The 6 Best LED Face Masks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Jun 03, 2024

Get your skin clear, glowing, and gorgeous.

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InStyle / Joy Kim

Light therapy masks are one of the more recent beauty trends that celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Sydney Sweeney, and Nicole Kidman swear by to get their skin clear, glowing, and gorgeous. More than just rejuvenation, these masks promise to clear blemishes, reduce puffiness, and minimize inflammation, depending on the color of the light emitted.

These lofty promises sure sound great, yet we’ve tried our fair share of products that didn’t live up to the hype. But the truth is, dermatologists and doctors have been using the power of red light therapy for years in order to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation.

“Acne, brown spots, redness, and even fine lines can be targeted using light therapy. The different colors of LED lights are associated with specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin at different depths and help with different skin concerns,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suchismita Paul.

While in the past, trips to the clinic were necessary to access such benefits, now there are devices that allow you to get spa-like treatments from the comfort of your couch.

To understand just how effective these at-home devices are, our team of InStyle editors immersed their faces with flashes of LED light from 12 of the most popular LED masks. Over a span of six weeks, we paid close attention to how our skin changed. Were blemishes reduced? Fine lines softened? Did brown spots begin to fade? We also evaluated whether these devices felt nice and comfortable on our skin (and our heads!), and if the masking sessions were easy to integrate into our routines. Keep reading to see which of our tested masks proved themselves worthy of your coins.

Foreo

What We Love: We saw significant results, including smoothed out lines and a brighter complexion.

What We Don’t Love: The instructions are a little confusing to follow.

We can’t rave enough about the Foreo UFO 2 device. We could start by explaining how easy the little handheld device was to use, or how quick the entire process was — 90 seconds! — or even that its wireless design meant we could use it in the bathroom — or not! But what we really want to say is that in less than four weeks, our skin looked visibly radiant. We saw our fine lines soften, revealing a smoother and youthful visage. Our faces looked so glowy, in fact, that strangers began complimenting our skin — which was a total first.

There is a bit of a learning curve because it functions unlike most other masks we’ve used. The LED device should not touch the skin. Instead, we had to smear the activation mask onto the applicator of the device, which can either be bought as a set with it or separately on its own. The thick, hydrating mask acts as a base layer which helps the device glide over the skin and amplify its therapeutic properties. Once on, it’s easy to start the machine up — just press the button on the side, and then navigate through the app to choose your therapy settings which come in the form of presets that correspond with the type of mask it is compatible with, relieving you of a trial and error period of finding the right light and color settings. The presets on the app also show you how to navigate the device over your skin. Once you get a hang of it (which happens fast, since you use it twice a day), it’s a breeze to handle.

For the first time in a long time, looking in the mirror made us feel confident. Our skin looked fresh, even toned, and glowing, and our formerly dull texture and deep fine lines were improved.

During the testing process, there was a moment when our skin became a little irritated, and this device significantly reduced the swelling and quickened the healing process. By adjusting the temperature setting, as well as the light color on the app, we were able to both cool and activate the skin and subside the puffiness.

Price at time of publish: $379

Frequency: Twice a day for 90 seconds per session | Device: Handheld | Concerns: Wrinkles, dull skin, swelling

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

Ulta

What We Love: It reduced our blemishes and smoothed out the texture on our cheeks.

What We Don’t Love: We felt clumsy holding the very tiny handle.

Light treatments are no joke on the wallet, which is why it really should only function as a next step when all the ointments and creams have failed you. We used this little SolaWave Spot Treatment wand to target the stubborn blemishes on our cheeks, which had been standing their ground against every acne topical we tried. We’re excited to say that the SolaWave won this battle, and the blemishes have retreated.

To be fair, this device costs about as much as a fancy skincare product, but when you factor in how much more it can do for you, it’s really a great steal. The tiny device is about the same size as a traditional cleansing brush, but instead of a bristeled head, there’s an applicator that emits both blue and red lights in order to target acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It doesn’t come with complicated user instructions (just charge it up and press a single button to turn on), nor does it have any annoying wires or cords you need to swerve around. While we do think a larger handle would be easier to hold and get a firm grip, its slender size does make it very travel-friendly.

