The 10 Best Red Light Therapy Devices to Shop in 2023

May 16, 2024

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Longer hair, healthier skin, and calmer acne can be achieved by a flick of a switch.

Even if you're new to the world of beauty tech, chances are you've already heard of red light therapy, which is a skin-boosting staple in spas and professional offices alike. Unlike blue light, which is typically used to treat acne, red light has a longer wavelength that allows it to more deeply penetrate multiple layers of skin.

"Red light therapy has been around for quite some time," board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the UT Southwestern Kristel Polder tells BAZAAR.com. "Past studies have shown that it can improve wound healing and overall recovery post procedure. For example, we use red light therapy after lasers, and other treatments we offer at our practice to expedite healing. This kind of therapy has also been utilized for its anti-aging properties."

While at-home red light therapy devices are high-powered enough to emit energy that makes a noticeable difference in skin's tone and texture, experts advise that they're not a magic bullet, and are best used for smaller improvements over the course of three to six months. "I think red light therapy is good for maintenance, but I don't think it will replace Botox, fillers, or laser resurfacing," adds board-certified dermatologist Shirley Chi.

For a closer look at the best red light therapy options that are actually worth the buy, we asked dermatologists about some of their favorites. Read on for some of their top picks (some of which BAZAAR editors have already tested and reviewed), which include tools for the skin on your face, like LightStim's popular LightStim device for wrinkles, and on your scalp, like the Capillus CapillusUltra Laser Cap for Hair Regrowth, for a supreme glow up from the comfort of home.

Chi often recommends LightStim for Wrinkles to her clients, since it uses varied wavelengths of light energy to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it's also one of the first LED devices that's FDA-cleared to treat wrinkles on the entire face.

This customizable LED mask from the experts at Dr. Dennis Gross contains three treatment settings, and uses 100 light emitting diodes while in its red mode.

In addition to using the best hair growth serums and supplements, professionals say red light therapy devices, like this comb from Hairmax, can help increase its density starting at the root. "There is some evidence that like the Hairmax laser has been shown to be able to thicken hair and to increase circulation in the scalp, which then stimulates like the upper follicles," Chi says.

Celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and Nicole Kidman count themselves as fans of SolaWave's Advanced Skincare Wand With Red Light Therapy, and so do I after testing it out for myself. Its sculpting and anti-aging benefits are enough of a draw to use this tool every day, but add in its soothing warmth and vibration, and it's easily a holy-grail essential.

Created by celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden, this pro-level LED mask aims to reduce the appearance of acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles, and even nicely includes a neck piece to reach your décolleté.

"Red light can stimulate hair growth by improving energy production at a cellular level as well as increasing blood supply," board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi adds. "As with any hair growth treatment, consistent use is crucial."

"I love using LED because my philosophy is to protect and nourish the lipid barrier," celebrity aesthetician Angela Caglia previously told BAZAAR.com in reference to her best-selling crystal face mask. "There are many invasive treatments available, whether it's needles or lasers, that work to trick the skin into thinking it's been wounded to rebuild c ollagen. But if you use LED, they're actually healing for the outermost layer of skin, or lipid barrier."

For a more budget-friendly red light therapy option, Penzi recommends this mask from Ora, which includes seven LED light color modes that are clinically proven to reduce wrinkles.

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Therabody's do-it-all TheraFace Pro is one of our favorite beauty devices, maybe ever. From its built-in percussive massage feature to options for targeted microcurrent and red light therapy, it's no wonder beauty tastemakers named the tool one of the best in 2022.

If you're looking to maintain more even, wrinkle-free skin on-the-go, consider this portable red light device that was created by board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur. "This device features a smaller, compact sphere with nine light settings that's perfect to use while traveling," Penzi notes.

Red light therapy is the practice of harnessing lower wavelengths of red light through devices like masks and facial wands to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and acne over time.

"In clinical studies, red light has been shown to stimulate collagen production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Penzi explains. "It can also help treat precancerous lesions on the face, known as actinic keratoses, and calm inflammation that's triggered by skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and underlying stressors. Red light therapy can also improve circulation, enhance skin detoxification, and over time, help soften scars, stretch marks, inflamed skin, and assist in wound healing. It can also stimulate hair growth by improving energy production at a cellular level as well as increasing blood supply to the area."

Dermatologists recommend using your red light therapy device of choice at home a minimum of once daily, with visible results to be expected within three to six months.

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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