Red light therapy quick picks
Mask: Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Mask with massage: Therabody TheraFace Pro
Wand: Solawave Radiant Renewal Skin Care Wand
Patch: Riki Loves Riki Riki Miracle LED Acne Patch
Freestanding Light: SunHome Saunas 300W Sun Home Pro
Nowadays, it seems like skin care and beauty enthusiasts are willing to try nearly anything to achieve that perfect glow. From gua shua massages to wrinkle patches, there are myriad intriguing, and sometimes strange, solutions on the market to address every skin and wellness concern.
In addition to tried-and-true serums and moisturizers, one of the latest innovative treatments is red light therapy. Available in a variety of devices like portable wands, lamps, masks and more, red light therapy is a go-to among dermatologists and A-list clients like Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson.
“Red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses low-level red light to improve the health and appearance of the skin,” says Tyler Fish, co-founder of Sun Home Sauna. “Also known as photobiomodulation, it penetrates the skin at a cellular level [and] stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins for healthy skin.”
Benefits of red light therapy
“As gimmicky as these devices may seem, and seemed to me at first, the technology and science behind them are sound,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Luke Maxfield. The photobiomodulation that Fish mentioned creates biological action within the skin and has a therapeutic affect, Maxfield says. This occurs when the LEDs (light emitting diodes) come in close range of the skin, allowing the wavelengths of light to penetrate.
Varying wavelengths correlate to a specific color, each of which has different benefits. In addition to red, there are also blue, yellow, green and near-infrared light therapy. The main difference between these colors is the way in which each penetrates the skin: Blue affects the outermost layer and helps to treat acne-causing bacteria, while near-infrared penetrates the deepest of all. While there are benefits to each, red and blue light therapy are most commonly used to address concerns like acne, wrinkles and scarring.
“Of all the colors that make up this spectrum, red light has become a cornerstone of LED therapy,” Maxfield says. “Red light, due to the longer wavelength, penetrates deep within the skin. When reaching the dermis, it has been shown to benefit aging skin through activating fibroblasts, modulating inflammation and even moderating sebum or oil production.”
Red light therapy is also used throughout the body for various reasons, often to treat wounds and to promote hair growth in those who have alopecia.
“By improving cellular function, red light therapy has been shown to increase the production of collagen [and] help with skin tone and texture as well as fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Tiffany J. Libby, board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown University. “Studies also show improvement in acne by calming redness and inflammation,” she adds.
Risks of red light therapy
Although red light therapy is safe and noninvasive, it is vital that the level of light used is not too harsh. Most at-home devices have instructions dictating the frequency and amount of light to use, but one should always consult a dermatologist if necessary. It is also important to avoid any harsh treatments directly after red light therapy and to continue with daily SPF usage, as the treatment may leave the skin sensitive to UV radiation.
While red light therapy has been around for decades, it is still an emerging treatment and the efficacy of at-home devices can vary. Though it has proven benefits and is entirely safe to use on the skin in moderation, like many treatments, it is important to monitor your skin’s reaction and adjust your routine accordingly.
“If the red light is at too high of a level, it damages skin cells. If at too low of a level, it does nothing,” says Dr. Brandith Irwin, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SkinTour and Concierge Dermatology & Laser in Seattle, Washington. “Low-level home devices appear to be safe, except for possible aggravation of pigment problems. If your skin is not showing any signs of stress, in my opinion, continue for two months and then stop if you’re seeing no positive changes.”
How to use red light therapy
Red light therapy devices like masks and wands are most common. They make it easy to incorporate the treatment into your skin care routine.
“Cleanse skin prior to red light therapy so that no makeup or sunscreen is on the face,” Libby says. “Apply your serums and moisturizers following.” With treatment times ranging from three to 15 minutes, it offers a quick moment of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Red light therapy masks and devices
This futuristic LED mask uses red, blue and infrared + red light and has a vibrating feature to release tension in your face. It’s one of associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw’s favorite LED therapy masks because of its comfortable fit. “Some masks lie close to the eyes, making it difficult to see through the eye holes. But Therabody’s mask comes with eye shields that give a buffer and make it easy to scroll on TikTok or do anything else while I have the red light on,” she says.
Omnilux’s red light mask is a popular choice due to its customizable composition (featuring 132 LEDs) as well as its ability to address fine lines, acne and more.
“This mask has a comfortable, flexible fit with clinical studies that demonstrate its red and near-infrared light-based device helps promote healthier and more youthful-appearing skin,” Libby says.
