The Best LED Face Masks To Improve Wrinkles And Acne, According To Dermatologists (2024)

It should come as no surprise that the manufacturers of the game-changing Theragun would change the game when they entered the facial device market. And boy, have they: This hard mask features three different wavelenghts of light—red to stimulate collagen and firms skin, red + infrared to stimulate circulation for a more even skin tone, and blue to battle acne-causing bacteria. So yes, this one is a bit on the pricey side, but it's a lifelong purchase—you can use it from the years of hormonal breakouts to whenever you first start to see the signs of aging.

Also worth noting is the fact that this mask features 648 medical-grade lights—more than most of the competition—and different treatment modes to tailor the treatment to your unique skin needs (you can select the 9-minute present treatment mode for results in as little as 12 weeks or one of the 3-minute treatments to tackle specific concerns). But one of the standout features is the inclusion of vibrational technology to give your face a relaxing massage during your treatment around the eyes, brow bones, and scalp. A truly unique addition we haven't seen in other options on the market. It's also cordless—a major convenience since you don't have to be stationary during the treatment—and comes with eye protection.

Our testers rave: "I used this mask for several weeks and absolutely noticed a different in my skin during that time," says Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood. "I used the nine-minute present treatment with the vibration, which leads your through three minutes of each light type. I felt like this was the best bang for your buck, and I noticed a huge brightness boost as well as far fewer breakouts. I usually have an odd spot or two on my face, but really didn't notice anything while I was using this. I even did a few session with the lights off and just the breathing vibrations, which was so relaxing."

The one downside is that this is a hard mask, meaning it can be a little heavy and uncomfortable on for some people. "I didn't find it to be uncomfortable, per se, but I was definitely ready to take it off after the treatment. The adjustable straps were great and the fact that it's cordless is a game-changer for me—I find it hard to sit still, even for 9 minutes. I didn't use the eye protection. I found them to be awkward and a little uncomfortable."

And those Therabody does not specify the nanometers of light used, their multiple clinical studies have shown significant results, so you can trust that this one is actually efffective.

Read more: Best Red Light Therapy Tools

Dr. DeRosa recommends the MZ Skin mask because it offers medical-grade treatments of red and blue light options. You can set it to two different modes—the anti-aging mode helps firm your skin with collagen production, and the acne mode uses anti-bacterial properties to clear your skin. It's pricey, but the FDA-cleared device is designed to plump and firm skin while reducing hyperpigmentation quickly and effectively.

WH editors love this mask, too. "Results pending on whether the mask does anything for my forming wrinkles and occasional pimples, but so far, this mask has been a breeze to use," says commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. Gomez found that the mask required more time to set up than other options, since you need to spend time getting the straps on it and juicing it up. Additionally, we found that the mask is on the heavier side, so it's an option you need to use while sitting or laying down.

This mask comes recommended by Dr. Garshick, who says it's a great option for evening out texture. "Incorporating both red and near infrared light, this LED light therapy tool has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the skin tone and texture," she says. Unfortunately, while it does contain the expert-recommended nanometers of light, there are several colors that are not included here, making it not quite as versatile as the others. But if tackling fine lines and wrinkles are your thing, this could work for you.

But what really makes this one standout though is how light it is—it feels practically weightless on. Plus, it's made of a flexible material that conforms to skin for the most comfortable fit. It also has a remote control makes it super easy to adjust while you have it on.

But if the mask type seems is what you prefer, you'll be happy to know that it improves the appearance of skin after just a few weeks. A few users saw major improvements after about a month of use. They also reported healing of blemishes and reduced redness. BTW, this mask comes with a few celebrity endorsements. It has been used by Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian, Kaley Cuoco, and more. Now that's saying a lot.

We’ve tested a lot of face masks, and this one is ideally suited to tackle lines and acne scars. It's simple, but it gets the job done. However, if you want a tool with multiple light options, you may want to look into some of the other options, including our top pick. On the flipside, this mask is made of flexible silicone for a comfortable fit, and it's ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box. It targets everything from hyperpigmentation and wrinkles to fine lines and redness.

WH associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner also approved and highly recommends the Omnilux Contour Face Mask. She just plugs it in while she's laying in bed and lets it do its thing for 10 minutes—that's all you need to get the job done, which is a shorter time span than other masks on our list that typically require 20-30 minutes for use.

