When you’re gazing upon an LED light therapy mask for the first time, you may be a bit confused about what it is. A VR headset? Some kind of sci-fi cosplay? No, these anti-aging, acne-zapping, dark spot-fading masks use LED light therapy to target skin concerns from the comfort of your couch. Yes, you can get healthier, glowing skin without leaving your apartment—and if you opt for a hands-free device, you won’t have to pause your television, either. Ahead, we explain exactly how LED light therapy works to improve the look and feel of skin, plus we share our favorite LED face masks that are worth the investment.
What's LED Light Therapy?
Do LED light therapy masks work?
Yep, LED masks are legit. Scientists have been studying the power of LED light therapy for decades now. Once NASA discovered that red LED light could enhance cellular growth and promote wound healing, people began to wonder what effect LED light therapy could have on skin.
Additional research showed that LED light therapy is effective at targeting a range of skin concerns; by sending light waves deep into the skin’s layers, they can minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, soothe inflammation, stimulate collagen, target acne, and more. The type of effects you’ll see from using an LED light therapy mask depends on the specific wavelength: infrared, red, blue, green, and amber.
What do the different LED light colors mean?
Red Light: Deeply penetrates the skin to trigger collagen production, reduce inflammation, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Blue Light: Kills acne-causing bacteria and quells oil production to prevent future zits.
Green Light: Works to even out skin tone by targeting pigmentation like dark circles.
Amber Light: Stimulates collagen and elastin, soothes inflammation, and fades dark spots.
How do you use an LED light therapy mask?
It’s pretty simple—wash your face, turn the mask on and set it to your desired wavelength. Leave it on for the recommended usage time—anywhere from three to 20 minutes—then wipe it down so it’s good to go for your next session.
Are LED light therapy masks safe?
Yes, if you follow the directions on your LED light therapy mask, you should be all good.
Shop Our Favorite LED Light Mask:
Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Made from a flexible form of silicone, you can wrap this LED mask easily and comfortably around your face. The mask sits comfortably on the face, plus it also evenly distributes LED light across your entire face. This mask emits red and near-infrared light to boost collagen production, improve the appearance of fine lines, and reduce inflammation.
DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro
This LED mask features two forms of LED lights. The red LED lights supercharge collagen production and smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the blue LED lights work to prevent breakouts.
UFO™ 2
This handheld device takes your topical skincare products to the next level. With red, blue, and green LED light—and various temperatures—it uses sonic vibrations to deliver ingredients deep into the skin. Be sure to apply your favorite serum or sheet mask beforehand.
Red Light Therapeutic Face Mask
Look, Ma, no hands—this mask is cordless and hands-free which means you can binge-watch Real Housewives of New York without an issue. It also uses red light to promote collagen production and refine wrinkles, and far-infrared heat to relax both mind and body.
Light Shield
With three types of LED light, you can easily customize mask sessions based on your specific skin needs. This mask also features amber light, an LED wavelength that alleviates redness, fades dark spots, and eases swelling.
Cellreturn Premium LED Mask
Yes, this LED face mask is pricey, but for a good reason—it features over 1000 LED lights that activate cells beneath the surface of your skin to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and clear acne. Bonus: Because this mask also covers both your face and neck, it can target wrinkles and fine lines on your décolletage.