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At-home LED face masks – the result of LED light therapy becoming mainstream – are one of the most popular skincare devices in 2024. Once reserved for use within the four walls of your salon, the best LED masks use red and near infrared LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) to target a multitude of skin conditions and concerns – from dark spots and pigmentation to acne, fine lines, rosacea and dullness. And they’re adored by celebrities, dermatologists and our Beauty Editors as a result.
One scroll down your Instagram feed will act as proof: Victoria Beckham, Kourtney Kardashian, Madonna and Chrissy Teigen have also posted content showing their LED face masks in action – and shows including Emily in Paris and Sex Education have given them starring roles.
In short, with consistent use, there’s no doubt that the introduction of an LED treatment into your skincare routine will result in a glowing complexion. But with countless (rather expensive) new releases dropping every year, it can be tricky to know where to start. Do LED face masks actually work? Are they safe for home use in untrained hands? And, erm, what the hell even is LED light therapy? Bog-standard sheet masks, be gone – 'cos we’ve got all the answers.
SKIP TO: What is LED light therapy? | Do LED face masks really work? | Are LED face masks safe to use every day? | What colour LED do I need? | Full LED face mask reviews | How we tested the LED face masks in this edit.
You can trust GLAMOUR UK's product reviews. We know that investing in an LED face mask isn't like picking up a new retinol serum or moisturiser. They're expensive. So, our team of testers – GLAMOUR Senior European Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Commerce Photo Editor, Neamh Randall, and GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer, Denise Primbet – have road-tested as many of the LED gadgets in this edit as possible for up to six months. We've scored them on the difference we saw to our skin after persistent use, comfort, charging time, ease of use and value for money. For the face masks we haven't yet had a chance to test, we've spoken to experts and studied customer reviews to bring you the information you need.
LED light therapy has existed for more than 30 years and is suitable for use on all skin types and tones. We’ve already answered all of your “what is light therapy?” questions in some serious depth, so head over there for a real deep dive. But in short, according to Dr Radmila Lukian, light therapy refers to the process of exposing skin to different wavelengths of light – including red and blue light – which “stimulate collagen production and purify the skin”. The light emitted by your LED face mask is absorbed by your skin, and as the light wavelength increases, so does the depth of penetration.
Each different light type stimulates a different response – which means every colour boasts different skincare benefits. Generally speaking LED light therapy “can help improve skin texture, reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone,” as well as psoriasis and other side-effects of inflammation. Elsewhere, LED light therapy can simply help to improve the general appearance of your skin and reduce visible signs of ageing.
Are LED face masks just a fad, or will they actually be worth your coin? You'll be pleased to know there's actually a plethora of clinical research which suggests that yes, they do work – particularly if you want to boost collagen production in a bid to give structure, strength and elasticity to your skin. Another study carried out in 2021, showed an improvement in atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition) in both men and women after twelve weeks of phototherapy, while a small 2018 study found green light therapy to aid in fading melasma and hyperpigmentation.
“The colour of the LED light to use depends on your specific skin concerns,” Dr. Jinah Yoo said.
“It is generally safe to use an at-home LED face mask every day,” Dr. Lukian said, “but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not overuse it. Using it for up to 20 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week is a good starting point.”
The LED used in at-home devices is much weaker than what it would be in-salon, and actually, the devices often undergo much more rigorous testing because they need to be safe enough to use without the presence of a professional. Just never buy an LED face mask that hasn’t been FDA improved, “if you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, it's best to consult with a dermatologist before using one.”
“When using an LED face mask, it's important to be consistent with the treatment, but not overuse it. You should also be patient, as it may take several weeks to see the full benefits. It's also important to maintain healthy skincare habits, including a thorough skincare regime and hydrate using a face SPF daily.”
After more skincare products? Shop the best jade rollers, the best ice globes, the best night creams and the best facial cleansing brushes. For more from GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, £299, CurrentBody
Mask type: Flexible mask. Light modes: Red (633nm) and Near-Infrared (830nm). Treatment time: Wireless? Yes.