Wohlner raves that the mask works wonders on her skin. "I use this device three times every week and I've seen results super quickly—my skin looks clearer and brighter and it has an overall glow like I've never experienced." As someone who has dark marks and acne scars, Wohlner says the masks makes a difference in the severity of these imperfections if you commit to using your mask a few times a week.

Something to note about this mask, though: be super gentle with it. The lights can easily break if you apply too much pressure when using it. It's also prone to breaking if it's stored incorrectly.

Dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, Dr. Parikh, Dr. Camp, and Dr. Garshick all rave about this mask, which improves sun spots, age spots, and discoloration while helping with current acne and future breakouts. "Using a combination of red and blue light, this mask works to support collagen production as well as reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation," Dr. Garshick explains.

While this product has the potential of being the best overall pick, the price is on the higher side. Plus, since this is a hardshell mask, it's less likely to fit on different face shapes. For those who prefer a hard mask, the adjustable strap in the back can make for a more comfortable experience.

One user says she has been loyal to the Trophy Skin LED mask for a few years, first buying it to treat her deep pit scars and open pores. She adds that she still wears the mask because she has seen improvements in her skin, and because it helps to calm any inflammation during her occasional breakouts.

This multi-purpose mask, delivers skin-plumping results at a lower cost than all the other picks on our list. It's recommended by Dr. Sperling and has four LED light therapy colors: red, blue, amber, and green. "It works to help visibly plump the skin and reduce signs of aging," she says. The green light, in particular, minimizes the appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.

The blue light can also kills acne-causing bacteria and gives your skin more of a glow, which is something that was noticed after a few uses. One person notes that the amber lights effectively address bloating and lymphatic drainage. FYI, compared to our other masks, we found that this was a lot easier to clean, since all it requires is a standard wet wipe, and you're good to go. It's also wireless, meaning you can wear it almost anywhere without a hassle.

Meet the experts

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Anna Guanche, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon.
• Sherwin Parikh, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Shari Sperling, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Jaimie DeRosa, MD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Are LED face masks effective?

Absolutely, experts say. "They work by sending light waves deep into the skin barrier to trigger intracellular reactions, which vary based on the wavelength of light used," says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. The benefits depend on the color of the light because each will penetrate the skin at different depths, adds Dr. Camp.

Here's exactly how red light therapy works, for example: "The mitochondria in your cells soak up energy from red light to produce more energy in the skin, healing and repairing damaged cells while promoting tissue and cell repair," says dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD.

Are LED face masks safe?

Yes, they're generally safe for most users, says Dr. Engelman. "LED light therapy is not an invasive treatment, and when done properly, the risks are minimal," she continues. A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology points out that this treatment has an "excellent" safety profile, Dr. Ansell adds. While they're safe to use on the skin, there's some concern about damage to the eyes with these lights. So, it's a good idea to wear goggles to help protect them.

Individuals who are photosensitive or have connective tissue conditions should either skip LED light therapy or approach it with caution, advises Dr. Ansell. For those of you that can use one, Dr. Engelman suggests wearing it for 15 to 30 minutes a few times a week, but it's crucial to refer to your specific mask's instructions for the recommended time.

What are the types of LED light therapy?

Most at-home red light therapy devices come with several waves of light, the most common shades being red and blue. However, all shades have different benefits. DeRosa breaks it down:

• Red light helps smooth out wrinkles and boost collagen production.
• Blue light is great for eliminating acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
• Yellow light helps with skin repair.
• Green light treats hyperpigmentation.

How do you use an LED face mask?

"The best way to use an LED light therapy mask is on clean skin," says Dr. Engelman. After washing your face in the morning or at night, set your mask to the proper wavelength, then put on goggles. Comfort is key, so feel free to adjust any straps and align yourself with the cushioning (if your mask has any) before using it. Post-use, finish the rest of your skincare routine, she says. And definitely use it before applying retinol, says Dr. Shirazi.

What are the benefits of using an LED face mask?

Dr. Guanche says that the red-light therapy feature in these devices is especially helpful. "Studies have found that red light therapy helps with photodynamic therapy to treat some skin cancers and conditions, such as psoriasis and acne, as well as provide anti-aging benefits," she says. They're, of course, not as strong or fast as in-office LED light therapy, but they're a more affordable and easy at-home option, especially if people want to extend the results of in-office treatments, Dr. Engelman adds.

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Additional reporting by Addison Aloian