The 17 Best LED Face Masks Of 2025, According To Experts & Vogue Editors
In the last five years, LED face masks have gone from an obscure, in-salon treatment to one of the most sought-after at-home beauty tech devices. From celebrity selfies to TikTok reviews, LED face masks are everywhere you look. Not just that, they’re universally loved and lauded by celebrities including Victoria Beckham and the Kardashians, facialists, dermatologists and, of course, Vogue editors, for their ability to treat a range of concerns, from acne to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and even hair loss.
Vogue’s pick of the best LED face masks at a glance:
Featured in this article
The way they work is fairly simple: by delivering different wavelengths of light to the skin, which ultimately stimulates cellular activity in different ways. And that’s what makes them so popular and easy to incorporate into an existing skincare regimen. “LED light therapy is an effective, painless and non-invasive aesthetic treatment,” confirms consultant dermatologist, Dr Jinah Yoo. Several Vogue staffers can attest to their efficacy and to the effortless way they can be introduced. “Since incorporating LED in my skincare routine, I’ve seen significant improvements in the clarity and texture of my acne-prone skin,” says beauty writer Tracy Achonwa. “With regular use, the deep bumps I used to struggle with have disappeared, and new breakouts are a rarity.” Vogue contributing beauty editor, Lauren Murdoch Smith, also swears by red light therapy for its rejuvenating effects. “10 minutes each day is all you need to brighten, plump and reduce the appearance of wrinkles,” she says.
With all that being said, do LED face masks actually work? And how long does it take to see results? Although many LED face masks are much more affordable than they were five years ago, they’re still an investment to be considered carefully. To help make your decision a little easier, we spoke to the experts to find out everything there is to know about LED face masks, from how they work to the best tips and tricks on how to get the most out of them, as well of course, our reviews of the best LED face masks on the market.
Vogue’s pick of the best LED face masks on sale
CurrentBody
LED Face Mask Series 2 Kit
Why it’s a deal we recommend:
“This sale season, I’m elevating my skincare routine and investing in the CurrentBody Skin LED Face Mask Series 2 Kit. The red light technology wakes up your skin’s collagen production, helping to reduce the signs of ageing, increasingly a priority this side of 30, while the infrared light energises the cells below your skin, resulting in a firmer, tighter, and brighter complexion. I’ve had my eye on one for some time, and the discount has made the purchase all the more enticing.” – Milly Tritton, associate director of integrated planning
Honourable mention too goes to the The Face & Hair LED Kit, which was £1049 and is now £756.
Sensse
Pro LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Modestly priced compared to its counterparts, Sensse Pro’s mask is our pick for LED therapy on a budget. It is flexible, comfortable and easy to use, with a whopping four wavelengths included to rejuvenate skin. There are the usual suspects – red and blue – to boost collagen and banish acne, but with added yellow and purple treatment modes that help promote lymphatic drainage and brighten blemishes too.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm), blue (465nm), yellow (605nm), purple (combination of red, blue and near-infrared)
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Purifies, rejuvenates and repairs skin as well as addressing signs of ageing
- Slim and lightweight silicone is comfortable to wear
- Easy to wipe clean after each use
- Doesn’t break the bank
- Needs patient, consistent use over several months to see the best results
FaceGym
Lightwear LED Face Mask
For a quick fix, FaceGym's Lightwear LED mask is a great option – it has a fast yet effective 10 minute treatment, three wavelengths (red, blue and near infrared) and a mobile app to personalise treatmeant zones, whether you want to focus on your forehead, your eyes, your nose or your cheeks.
How we chose the best LED face masks
Since LED light therapy is incredibly popular right now, choosing your device can be a bit of a daunting task – there are a lot on the market, and it can be confusing to understand what all the technical jargon means. Each mask in our edit has been put to the test by our editors for at least one full skin cycle – we’ve only included those we really rate. As new models are released, the expert team put them through their paces to find out if they’re worthy of joining our curated selection of the most advanced and effective LED masks on the market.
- Jump to the product reviews
- Which are the best LED face masks?
- What is LED light therapy and how does it work?
- What colour LED do I need?
- What skin concerns is LED good for?
- How often should I use an LED mask?
- What should I put on my face before LED light therapy?
- What is meant by wavelength?
- How soon will I see results with LED?
- Are LED face masks safe?
- Do different areas of the body require different wavelengths, doses, or treatment frequencies?
