When it comes to at-home skincare treatments, red light therapy masks have emerged as one of the most popular devices. With their bright LED lights and high-tech design, red light masks are constantly on our social media feeds and spotted on our favorite celebs, but the hype is real—and for good reason.
Red light masks are not only proven to work, but can also treat various skin concerns. “Red light masks can help decrease inflammation and redness, stimulate collagen to improve the look of fine lines, improve skin quality through collagen remodeling, and overall improve the appearance of the skin,” says Dr. Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. As with most skincare products, consistency is crucial for results. “It is key to note that these effects are gradual, subtle, and happen through consistent use over time,” adds Dr. Mian.
Best Red Light Therapy Mask: CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 3
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Acne: Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Best Red Light Therapy Mask Under $200: Wavytalk Red Light Therapy Mask
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Comfort: Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro Face Mask
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Clinical Results: Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for De-Puffing: Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Face Mask
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Anti-Aging: Omnilux Contour Face LED Mask
How Do Red Light Masks Work?
Red light therapy masks rely on a process called photobiomodulation, when light is absorbed into layers of the skin to trigger biological responses. “LED (light-emitting diode) technology was first used by NASA to support plant growth, and has since been adapted for use in skincare,” says Dr. Jane Leonard, a GP and cosmetic doctor. “When light at the right wavelength hits the skin, it is absorbed by chromophores, light-sensitive molecules in our cells. It stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's energy currency. That increased energy drives repair processes: collagen synthesis, inflammation reduction, cellular renewal.”
Dr. Rishi Chopra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, tells his patients to give it “at least three to four months of consistent use” before looking for changes in fine lines, texture, and skin quality. “The key word is gradual,” says Dr. Chopra. “I think of LED much like using a retinoid. One treatment isn't transformative, but consistent use over time adds up to meaningful improvement. Many of my patients simply incorporate it into their nighttime routine several times per week.”
Consider us sold. Ahead, dermatologists share their favorite red light therapy masks that are actually worth the splurge.
Best Red Light Therapy Mask: CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 3
CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 3
For smoother, more youthful-looking skin, look no further than the celeb-favorite Currentbody LED Red Light Therapy Mask, which just leveled up its technology with the Series 3 mask. “Series 3 has six wavelengths that can be tailored to specific areas of the face through the Currentbody app,” says Dr. Leonard. “MyDose™ technology determines the appropriate dose for each wavelength separately, so every wavelength remains within its therapeutic range.”
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Acne: Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
If you struggle with acne-prone skin, you might want to invest in a red light therapy mask that also offers blue light, which helps kill acne-causing bacteria. “If you have skin concerns including acne, Dr. Dennis Gross DRX Spectralite offers red, near-infrared, and blue light with FDA clearance for wrinkles and blemishes,” says Dr. Mian. “Its three-minute treatment time makes it convenient to use with consistency.”
Best Red Light Therapy Mask Under $200: Wavytalk Red Light Therapy Mask
Wavytalk Red Light Therapy Mask
You don’t have to spend big to get the benefits of red light therapy. This affordable option from Wavytalk features 456 LED chips, three different treatment modes, and is clinically tested and FDA-cleared. Made with flexible silicone, it features full-face coverage with a U-Zone and T-Zone designed to leave no treatment gaps.
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Comfort: Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro Face Mask
Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro Face Mask
Face Mask lets you sit back and relax without any fuss. “I like Solawave’s face mask, with its single back strap, as it doesn’t press too firmly against your cheeks,” says Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. For travel, Dr. Kobets also recommends their Eye Recovery Pro Red Light Therapy Mask and Radiant Renewal 2-in-1 Skincare Mini. “They’re convenient travel options—ultimately, I like devices that fit into your life, because you have to use them to benefit.”
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Clinical Results: Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo
Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo
Dr. Chopra recommends Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo for its impressive clinicals and science-backed ethos. “I like that Therabody is unusually transparent about its technology,” says Dr. Chopra. “They actually publish the wavelengths, power density, and light dose delivered, which makes it much easier to evaluate the device beyond simply counting LEDs. Its published output is on the higher end for an at-home mask, and it also stands out for the robust clinical testing behind it compared with many competitors.”
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for De-Puffing: Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Face Mask
Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Face Mask
Combining red light therapy with cryotherapy, Shark Beauty’s CryoGlow mask features under-eye cooling technology to tighten and de-puff your eye area at the same time as your red light treatment. Featuring red, blue, and deep infrared light, it's clinically proven to improve skin appearance in just eight weeks.
Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Anti-Aging: Omnilux Contour Face LED Mask
Omnilux Contour Face LED Mask
Both Dr. Mian and Dr. Kobets recommend the Omnilux Contour Face LED Mask, which is backed by testing and science-backed technology. “It’s my go-to—an FDA-cleared, flexible mask combining 633-nanometer red and 830-nanometer near-infrared light,” says Dr. Kobets. “Its ten-minute sessions make consistency realistic. Use it three to five times weekly for four to six weeks, then maintain as directed.”
“I like the Omnilux mask because it delivers energy found to be consistent through different testing, has the right wavelengths with adequate energy delivery for anti-aging benefits,” Dr. Mian adds.