We used this device three times a week and each session lasted three minutes, and watched our complexion brighten, while the bumpy texture on our cheeks subsided. It’s not a night and day difference, but it’s enough that our friends noticed. The brand recommends using it every day, so perhaps if we were more consistent with our usage we would have seen more dramatic results. Still, for $99, we’re very pleased.

Price at time of publish: $99

Frequency: Daily for 3 minutes per session | Device: Handheld | Concerns: Acne, textured skin

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Joy Kim

Therashield

What We Love: Our blemishes disappeared fast — as in 24 hours fast.

What We Don’t Love: Fine lines and dark spots remained relatively unchanged.

The Therashield 3-in-1 Light Mask was truly designed to be a do-it-all device for the most common skin woes. Fine lines can be softened, blemishes can be cleared, and redness can be soothed, thanks to its red, blue, and yellow lights.

We learned why Kourtney Kardashian swears by this exact mask. Unlike other options, this one wears like sunglasses, except instead of lenses, there’s a large face shield that covered our entire face (and then some). It felt surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, so we didn’t mind wearing it for the full 20 minutes per session. We also found it to be very user-friendly — there’s only one button to turn on, off, and switch between lights. Thanks to its cordless and handless design, we didn’t have to sit still or even in one place at all — we could walk all around and do our chores while wearing it.

While undergoing the treatment, we never felt a tingling sensation or any kind of irritation on the skin or the eyes. After three weeks of consistent use (about twice daily to start, building up to three to four times a day), we noticed that our blemishes and little pimples disappeared quicker (within 24 hours to be exact). Cystic acne, fine lines, and dark spots however remained relatively unchanged. While we did see some improvement in wrinkles, which gave us an overall smoother complexion, we saw the biggest results with clearing our skin congestion and blemishes.

Price at time of publish: $90

Frequency: Daily for 15–30 minutes per session | Device: Mask | Concerns: Acne, wrinkles, inflammatio

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Joy Kim

NutriSkin

What We Love: There is an attachment to target the neck as well.

What We Don’t Love: You have to stay plugged in and lie down while using it.

LED lights are known to reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein necessary for younger-looking skin.This NutriSkin Therapy Mask features 192 of them — and we were eager to see whether it was able to smooth our fine lines and neutralize our dark spots and hyperpigmentation. And so we strapped in (literally, there is a velcro strap) for 20 minutes a day, three to five times a week for a little LED mask treatment.

Before we get into the results, let’s talk about the ergonomics, because it’s not for the lazy. First off, the mask was quite heavy to wear and it placed a little bit of pressure on our forehead, which was uncomfortable, but not painful. We found that the discomfort subsided when we wore the mask while lying down, which meant that we couldn’t do the dishes or walk around while using it. There was also a thick cord attached to the mask that needed to be plugged in during use, which limited our mobility — we really just needed to lie down and be still. Although slightly tedious, it felt like a bit of a reward to unplug from the day and take a moment for ourselves. The remote control made it easy to switch between the seven different color options.

The number one result we saw was a brighter complexion. A lot of the redness surrounding our pimples was diminished, and we loved our new, even complexion. Perhaps the amount of time we dedicated to the device (six weeks) wasn’t enough to see any greater improvements, like changes in wrinkles, but we could imagine this device would take you there with more time.

Price at time of publish: $139

Frequency: Daily for 15–30 minutes per session | Device: Mask | Concerns: Blemishes, wrinkles

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Joy Kim

Revolve

What We Love: It revealed a very glowy complexion.

What We Don’t Love: There is a random cord that you need to hold onto while using the mask, although it doesn’t need to be plugged in.

Anyone looking for radiant, refreshed skin: Get ready to glow. We saw immediate results following a single session with this HigherDose Mask — our skin had a newly found luminosity to it.

To begin, the full-face mask was very comfortable to wear, thanks to the three straps: two that go around the sides of the head and fasten in the back, along with one that goes over the top of the head. It looked intense at first, but its firm placement allowed us to walk around while wearing it without sliding at all. While there is a cord attached to the mask, it doesn’t need to be plugged in during use, so we just tucked it into our robe pocket. Still, we were able to move around easily while wearing it; we did everything from napping to preparing breakfast with it.