GLAMOUR Approved: The best LED face mask for skin brightening is CurrentBody's LED Light Therapy Mask – one of the most accessibly-priced LED face masks in this edit. “I have been using the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask for the past three weeks now,” GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor Neamh Randall said, “and my skin has never felt so good.”
"My 2024 goal is to look after myself, so I always do my nightly skincare routine of taking my make-up off, using my products (I’m loving the Glow Recipe Cloudberry Toner) and then finishing it off with my Light Therapy Face Mask for just 10 minutes. I always wondered if it was worth the hype, but without a doubt it is. It has an automated timer, which I love, and my skin feels clearer, tighter and more glowy.
“Need more proof? In-house research found it to reduce wrinkles by 35 per cent in just four weeks, and it's actually the product that model and actress Suki Waterhouse credits for saving her skin over the past year. Suki told her Instagram followers “I always mention this mask when people ask me what I think are the core components for good skin.””
Pros: This award-winning LED mask works by combining anti-ageing red and near infra-red light therapy to penetrate deep into the skin’s lower layers, delivering both instant and long term results – 95% of users reported plumper, smoother skin immediately.
Cons: We found we had to attach the strap to the head's crown with a claw clip to walk around mid-treatment to keep the mask in place. However, this might not be the same for everyone.
You can read our full review of the CurrentBody LED face mask here.
SENSSE Professional LED Light Therapy Face Mask, WAS £139.99 NOW £119.99, Boots
Mask type: Flexible mask. Light modes: Red, blue, yellow and purple. Treatment time: 10-15 minutes. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: It designed with improving a multitude of skin concerns – from improving blood circulation to reducing wrinkles and stimulating collagen growth – in mind.
Pros: There are 90 LED lights on this mask which omit at different levels to cover each of the aforementioned skin concerns. In terms of comfort, it's made from silicone making it light and easy to wear. Plus, it comes with a remote control which you can pop in your pocket and carry on with your chores. Or sit back.
Cons: You can't use it while pregnant, and some reviewers reported that the remote control broke after a couple of uses.
Save when you shop for the best LED face masks with these Boots discount codes.
Mask type: Flexible mask. Light modes: 5 different settings. Treatment time: 10, 15 or 20 minutes, 3-5 times per week. Wireless? No.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: This LED face mask has an adjustable head strap for comfort, and utilises 432 LED lights to deliver a plethora of brightening, clarifying and smoothing benefits. Red, purple and black lights target visible signs of skin ageing, while the blue light detoxifies the skin. Elsewhere, sensitive skin types will benefit from yellow LEDs which refresh the appearance of lacklustre skin with a radiant glow.
Pros: It comes with a handheld controller and eye shields. The price is accessible, it's comfortable to wear and you can mix the coloured lights across the course of the week to reap multiple benefits.
Mask type: Rigid. Light modes: Eight, which can be selected on the app before use. Treatment time: Use 3 to 5 times per week, from 5 to 15 minutes per session for optimal results. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: Not only does this face mask feature lights of eight different wavelengths (more on that below), it's can be connected to an app – which is a fun feature. You can connect with the FAQ™ app to personalise your LED wavelength colour, activate or disable near-infrared and set your treatment time.
Pros: There are 600 different points to ensure full-face coverage. It's made from 100% body-safe silicone, free from phthalates and BPA’s. The non-slip headband makes the mask feel really secure and comfortable during use – enough that you can wander around the house and crack on with your chores, should you wish. Lightweight. There are eight clinically proven different wavelengths to target a range of skincare concerns from fine lines to hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
Cons: Nothing to note, other than the expense.
MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device, £500, Cult Beauty
Mask type: Rigid mask. Light modes: 5 coloured light settings. Treatment time: Use 2-3 times per week, starting with 10 minutes of LED mask time and slowing building up to 20 minutes. Wireless? No.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: Created by one of London's best-loved Oculoplastic Surgeon and Facial Aesthetics Doctors, Dr. Maryam Zamani, it has five different coloured light settings to target almost all skincare woes. From reducing inflammation to boosting lymphatic flow. It's as good as everything else in her skincare range (where all products fuse intelligent, largely natural ingredients).
