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Over the past few years, LED face masks have become a permanent fixture in the nation’s beauty regimes. Once reserved for celebrity treatments and salon-visits, with the rise of the DIY-wellness movement, professional equipment has found its way into our bathroom cabinets, and rightfully so. With a number of positive benefits for the skin, light therapy is a non-invasive treatment to improve the overall look of your skin. Tech-geeks assemble, here, British Vogue rounds up the best LED face masks and shows you how to use and where to buy them.
Skip to: What to look for in an LED face mask | Which colour LED do I need? | Which is the best LED face mask? | Vogue editors try LED masks on for size | Vogue’s top LED devices, reviewed
There’s a reason LED light therapy has become super popular in recent years – it really does work. A quick glimpse at celebrity Instagram accounts – from Victoria Beckham and Julia Roberts to Jessica Alba and the Kardashians – and you’ll note that these masks are mainstays in every luminous face’s home skincare routine.
So what exactly is it? LED light therapy is where the skin is exposed to different wavelengths of light (including red, near-infrared and blue) that penetrate deep beneath its surface. Unlike UV light, these rays are actually good for the skin, but their benefits depend on the shade of light emitted by the device, which should be chosen based on skin concern.
It was in the ’90s that it was first (accidentally) discovered for use on the skin, after NASA studied the use of LED light on plant growth in space, and quickly found that it also showed great promise for healing and treating wounds. Soon, it began being more widely used, and the rest – they say – is history.
From reducing acne and inflammation to slowing down the signs of ageing, stimulating collagen production, smoothing and generally boosting glow, utilising light therapy in your routine is a golden ticket to better skin health.
Our top pick for 2024 – and one of the latest LED launches worth your attention – is MZ Skin’s Lightmax patches. Using near-infrared and red light therapy at clinically proven wavelengths of 830nm and 630nm respectively, they stimulate skin at the optimal depth to deliver game-changing results. One 10-minute session before bed was enough to wow beauty writer Tracy Achonwa: “I’ve slept poorly of late and it has manifested in deep and hollow eye bags, but the morning after I tried these, my eyes were so plump I almost thought they were swollen.”
Tried and tested by Vogue editor Lauren Murdoch Smith.
MZ Skin Lightmax Minipro Eyeconic LED™
What’s more, they’re a powerful rejuvenator wherever you apply them. “They’re very easy to use, and you don’t have to be restricted to the under eye,” says senior beauty and wellness editor Lauren Murdoch-Smith. “They can be applied to laughter lines and elevens lines – anywhere you want to brighten, plump or reduce the appearance of wrinkles – and a few minutes in the morning is all you need to look alive.”
Yes. Depending on the light emitted by the mask, they can offer a multitude of benefits. For example, while red light increases collagen and elastin production, blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, green light helps with pigmentation, and yellow 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.
Yellow: A preconditioning light that creates movement in the top layers of the skin’s cells, making it more receptive to the near-infrared light that follows, like red and blue. Yellow light can help boost glow post-use.
Blue: Used to treat acne, scarring and excess oil. It works by targeting the skin’s oil glands to reduce their activity, and subsequently lead to fewer acne breakouts, plus it also kills the bacteria (or p.acnes) inside pores. Combined with red light, it has an anti-inflammatory effect upon the skin too.
Red: A great light to try for its rejuvenating effects. Can also help to reduce inflammation, plus it is great for stimulating collagen production and blood circulation for plumper, healthier skin that glows with health.
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LED face masks are very easy to use and the more consistent you can be about using them, the better their effect will be upon the skin. Using them every day – for about 10 minutes – is ideal. Since they don’t emit UV light and are non-invasive, they are also very safe to use, so overdoing it isn’t easy. For best results always follow the instructions, and if you do notice irregular signs of damage, stop the use of the mask immediately and consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Read more: 14 Best Acne Treatment & Products For Spots
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.
Choosing the best comes down to your needs, price bracket and preference. If you’re an LED beginner looking to test the waters then the No7 Laboratories Age-Defying LED Mask is a great place to start. Ready to commit? You need to try Déesse’s Pro LED Next Generation Mask, which is Kim Kardashian’s favourite. Whichever you go for, if you have deep pockets and can afford to invest, don’t cheap out on a low-powered mask. Look for key specs like the number of LED bulbs. The Light Salon experts tell us that a higher number – think: the numerous bulbs on in-clinic LED treatment devices – indicates a more powerful device.
