Target fine lines, wrinkles and more with these easy-to-use at-home tools and devices.
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Quite the multitasker, a red light therapy at-home device checks off more than a few boxes when it comes to skincare. "Red light therapy can help with acne, hair loss, aging, sun damage, pore size, hyperpigmentation and inflammation," explains Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. "It works by inducing skin regeneration in a noninvasive way — exposing the skin to safe wavelengths of light."
While in-office options are the most powerful, the at-home devices are quick, painless and easy to use, with many offering treatment sessions lasting just three minutes and showing great results over time. To find the best red light therapy devices for home use, we did the research — speaking to dermatologists, scouring online reviews and gathering recommendations from our editors — to bring you our top picks.
So, what exactly is red light therapy? "Red light therapy uses a special wavelength of visible light which has been shown to re-energize the skin, stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation," says Karan Lal, D.O., director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Arizona. "It was originally studied in the 1960s for skin cancer and later for wound healing, which it is still used for." According to one study, red light therapy can also potentially be used to help treat alopecia, scars and acne. Red light therapy comes in many forms, including masks, helmets, panels and beds. "Sometimes red light devices are paired with laser light," adds Dr. Lal, "making it an optimal treatment for hair growth, facial rejuvenation, muscle pain and wound healing."
You can read more about everything you need to know to shop for red light therapy devices at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to improve your skin? Check out our guides to the best anti-aging wrinkle creams and the best collagen-boosting creams for your money.
This easy-to-hold, straightforward red light therapy device is a consumer and editor favorite. With just one switch, the design is nearly foolproof and can be used all over your face. Just flip the light on and it'll stay on for a timed three-minute session before automatically turning off. Once it turns off, you can restart it and move it to the next area of your face you want to treat.
"I've used LightStim for years on my acne spots and scarring, and it's so quick and easy to use I can't imagine not having it in my skincare routine," one GH beauty editor says. However, note that it's wired: Our editor loves watching TV while using it since you can't walk around during treatment. One Nordstrom reviewer also says they loved the quick effects. "I saw results within the first try and now I’m hooked," they wrote.
Red light therapy doesn't have to be a huge investment. Though it's not inexpensive by any means, this pick won't break the bank as much as some other devices. Skin Gym's affordable choice emits red light to target aging, breakouts and hyperpigmentation, respectively. This product is mobile, too, as it's wireless and rechargeable. Just make sure to watch your timing on each area, as there is no automatic shut-off feature.
"I have some crow's feet and some pigmentation on the top of my hands and I already see improvement in my concern areas," one reviewer raves. Another shares that "it has done wonders for my acne prone and sensitive skin."
Attach this red light therapy tool to your NuFace Trinity device (note that you need to buy this separately for the attachment to work) for convenient, targeted treatment. It features red, amber and infrared lights to help fight aging.
Dr. Engelman loves this on-the-go device. "This handheld machine has a red light attachment that can be used for just three minutes per treatment area," she says. "It specifically targets anti-aging benefits and is compact and convenient to take anywhere." Nordstrom reviewers love the benefits as well: "I think it really helps even out your skin tone used on a weekly basis and has also helped reduce a scar I have," shares one.
Like many of our other choices, this is an FDA-cleared LED mask. The portable, wearable mask attaches to your head via Velcro straps so you don't have to hold it up yourself. While many other options suggest three minute-long usage, this mask can be used for 10 minutes at a time and it includes an auto shut off feature.
"I like that it covers my whole face while still having eye and nose holes — there is a piece that lays on top of your nose so you are still treating your nose without feeling claustrophobic," says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "My favorite way to use it is while I am laying down before bed when my eyes are closed because although there are no lights on the eyes, some of the other lights can make it too bright to see."
Wnek notes that it's a little bulky, but the fact that it covers such a large surface area makes it worth it. Other reviewers are very pleased with the results: "I love how my skin is looking — reduced fine lines, improved firmness and faded age spots," one writes.
Stimulate collagen production and target acne at the same time with this long-time editor-, derm- and consumer-loved LED face mask. With both red and blue lights, this multitasker treats multiple skin concerns after just three minutes.
Our experts note its ease of use. "Since this is a whole mask, it’s easy to use and can be done while moving around the house since it has a strap as well," says Dr. Engelman. Reviewers note that while it's pricey, the proof is in the pudding. "This has to be the most I've ever spent on a beauty product," says one. "The results? My skin definitely looks more radiant and uniform looking."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Tried the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Light Mask, and My Eczema Is Thanking Me
Yes, you can even use red light therapy devices on your lips. This lip device, like other red light therapy devices, can help increase blood flow and stimulate production of collagen, which can result in increased skin elasticity, making lips appear younger and fuller. Dr. Lal is also a fan of the brand's Light Therapy Face Mask: "It has red and near infrared light that penetrates deeper in the skin, is easy to use and not uncomfortable."
"I’ve been using this for a week and notice a difference in my lips immediately after use," a reviewer notes. "They’re more defined and plump." Another shares that "my lips look so much smoother and the cracks have nearly disappeared." While some have seen results quickly, not everyone has has the same response. A few reviewers commented it can take a long time to see minimal, if any, changes.
SolaWave makes multitasking easy with this 4-in-1 facial wand. In addition to emitting red light, it also warms and vibrates for a facial massage. We appreciate the cordless, rechargeable and sleek design, which makes it easy to move around your face.