This mask only emits red light, with the intention of rejuvenating the skin, leaving behind a healthy glow. We could choose between two treatments, a 10-minute and a 20-minute, and the device automatically shuts off upon completion. Although we were able to see through the small eye slits, we wish they were a little larger, but the red light never irritated our skin or eyes, only giving off a slightly warming effect.

Once we took the mask off, we immediately noticed that our skin looked much more luminous. After continuous use, we were impressed by how healthy, plump, and radiant our faces looked, without any unpleasant side effects, like dryness. In terms of our skin’s texture, it looked a lot less bumpy and we even noticed that we were able to retain moisture slightly better.

That said, we did go through a slight purging process during the second week, which caused a few pimples to come to the surface. Although no one likes a pimple, we were glad to see that the light was ridding our pores of congestion, and the purging only lasted for a week, after which we went back to looking absolutely radiant. Board certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen says not to worry, however. “If you experience mild skin irritation after the first few uses, this typically resolves quickly and is not a cause for concern.”

Price at time of publish: $349

Frequency: 3–5 times a week for 10–20 minutes per session | Device: Mask | Concerns: Dull skin

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

Amazon

What We Love: It’s extremely user- and travel-friendly.

What We Don’t Love: We didn’t see a dramatic difference in wrinkles.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, red light “stimulates collagen production, improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.” While many of the other devices on this list allow you to toggle between different colors, this one is only equipped with red light to double down on the benefits of this particular infrared light.

To start, this pencil-sized, cordless wand was probably the most intuitive and user-friendly option that we tried. The wand’s tip has a rectangular applicator (which can be rotated to treat hard-to-reach spots) that automatically turns on when it touches the skin underneath it and automatically turns off when it doesn’t. Despite its small size, it’s intended to be used all over the face, and we let it glide over our cheeks, nose, chin, and foreheads. But before we could get started, we needed to let it charge for two hours, but that single charge lasted an entire week.

Our overall experience using the wand was relaxing, not unlike a professional facial. Imagine receiving a tiny hot massage exactly on those spots you desire it the most. Each session lasted about five minutes, and after using it three to five times a week for two weeks, we began to notice some improvements on our dark spots. However, our commerce editor, Mary Honkus, also swears by its depuffing capabilities.

Price at time of publish: $149

Frequency: 3–5 times a week for 5 minutes per session | Device: Wand | Concerns: Wrinkles, puffiness, dark spots

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Joy Kim

InStyle / Joy Kim

First, we began by finding the most trendy and well-rated LED face masks on the internet. After identifying 12 devices, we sent them to our esteemed team of editors and beauty experts, who spent six weeks under the glow of therapy lights. Each person followed the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure accurate results. After every two week period, we recorded their insights on progressions, taking note of any skin changes in wrinkles, blemishes, acne, dullness, texture, and overall appearance. We also paid close attention to ease of use, battery life, and unwanted side effects such as discomfort or pain. From there, we picked the six LED face masks that showed the most promising results and wrote about them here.

Not all light masks address the same skin concerns. The skin woe that is addressed depends on the light that the tool emits. As you consider which LED mask is right for you, first consider your overall goal. Are you looking to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles? If so, Dr. Paul recommends looking for devices that feature red light, like the Foreo UFO 2, Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask or the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy.

If stubborn acne or pesky blemishes have you down, we found great success in the SolaWave 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment and the NutriSkin Wrinkle Clearing Light Therapy Face and Neck Mask. These masks shine blue light, which “targets acne-causing bacteria and helps with acne breakouts,” explains Dr. Paul.

The Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask is designed with yellow LED light to help with redness and inflammation, making it a great option for anyone with sensitive skin, says Dr. Paul.