- Why you can trust the Vogue testing
Vogue’s top pick: CurrentBody Skin Series 2 LED Light Therapy Mask
CurrentBody
Skin Series 2 LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by an impressive 35 per cent in just four weeks, CurrentBody’s LED Mask is also a hit with a number of celebrities. With red and near-infrared, it won’t target acne-prone skin (as it doesn’t offer blue light), but it is brilliant for general luminosity, collagen boosting and skin smoothing. And to add to that? It’s made from patented flexible silicone, which isn’t just comfortable, but it also ensures light covers every area of the face. It’s a yes from us. “I love using this mask. Not only do I see genuine results with better clarity and improved bounce when I use it regularly, but it’s comfortable to wear and simple to activate. A great option if you’re new to LED.” – Vogue contributing editor, Georgia Day.
This device also ranks high on dermatologist Dr Nicole Ruth’s list. “I find CurrentBody’s face mask sits nicely on the curvatures of your face, allowing even coverage on the skin surface without any gaps,” she says.
- Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (633nm), near infra red (830nm), deep near infra red (1072nm)
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Device type: Face mask
- Target area: Face
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Best for: The mask has noticeable anti-ageing effects, including improved skin texture and firmness.
- Wireless: Yes
- Good to know: Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins is a fan of this mask. With her virtually poreless skin, that’s good enough validation for us.
- Boosts collagen with red LEDs and near infrared
- Silicone comfortably flexes to the contours of your face
- Great for brightening skin
- Does not include blue LED light
Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Red Light Therapy
Best LED face mask with cooling: Shark Beauty CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling and LED Anti-Ageing and Blemish Repair Mask
Shark
CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling and LED Anti-Ageing and Blemish Repair Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Shark’s CryoGlow LED face mask is all over social media right now for good reason. With 480 LED lights and four targeted treatment modes (including Better Ageing, Blemish Repair, Skin Sustain and Under-Eye Cooling), it’s a multitasking wonder that has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost luminosity and improve blemishes and skin roughness. All that while also helping to cool and depuff the eye area, which is an absolute dream the morning after the night before.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm) and blue (415nm) light, and near infrared (830nm)
- Mask Type: Rigid
- Treatment Time: Up to 8 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Targeted treatment modes
- Cooling function
- Comfortable to wear
- Great for all skin types
- Battery life could be better
Best LED mask for hair growth: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet
CurrentBody
CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
If hair growth is a concern for you, then this is the LED mask you should try. Clinically proven to increase hair growth rate by a huge 128 per cent in 12 weeks, it may look a little out-of-this-world, but the results it delivers more than make up for it. Emitting a spectrum of red light (from 620-660nm), it supercharges energy in the hair follicles, reduces inflammation (which is responsible for so many of our hair and scalp issues) and boosts scalp blood flow, thereby promoting hair growth.
It works especially well when paired with hair growth treatments – make sure you use it for 10 minutes a day for optimal results. “Hair thinning is something that has affected me since having children, and as anyone who has experienced it will tell you, it can be really demoralising. I love that this is simple to use but has such efficacious clinical trials behind it. I wear mine while watching a box set in the evening and barely notice it is on.” – Vogue contributing editor, Georgia Day
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (between 620 and 660nm)
- Mask Type: Helmet
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Really effective for hair growth
- Easy to wear
- Excellent scalp coverage
- You can only use it on your head
Best for clinically approved: Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
“Our goal was to make it more accessible”, explains Tim Roberts, head of science at Therabody. The TheraFace Mask Glo is significantly cheaper than its TheraFace Mask predecessor (£299 vs £579), and yet it has maintained the high dose of light therapy even with fewer lights (the original has 648 vs 504). This has been achieved by upping the treatment time to 12 minutes, but it's an entirely hands-free device, so remains easy to slip into a regular routine. I wear mine sitting in front of the TV, scrolling on my phone. There are two buttons on either side of the mask, one to start the cycle of red, red and infrared and blue light, and the other for three varieties of vibration. This massage function is unique and was designed to enhance relaxation. The lights switch after four minutes for skin rejuvenation with such benefits as improving the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and firming. These results have been clinically tested in the largest trial of a commercially available mask, done on a broad range of skin types, in a controlled environment. There were also visible improvements on the jowls and jawline from the residual light.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: 504 medical-grade LEDs – red, red+infrared or blue light
- Mask Type: Hard shell rigid
- Treatment Time: 12 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Device type: Face mask
- Target area: Face
- Best for: The TheraFace Mask Glo has the largest clinical study in the LED mask space, with 104 subjects
- Good to know: Kendall Jenner is a fan of this mask and a brand ambassador
- Expansive clinical trials
- Entirely hands-free
- Lightweight
- Close to skin coverage
- Lower price point compared to the previous Therabody mask
- I personally don’t find the vibration relaxing
- Longer treatment
Best LED mask for mix and matching different light combinations: LED Light Therapy Face Mask Pro
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Keskine distinguishes its LED face mask from the crowd with its sheer variety of wavelengths. Anti-ageing red light is typically included in its competitors, but this brand takes it to the next level by also including yellow to calm skin and even out the complexion, blue to remove acne-causing bacteria and brightening orange. The rigid mask design is full coverage, meaning no part of your face is not treated to the smoothing, skin-clearing benefits – to which both should be noticeable in two weeks to a month. It also has the most amount of LEDs (352!) and a money-back guarantee if you're not happy with the results.
- Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red, yellow, purple and orange
- Mask Type: Rigid
- Device type: Face mask
- Target area: Face
- Treatment Time: 20 minutes
- Best for: Mix and matching different light combinations
- Wireless: Yes
- Good to know: Calming and redness-reducing benefits as well as breakout-busting and fine line-fighting
Best LED mask for comfort: Omnilux Contour LED Face Mask
Omnilux
Omnilux Contour Face Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Omnilux’s dermatologist-approved red light mask works on a cellular level to reduce fine lines, sun damage and visible signs of ageing. Using two wavelengths of light – red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm – to stimulate collagen, you will see improved skin tone and firmness within four to six weeks (the brand recommends using the mask three to five times a week for four to six weeks to see the best results.)
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red and near infrared
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: No
- Good for travel
- Dermatologist-approved
- Flexible design
- Does not include blue LED light
Best LED mask for men: Omnilux Men LED Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
The Omnulix Men LED Mask is designed specifically for men’s thicker skin. I’ve been using mine consistently for the past year and have noticed a brighter, more even skin tone. My fine lines are less visible, but the biggest change is how healthy and glowy my skin looks. There’s also a real self-care benefit that comes with using an LED mask.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (633nm), Near-infrared (830nm, 1072nm)
- Mask Type: Flexible silicone
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Targets thicker skin, improves firmness and skin tone
- reduces wrinkles and under-eye bags
- Only has one mode and is designed for men’s skin, so it may not suit everyone
Best for firming around the eyes and dark circles: Beauty Pie 2.0 LED Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Much to the delight of loyal Beauty Pie fans, the brand has unveiled the second generation of its LED mask, known as The Dynamo. The more advanced model uses triple wavelength technology, including a deeper 1070nm, which has been clinically tested to be the optimal length to stimulate the body’s natural pathways and thus improve skin texture, minimise under-eye bags, combat puffiness and smooth out tone. The brand’s trials revealed that fine lines around the eye were improved by 31 per cent after eight weeks of usage. The mask is made up of two straps that are quite fiddly to affix, and you only really need the top one, as it feels sturdy enough to stay in place. Once they are attached, it’s a matter of plug in and go. What makes this model stand out is the chin straps, which mean you can tighten as close as possible to the face, which gives the best results and the knowledge of battery life. Three dots on the controller signify when it’s time to charge. The treatment time is 10 minutes, and it automatically switches off after it’s complete.