Victoria Beckham has spoken about using one of Vogue’s LED mask top picks, The Light Salon Boost Light Therapy Mask, when she’s at home. The idea is that the at-home mask mimics the in-salon treatment on The Light Salon menu, the “Skin Health and Rejuvenation” facial.
The Light Salon BOOST LED Mask
Luckily for us, Kourtney Kardashian posted a picture of herself wearing her LED mask at home, sending fans into a frenzy to get their hands on the LED shield in the post. The DMH Aesthetics Light Shield is £190, features red, blue and amber LED light and is great for treating post-treatment redness.
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As the trend for LED treatments continues, there are a slew of buzzy new devices being released, but choosing well is key: not all LED face masks are created equal. It can be hard to know what to look for in a good LED device, which is why we’ve consulted experts from the best clinics in the business to discover the wavelengths that actually work (according to The Light Salon co-founder Hannah Measures, that’s 630nm for red light and 830nm for near infrared) shortlisted the masks that are worth your money, and tried them on for size. Each device in our edit has been put to the test by our editors for at least one full skin cycle, so we can properly report on how well they work to improve the complexion. Taking into account comfort, convenience and ease of use, scroll on for our compilation of the best LED masks on the market right now.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s Vogue approved: Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by an impressive 35 percent 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 ensures light covers every area of the face. It’s a yes from us.
Pros: boosts collagen with red LEDs and Near Infrared | silicone comfortably flexes to the contours of your face | great for brightening skin
Cons: does not include blue LED light
Dr Dennis Gross DRx Spectra Lite Eyecare Max Pro
Why it’s Vogue approved: Making the case for targeted LED treatments is a stellar option by Dr. Dennis Gross: the EyeCare Max Pro. Worn as a sort of superhero-esque eye mask, the device promises to alleviate all your eye-care concerns, from crow’s feet to dark circles. It works through 96 red light-emitting diodes that penetrate the skin to boost collagen production. The result? Softened fine lines, improved elasticity, and more even skin tone. Using it is as simple as adjusting the silicone straps and placing it over your eyes onto clean skin – then sitting through a three-minute session.
Cons: can only address eye concerns
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. From Kiana Murden to executive fashion director Lisa Aiken, many Vogue editors have developed quite a penchant for the multi-purpose device. The draw to the Solawave wand goes beyond its convenience; it pairs four treatments in one: red light therapy, microcurrent technology, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth. Here, the red light targets wrinkles, dark spots, and blemishes for a youthful glow. Solawave recommends using the wand for five minutes, three times per week.
Pros: easy to travel with | offers targeted treatment wherever you may need it
Cons: it’s not handsfree like some
Tried and tested by Vogue writer Kiana Murden.
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Mask
Why it’s Vogue approved: There’s a reason this Dr Dennis Gross LED mask is always selling out. Having tested it extensively ourselves, we’ve found 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 – oh, and the chic rose gold accents and adjustable head strap are great too.
Pros: speedy session time | treats everything from acne and pigmentation to signs of ageing
Cons: rigidity of mask may be uncomfortable for some
Read on for more of the best LED face mask reviews, tested by the Vogue team.
Why it’s Vogue approved:
Another cult release from CurrentBody, this eye mask offers 80 professional-strength LEDs – including amber (605nm), red (633nm), deep red (660nm) and near-infrared (830nm) – to create a powerful, targeted treatment for the area around your eyes. Clinically proven to hit the deeper layers of your skin to ramp up collagen production, you can expect improvement in dark circles, eye bags, crow’s feet and brow furrows. Don’t take our word for it: countless celebrity make-up artists swear by this mask for a pre-red carpet boost.
Pros: Good price | good for concentrated use | hands-free | combines 4 LED wavelengths | professional-strength
Cons: can’t be used for the whole face
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 4-6 weeks (the brand recommends using the mask 3-5 times a week for 4-6 weeks to see best results.)