Pros: The versatility is the biggest pro of this LED face mask. Use red light for rejuvenation and reducing inflammation, blue light to reduce the appearance of acne, green light for calming pigmentation and broken capillaries, and the yellow for soothing and improving lymphatic flow.
Cons: It has to be plugged in during use which forces you to stay in one spot.
Mask type: Rigid. Light modes: Three light settings and three vibration modes. You can choose between pre-programmed three minute or nine minute cycles. Treatment time: 9-minute pre-programmed treatment once a day for 6 days each week. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: First came the Theragun massage gun and then the Theraface Pro. Now, Therabody, the global pioneer in wellness technology, has released an LED face mask that is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging, firm skin and increase radiance. Not only is this LED face mask wireless, incredibly comfortable to wear and genuinely effective (more on that later), but it's the only LED face mask in this edit which also harnesses the benefits of vibration therapy at the very same time. Yep: there are three different vibration settings which each help to ease facial tension, boost circulation and ~relax~ you.
Pros: The mask boasts 648 Red, Red + Infrared and Blue LED lights which is three times more than the leading competitor. It comes with added vibration therapy that Therabody has perfected and patented for improved relaxation. It comes with eye shields to protect your eyes during use. An objective clinical study of 31 participants between the ages of 39 to 64 found that after 12 weeks, TheraFace Mask improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firmed skin and reduced sagging, smoothed texture, increased luminosity and radiance, lightened dark spots, and revealed radiant, healthy skin.
Magnitone Get Lit Tri Colour LED Face Mask, £69, Sephora
Mask type: Rigid mask. Light modes: Red, blue and yellow. Treatment time: 15 minutes. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: It allows you to give light therapy a go without spending over £100.
Pros: Unlike many other LED face masks in this edit, it's worn like a pair of glasses, as opposed to attaching to your face with elasticated head straps. This makes it a lot more comfortable for most users, and ensures you can continue with chores, reading or making a cuppa while wearing it. In addition, it automatically shuts off after 15 minutes, and it's USB rechargeable.
Cons: Some reviewers felt the mask sat too far away from their chin, and others mentioned that they got marks on the side of their nose after use (though these faded after a few minutes).
Save when you shop for the best LED face masks with these Sephora promo codes.
The Light Salon Revive and Repeat LED Facial Set, WAS £425 NOW £382.50, Liberty
Mask type: Flexible mask. Light modes: Red and near infrared. Treatment time: 10 minutes. Wireless? No.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: Both Alexa Chung and Victoria Beckham swear by this LED face mask, agreeing that your complexion looks brighter, tighter and smoother from the very first 10-minute use.
Pros: This LED face mask is easily portable (perfect for taking on holiday), and it emits both red and near-infrared light to combat a large variety of skin concerns. The best thing about it? It has been made from soft and flexible silicone which makes it one of the most comfortable to wear in this edit. It's also fitted with global adaptors, so it’s always ready, no matter where you are in the world.
Cons: Nothing to note. Reviewers were generally very impressed with this LED face mask.
Save when you shop for the best LED face masks with these Selfridges discount codes.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, £465, Space NK
Mask type: Rigid mask. Light modes: 100 red LED lights. Treatment time: 3 minutes. Wireless? Yes.
GLAMOUR Approved: This is a medical grade, FDA-approved mask (which been developed by A-list dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross). It boasts 100 red (collagen stimulating) and 62 blue (bacteria-killing) LED lights which can be used either separately or together. So, if you have multiple skin issues that you're looking to target, this could be a good choice.
“As someone who’s prone to redness and irritation, my trusty Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask has been a staple in my skincare routine,” GLAMOUR's Denise Primbet said. “Out of the three treatment options, I’ve been particularly loving the blue light mode, which has helped calm my rosacea and even out my skin tone. Above all, I enjoyed the cordless design, making it super easy for me to carry on with my day-to-day activities without having to stay next to the nearest plug. I've started noticing the improvement in my skin tone and texture about five weeks in, after having used it religiously once a week on my skincare reset days. The price will set you back a hefty £465, but trust me when I tell you that it’s well worth the investment.”
