure you're getting enough of it to the right layers of your skin. With that in mind, it's important to look for the right wavelength for each type of light.
Different LED masks are equipped with different bulbs. Some will only give you one type of treatment (typically red or blue), while others allow you to customize a full face-care routine with the entire rainbow. When deciding what to invest in, think about the results you're trying to achieve, and opt for a mask that has the type of light (or lights) that will allow you to get there.
Treatment timeDepending on the mask, LED treatments can range from 5 to 30 minutes‚ so you'll want to choose one that works with your schedule. Many devices come with automatic timers that turn off the bulbs when the session is complete, so you can turn them on, pop on a show, or clean the kitchen, and not have to think about it again.
Plug-in vs. RechargeableSpeaking of your schedule, you'll also want to think about how you want to use the mask. Some of them need to be plugged into the wall, which limits how much moving around you can do during your treatment. If you plan to treat yourself to a masking session while doing your chores, you'll probably want to go with a cordless, rechargeable option.
Clinical evidenceIdeally, any LED mask you purchase should come along with clinical results to back up its effectiveness. Studies conducted by the brand are great, but those conducted by third parties are even better.
Generally speaking, LED light masks are safe for all skin types and come with low risk and no downtime. One thing you'll want to keep in mind, though, is that you should always wear eye protection—AKA those little goggles you used to get at the tanning salon—but the good news is that most masks on the market have a pair of 'em included.
Shop the best LED light therapy masks Best for all skin types:Sponsored by Omnilux
Omnilux Contour Face — $399.00
Often referred to as "the Rolls Royce of LED masks," this mask is the creme de la creme of at-home red light therapy—and after testing nearly a dozen of the other offerings on the market, I understand why. It combines red (633 nm) and infrared light for a no-frills treatment that really works—the infrared basically works as a supercharger for all of the red light's collagen-stimulating benefits. It's made from silicon, fits comfortably on the face, and gives double-duty benefits of an instant glow and fewer wrinkles over time.
Currentbody Ski Anti-Acne LED Light Therapy Face Mask — $380.00
What sets CurrentBody's acne mask apart is its dual-wavelength technology. It combines 415 nm blue light to target acne-causing bacteria and 630 nm red light to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. It works both on the surface and beneath it, packing a one-two punch of overall skin benefits. Plus, it's lightweight, face-fitting, and wireless—and treatments only take 10 minutes—making it seamlessly easy to integrate into your routine.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 295 — $455.00
Dr. Dennis Gross's iconic LED mask was among the first to bring this type of at-home tech into the mainstream, and when it comes to fighting wrinkles, it still reigns supreme.
"It was actually first developed by the space program, by NASA, to improve wound healing in space, but then the world of dermatology found more uses for it," Dr. Gross previously told Well+Good. "It stimulates one's own collagen, it works on reducing redness, it works on complexion concerns by killing the bacteria that causes acne. So it does many things both in terms of the anti-aging and the firming of the skin, redness, inflammation, and acne."
It contains three types of red light for maximum results. Amber light (605 nm) targets the top layer of skin to improve tone and texture, red light (630 nm) penetrates a level deeper to stimulate collagen production, and deep red light (660 nm) gets even deeper to enhance elasticity and firmness.
Skin Gym Pro Led Light Therapy Mask — $300.00
With a combination of red (630 nm) and blue (465 nm) LED light, this mask is great for anyone looking to target acne and wrinkles with a single device. It also employs near-infrared light, which penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate cellular turnover and give you even more powerful results. It's made from silicone, which gives you a comfy skin-hugging fit, and (even at $300) is one of the more affordable options on this list.
HigherDose Red Light Face Mask for Fine Lines & Glowing Skin — $349.00
This Higher Dose mask is like an energy drink for your skin, instantly boosting radiance on even your dullest, most tired days. TBH, these masks can be pretty uncomfortable to keep on your face, but not this one. Of all the LED masks I've tried, HigherDoses's version offers by far the best fit thanks to its silicone texture and straps that wrap around the top and back of your head. With red (630 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light, the mask also stimulates collagen and enhances skin health to improve elasticity and glow over time.
