Looking to Reduce Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Acne? Light Therapy Masks Are Game Changers (2024)

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How do LED Masks work?

“LED masks work by sending light waves deep into the skin to trigger natural intracellular reactions,” explains Dr. Engleman. The light waves penetrate the layers of the skin to help with cell turnover, which can, in turn, improve certain skin conditions, such as acne, fine lines, and skin tone.

Our Top Picks

Target Areas: Full face | LED Lights: Red, blue, amber | Skin Concerns: Aging, acne, redness | Duration: 15 minutes

How it works: Unlike some of the other full-face masks on this list, the Therashield device relies on a pair of comfortable built-in glasses to hold the mask close to the face (rather than straps). The device comes equipped with three light options—blue, red, and amber—to reduce inflammation, calm redness, and prevent breakouts.

This mask is our best overall because it totally cleared up our acne. The built-in glasses (and the comfy pads attached to the bridge of the nose) made this mask super comfortable to wear whenever we did a treatment session. Each time we wore it, we felt like we could have left it on longer because it felt so light. One thing to point out: The mask covers the forehead and upper cheeks nicely, but it doesn’t cover about 25% of the far side of the cheeks. If you have dark spots or wrinkles in this area, it might not be the best choice for you.

Surfina, tester with oily skin and cystic acne: "My blemishes vanished. It helped slightly with cystic acne as well; some of the bumps were less noticeable and smaller."

Target Areas: Full face | LED Lights: Red | Skin Concerns: Aging, acne | Duration: 10 minutes

How it works: A combination of red and near-infrared light helps target signs of aging, inflammation, and acne spots.

The hard, plastic Power Rangers-esque vibes of many of these masks can be quite off-putting and uncomfortable-looking. That’s why we like this unique pick from CurrentBody; it’s made of a patented, flexible silicone, so it quite literally wraps around your face. Not only did that make the whole experience more comfortable, but it also ensured the LED light more evenly targeted our complexion. Also nice: You only need to use it three to five times per week to see results (we noticed a reduction in redness and outbreaks after just a couple of weeks of use).

Sheila, tester with an oily T-zone and combo skin: "It is comfortable and does stay put enough for it to not slip off. It is very convenient and easy to use with little to no effort."

Target Areas: Full face | LED Lights: Red, blue, green | Skin Concerns: Large pores, dull skin, wrinkles, inflammation | Duration: 90 seconds

How it works: This high-tech tool basically gives you a customized facial in 90 seconds. It uses red, blue, and green LED light, at a variety of temperatures to deliver sonic pulsations for improved product penetration.

During testing, we found this cordless, compact device ideal for movement across the face. The directions can be a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, treatment is a breeze.It was comfortable (it fits in the palm of your hand), and we loved the automatic shut-off. After using it twice daily for two months, our tester Samantha's skin was less inflamed, and the texture was smoother. Since the process only took 90 seconds, it was easy to incorporate into our daily skincare regimen, serving as a worthy alternative to using a myriad of anti-aging products.

Samantha, tester with combo skin and fine lines: "It illuminates the need for serums and other types of products. My wrinkles, which are really fine lines, are practically gone. I love this device."

Target Areas: Whole Face | LED Lights: Red, blue | Skin Concerns: Acne, Fine Lines, Dullness | Duration: 3 minutes

How it works: Once strapped to your head, this futuristic-looking mask from Dennis Gross goes to work reducing acne and redness, fine lines, and boosting dull skin by encouraging cell turnover with red and blue light therapy.

No doubt you've at least seen this popular LED mask from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare advertised on the internet, but we're here to tell you it actually does what it claims to. While it's certainly an investment, it has a one-year warranty, is FDA-cleared, and made a real difference to our skin after just a few months of regular use—so we'd say it's worth it. It's also HSA/FSA covered, so you might be able to get a bit of a discount, depending on your insurance. While we didn't see an improvement in our hormonal acne, we did notice a significant improvement in the overall skin texture and tone.

Chantia, tester with acne and hyperpigmentation: "The one major difference I've noticed is my cheek area is brighter and the hyperpigmentation seems to be calming down a bit."

Target Areas: Full Face | LED Lights: Red, blue | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, loss of firmness | Duration: 3 minutes

How it works: This FDA-approved, innovative mask uses red, blue, and infrared light, as well as 17 "QX-Micro Motors," which massage the skin with light vibration to reduce stress as the lights address fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.

