The 9 Best LED Face Masks to Address Acne, Fine Lines, and More

Better skin without putting on pants? That's the beauty of the best LED face masks, which deliver LED light therapy in the form of convenient, at-home skin-care devices. With the press of a button, you can get the benefits of LED—which range from reducing acne to quelling inflammation—in your own home, no appointment necessary.

Our Top Picks

• Best LED Mask Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
• Best Vibrating LED Mask: Therabody TheraFace Mask, $599
• Best Red Light: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, $349
• Best Blue Light: Solawave Wrinkle & Acne Clearing Light Therapy Mask, $399
• Best for Face and Neck: Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask, $1,900
• Best Budget: Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask, $99
• Best for Post-Procedure Care: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask, $495

A quick intro for those unfamiliar: LED stands for "light emitting diode," meaning it emits wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. "At the cellular level, energy from the light gets absorbed by mitochondria," says Michelle Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City. Mitochondria, as you might remember from biology class, is the powerhouse of the cell and provides energy to fuel cell functions.

By providing light to the mitochondria, LED treatment "triggers biochemical reactions that ultimately lead to beneficial effects on the skin, such as fibroblast proliferation and collagen production," Dr. Park explains. Fibroblasts are cells that produce connective structures like collagen and elastin, which serve as the scaffolding within skin—so increasing their numbers can translate to more of those important fibers and, in turn, smoother, firmer skin.

Check out our FAQs for a detailed breakdown of LED and how it works, or keep scrolling for the best LED face masks to invest in.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of LED lights?
• What are the different types of LED Lights?
• How often should you use an LED mask?
• Who should avoid using LED lights?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best LED Mask Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Why it's worth it: A 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, the FDA-cleared (that's the Federal Drug Administration, by the way) Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro stands out for its offering of not one, not two, but three different forms of LED light (red and blue light therapy, as well as a purple option that combines both) allowing you to address acne, signs of aging, or both. "I tested this after a long flight and found that it helped with both my hormonal breakouts and with the effects of jetlag, plane air, and sheer exhaustion," says Allure contributor Deanna Pai. "And, since I have a kid, the three-minute treatment time was a major plus." The hands-free, cordless design—which stays put via an adjustable head strap—makes it convenient to work into your daily routine.

Tester feedback: "When I started using the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro about six months ago, I didn't have high hopes because, to me, topical treatments can do way more way faster than LED lights—but boy, was I wrong," market shopping editor Angela Trakoshis says. "Since I've started, I've seen improvement in the elasticity in my skin (thanks to the blue light) and the acne flare-ups I'm prone to (shoutout to the red light). The device even offers purple light therapy, a combination of both lights, to tackle wrinkles and pimples."

Editor's tip: Complement the results of the LED with the brand's Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum, which also took home a Best of Beauty Award in 2023 for its collagen-boosting properties—courtesy of a whopping 15% ascorbic acid.

Product highlights: three treatment modes, cordless design, adjustable head strap, and automatic shut-off after three minutes.

Best Vibrating LED Mask: Therabody TheraFace Mask

Why it's worth it: TheraBody is known for its percussive tools, which knead and melt tension in your muscles, so it's little surprise that the brand would apply the same benefits to the TheraFace Mask. It supplements two types of LED lights with a subtle vibration, which massages pressure points on the face and scalp to reduce stress and enhance circulation. Depending on the setting you choose, the treatment can last anywhere from three to nine minutes. For a more concentrated treatment—or if you want something a step up from vibrations—try the TheraFace Pro, which offers microcurrent, percussive therapy, and LED light attachments.

Tester feedback: "The vibrations are my favorite feature and really make this device stand out—there's nothing like a 10-minute head massage to wind down after a long day of staring at screens," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "I'm bad at consistently using devices but always find an excuse to use my TheraFace. I also really like the protective eye shields because they feel like added protection against the lights—so I feel better scrolling on TikTok while the mask does all of the work."

Product highlights: three treatment modes, cordless design, removable protective eye shields, and includes a storage stand.

Best Red Light LED Mask: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask

Why it's worth it: Unlike other LED light therapy masks, the HigherDose Red Light Face Mask pairs red LED light therapy with near-infrared light to reduce redness and pigmentation, stimulate collagen production, minimize the appearance of fine lines, encourage healing, and even boost your mood. (Think of it as sunlight, but without the heat or UV radiation.) The medical-grade silicone mask is easy to clean, and you can choose between 10-minute or 20-minute treatment sessions. Use this before applying sunscreen in the morning or after cleansing your skin before bed, since SPF can prevent the light from delivering results.