Solawave Eye Recovery Pro — $199.00
The skin around your eyes is far more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face, making it more prone to damage that results in fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. This ultra-targeted mask was designed with exactly those concerns—and the fragile skin they happen on—in mind. It features red, deep red, amber, and infrared light to firm skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and diminish the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Therabody TheraFace Mask — $599.00
While any LED masking session is a form of self-care, Therabody's offering takes things to a whole other level. It combines LED technology (red, blue, and infrared) with gentle vibrations to target acne and wrinkles while also relieving tension in your muscles. To put it simply, using it is an absolutely *heavenly* experience: It pulses in all the right places, delivering a gentle massage around the eyes, brows, and scalp (FWIW: you can also use the massage function without any lights). Plus, it combines red (630 nm), blue (465 nm), and infrared light to deliver the benefits of all three.
Shani Darden Skin Care Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask — $1,900.00
Estheticians—including Shani Darden herself—will tell you that your skincare routine should stretch from your hairline to your nipples, and this (admittedly pricey) mask is designed to do just that. It comes with a neck attachment, which includes the same combo of red (630 nm) and near-infrared LED as you get for your face. Together, this duo delivers wrinkle-reducing benefits deep below the surface of the skin, restoring a firmness from your forehead to your décolleté.
But wait, there's more!
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The 14 Best Light Therapy Devices To Clear Your Skin
These days, the more mobile a skin device, the better the chances are of you using it. MM Skincare's device is portable and can stand on its own, making it easier to treat your skin concerns as you lounge on the couch or work at your home desk.
Type: Portable device
Types of light: Blue, red, orange, green, purple
Target treatment areas: Entire body
Power: Rechargeable
Amazon rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: "My absolute favorite at-home LED device is the MMSphere2Go, which is a first-in-class FDA-cleared device for fine lines, wrinkles, and breakouts that offers consumers at-home and travel-friendly access to skin care and powerful regenerative light therapy benefits, traditionally offered only in doctors' offices. I love that it offers nine energy settings and six different therapeutic wavelengths (blue, red, purple, green, and amber, plus infrared). It uses photobiomodulation therapy to activate the mitochondria in the skin cells to promote everything our skin needs: new collagen, elastin, rich antioxidants, more regenerative energy, and reduced inflammation."—Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare
Red Light, Blue Light, Or Both? I Tried All Three Using The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Facewear Pro LED Mask
When it comes to emerging skin care science, I'm a skeptic at heart.
Through years of trial and (lots of) error, I've built a solid routine that, despite a few tweaks here or there to try a few new things, I don't change much unless I'm absolutely wowed by a product. This includes newer skin care technologies like light therapy devices. Even after researching and seeing the results from others, I was always on the fence about whether or not it was something I wanted to invest in.
That's why when I got the chance to try Dr. Dennis Gross's DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro, an LED face mask with red and blue light technology, I jumped at the opportunity — and I'm glad that I did. Below, I share all the details of my experience trying light therapy firsthand, and whether or not it changed me from a skeptic to a full-on believer.
SKIP AHEAD How I tried the DRx Spectralite Faceware ProMy experience with the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Faceware ProWho is the DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro best for?Why trust NBC Select?
$455.00
Sephora
$455.00
Dermstore
$455.00
Revolve
The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro is a light therapy device that's designed to boost collagen production in your skin and target bacteria using red and blue light, leading to improved skin texture, fewer fine lines, and clear, breakout-free skin, according to the brand. The mask, which has FDA clearance and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, achieves this by using light-emitting diodes (energy conductors) on the inside of the mask — 100 red light-emitting diodes, and 60 blue light-emitting diodes to be precise, according to Dennis Gross.
Using these diodes, the mask has three treatment settings to choose from: red light, blue light, and a combination of the two, all of which run on a 3-minute cycle that automatically ends when the time is up. According to Dr. Apple Bodemer — a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health — in our story on red light therapy devices, red light therapy applies specific wavelengths of light onto your skin, which can penetrate two to three-millimeters beneath the skin's surface, reaching our cells. The mitochondria in our cells then absorb that light, and in turn produce more energy and increase collagen production, which helps with fine lines, texture and more, according to Bodemer.
You can wear the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro mask for three minutes a day to target fine lines, discoloration and acne-causing bacteria.Courtesy Ashley MorrisBlue light therapy, in a similar fashion, targets the acne-causing bacteria right below the surface of the skin, destroying them and leading to clear skin and reduced breakouts, according to the brand. To use the mask's therapies, press and hold the power button at the top to turn it on, and press once to cycle through each setting. The mask can also be used multiple times a day — the brand recommends running your first setting of choice for one three-minute cycle, and allowing the mask to rest at least ten minutes between cycles before using again.
