11 Best LED Face Masks, Recommended by Dermatologists and Glamour Testers
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Dermatologists say that just a few minutes of rocking one of the best LED face masks can reap anti-aging benefits and give you the gift of fewer acne flare-ups. It’s a big promise for a glowing robot, and, frankly, I was pessimistic. But skin experts and Glamour reviewers agree: These masks work (after consistent use over four to six weeks, that is). But how? “LED (light-emitting diode) devices emit different light wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin’s layers to activate a repair process that can help improve tone, texture, and elasticity, as well as reduce skin conditions like dark spots, acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation (including acne scars), redness, appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and, psoriasis, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In fact, these tools have been staples for derms for years.
Ahead, the LED face masks that the pros and our testers say are worth investing in.
The best LED face masks, at a glance
- Best LED Face Mask Overall: Omnilux Contour Face, $395
- Best for Antiaging: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, $380
- Best for Acne: Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask, $495
Your common LED face mask questions, answered
- Do LED face masks actually work—and how?
- Types of LED light therapy
- When can you expect to see results?
- How to use LED face masks in your skin care routine
- How to use LED face masks
- How to clean LED face masks
- Are they safe for your eyes?
- Meet the dermatologists
Best LED Face Mask Overall: Omnilux Contour Face
TL;DR: Comfortable; good for fine lines; middle-of-the-pack pricing; FDA-approved
- Why we like it: The FDA-approved Omnilux LED face mask comes highly recommended by dermatologists. “It’s been shown to reduce visible signs of aging and redness,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. It's also a flexible mask that comfortably molds to your face.
- What testers note: Our reviewer, Brigitt Earley, who has tested six different LED face masks for Glamour, used this device for three months and found that it was easy to operate via a power pack/remote that hangs down from one side, but while the mask is more intuitive than others she’s tried, it lacks versatility. The mask only operates on a red wavelength and you can't make any adjustments to the treatment time (it’s 10 minutes). But if you want a fairly priced LED device that’s comfortable enough to wear while relaxing or multitasking, this is it. “It’s so lightweight and flexible that I’d wear it while packing my kids’ lunches in the morning,” says Earley. “My skin, which skews dry and can look dull, definitely looked more alive when I was consistent. I noticed fewer fine lines in between Botox appointments.”
- Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, antiaging
- Key features: Flexible fit; 132 LEDs; two wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared)
Best LED Face Mask for Acne: Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
TL;DR: Superquick treatment; multiple modes; helps with fine lines and acne; FDA-approved
- Why we like it: This FDA-approved device helps to boost collagen production and smoothness and stave off acne-causing bacteria. Jessica Weiser, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, who uses this therapy in her office, says, “It works better for inflammatory blemishes but it can help heal and restore all acne-prone skin.” It was also recommended by Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, for its ability to address antiaging concerns.
- What testers note: “This mask is super straightforward, which is very important for an impatient person like myself,” says Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro. It’s entirely wireless, so there’s nothing hanging down from your face. You simply press the button on the top of the mask to toggle among the three different light settings: red, blue, or a combination. Navarro found it to be a highly effective mask, too. “During my first month I noticed significant improvements in my skin using it three times a week. There was a clear reduction in my acne, and after two months I noticed I was able to scrunch the fine lines on my forehead less—similar to the effect of Botox.”
- Best for: Acne, antiaging, inflammation
- Key features: Wireless; 160 LEDs; three wavelengths of light (red, blue, mixed)
Best for Hyperpigmentation: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask
TL;DR: Easy to use; flexible design; loved by celebs like Victoria Beckham and Chrissy Teigen; FDA-approved
- Why we like it: It’s completely cordless for more comfortable wear. The flexible design sits flush against the skin—key for efficacy.
- What testers note: Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum says, “After a month of use on my normal-to-dry skin, my recent acne scars are less red and noticeable. Also, the few pimples that have crept up along my jaw have been much less inflamed than previous flare-ups.” Overall, testers like the flexible design for its comfort, but Tannenbaum, who has also tested the Omnilux, says a third strap would help her get a tighter fit.
- Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles, brightness, acne, tone and texture, firmness
- Key features: 112 LEDs; two wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared)
Best With Multiple Wavelengths: Sun Home Saunas Radiant Face Mask
TL;DR: Easy to use; five light modes; portable, comfortable
- Why we like it: This LED mask has an impressive amount of wavelengths—red, deep red, amber, near-infrared, and blue—that go deep on acne, prevent breakouts, and increase collagen production. Testers also appreciate the flexible design, telling us it not only made the mask comfortable to wear, but it also made it easy to clean and store, or travel with.