While this mask is sold out, browse the brand’s C-Wave Light mask.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: 1070nm, 830nm and 630nm
- Mask Type: Silicone
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Device type: Face mask
- Target area: Face
- Best for: firming around the eyes and dark circles
Best LED light therapy tool for travelling: Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
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Solawave
Best multi-tasker: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand With Red Light Therapy
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Though it’s not a mask, the Solawave wand is one of our favourite LED light therapy tools – and it’s especially good for travelling. Many Vogue editors have developed quite a penchant for this multi-purpose device, which combines four treatments in one. As well as red light therapy, it offers microcurrent technology, facial massage and therapeutic warmth, and targets dark spots, blemishes and fine lines. Solawave recommends using the wand for five minutes, three times per week. “Most of the time, LED devices are large and fairly clunky. Which is fine, but how refreshing to find something so potent and so portable. I love how easy this is to simply swipe over your face and neck, and how relaxing it feels too. A great option if you’re on a plane and it feels a bit much to whip out a big face mask.” – Vogue contributing editor, Georgia Day
Key specs:
- Mask Type: Wand
- Specs: Red (630nm)
- Treatment Time: Five minutes, three times per week
- Wireless: Yes
- Compact and easy to travel with
- Offers targeted treatment to problem areas
- A powerful device for targeted treatment, but not suitable for the full face
- Only one wavelength
Best professional LED mask: Dermalux Flex
CurrentBody
CurrentBody Skin Dermalux Flex MD
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Many LED devices are marketed as “bringing the clinic home”, but this one actually lives up to those claims. A powerful, medical-grade brand favoured by top facialists, the Dermalux Flex has been attenuated for safe home use by non-trained professionals. It still delivers salon results, though, with 360 lights configured to deliver clinically proven wavelengths for targeting acne, ageing and even muscle aches. We love that it can be placed above the face and body for all-over rejuvenation, as does Kate Moss, who’s also a fan of this device. “I use the Dermalux LED device in my clinic and I am a fan of the results it offers,” says Yoo. “It’s worth noting that this home-use device will be weaker than an in-clinic LED device, but it has great specs as far as efficacy is concerned.”
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Blue (415nm), red (633nm) and near infrared (830nm)
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: 30 minutes
- Wireless: No
- Powerful with a high number of clinical strength bulbs
- Can be used all over the body
- It’s an investment, but if you use it enough, it’s worth it
Best LED for the eye area: MZ Skin Lightmax Minipro Eyeconic LED
MZ Skin
Lightmax Minipro Eyeconic LED™
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
MZ Skin’s Lightmax patches use near-infrared and red light therapy at clinically proven wavelengths of 830nm and 630nm, respectively – and they make light work of targeting the delicate eye area. According to beauty writer, Tracy Achonwa, 10 minutes is all it takes to see a difference to tired eyes, with results that get better over time. You’ll also find a softening in laughter and eleven lines – wherever you want targeted LED treatment, you can stick these nifty patches.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red light (630nm) and near infrared (830nm)
- Mask Type: Under-eye patches
- Treatment Time: Up to 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Work incredibly well on the eye area
- Stick-on so can be used anywhere
- Convenient and comfortable
- Improved tone and texture
- Limited to small areas
- Not an affordable option
Best LED face mask for under £200: Sensse Pro LED Mask
Sensse
Pro LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Modestly priced compared to its counterparts, Sensse Pro’s mask is our pick for LED therapy on a budget. It is flexible, comfortable and easy to use, with a whopping four wavelengths included to rejuvenate skin. There are the usual suspects – red and blue – to boost collagen and banish acne, but with added yellow and purple treatment modes that help promote lymphatic drainage and brighten blemishes too.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm), blue (465nm), yellow (605nm), purple (combination of red, blue and near-infrared)
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Purifies, rejuvenates and repairs skin as well as addressing signs of ageing
- Slim and lightweight silicone is comfortable to wear
- Easy to wipe clean after each use
- Doesn’t break the bank
- Needs patient, consistent use over several months to see the best results
Best LED mask for acne: Dr Dennis Gross Skincare’s DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
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Dr Dennis Gross
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
There’s a reason this Dr Dennis Gross LED mask always sells out. Having tested it extensively ourselves, we’ve found that it’s a brilliant mask for those who are short of time or want to incorporate LED into their routine, but never find a moment to actually do it. Each treatment “session” is just three minutes, which means the red, blue or red-blue combo lights (of which there are 162) get to work quickly. From evening out skin tone and texture to softening fine lines and discolouration, it’s truly brilliant. This dermatologist-developed mask also stimulates collagen production and clears up breakouts. “I specifically designed this device to be easily incorporated into your everyday routine with one three-minute daily treatment,” Dr Dennis Gross tells Vogue.
- Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm) and blue (415nm)
- Mask Type: Rigid
- Treatment Time: Three minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Device type: Face mask
- Best for: Beneficial for ageing or acne-prone skin, the device smooths fine lines and wrinkles, minimises the appearance of sun and age spots, and tames redness and inflammation.
- Target area: Face
- Good to know: While a combination red and blue light treatment is great for overall skin health, it can also be used with isolated red or blue lights to boost collagen or treat breakouts, respectively.
