:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/people-light-therapy-masks-7a4b105a548443e6a91c9baeeff2e712.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "These Red Light Therapy Devices Reduced Fine Lines and Blemishes in Less Than Two Weeks")
Many skincare formulas are powerful enough to treat some of our biggest beauty areas of interest, including blemishes, dull skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, if you’re looking for more targeted at-home treatments, incorporating light therapy devices into your regimen can up the ante and increase the skin’s overall rejuvenation process to treat, get rid of, and even prevent skincare concerns.
The More You Know
“Light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in the skin,” Courtney Moseley, P.A. and skincare specialist, tells PEOPLE. Moseley says investing in a light therapy device brings the benefits of light therapy home and allows for an easier way to enhance skin rejuvenation and save money on in-office treatments.
With such impressive benefits, so many beauty brands make their own version of a light therapy device, making it a little more of a challenge to find ones that actually work and are worth the splurge.
To find the best light therapy devices, our PEOPLE Tested team conducted real-world testing on 14 masks and wands to find the devices that actually work some magic. And after eight weeks of testing, they landed on these top picks for the best light therapy devices you can use from the comfort of home.
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After testing, our skin looked less inflamed
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Beginner-friendly and easy to use
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Long-lasting battery
Our top pick for the best light therapy mask is the Foreo UFO 2. After testing this device out, we were blown away by how well it rejuvenated our complexion and targeted some of our biggest concerns, including inflammation and puffiness. We love how easy the handheld device is to use and found it very simple for a beginner. The treatment period is only 90 seconds, so it’s not that much of a time commitment either.
This device uses red and blue light therapy and is designed to activate the brand’s coveted face masks, so in addition to the device, you also have to make sure to purchase the Foreo UFO-activated masks to see results.
While we wish you didn’t have to purchase additional products to reap the benefits of the light therapy device, we appreciate the overall luxe and salon-worthy experience — it seriously felt like having a professional facial at home.
What We Think Now
After home-testing this mask for six months, we still stand by our recommendation of the Foreo UFO 2 as our best overall pick. Although it’s recommended to use this device one to two times per week when masking, we have moved to using it biweekly, as it’s costly to keep up with buying the masks to use the device. Overall, the device performs really well at moisturizing and keeping redness at bay, even when used less regularly.
Recommended Use: 1-2 times per week when masking | Device Type: Handheld | Light Colors: Blue, red | Wavelength: 463nm (blue), 627nm (red)
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Super small and perfect for travel
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Simple to use and only requires 5-minute treatments
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Dark spots appeared lighter after use
The best LED therapy wand is without a doubt the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand. This tiny LED facial device utilizes the benefits of red light therapy to target signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. It also works to lift and tone the skin, lighten dark spots, and can even help make the skin look less puffy.
When testing this device, we found the compact size super convenient and the technology easy to use. We also love how you don’t have to commit to spending a ton of time with this wand since you only need around five minutes per day.
Associate shopping editorial director Erin Johnson personally tested out the Solawave and raved about the skin-brightening effects. “The Solawave site promises results in two to four weeks, but my skin looked noticeably better in less than two weeks, and when I use the wand now, the results are immediate,” Johnson says.
Although we didn’t see any noteworthy improvements in our skin’s texture, we did notice that after the testing period, our dark spots appeared lighter. Additionally, our skin appeared more radiant with regular use.
What We Think Now
We have been using the SolaWave Skincare Wand one to two times per week over the past six months and have noticed that our skin looks and feels less puffy overall. We love how easy and convenient the device is to use and that it only requires a few minutes per day to reap the red light benefits. We also appreciate that it’s the most portable of all the options we tested, making it easy to integrate into our daily routine.
Recommended Use: 5 minutes per day | Device Type: Wand | Light Colors: Red | Wavelength: 660nm
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Reduced our blemishes
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Compact size
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Very easy to use
SolaWave also makes a spot treatment device that’s ideal for breakouts. While testing the SolaWave 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment, we were impressed by how well it reduced breakouts and helped fade some dark acne spots, too.
We love that this device is compact in size, so it’s easy to travel with and incorporate into your skincare regimen wherever you go. The device is also very easy to use, making it an ideal option for beginners who want to try out the benefits of light therapy without getting too overwhelmed by all of the bells and whistles some of these devices have.
The wand utilizes the bacteria-fighting benefits of blue light along with the inflammation-reducing results of red light to target and treat pimples. It only takes around three minutes per treatment, a few times per week, and quickly reduces breakouts with regular use.