- What testers note: “Simply fire up the power button, hit start, and let the default 10-minute timer do its thing—the automatic shutoff means I don’t have to worry about monitoring the clock,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz, who has combination skin. “The one demerit is that it’s not terribly easy to see out of the eye holes where a lot of the red light seeps through, so you kind of just have to sit there unless you want blurred vision. I guess it’s a good excuse to relax, but I’d rather have the ability to read or do chores. Also, a warning: Don’t do it right before bed in the dark–going from a dimly lit room to the red lights hurt my eyes.” However, she adds, “I do believe I’ve seen an improvement in my complexion since I started using it.”
- Best for: Acne, antiaging, inflammation
- Key features: 132 LEDs; five wavelengths of light (red, deep red, amber, near-infrared, blue)
Best Splurge: Artemis LED Mask and Neck System
TL;DR: Wide range of light settings; comprehensive coverage area including neck; compatible app for personalized treatments; expensive
- Why we like it: The price is jaw-dropping, but the complete Mask & Neck System is a high-tech LED treatment device designed to provide extensive coverage across both the face and neck area. It has an impressive 1,080 LEDs, split between the mask (720 LEDs) and the neck plate (360 LEDs), that illuminate six different lights: near-infrared, red, blue, violet, green, yellow, and sky blue.
- What testers note: Though the mask is very rigid and, frankly, a bit bulky, our testers appreciated the broad coverage area that includes the neck. They also liked how easy it was to adjust the mask to get a close, comfortable fit. And toggling among the five different wavelengths is as easy as tapping a button on the nose. “During the first two weeks, I noticed a reduction in the redness of my acne scars and an overall improvement in skin tone,” says Navarro. “While it‘s too early to see significant changes in fine lines or deep-set wrinkles, the device has had a noticeable impact on the clarity and texture of my skin (I had a ton of texture along my chin and jawline).”
- Best for: Acne, antiaging, hyperpigmentation, tone and texture
- Key features: Wireless; 1,080 LEDs (720 in the mask; 360 in the neck); six wavelengths of light (near-infrared, red, blue, violet, green, yellow, and sky blue)
Best for Dark Spots: Therabody TheraFace Mask
TL;DR: Includes massage therapy, cordless; three-minute segment option; FDA-cleared; good for dark spots and acne
- Why we like it: If you think of your time with your LED mask as a moment of self-care, this is one of the most relaxing. It has a trio of red, blue, and infrared light therapy, but also has 17 motors, located on the head straps, that gently vibrate at pressure points along the eyes, brow line, and scalp.
- What testers note: “Each full treatment cycle lasts nine minutes–one minute shorter than most masks–which is divided into three-minute segments for each light mode, but I like that you can also opt for a quick three-minute session if you’re running low on time or just want to spot-treat,” says Navarro, who tested this model for three months. “Using it as my go-to mask earlier this year, I noticed that fine lines around my eyes appeared less pronounced and my skin tone became more even, with a pretty big reduction in my dark spots. The vibration therapy is a huge plus too—it’s so nice for the days that my face and head feel a little more tense, or even when I have a headache.” TV host Andrew Freund, who uses it every morning, tells Glamour, “It's made my skin completely clear, and has also reduced fine lines and wrinkles. If I know I’m going to be on camera, I make sure to travel with it.”
- Best for: Fine lines and wrinkles, acne, tone and texture, firmness, tension
- Key features: Cordless; 648 LEDs; three wavelengths of light (red, blue, infrared), vibrations
Best With Fast Treatment Time: Qure Light Therapy Mask
TL;DR: Compatible smartphone app to change settings; great eye protection; quick three-minute treatments; four different wavelengths, including blue; comparatively affordable
- Why we like it: This relative newcomer caught our attention for its structured yet lightweight design that sits right up against your face, plus the fact that it works via a compatible smartphone app that allows you to completely customize your treatment to target specific skin concerns.
- What testers note: “It’s entirely wireless and light enough to multitask—a must for me,” says Earley, who is a mother of four. She also appreciated the eye protection that’s built into the mask, as well as the fast, three-minute treatment time. “I ultimately switched from the Omnilux to this mask mostly because of the quick treatment time,” says Earley. “If I can turn on this mask’s antiaging setting and reap the benefits of four different wavelengths of lights (amber, red, deep red, and infrared) in just three minutes, I’m 100% sold.” (It does also have blue light, but it’s not part of the antiaging mode.) Our reviewers said benefits included improved skin tone and texture, diminished wrinkles, and fewer breakouts.