- Speedy session time
- Treats everything from acne and pigmentation to signs of ageing
- Rigidity of mask may be uncomfortable for some
Best LED face mask for on-the-go: Higher Dose Red Light Mask, £299
Higher Dose
Red Light Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
“Higher Dose’s LED Mask uses red LED light, which is particularly good for collagen production and blood circulation. Within just a couple of weeks, I noticed an improvement in the evenness of my complexion; make-up could be applied more easily, and my skin seemed less prone to breakouts. Fast-forward three months, and these benefits have only been elevated, alongside a marked softening of the early-30s fine lines that had been creeping in over the last 12 months. And during the busy fashion month season, that’s nothing short of a miracle.” — Vogue shopping editor, Joy Montgomery
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm) and near infrared (830nm)
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: Up to 20 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Targeted treatment modes
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to wear
- Great for all skin types
- Only offers red light
Best LED mask for rosacea: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask
The Light Salon
BOOST LED Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
One of the Vogue beauty team’s collective favourites, The Light Salon’s medical-grade Boost LED Face Mask is easy to use and deploys a combination of clinically-proven red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm wavelengths that help to instigate good blood circulation, collagen and elastin production and toxin removal. It’s also incredibly comfortable.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red and near infrared light
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Medical grade device
- Made of flexible silicon
- Easy to use
- Stimulates collagen production for youthfully plump skin
- Only has one treatment mode
Best LED mask for anti-ageing: Foreo FAQ™ 201 LED Anti-Ageing Face Mask Treatment
Foreo
FAQ™ 201 LED Anti-Ageing Face Mask Treatment
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
With 600 strategically-placed lights, this lightweight silicon mask gets to work quickly on the signs of ageing, from wrinkles to uneven texture and lack of firmness. With a clever open eye design – which means you can see easily while you use it – you can go about your business while wearing the mask. Perfect for anyone who likes to multitask.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red, green and blue
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Treatment Time: Up to 15 minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Open eye design
- 600 LED lights
- Flexible fit
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Powerful combination of lights
- Great for signs of ageing but may not treat other skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation
Best luxury LED mask: Déesse Pro LED Next Generation Mask
Déesee Pro
LED Next Generation Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
All the pros love this mask, which has become something of a cult buy within the industry. It offers four different wavelengths – red, blue, green and near infrared – and six different treatment modes (including anti-ageing, calming and purifying), plus it’s home to a huge 770 medical-grade LED lights to help reduce dark spots, scars, breakouts, and boost collagen production. Well worth the money if you’re going to use it regularly.
Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm), near infrared (830nm), blue (415nm) and green (520nm)
- Mask Type: Rigid
- Treatment Time: Varied
- Wireless: No
- Treats every conceivable skin concern with four LED colours and six treatment modes
- Highly effective with 770 medical grade bulbs
- Powerful mask which needs to be plugged into a wall socket, so you'll have to stay put during sessions
FAQs
What is LED light therapy, and how does it work?
LED (or light-emitting diode) therapy is a treatment that exposes the skin to different wavelengths of light. “This light is absorbed by the mitochondria – the powerhouse of our cells – which can trigger a variety of biological responses,” says facialist Sarah Bradden. Among them: enhanced circulation, increased collagen production and tissue repair – all of which result in brighter, plumper and smoother skin.
And the benefits aren’t just skin deep. “The absorbed light energy can stimulate the release of growth factors, neurotransmitters and also reduce inflammation,” Bradden continues, explaining that this is why LED exposure can have positive benefits in areas as varied as pain reduction, brain function, and hair growth.
What colour LED do I need?
Different LED colours have different wavelengths, which penetrate the skin at varying depths. To target specific skin concerns, Dr Yoo stresses the importance of choosing the right LED wavelength for the issue you want to treat.
| LED colour | Clinically effective wavelength | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 630-700nm | Red LED light stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation and enhances blood circulation. It effectively targets fine lines, wrinkles and inflammation, and promotes wound healing. Clinically proven wavelengths range between 630-700nm, as they penetrate deeper into the skin for overall rejuvenation, while stimulating cellular repair. |
| Near Infrared | 700-850nm | Near infrared LED light penetrates even deeper into the skin and tissues, reaching muscles, joints (and even organs, according to Bradden) while aiding wound healing, reducing inflammation, and providing pain relief. |
| Blue | 405-420nm | Blue LED light is renowned for its ability to combat acne-causing bacteria and regulate sebaceous gland oil production. LED face masks that have blue light wavelengths within the clinically proven range of 405-420nm will help to reduce acne lesions and prevent future breakouts. |
| Yellow | 570-590mm | Yellow LED light, though less commonly used than red and blue, helps to reduce redness and healing time. It complements red LED therapy by fading fine lines and promoting lymphatic drainage. It is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. |
| Green | 525-550 nm | Green LED light has a significant collagen-boosting effect and improves skin tone and texture. Administered at wavelengths around 525-550nm, it reduces pigmentation and brightens the skin. |
| Purple | 400nm | Purple LED therapy (a combination of red and blue light) aids in toxin elimination, reduces inflammation and enhances healing and blood circulation. Best used after aesthetic treatments, it aids wound healing while reducing acne and post-acne marks. Clinically, it’s recommended at around 400 nanometres. |
What skin concerns is LED good for?