Recommended Use: 3 minutes per day | Device Type: Handheld | Light Colors: Red, blue | Wavelength: 415nm (blue), 630nm (red)
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Expensive
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Not very secure
The CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask claims to be “31 percent more powerful than any other LED mask” on the market. Based on our results after testing it out for ourselves, we believe the hype. After wearing the mask for just 10 minutes a day, our skin looked brighter, firmer, and all-around glowier. We even noticed a reduction in the number of breakouts we usually experience.
We found the mask to be very comfortable to wear, although the straps around the back of the mask weren’t the most secure, so it works best when sitting still. The wide surface area of the mask covered our whole face, and the mouth and nose holes allowed us to breathe comfortably, though the mouth hole wasn’t large enough to eat or drink through.
Since the automatically-timed red light sessions last for just 10 minutes at a time, we think it’s worth it to sit down, relax, and use the mask for a few peaceful minutes to achieve a youthful, healthy glow.
Editors Say
“I tested this mask for two months, and I was shocked by just how much brighter my skin looked — the change was undeniable. Not only were my acne scars faded, but I experienced fewer breakouts in the first place!” —Cai Cramer, shopping writer
Recommended Use: 10 minutes per day, 5 days per week | Device Type: Mask | Light Colors: Red, near-infrared | Wavelength: 633nm (red), 830nm (near-infrared)
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Flexible medical-grade silicone material is comfortable to wear
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Cordless design
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With regular use, it gives skin a healthy-looking glow
After testing this device out, we were immediately impressed by the results we saw upon first use. This face mask features red light therapy and near-infrared technology, which benefit the skin by promoting collagen production and cellular renewal. During testing, we noticed a change in the overall radiance of our complexion, as it left our skin with a nice, healthy-looking glow.
Albeit on the expensive side, we found that this mask is highly functional and worth the splurge thanks to the hands-free design that allows you to move around and even partake in some light exercise or meditation. The red light glow didn’t irritate our skin either, but it does make it a little hard to see, so we recommend using this while relaxing in bed or on the couch rather than wearing it while sitting in front of your computer.
Recommended Use: 10 minutes per day, 3-5 times per week | Device Type: Mask | Light Colors: Red | Wavelength: 630 nm
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Comes with three different light therapy colors
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With regular use, it got rid of our blemishes
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Super easy to use
When testing the Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask, we originally tried it out for our dark spots but quickly discovered that it actually works extremely well on blemishes. With regular daily use, the mask completely got rid of our breakouts.
The light therapy mask features three colors — red, amber, and blue — for different benefits, including promoting tissue repair, diminishing redness, and preventing (and targeting) breakouts, respectively.
Overall, the mask is easy to use and attached to the face like sunglasses, so you don’t have to worry about straps. Toggling back and forth through the different colored lights is also simple enough for beginners. While we found the plastic mask to be a bit uncomfortable for long periods of time (especially when sitting up), it’s definitely doable while lying down and relaxing.
What We Think Now
We have integrated this mask into our nightly routine about four days per week for 15 minutes each over the past six months. The jury is still out on how effective this mask is at reducing inflammation, as we haven’t noticed a huge difference in our complexion. Overall, we wish the mask was brighter and that the battery lasted longer (we have to charge it weekly, if not more).
Recommended Use: Two 15-minute sessions per day | Device Type: Mask | Light Colors: Red, amber, blue | Wavelength: 620nm to 750nm (red), 590nm to 620nm (amber), 435nm to 500nm (blue)
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Red, blue, and infrared therapy is totally customizable
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Percussive massage helps relax facial tension
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Made our skin look brighter
Not only does the TheraFace handheld device provide red light benefits, but it also offers percussive massage and three different kinds of LED light therapy. The treatment is totally customizable — you can choose from red, blue, and infrared light therapy and cycle through three increasingly strong percussive massage levels to suit your taste.
We loved that the TheraFace provides multiple benefits in one, and using the massage function together with the red light function saved us time in our nightly routine. The device also comes with a few different massaging heads that are easy to click on and off, and the percussive massage is gentle yet powerful enough to help us relax jaw tension from TMJ and generally relax our facial muscles.
While our skin appeared brighter at the end of the test, we didn’t notice much difference in the texture. We also noticed that the magnetic massaging tips would sometimes come unclicked from the device when we used too much pressure, but that could also be a user error.