Like any device or skincare product, consistency is key to seeing results — and if we’re being real, we’re probably only going to stick with masks that are comfortable to wear and easy to use. This is where personal preferences come into play, and design elements, including long charging times, clunky cords that need to be plugged in, the length of each session, and overall comfort level, should be considered. For example, if you know that patience isn’t your thing, opt for a quick and easy device, like the Foreo UFO 2. Although it needs to be used twice a day, each session is 90 seconds, meaning that you’ll only spend three total minutes each day masking.

Meanwhile, if you’re willing to invest a little more time into your LED mask experience or taking a mindful moment, a longer treatment session or corded mask will be no big deal for you. We found that plugging into a dedicated session with the NutriSkin Wrinkle Clearing Light Therapy Face and Neck Mask gave us both a mindful and physical self-care moment.

For those who are constantly on the go, a small handheld device like the SolaWave 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment or the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy is ideal for an impactful yet lightweight option you can take just about anywhere. Their small bodies make them less intimidating and more inviting to use as well.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a hands-free experience, then masks that don’t require you to stay plugged into a wall are a great option. The Therashield 3-in-1 Light Therapy Mask and the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask not only sat comfortably on the nose, but allowed us to move around and complete our chores in tandem with getting our glow on.

LED masks work by emitting different colored lights, each of which has a specific wavelength that penetrates the skin at different depths to address a range of skin concerns, explains Dr. Paul.

Dr. Henry breaks down the exact wavelengths to look for in each color:

“LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is a device that emits light. When used in Light therapy masks, it’s a form of skincare that can be used for different purposes such as for acne, brown spots, redness or even to help with fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Paul.

These non-invasive skin treatments are offered in many dermatologist offices, but now there are many at-home LED masks that are effective (although weaker than what you’d receive in a doctor’s office) as well. LED lights can be red, blue, green, or yellow, and each color targets a different skin concern.

“LED bulbs emit different colors of light onto the skin,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portela. “The color of light carries different properties that can benefit skin health.”

Dr. Shokeen adds that red light is known for ramping up collagen production, which lessens the appearance of wrinkles, while “blue light is used to kill acne-causing bacteria,” and some masks tap near-infrared beams “to help improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.”

As you use these at-home devices, however, be aware that they may not be as effective as visiting a professional. “Some devices are made with higher power and are intended to be used in a professional setting with a doctor or aesthetician,” says Dr. Portela. “There are now many devices intended to be used at home, which typically have slightly lower powers to decrease the risk of adverse events.

Anyone with an open wound or fresh tattoo (those with a healed face tattoo, rock on), should wait until those wounds are fully healed before starting light therapy. “There may be some skin conditions that could be exacerbated by the use of light therapy, so ask your dermatologist if it would be appropriate for you to use a home light therapy mask,” says Dr. Portela.

Dr. Henry adds that “there are a few instances when LED face masks may not be suitable, such as if you have a photosensitivity disorder, are taking medications that increase skin sensitivity to light, have an active rash or sunburn, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.” Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp chimes in that those with "a skin condition that can be exacerbated by light exposure, such as lupus, should avoid the use of light masks."

And Dr. Henry cautions that the first step anyone should take before starting an LED light therapy journey is a non-negotiable: “Consulting with a skincare professional or dermatologist can help determine the suitability of LED face masks for your specific skin concerns and ensure proper usage.”

“Most light therapy masks are safe for use at home,” says Dr. Portela. “Some of them will instruct you to protect your eyes, depending on the wavelength of light and the intensity of that light.” Dr. Camp adds, however, that even with the eye-cutouts, "it is important to protect the eyes from prolonged light exposure. The use of eye protection is still recommended when using light masks."

Most importantly, all of the five dermatologists we spoke to agreed that following the directions provided by the manufacturer to a T is crucial. And be sure to start slowly — overdoing it in hopes to speed up the process is a one-way ticket to irritated skin.

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with over two years of experience covering fashion and beauty products. In order to write this article, she dove deep into the first-hand experiences of the testers who used these light therapy masks over a six-week period. She then consulted board-certified dermatologists Dr. Dustin Portela, Dr. Michelle Henry, Dr. Suchismita Paul, Dr. Brendan Camp, and Dr. Divya Shokeen for clinical advice and insights for shopping for the best light therapy masks.