Cons: Nothing to note, except the slightly-inaccessible price.
Read our full Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask review here.
Cellreturn Premium LED Mask, £1,948, Cellreturn UK
Mask type: Rigid mask. Light modes: Red, blue and infrared. Treatment time: Either opt for a 5-10 minutes session on the mask daily or use 3 times weekly for a full 20 minutes session. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: Brought to you by Lily Earle, this LED face mask actually uses the same near-infrared LED technology studied by NASA for its unique healing effects.
Pros: It's suitable for all skin types and uses a mixture of both pink and red LED lights to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation - plus blue light to reduce breakouts. It boasts a patented wireless design (you can move around your house with ease) that targets your ears and neck as well as your face. Plus, it comes with its own carry bag so you can keep it clean and safe when you pop it in your suitcase.
Cons: It's obviously rather pricey, so if you're a newbie to LED light therapy, you might consider testing the waters with a more affordable top-rated LED face mask.
Mask type: Flexible mask. Light modes: Red and near-infrared light. Treatment time: 10 minutes. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: Using 132 medical-grade red and near-infrared LED lights, the Omnilux LED face mask is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pigmentation and redness, and generally promote healthier, younger-looking skin. It's easy to use for five, 10-minute treatments per week for four-six weeks.
Pros: It's flexible, which makes it comfortable to wear, and it comes with a rechargeable battery controller, power supply and plug adaptors, USB C line to USB A connector, head straps and carry bag.
Cons: The remote control is permanently attached to the device which some users found a little annoying.
Lyma Laser Starter Kit, £1,999, Lyma
Mask type: Targeted treatment. Light modes: The Lyma Laser uses near-infrared LED light. Treatment time: Three minutes per day. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: The Lyma Laser is the world’s most powerful at-home beauty device, and according to the brand, 100x more powerful (!) than any other LED device on the market. It works by slowing down both intrinsic and extrinsic ageing: intrinsically, directing skin cells to recharge, regenerate and repair rather than die off, and extrinsically, instructing skin cells to produce more proteins to fight free radicals. Less free radicals means more collagen and elastin = better looking skin.
According to Lyma, “Most lasers work by controlled thermal injury. They inflict thermal damage to tissue to stimulate collagen production, leaving skin feeling sensitive and needing downtime. The LYMA Laser works completely differently. It uses low level laser therapy, or near infrared laser light, a technology borrowed from the medical industry where it is used to treat issues from rebuilding cartilage to healing tendons. This light is extremely powerful, able to penetrate deep beneath the skin completely safely and effectively. Operating at 500mW power at the 808nm wavelength, the laser can reach not only the deepest layers of the skin, but also the fat and muscle tissue underneath.”
Pros: It's painless and poses no infection risk. It's suitable for all skin types. It offers short-term glow, increases collagen production, works to prevent wrinkles and improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin, scaring, rosacea, pigmentation and sagging. All. In. One. What's more, it's totally damage-free, even around the eye area. In fact, there's no need for goggles at all. The light energy is completely cold and completely painless.
Rio FaceLite Beauty Boosting LED Face Mask, £349.99, Boots
Mask type: Light modes: Red. Treatment time: 10 minutes. Wireless? Yes.
Why GLAMOUR loves it: Rio's energising faceLITE™ LED face mask is FDA approved for minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The red and near infrared light wavelengths are clinically proven to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production in the skin cells.
Pros: This treatment only takes 10 minutes to transform lacklustre complexions, restore radiance, increase bounce and generally improve the appearance of skin. Some reviewers actually stated that it was near-identical to the much-loved CurrentBody LED face mask.
Cons: Nothing to note; there are no reviews that fall beneath five stars.
Magnetic Track System Save when you shop for the best LED face masks with these Boots discount codes.