The great thing about LED face masks is that they can be used for a multitude of different benefits, depending on the light emitted. For example, while red light increases collagen and elastin production, blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, green light helps with pigmentation, and yellow light is brilliant for healing. When combined with a good daily skincare routine, they can help improve skin health from the inside out, boost radiance, tackle acne and other skin conditions, and leave the skin clearer, smoother and plumper.
How often should I use an LED mask?
The more consistent you can be about using your LED face mask, the better. Ask any skin expert whether at-home LED masks work, and their answer is always, yes, if you get a good quality device and use it consistently. Using them every day – for about 10 minutes – is ideal. For best results, always follow the instructions, and if you do notice irregular signs of damage, stop use of the mask immediately and consult your doctor or dermatologist.
What should I put on my face before LED light therapy?
For the best results, it’s recommended to use any sort of LED device on clean skin. Gently wash your face prior to therapy with a non-drying cleanser to remove any skincare and make-up residue. Also, try to avoid any aggressive exfoliation and sunlight exposure before starting LED treatment. Post-treatment, follow up with serums, creams and other soothing moisturisers.
What is meant by wavelength?
“Different wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths, targeting specific cells and chromophores,” explains Sue D’Arcy, CEO of LED tech pioneers, iSmart. “Using the wrong wavelength means you will not target the correct chromophore (a molecule which absorbs light at a particular wavelength and reflects colour as a result). The proven effectiveness of clinically proven wavelengths of light used in certain LED masks are shown to have a biological effect in skin – for example, 1070nm wavelength – this deeper-penetrating wavelength is the only one FDA-cleared for tissue healing.”
How soon will I see results with LED?
“With consistent use, many individuals begin to notice improvements in skin tone and texture within four to six weeks,” says Kate Monteith-Ross, lead aesthetic nurse practitioner and KOL for Dermalux. “Some even report visible changes after just one session. These devices are designed for convenience, making it easy to incorporate treatments into your routine three to five times a week. Each session can last up to 30 minutes, stimulating the skin’s natural regeneration process and enhancing its overall health and appearance.”
Are LED face masks safe?
“LED phototherapy is generally a safe and non-invasive treatment with minimal to no side effects for most users,” says Monteith-Ross. “However, it’s essential to remember that these devices can be quite potent. Many feature multiple wavelengths and offer clinically proven options – such as blue, red, and near-infrared light. The ability to deliver precise doses within an optimal therapeutic range is key to achieving visible results. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe and effective use tailored to your specific skin needs.”
Do different areas of the body require different wavelengths, doses, or treatment frequencies?
“Yes, one of the significant advantages of LED phototherapy is its versatility,” explains Monteith-Ross. “Different wavelengths provide unique benefits for various skin concerns and treatment areas. For instance, red light is excellent for collagen stimulation and rejuvenation on the face and neck, while near-infrared light penetrates deeper, effectively reducing inflammation and supporting recovery. For those with acne-prone skin, a combination approach is often most beneficial; blue light to target and reduce acne-causing bacteria, red light to enhance circulation and support cell turnover and near-infrared light to reduce inflammation and aid healing. As your skin improves, treatment frequency, intensity, and even protocol settings can be adjusted to meet its evolving needs. Many at-home devices enable customisable treatments, allowing you to tailor your sessions to align with your personal skin goals and targeted areas.”
Why you can trust the Vogue testing
Every single device in this edit has been reviewed by a member of the Vogue beauty and shopping team. Some of which, like CurrentBody and Shark, have had many different writers, editors and contributors sharing their opinions. Testers include Vogue contributors Hannah Coates and Georgia Day, Senior Beauty Shopping Writer Ellie Davis and more. The products were reviewed on comfort, ease of use, and, most importantly of all, the results.