Pros: good for travel | dermatologist-approved | flexible design
Cons: does not include blue LED light
Why it’s Vogue approved:
Every time Beauty Pie’s LED mask is restocked it sells out within a matter of hours – and we can certainly see why. Made from a pro-grade, youth-boosting silicone, 98 per cent of people who trialled the mask for 12 treatments said their skin felt firmer, while 96 per cent said their fine lines were less visible. Quick and easy to use, all you need to do is secure the mask using the adjustable straps, connect the mask to the controller and switch “on”. Simple.
Pros: easy to use | comfortable to wear
Cons: some users report skin flaking or peeling, but this should clear within a few days
Why it’s Vogue approved:
The best LED masks are those that emit energy which is both targeted and effective enough to deliver results. Aesthetic doctor and surgeon Dr Maryam Zamani has expertly designed this device to do just that: it adheres to the skin for targeted coverage via hydrocolloid patches, and employs light at depths that have been clinically proven to trigger a healing response in the dermis. Comfortable and easy to fit into a demanding schedule, this is the mask of choice for dark circles, crow’s feet and fine lines all over the face, with a handy travel pouch for a refreshed appearance anywhere and anytime your skin needs a boost.
Pros: easy to use | quick and customisable treatment time | compact, packs easily and is flight-friendly | hydrocolloid patches can be left on the skin following the end of the LED session for even more hydration
Cons: a new hydrocolloid patch must be used each time, so you’ll need to stock up once you run out
Why it’s Vogue approved: Backed by scientific research and third-party clinical studies, TheraBody’s latest LED device has been proven to deliver firmer, brighter skin in just nine minutes a day. Lined with a massive 648 bulbs, it administers 3-minute cycles of red, near-infrared and blue light in each session, and is the only LED mask to feature cranial massage for enhanced relaxation. We also love the anti-glare shield that slots into the eye holes on this mask. Where most have blackout goggles that limit your movement, this is a mask that lets you multitask – perfect for busy professionals.
Pros: brief, convenient treatment time | flex design ensures full coverage of LED light on all the facial contours | eye shields allow you to see while you wear it | hands-free | toggle button to opt in or out of massage
Cons: no nasal opening – can be slightly uncomfortable if positioned incorrectly
“I’ve tried nearly every LED mask on the market, but in my opinion, none compare to Therabody’s newest addition. It delivers the trifecta: quick treatment time, full face coverage, and best of all, relaxing massage. Nodules at the temples and through the head strap provide nine minutes of utter bliss, which you can switch on and off during your LED treatment or use alone for tension relief. What’s more, the bulbs cycle through red, near infrared and blue light in a single, streamlined session, so it’s a no-faff way to target fine lines, dull skin and acne that the time-poor will love.” - Tracy Achonwa, beauty commerce writer
Why it’s Vogue approved: Modestly priced compared to its counterparts, Sensse Pro's mask is our pick for accessible LED therapy. 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 yellow and purple treatment modes, you benefit from lymphatic drainage and brightened blemishes too.
Pros: purifies, rejuvenates and repairs skin as well as addressing signs of ageing | slim and lightweight silicone is comfortable to wear, plus easy to wipe clean after each use | doesn’t break the bank
Cons: needs patient, consistent use over several months to see the best results
Why it’s Vogue approved: Many LED devices are marketed as “bringing the clinic home”, but this is one that lives up to those claims. A powerful, medical-grade brand favoured by top phototherapy facialists, the Dermalux Flex has been attenuated for safe home use by non-trained professionals. It still delivers salon results, though, with a whopping 360 lights configured to clinically proven wavelengths for targeting acne, ageing and even muscle aches. We love that it can be placed above face and body for all over rejuvenation, as does Kate Moss, who’s also a fan of this device.
Pros: powerful with a high number of clinical strength bulbs | can be used all over the body
Cons: it’s an investment, but if you use it enough, it’s worth it
Why it’s Vogue approved: Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by an impressive 35 percent 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 ensures light covers every area of the face. It’s a yes from us.
Pros: boosts collagen with red LEDs and Near Infrared | silicone comfortably flexes to the contours of your face | great for brightening skin
facial bed salon Cons: does not include blue LED light