I used this mask daily for just over three weeks, alternating between incorporating it into my morning and nightime routines. Since I have oily/combination skin that tends to be prone to small breakouts, the mask's blue light acne setting was most appealing to me.
For the first week, I switched between the three settings (red light, blue light, and both), using each mode for two days at a time (on the 3-minute cycle). By the seventh day, I decided to focus on the blue light mode, since the fine lines that the red lights target aren't a big skin care concern for me. From that point, I used the mask on the blue light setting at least once daily. There were also days where I used it more than once — on those days I used the mixed light modes on any extra uses.
According to the brand, you should wear the mask over a clean, dry face. Following that advice, I used the mask right after cleansing, following it up with my toner and the rest of my routine. There were a few times in the beginning of my testing process when I forgot to use the mask before applying my toner and ended up using it with the toner on, but I didn't experience any issues with it when this happened (however, this isn't recommended by the brand).
I wore the DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro every day for three weeks, alternating between using it with my morning and nighttime routines.Courtesy Ashley MorrisAfter using the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro for three weeks, I found it very easy to use and integrate into my morning and night routines, and I liked that I could change the treatments based on the skincare concerns I wanted to address. By the end of the testing process, I could also see a noticeable improvement in my skin's texture. Below I go in-depth on the things I liked the most about the mask, along with a few observations to keep in mind when thinking about buying one for yourself.
What I likeQuick and easy to use
As a lifelong procrastinator, it's easy for me to skip out on specialty skin care treatments, even when I decide I want to incorporate them into my routine. If something requires a lot of time or has a very detailed and specific set of instructions, I often end up putting it off until the next night, and then the next night and so on. With this mask, the process is so low-maintenance that I was able to add it to my daily skin care regimen with very little change made to my routine, if any.
When using it in the morning, I apply the mask, and spend the treatment time — which again, is only three minutes — either packing my work bag or finishing my body care routine. At night, I use the time to set the water in my kettle to boil and pick the flavor of my nightly cup of tea. In both cases, once the cycle is up I'm able to finish my routine and seamlessly continue with the rest of my morning/night. I also like that the mask is totally silent, only needs the push of a single button to work, and shuts off automatically when each cycle is up — it makes the entire process feel almost effortless.
Multiple treatment modes
What I like most about the Spectralite Faceware Pro is the range of treatment options it has available. While many light therapy devices tend to focus on red light, this mask's blue light and combination treatment options make it a much more effective tool for the skin care issues I'm looking to target.
The DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro has three settings: red light for treating fine lines and firming skin, blue light for fighting acne and textural issues, and a combined setting which does both at the same time.Courtesy Ashley MorrisAs I said before, I mostly used the mask's blue light setting after initially testing all three settings. The mask's short time investment made it so that I could often do multiple treatments in a day or even a single sitting. During those times, I'd alternate between the blue light and the combination light setting — I especially like doing this at nights after long days spent outside running errands, or hanging out at one of the nearby parks. It gives my skin an extra healing boost before bed, and helps to address some of the sun damage that I may have gotten from the extended times outdoors.
Although I didn't use the solely red light setting as much, I think it rounds out the mask's offerings really well — being able to choose between all three modes that can address a wide range of skin care issues makes it so that the mask can be useful at different points in your skin journey.
Well-fitting, adjustable strap
When I initially received the mask, I was worried about having to sit still (near an outlet) while wearing it. Although that wouldn't be much of an issue at night, my mornings are usually packed pretty tight, and being a few minutes behind can make all the difference when commuting in a busy city like New York. The adjustability of the straps prevented that from ever being an issue.
While wearing the mask, I can freely move around and continue getting ready for my day. Before using the mask, I thought that I may have issues with it feeling uncomfortable — I had concerns about the lights emitting heat and the mask's fit not being fully contoured to the shape of my face, but the opposite is true. The mask's lights are completely painless, to the point where I wouldn't even know it was on if it weren't for the brightness of the lights. It also fits firmly onto my face without obstructing my vision, although the mouth gap is slightly too small for my lips so I can't talk much while wearing it. The strap design made it so that the mask was securely fastened to my face without squeezing or pinching too tightly. I wore it while applying body lotion, making my bed, and even stretching and it held firmly through it all. The straps were also easy to adjust between uses, although most times I left them fastened after each use, so I wouldn't have to constantly readjust them.