Tester feedback: "I like how flexible and lightweight it is compared to TheraFace—if I need to do chores around the apartment, I'll slide this on and get to work," Han says. "The back straps are super sturdy and ensure everything stays in place without tugging on my skin or hair. I also like that there are 10- and 20-minute modes—if I've had a particularly stressful day, I'll go up to 20 minutes, and I do notice my skin looks less dull after the longer session."

Product highlights: two programming options, automatic shut-off after 10 or 20 minutes, cordless design, and medical-grade silicone.

More Masks We Love

Best LED Spot Treatment: Omnilux Mini Blemish Eraser

Why it's worth it: The targeted answer to full-face LED devices, the Omnilux Mini Blemish Eraser is an LED mask for specific breakouts; its small, compact size allows it to zap acne-causing bacteria and treat specific, inflamed pimples or breakouts. The light therapy device includes both blue and red LED lights, as well as hydrocolloid patches (a.k.a. pimple patches) that grip the device to your skin, making it effectively hands-free. "I like that Omnilux has red light for anti-inflammation and infrared for collagen production," says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City. The included hydrocolloid patches offer zit-shrinking properties, too, since they're infused with salicylic acid and green tea extract.

Editor's tip: If you want to go all-out, Dr. Kim recommends the Omnilux Contour Face for skin rejuvenation, which employs both red and near-infrared lights. "It's flexible to fit your face shape and size," he notes.

Product highlights: cordless design, silicone, and comes with 14 hydrocolloid patches.

Best LED Mask for Fine Lines: Currentbody Skin LED Mask

Why it's worth it: A favorite among celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Suki Waterhouse, the Currentbody LED Mask has a comfortably snug fit—courtesy of a patented form of silicone—and offers a combination of red and near-infrared light. As a result, it can target fine lines, redness, and uneven skin tone and texture with ease. Unlike other options, it also has patented "pillow" technology that evenly distributes light, ensuring every bit of skin is covered and treated. (Heads up: This device only has a single 10-minute-long treatment mode.)

Editor's tip: If this looks familiar, you might have seen Emily Cooper wearing it on Netflix's Emily in Paris. Très chic!

Product highlights: one treatment option, patented silicone, and automatic shut-off after 10 minutes.

Best Affordable LED Mask: Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask

Why it's worth it: Many LED masks require an investment, but the Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask is the exception, clocking in at just double digits. Yet it doesn't require compromising, offering blue (targets acne), red (minimizes redness and inflammation), and orange light therapy (stimulates circulation and targets dullness). Plus, it's cordless. That said, it has to be worn for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes at a time to deliver results, meaning it's more time-consuming than other options.

Editor's tip: Skin Gym also offers other tools to round out your skin-care routine; the brand is behind some of our favorite reusable undereye masks and jade rollers.

Product highlights: one treatment mode and cordless design.

Best LED Mask for Face and Neck: Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask

Why it's worth it: Inspired by the light therapy she uses in her facials, celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden created the Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask as a way to offer those benefits wherever, whenever. It offers red and near-infrared lights as well as blue lights to target acne-causing bacteria and is the only mask on this list to include a separate neckpiece. Each treatment session is 10 minutes long.

Editor's tip: If a nearly $2,000 LED mask isn't in the cards (or your budget), consider Darden's Triple Acid Signature Peel. "After a night of beauty sleep, my skin tone looked more even and smoother—it also felt and looked hydrated and supple," said our tester.

Product highlights: three treatment modes, adjustable head strap, neckpiece, handheld controller, and comes with a storage bag.

Best LED Mask for Post-Procedure Care: The Light Salon Boost LED Mask

Why it's worth it: Developed by the UK-based The Light Salon—a salon that offers a variety of LED, nanodermabrasion, and microneedling treatings—the Boost LED Mask has encapsulated the professional-level treatments in an at-home device. The 10-minute-long treatments use red wavelengths to reduce inflammation, while the near-infrared rays trigger collagen production and fade discoloration. The silicone mask comes with optional eye shields and a separate controller.

Editor's tip: Experts say that this is a good option to help skin recover after a laser treatment. The low-down: "Near-infrared bulbs enhance the mask's anti-inflammatory, circulation-boosting, and healing potential, with one study indicating a likely increase in collagen and elastin formation and another study theorizing how," as we previously reported.

Product highlights: one treatment mode, optional eye shields, adjustable head strap, and handheld controller.

Best Customizable LED Mask: MZ Skin Golden Light Therapy Treatment Mask Device

Why it's worth it: MZ Skin's Golden Light Therapy Treatment Mask Device looks a bit spookier than the competition—but it's worth scaring your roommate. The mask uses a whopping five colors of LED light to address a host of concerns: Red light improves skin elasticity and inflammation, blue light tackles blemishes, green light calms skin and evens skin tone, yellow light enhances circulation, and white light encourages skin repair. The treatments are anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes and customizable: You can choose a single light or pick several depending on your concerns.