Two GH staffers tested the Solawave at home. "It's compact, so it's easy to travel with and use all over my face," says one GH editor. Meanwhile, Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler says she found the massage and warmth to be "soothing" but says "it likely didn't provide a significant benefit to my skin."
The main takeaway? It's good for travel or touch-ups between professional treatments but won't provide dramatic results. "If you are on-the-go and would like to bring a tool with you that uses red light therapy, this would be a great device to purchase," adds Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is the Solawave Skincare Wand Worth It?
The goal of this device is to bring the spa to you, with targeted, customized treatments including LED light (red, blue and red plus infrared), heating, cooling, microcurrent, cleansing and massage all in one small handheld machine. Target your skin concerns with this 8-in-1 device that's compact enough to sit on your vanity without taking over the space. While most reviewers raved over the quality, a few had issues with different parts of the device breaking.
"I love that it's such a multitasker," notes one GH editor. "Rather than needing several different devices to do each task, I can do almost everything with this one. It's a great space saver."
Amazon reviewers agree: "It is easy to do two or three or more treatments at a time — the different attachments pop in and out very smoothly," says one. We love that the LED lights also have an auto-dim when the device senses it's moving away from your face to prevent eye damage.
Every year, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab tests thousands of beauty products, including skincare items like the best anti-aging serums and the best retinol eye creams. In these tests, we collect thousands of data points and analyze skin using devices such as the Visia Complexion Analyzer, Corneometer and Cutometer. These machines track visible skin changes, skin moisturization and skin firmness, respectively.
While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab hasn't formally tested red light therapy devices in over a decade, our last test involved 13 at-home testers as well as in-Lab analysis. Scientists took note of improvements in wrinkles, texture, pores, visible spots and UV spots.
For the latest update to this article, we relied on our editors' recent road tests of popular red light therapy devices, as well as recommendations and insights from dermatologists and online reviews.
✔️ Ease of use: This is a product you'll be using at home on your own, so Dr. Engelman recommends considering ease of use and ease of instructions when looking for an at-home red light therapy device. "Since at-home RLT isn’t always as strong as in-office treatments, it’s important to look for a device that can be easily used multiple times a week for maintenance and preventative benefits," she advises. Butler agrees and emphasizes the comfort of the tool as well. "You want to choose a device that you can sit with and relax while the lights work."
✔️ Wavelength: To avoid skin sensitivity or damage, take note of the wavelength of light, Dr. Engelman suggests. "I recommend devices that can provide a wavelength between 600 and 900 nanometers," she adds.
✔️ Device type and shape: Since many of these devices come in mask form, we recommend trying these on both for skin sensitivity and to make sure they are comfortable to wear. If they aren't, opt for a handheld wand-like device instead.
✔️ Color(s) of light: Dr. Lal recommends using a pure red light device, especially for skin of color. "Blue light can lead to hyperpigmentation, so I would avoid combo masks if you have darker skin."
Yes, but it takes consistency and dedication. "I was skeptical at first because there isn't a huge amount of evidence, but my patients that use red light masks post laser procedures heal faster with less long-term redness so I have become a fan," says Dr. Lal. Butler has seen some studies showing anti-aging benefits including neck wrinkle improvement and fine line and wrinkle improvement after home use of a handheld LED device.
The one caveat: the energy level of an at-home red light therapy device is generally lower than what professionals use in the office but that’s true for any home devices for safety purposes. "It just may require more long-term treatment to get results," says Dr. Lal.
With several at-home devices being FDA cleared, it's easy and safe to do red light therapy at home. It's a non-invasive, painless treatment, but it's still very important to read directions carefully and follow instructions closely.
While every device is different, Dr. Lal generally suggests that people use red light in the evening, after cleansing their face but before skincare application. "I recommend patients sanitize their masks because they are in close contact to the skin and people can develop folliculitis or acne from contamination." He recommends people use their device three times a week on average, but notes that this treatment plan can vary on the device and the energy it emits. Since those with darker skin types can be more prone to side effects (like discoloration and blistering), it's safer to start with a more conservative approach using the device less frequently and build up as you go.
As with any other devices, proceed with caution. "Misuse of RLT devices can potentially cause blisters or burns," warns Dr. Engelman.
For the most part, red light therapy is safe to use without side effects, as long as it's used correctly. However, as noted above, it's important to follow the instructions to avoid overuse. "If worried about cell damage, keeping sessions to a maximum of 20 minutes is a good idea and will still give you the desired benefits," recommends Dr. Engelman.
The key to red light therapy is consistent use over time. While you may see results in the short-term, it's important to continue using them to maintain those results. "You can see results from red light therapy by just doing treatment for five to 10 minutes, two to three times a week," says Dr. Engelman. However, red light therapy at-home devices "need to be used consistently over several months to see any anti-aging benefits," adds Aral.
GH Contributing Editor Dori Price most recently updated this article, adding more details about our recommendations and additional information about red light therapy, with expert tips from Dr. Karan Lal and GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn originally wrote this guide, working closely with Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of skincare products including both in-office and at-home red light therapy devices. She has personally used several of the picks on this list.
For this article, she worked with former Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., who formally tested red light therapy devices for the Lab in 2009. Malzahn also interviewed Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.
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