A futuristic-looking face mask that’s supposed to kill bacteria, prevent breakouts, and reduce the appearance of aging skin? It seems too good to be true, but LED masks are essential to transforming the skin in ways topical products cannot. You’ve probably seen your favorite celebrities don this type of tool before a big night of red carpets, but what do they actually do? And do you actually need one? To get all the ins and outs before splurging, we turned to Dr. Ife J Rodney, for all the information.
What Are LED Face Masks?
“LED masks work by shining different colors and wavelengths of light rays onto the skin. The blue LED rays target the bacteria that live within the hair follicles and contribute to acne pimples and cysts,” Dr. Rodney, MD, FAAD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetic. “The red rays suppress redness and inflammation of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, by stimulating collagen production.” Now, you can get masks that come with a wide range of lights, including green, white, and amber for even more specific needs.
Do LED Face Masks Work?
While they’re mainly used as an add-on treatment when you visit your dermatologist or esthetician, the at-home versions can help to keep your skin in tip-top shape—as long as your consistent. Where in-office treatments use more powerful LED bulbs for an extended amount of time (no more than 20 to 30, Dr. Rodney says), “at-home LED masks are not monitored, so there may be a lack of consistency in the treatments.” When used consistently, however, you’ll find that the right tool can give amazing results–without the in-office costs.
Ahead, the 16 best LED masks to try, from Dr. Rodney’s splurge-worthy fave to handheld light therapy devices that target your most stubborn impurities.
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1
IG-Worthy
MZ SKIN Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
Oh, didn’t you hear? Devouring a plate of carbohydrates while masking is the thing right now. Here’s a fancier version that not only looks luxurious but transforms the skin using five different lights to reverse signs of aging and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
2
The 4-In-1
Red Light Wand
This nifty gadget combines four powerful skin-loving benefits into one sleek tool. It has red light therapy to rejuvenate skin, micro-currents to lift, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth to allow skincare to absorb into the skin better. Plus, it’s small enough to take on the go.
3
The Celeb-Approved
The A-List Collection
Beloved by celebrities getting ready for the red carpet, this face and chest mask will improve the skin’s texture and tone. Over time with continual use, fine lines and wrinkles can be kept at bay with this mask’s powerful red light therapy.
4
The Botox Alternative
Contour Face
No need to make an appointment with your friendly derm, this LED face mask will do everything you need it to with no down time. Not only does it work against time, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, but it also reduces redness and hyperpigmentation.
5
For Every Need
How To Glow LED Light Therapy Mask
This mask allows you to get four different light therapies in one easy-t0-use tool. You can use the red, blue, amber, and green setting to treat everything from acne to sun damage, and more.
6
The Fan Favorite
SpectraLite Faceware Pro
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
While most masks used red and blue lights separately, this masks uses 100 LED red lights and 62 LED blue lights at the same time to target all your skin concerns. I also love DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro. Plus, it’s FDA-cleared and finishes the treatment in three minutes, which makes it a must-have in Dr. Rodney’s book.
7
The Custom Fit
Rejuvalight Pro Facewear
If you’re unsure of what your skin needs, Qure offers a skin consultation so you can get the right treatment out of your LED face mask. That way, you can mask in total confidence.
8
The Wireless Choice
WrinkLit LED Mask
This mask offers red, orange, and blue LED light therapy to conquer your skin’s woes. It’s completely wireless, which means you can use it on the go, or at home when you want to complete your chores without worrying about the closest outlet.
9
The At-Home Treatment
LED Light Therapy Shield
With this mask, you can use blue light therapy, amber light therapy, and red light therapy in one easy tool. This can do everything from calming down inflamed skin, treating fine lines, and healing damaged skin–for just 10 minutes a day.
10
The Whole Spectrum
LUMA Light LED Therapy Facial Mask
This mask offers seven different light therapies that can all help you get to the skin of your dreams. It even offers white light therapy that can treat sagging skin and fine lines.
11
The Warrior’s Helmet
Near-Infrared LED Mask
You might look like a Spartan with this on, but they probably didn’t have skin this good. With fine-line reducing red light therapy, you’ll start to notice a difference in just two weeks of using this product.
12
For Active Breakouts
LightStim for Acne
So it’s that time of the month, and a cluster of breakouts appeared on your face. The LightStim handheld LED treatment can directly target your problem areas. “This handheld device is FDA cleared, comes with its own eye protection, and can be used to treat specific problem areas, like your cheeks or forehead,” Dr. Rodney says. The process is simple: hold the device to the area you want to correct for three minutes, then repeat until you’ve covered all areas.
13
The Budget-Friendly Choice
LED Face Mask
If you want to experiment with LED masks without breaking the bank, this offering features lights that kill bacteria under the surface, calms skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, all for just over $100.
14
The Smart Mask
Foreo UFO
Not your typical LED mask but it functions just the same. The Foreo UFO using hot and cold temperature settings to improve the skin in just 90 seconds. Plus, the pulsating section of the treatment feels like a spa-quality face massage. You’re welcome.
15
The Acne Zapper
Quasar MD Blue
The beauty about the Quasar MD Blue is that it can be used all over your body and emits blue light to kill bacteria and stop breakouts dead in its tracks.
16
The Tech Neck Savior
Boost LED Advanced Light Therapy Décolletage Bib
This LED treatment uses red light to smooth out the neck and shoulder area because your neck needs love too.
Nerisha Penrose Assistant Editor Nerisha is the assistant editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty and fashion.
Tatjana Freund Beauty Commerce Writer Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.
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