Editor's tip: The mask doesn't come with eye protectors, so you may want to cover your eyes with cotton pads to protect them from exposure.

Product highlights: five LED light options, adjustable head strap, and handheld remote.

Best Blue Light LED Mask: Solawave Wrinkle & Acne Clearing Light Therapy Mask

Why it's worth it: The Solawave Wrinkle & Bacteria Clearing Light Therapy Mask keeps things simple with two options: wrinkle-fighting red light and acne-zapping blue light. The flexible mask is easy to fit and adjust, and its lightweight feel prevents it from sliding down while you wear it. Each treatment session is 10 minutes, too.

Editor's tip: For a portable version, the brand's Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand might be worth a shot. Keep in mind that a small device like this only has seven red LED lightbulbs, compared to the LED face mask's plentiful array (though the exact number is undisclosed), so the results will be way more subtle. That being said, "The heat setting on the device may encourage improved penetration of ingredients in serums applied to the skin during use of the Solawave device, and the massage setting may help reduce swelling by encouraging lymphatic drainage," says New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, of MDCS Dermatology.

Product highlights: two treatment modes, adjustable head strap, handheld remote, optional eye shields, and automatic shut-off after 10 minutes.

Best LED Mask for Puffiness: Angela Caglia Crystal LED Face Mask

Why it's worth it: Do you need an LED face mask infused with rose-quartz crystals? Probably not. But the Angela Caglia Crystal LED Face Mask makes a good case for trying one anyway; the eponymous celebrity aesthetician is known for using the gem in her treatments and tools. It offers red and blue LED lights built into the flexible silicone that molds to your face. Compared to other designs, it has more generously sized holes so you can sip coffee, catch up on reading, or doomscroll while you wear it. The quartz is innately cooling, which can help take down puffiness, and the treatment time tops out at 10 minutes. P.S. We're also big fans of Angela Caglia's Skincare Rosebud Eye Treatment, which tones down puffiness manually. Another perk: A pair costs a more affordable $65.

Tester feedback: "Angela Caglia's mask is extremely flexible, so it hugs every nook and cranny of my face with its combination of red and near-infrared lights," says commerce writer Jen Hussein. It's also wireless, so I can wander around my home while my 10-minute session is going on. I give this mask bonus points for its larger mouth opening—what can I say, I'm a girl who loves to eat, and I don't want a bulky mask that gets in the way."

Product highlights: adjustable head strap, medical-grade silicone, optional eye shields, and automatic shut-off after 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the light color—the most commonly used lights in LED masks are red and blue. "Red and near-infrared are great for wound healing and increasing collagen production to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness," says Dr. Park, who notes that those with rosacea and redness may also take advantage of their anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, "blue light is used for acne, as it targets the bacteria that causes acne," Dr. Park notes.

"[Red light therapy can] stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and increase blood circulation, so it is primarily used for [fine lines and wrinkles] and wound healing," Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. (In other words, it's ideal for addressing signs of sun damage.)

Blue LED lights, meanwhile, are often used as an in-office acne treatment, as they're able to kill the bacteria on breakout-prone skin types. Green light can address hyperpigmentation and dark spots as well as brighten skin. (While there are other, lesser-known LED light colors, such as yellow and purple, red and blue LED are backed up by clinical studies, which is why you can often find them alone or even paired together in these beauty tools.)

Your LED mask will come with a recommendation for how long (and how often) to use it to see and maintain results. Generally speaking, though, Dr. Park says that you can usually notice a difference if you use an LED mask three to five times a week for 10 minutes at a time. But again, she says, "You should check the manufacturer's recommended usage of your particular mask."

People with heart disease and those who are pregnant and breastfeeding should check with their doctor before using at-home skin-care devices, LED lights included. And for LED light masks in particular, you should skip them if you have "a seizure disorder, epilepsy, or a condition that causes sensitivity to light like lupus or migraines triggered by light," says Dr. Park. She also recommends passing on them if you take a photosensitizing medication like doxycycline or isotretinoin, both of which can be prescribed for acne.

Otherwise, these gadgets don't have serious side effects.

• Michelle Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City.
• Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City.
• David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City and founder of Lightsaver.
• Snehal Amin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City.

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Interested in learning more about at-home devices? We've got you:

• The Best Skin-Care Tools and Devices to Try at Home
• 9 Skin-Care Devices Dermatologists Actually Use at Home
• Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2023: Best Tools for Hair, Makeup, and Skin

Done reading? Now, watch Sydney Sweeney's 10-minute beauty routine for sensitive skin:

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