The adjustable strap holds the mask in place so I can move around freely without worrying about it slipping or falling off.Courtesy Ashley Morris Potential drawbacks to keep in mindNoticeable, but not drastic improvements
While I definitely noticed textural improvements in my skin — I had fewer breakouts, a cleaner look and firmer texture — while regularly wearing the mask (as evidenced in the photos below), the results weren't as drastic as I'd expected. Granted, the brand advises using the mask for 10 weeks for best results, but even so, in the time I was testing the mask I still experienced a few minor breakouts, and still had noticeably deep under eye bags even while consistently cycling in the red and blue combination light setting.
After three weeks of use, I experienced fewer acne flare-ups and saw improvement in my skin's overall texture.Courtesy Ashley MorrisIt's possible that my lack of dramatic results could be because of my lack of extreme skin care issues — I didn't have major problem areas to target initially, my results were more subtle and potentially less noticeable because of that. In short, I think the mask absolutely delivers on its promise of helping with smoothing lines, improving texture and clearing your complexion, it just may take a bit more time, and the initial results may not be as noticeable if your skin issues aren't very severe.
Pricey
As far as red light and general light therapy devices go, this mask's price isn't much of a departure from similar products from other brands — these devices can range from anywhere to under $100 to over $900. Solawave makes a similar mask for $349, while Therabody's Theraface Pro, which also has red light and blue light settings, comes in wand form and retails for $399. If you're looking for a more affordable option, LED Technologies makes a portable red light wand that retails for $79.
For a serious skin care enthusiast or someone trying to address more severe issues, investing in the Spectralite Faceware Pro's $455 price tag may be well worth it. However for someone like me, who is an enthusiast but doesn't have many serious issues to target, it's a lot to pay for the results I achieved. Given that it's as costly as a few trips to my esthetician or a few quality Clarins and Tatcha products, it feels as though I could get the same, if not potentially better results by putting that money toward high-grade products or professional treatment, rather than spending it on the mask. The upside of purchasing the mask, of course, is that it's a one-time cost for unlimited uses, while with products and treatments, they may cost more in upkeep and maintenance in the long run.
Is light therapy safe?
In short, yes: Dermatology offices nationwide have been using red light therapy for over a decade, according to experts we spoke to in our guide to red light therapy. It's safe to use as long as you're using an FDA-cleared device at its instructed dosage and for its recommended purpose.
What does FDA-clearance mean?
The FDA classifies medical devices into three tiers based on their risk and the level of regulation needed to ensure the product's safety, with Class III being the highest risk (ex. A pacemaker) and Class I being the lowest (ex. Examination gloves). According to the FDA, red light therapy devices rank as Class II, which means when a brand has a new product they want clearance for, they submit it to the FDA's 510(k) clearance program . Once submitted, the devices are evaluated based on their safety and effectiveness and if successfully reviewed, become "FDA-cleared." FDA clearances means that a product has been assessed and deemed safe and effective enough to be equivalent to other, similarly-marketed devices that the FDA has already cleared or approved.
FDA approved products, on the other hand, are Class III devices that have to go through a more rigorous testing and legal process, including providing direct evidence of a product's claims and undergoing a detailed safety review by a panel of FDA experts, before being given the "FDA-approved" label.
If you're a skin care enthusiast looking to take your routine to the next level, the DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro can be a worthy investment — and at $455, it's certainly an investment.
The Dr. Dennis Gross Drx Spectralite Faceware Pro comes with a satin carrying bag and a USB to USB-C charger cord.Courtesy Ashley MorrisFine lines aren't a concern for me right now, but if that's something you struggle with, this mask's red light feature may be something worth trying I would especially recommend it to those who routinely experience mild to moderate acne flare-ups, since the blue light treatments helped better regulate my breakouts and improved the overall texture of my moody summertime skin.
The mask isn't a necessity, and not a step that everyone will need in their routine, but it is a fast and low-commitment way of taking your regimen up a few levels. While my results were subtle, I definitely noticed a difference in my skin and saw results.
I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who regularly covers skin care, wellness and lifestyle. To write this review, I tested the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite Faceware Pro for just over three weeks and recorded my experience, noting what I did and didn't like about the mask throughout my time using it.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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