- Best for: Acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, tone and texture
- Key features: Wireless; 160 LEDs; five wavelengths of light (red, deep red, infrared, amber, blue)
Best With LED Neck Mask: Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask
TL;DR: LED neck coverage; multiple modes; FDA-cleared; good for men; heavy; not wireless
- Why we like it: In addition to being jam-packed with 238 LED red, blue, and near-infrared light to address signs of aging and acne, this LED mask comes with a neck piece to help address skin sagging.
- What testers note: Most LED face masks require four to six weeks of three to five treatments per week, but testers say they saw results after just three weeks. “Over the past few years I’ve definitely started dealing with ‘tech neck’ and have noticed some lines developing,” says our Glamour reviewer. “After each use my skin and neck feels tighter, not in the uncomfortable way, but more so in a snatched way that I love (it’s almost like that pulled-back-ponytail effect).” Adds Schwartz, “I couldn't adjust the straps tight enough for my smaller head, so unlike other masks I've tested, I had to sit still with this one to have it properly placed. It also pushed down on my eyes a bit, making it trickier to see. However, my husband, who has a bigger head, loved it and saw brightening benefits after a few uses. He also found the neck piece comfortable. After months of jump scares and making fun of me in my masks, he finally got the allure.”
- Best for: Antiaging, acne, hyperpigmentation
- Key features: 238 LEDs; three wavelengths of light (red, blue, near-infrared); neck piece
Best Flexible Mask: HigherDose Red Light Therapy Face Mask
TL;DR: Wireless; easy to use; comfortable fit; relatively affordable; good for acne
- Why we like it: This mask has 66 bulbs that work in 10- or 20-minute sessions, but one of its biggest standout qualities is the design. We love that it bends and has three straps—two on the side and one on top—so you can get a snug fit no matter your face shape.
- What testers note: “I like that it’s super lightweight and comfortable; you can move around once the remote is charged for a cordless experience,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. The compact design, combined with the fact that it comes with extra plugs for international getaways, makes it a travel-friendly option too. In terms of results: “I have combination skin, and I tend to break out around my chin and jawline during my period because of hormonal acne. I noticed that I didn’t get as many pimples when I was using the mask. Plus, my skin’s texture is a lot smoother than it used to be after three weeks of consistent use,” Calle says. She adds that the eye holes are easy enough to see out of, so she likes to wear the mask while doing chores in the morning.
- Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation, acne
- Key features: Wireless; 132 LEDs; two wavelengths of light (red, near-infrared)
Best LED Face Mask for Antiaging: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
TL;DR: Glamour Beauty Award winner; FDA-approved; used by Kim Kardashian; lightweight; cheaper than most, most comfortable
- Why we like it: The CurrentBody, which we’ve extensively reviewed, was a winner in Glamour’s 2023 Beauty & Wellness Awards. It’s been given a strong recommendation by Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC, as well. It fits snugly to the face and uses 132 bulbs of red and near-infrared light to stimulate collagen production, calm redness, and boost skin rejuvenation. And FWIW, it's celeb-approved (Kim Kardashian and Kaley Cuoco use it).
- What our testers say: “After just a month of using this mask, I noticed my skin looked smoother and more radiant,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco, who has tested multiple red-light therapy devices. “I was impressed by the long-term results and the value,” she adds. “Of the masks I've tested, this was the most comfortable and the easiest to see out of (the red light didn't bother my eyes). It was also simple to adjust and stayed put while I was walking around. The one demerit is that it doesn't have a timer, so while it does shut off automatically after 10 minutes, you can't tell where you are in the process. It also has a bit of a plasticky smell, but that didn't bother me.”
- Best for: Elasticity, fine lines, redness
- Key features: Red; near-infrared lights; one mode, auto shutoff
Best With Quick Results: Silk’n LED Face Mask 100
TL;DR: Very lightweight; four different lights; easy to switch modes; results in just 2-3 weeks; good for rosacea; most affordable
- Why we like it: Most derms will tell you that the results from LED face masks don’t happen quickly—usually four to six weeks of consistent use. But Silk’n says their data shows measurable results in just two to three weeks of use. We also like that the mask is made of natural silicone that bends with the contours of the face, plus it has two sets of adjustable straps for a better fit.
- What testers note: “This is one of the more comfortable red-light masks I’ve tried,” says Earley. “It’s so lightweight, you hardly feel it on your face—even with the power cord hanging down.” The device won praise for the different light modes and how easy they are to toggle through using the button on the attached remote.
- Best for: Circulation, antiaging, acne, acne scars, rosacea
- Key features: 100 LEDs; four wavelengths of light (red, blue, infrared, mixed)