This silicone patch combines red and blue light, which kills acne-causing bacteria, to target stubborn pimples. After two six-minute uses, the patch reduces the size of the pimple and treats inflamed skin. While most red light masks are full size, this compact patch is small enough fit comfortably in your suitcase (and it comes with its own recharging case).
Solawave’s portable and handheld wands are a favorite among celebrities like Lil Nas X, Sydney Sweeney and Nicole Kidman. The brand’s latest device improves on its original 4-in-1 device that utilizes traditional red light therapy with a Galvanic current, therapeutic warmth and massage feature, soothing the skin and promoting the absorption of skin care products. Its small configuration allows the user to easily target certain areas like the chin, forehead and more.
Recommended by Libby and Maxfield, the Qure is well worth the price. “When LED masks were first trending and I was trying numerous options, the Qure’s LED light therapy mask caught my attention,” Maxfield says. He found its wireless use, relatively short treatment times and comfortable fit appealing. “Years later, I can attest that my initial impressions were correct, as I still use the same mask. With multiple wavelengths from blue, amber, red, deep red and infrared, and the Qure mask uniquely having a partnering app, a person can tailor the treatment both towards their skin goals and even specific goals for different parts of their face.”
With different devices targeted to certain areas — like the neck, décolletage and eyes — CurrentBody’s range of products is ideal for those looking for a targeted approach to red light therapy. The brand’s Eye Perfector uses anti-aging LEDs to treat fine lines, crow’s-feet and wrinkles, while the hands-free configuration makes it perfect for those on the go.
CurrentBody’s original LED mask is a reliable option as well, loved by celebrities and editors. (It even made a cameo on “Emily in Paris.”) It’s Shaw’s favorite flexible LED mask for bringing on her travels. It’s thin and easy to pack, so it doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase. And since it comes with a rechargeable power bank, you could even bring it in your carry-on and do the treatment on the plane.
The TheraFace Pro device combines LED therapy with several massage settings, in addition to other interchangeable heads, for the ultimate handheld red light experience.
It features three light settings: red, blue and red+ infrared, with each targeting certain skin concerns like acne, wrinkles and more. We tested the TheraFace Pro and loved the combinable therapies, where you can enjoy the skin benefits of LED treatment with a muscle-easing massage.
This LED device treats the area likely to show the first signs of aging: the neck and chest. Using red and near-infrared light, it helps slow down and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. With 10- and 20-minute treatment times, it’s easy to sit back and relax while the device gives your décolletage a boost.
Experts say that Dr. Dennis Gross’ FaceWare Pro mask is worth the price tag, and editors agree. The device features 100 red and 62 blue lights that work simultaneously to address wrinkles, boost collagen production and reduce inflammation.
The device automatically shuts off after an allotted three minutes and features an adjustable silicone strap for a customized fit. The brand, like most dermatologists, recommends using the device on clean skin and following with your skin care routine.
While masks are great for all-over treatment, wands are perfect for those who want more control. This 4-in-1 wand features traditional LEDs (in red, blue and green light) as well as bio-wave, ionic channeling and massage modes.
The wand’s customizable technology allows the user to tailor the device to their skin care regimen. While red light helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines, green light cleanses the skin and blue helps to calm redness and inflammation.
One of the more cost-friendly mask options on the market, this product from Skin Gym has blue, orange and red LEDs to specifically address acne, redness and dull skin. The wireless mask fully recharges in about two hours and features a 15-minute timer.
While LightStim has a variety of LED devices, its wand that addresses wrinkles and fine lines is one of its bestsellers. The brand’s patented MultiWave technology emits several red light wavelengths (such as amber, dark red and infrared), making it a great choice for those looking for anti-aging benefits.
Those looking for a smaller device packed with all of the healing benefits of red light therapy should check out the compact Foreo UFO 2. Its warming, cooling and sonic pulsations open pores while also locking in moisture and regenerating the skin’s surface.
With LEDs ranging from 660 to 850 nanometers (the ideal wavelength for red light therapy), this at-home light from Sun Home Saunas is the perfect addition to your wellness routine. The digital control panel features a built-in timer and an adjustable stand.
“Generally, most people will begin to see noticeable improvements in their skin after eight to 12 weeks of consistent use,” Fish says. “Red light therapy is a safe and noninvasive treatment option, but it is not a quick fix and requires patience to see the desired improvements in skin health and appearance.”