Recommended Use: 8 minutes per day | Device Type: Handheld | Light Colors: Red, blue, infrared | Wavelength: Not listed
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People / Brian Sanford
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People / Brian Sanford
Other Red Light Therapy Devices We Tried
Nutriskin Wrinkle-Clearing Light Therapy Face and Neck Mask: Another light therapy mask we tried and think is worth a shout-out is the Nutriskin Wrinkle-Clearing Light Therapy Face and Neck Mask. When testing this face mask out, we were most impressed by how well it treated redness caused by blemishes. While we didn’t notice any changes to our fine lines and wrinkles — which is what the product claims to target — we did appreciate how glowy our skin looked with regular use. We love that this light therapy mask also includes a neck attachment, so you can reap the benefits of red and blue light therapy on the delicate décolletage. However, it’s one of the heavier masks we’ve tried, which was uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
People / Jhett Thompson
What to Know About Red Light Therapy Devices
Wavelength
“Probably the most important part of selecting a mask is the wavelength specificity,” says Moseley. When shopping for a light therapy mask, Moseley says the mask should explicitly list the wavelengths used and look for 415nm for blue light and between 630 and 680nm for red light. “Deviations from these specific wavelengths may result in suboptimal benefits.”
Ease of Use
Consistency and frequency are crucial when using red light therapy devices to achieve desired results. If you don’t have much time, a wand such as the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand, which only requires five minutes per day, might be the best choice. For something that takes a little longer but is hands-free, consider the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, which has a design made for multitasking and recommends a minimum of 10 minutes three to five days per week.
Skin Concerns
According to Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, it’s also worth considering your skin concerns to determine which kind of light will benefit you the most. Many at-home light therapy devices utilize the benefits of red, blue, and amber light.
- Red light can reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and strengthen the skin.
- Blue light has antibacterial benefits to prevent breakouts.
- Amber light helps to soothe skin, calm redness, and fade hyperpigmentation.
If you’re looking for a mask that features all three light therapies, we recommend the Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask.
The More You Know
“[You] definitely shouldn’t use [light therapy masks] if you’re taking medicine topically or by mouth that can make you light-sensitive, like retinoids or the Tetracycline family of antibiotics.” —Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, board-certified dermatologist
Behind the Scenes
To find the best red light therapy devices for anti-aging, blemishes, and more, we first researched dozens of options before narrowing our list down to 12 top picks. From there, the PEOPLE Tested team spent eight weeks (over 390 hours!) trying out each device to see how they held up to manufacturers’ claims and how well they worked at treating common skincare woes like blemishes, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, and more.
- Ease of Use: Throughout the testing period, we took thorough notes and checked in several times to share updates, noting the overall ease of use of the devices, different key features, and comfort level while using them.
- Benefits: We also confirmed whether or not the devices made any difference to each tester’s complexions and commented on additional benefits we saw while testing, such as whether we noticed generally more radiant skin.
- Evaluation: When the testing period ended, we compiled all of our insights to compare and contrast each experience. After much deliberation, we narrowed it down to seven top picks for the best red light therapy masks. We also shared an additional device that didn’t make the cut but had noteworthy benefits and was worth recommending to readers looking for more options.
People / Jhett Thompson
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the side effects of light therapy?
If used correctly, Moseley says LED light therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects; however, there are some potential side effects worth considering. “Direct exposure to LED light can cause eye discomfort manifested as dryness, irritation, and strain, so it’s important to use appropriate eye protection if this is a concern,” says Moseley. Additionally, light therapy can cause headaches for those who are sensitive to light, and if light therapy is used late at night, Moseley notes that it can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm.
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How many times a day can you use a light therapy device?
While you can’t necessarily “overdo” light therapy, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended usage to achieve the desired results. However, when first starting out, Dr. Graf says it’s worth limiting usage in the first few weeks. “When starting out with light therapy, try to use it in 10- to 15-minute sessions to see how your skin reacts, avoid any further irritation or adverse reactions, and gradually increase accordingly,” she explains.
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Are more expensive light therapy masks worth it?
Regarding light wavelengths, most light therapy masks will have the same wavelengths regardless of price and, therefore, give you the same benefits. However, more expensive masks have additional perks worth considering. “Light therapy masks that are at a higher price point tend to have features that allow for more adjustments, such as treatment time, intensity, etc.,” says Dr. Graf. “They will also come with better safety features and will be more comfortable to wear and more durable over time.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best light therapy devices, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s experiences to better understand which devices are worth the investment. She also connected with top skincare experts, including dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf, physician assistant Courtney Moseley, and dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, to learn more about what to look for in red light therapy devices, their benefits, and whether or not the at-home treatments are worth it.
Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor for PEOPLE, updated this article with long-term testing insights after our testers used the devices regularly at home for at least six months. This story was later updated by shopping writer Cai Cramer with new red light therapy devices based on the most current technology.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.