Our tester, Bronwyn, said her skin texture and tone have improved after just a few weeks of regular use; she noted that some dark spots started looking lighter. Despite the heavy look, the mask is lightweight and can be customized to your face with included silicone inserts. We enjoyed the nine-minute treatment sessions and the vibration feature, which, admittedly, is a bit loud and makes the mask rattle somewhat, but we've adapted to it. We just wish the battery life were longer (it's much shorter compared to other TheraBody products) and requires frequent charging, but the stand it comes with makes that pretty easy.

Bronwyn, tester with hyperpigmentation: "After six weeks of use, I am seeing improvements in my skin texture and tone. I have a few hyperpigmentation/dark spots that are already noticeably faded."

Target Areas: Full face | LED Lights: Red, infrared | Skin Concerns: Redness, dull complexion | Duration: 10 minutes

How it works: The device combines the power of red and near-infrared LED technologies to mimic low-level wavelengths found in natural sunlight, reducing redness, rejuvenating cells, and promoting skin healing.

We loved how comfortable the HigherDOSE Red Light Mask was. The hands-free, cordless device and adjustable head strap let us get lit while doing yoga, watching TV, or doing laundry. We noticed smoother, glowing skin after just one use, especially at the end of testing. However, we felt it didn't address hyperpigmentation as well as we would've liked.

Cindy, tester with dry skin: "I saw immediate results after use, my skin looks more luminous and radiant when following the directions."

Target Areas: Full face and neck | LED Lights: Red, blue | Skin Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots | Duration: 15 minutes

How it works: Science-backed and aesthetician-approved, this face and neck mask leans on blue and red light to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

Just a short 15-minute session each day brought us glowy, healthier-looking skin and a reduction in the appearance of lines on both the face and neck. After just one use, we noticed less redness around blemishes, and after two months, the skin texture was more even. The only thing we didn’t love was that it can feel heavy on the forehead, so you may want to use this one while lying down. But, for a one-stop shop that targets the wrinkles from your forehead to your decolletage, we’re willing to overlook it.

Stacey, tester with fine lines and redness: "I do think this is a good price for a full face and neck mask, especially compared to other products. However, I think there needs to be some improvements on the weight of the product and how it attaches to the face."

Target Areas: Spot treatment | LED Lights: Red, blue | Skin Concerns: Acne | Duration: 3 minutes

How it works: Move this lightweight, handheld device across your face to target blemishes and redness with blue and red light therapy. Sessions are just three minutes, and you'll see results after two or three.

While we're still all about the brand’s Skincare Wand, this tool has truly captured our hearts. It's easy to use and mitigates breakouts and acne with regular use. While treating our skin, we noticed a slight warmth but absolutely no pain. After about a month of use, active breakouts healed faster, and the texture and tone of our skin looked smoother and less red—a total win in our book.The tiny, compact wand has to be manually moved across your face (or held in position over one spot), but since the treatment time is only about three minutes, it’s not too annoying.

Erica, tester with mild acne: "Do I see a major difference? No, but I think over more time it could be super effective. I am happy with the small change I see in my skin."

FAQ

• Do LED light therapy masks really work?

  According to Dr. Engelman, LED light therapy masks can effectively target various skin concerns from aging to acne. “Depending on the wave of light, the skin has different reactions, and therefore, different results can be achieved,” she explains.

• How do you use an LED therapy mask?

  Here's how Dr. Engleman says you should use an at-home device: “Clean your face first, then turn the mask on to your desired wavelength, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time,” she says. “This will differ by the type of mask, but typically, treatment times are between 15 and 30 minutes.” Overall, she recommends six to eight treatments for best results.

• What does red light therapy do for skin?

  If signs of aging are your primary concern, Dr. Engelman says to look for a mask that offers red light. The red light has powerful age-fighting perks, amongst other benefits, such as strengthening cellular structure, reducing inflammation, minimizing the appearance of pores, and accelerating repair. This wavelength is also ideal for stimulating collagen and elastin production for smoother, less wrinkled skin. HigherDOSE’s Red Light Mask is an excellent choice for those interested in red light therapy.

• What does blue light therapy do for your skin?

  According to Dr. Engelman, blue light is antibacterial, reducing oil production to prevent acne while also treating eczema and psoriasis. It also controls the bacteria that come with acne, which can help shrink pimples you already have. Finally, it can be an effective treatment for psoriasis and eczema.

• Are LED light therapy masks safe?

  Dr. Engelman says that LED light therapy masks are also considered safe for pretty much all users, except for those who are photosensitive or have certain connective tissue conditions such as lupus. “There is no direct skin contact, and the wavelengths of light do not cause burns, so these therapies are actually completely painless for many patients,” she adds.