Person lying on a pillow with a white LED red light therapy face mask covering their face.

Top 7 LED Light Therapy Face Masks

Evaluated by top doctors, dermatologists, and research scientists

Skincare isn’t just about products anymore - it’s about technology. As people look for treatments that are safer, more effective, and more personalized, the industry has moved toward solutions backed by real clinical research.

What was once reserved for doctor or dermatologist settings is slowly becoming accessible at home. Treatments that support skin healing, boost radiance, and improve overall skin function are no longer out of reach.

Among these innovations, one has gained particular attention from dermatologists and researchers alike - a gentle, non-invasive approach that helps the skin perform at its best. It’s called LED light therapy, and it’s changing how we think about daily skincare.

🧑‍🚀 Did you know?

LED therapy didn’t start in beauty. NASA researchers first discovered it's incredible benefits for wound healing and tissue repair, long before the skincare world discovered its anti-aging and calming benefits.

Technology astronauts used in space is now available in our own homes!

You may have heard that blue light helps with acne while red light supports anti-aging, and both are true - each wavelength interacts with the skin in a specific, purposeful way. And despite how futuristic these masks may look, they’re not delivering anything harmful; there’s no UV exposure involved.

But with so many LED masks claiming powerful results, it’s natural to wonder what’s real. Do at-home devices deliver meaningful benefits? How exactly does light therapy work? And is it worth investing in a pricier device, or will a basic one do?

Before choosing a mask, it’s helpful to understand what the research shows - and how different wavelengths affect your skin.

Scientist in a lab coat and blue gloves using a pipette with a red LED light panel and microscope on the table.

What Is Light Therapy - Why Does It Work?

Here’s the thing: LED light therapy isn’t a trend. It’s real science that finally made its way into everyday skincare. It's been around for 30+ years!

LED therapy was used in medical settings - for wound healing, calming inflammation, and supporting tissue repair. Over time, dermatologists adopted it. And now, thanks to safer and more affordable technology, it’s something people can use at home a few times per week.

But what is it?

Light therapy uses gentle, non-UV light in different colors to give your skin cells extra energy so they can repair themselves, produce more collagen, calm inflammation, and stay healthier overall.

When your skin cells are operating at their best, you get so many improvements: pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, breakouts, under eye bags, psoriasis, inflammation, and overall skin health.
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Your skin already responds to light every day (just think about how sunlight affects mood and sleep). LED therapy takes that idea and applies it in a controlled, therapeutic way using wavelengths that have been studied for decades.

The benefits go deeper than your skin and collagen. LED light therapy doesn’t just help your skin—it can also be good for your mood. Many people say that even short sessions under LED lights make them feel happier and less stressed.

Here’s why: LED light helps your body make more ATP, which gives your cells energy, and it can raise your serotonin levels—the chemical that helps boost your mood.

Scientist in a white coat and blue gloves using a pipette on a petri dish under red LED lights with a microscope nearby.

Results Build Up Over Time

LED light therapy isn’t a quick fix-it’s something that works best over time. Think of it like putting money in a savings account: the more consistent you are, the bigger the results. Short, regular sessions add up and create real changes in your skin.

Smiling female dermatologist with curly hair wearing a white coat and blue shirt in a clinical setting.

“LED light therapy is surprisingly flexible. Whether you’re trying to calm breakouts or smooth fine lines, there’s a specific light made to target that.”

- Dr. Nadine Zimmerman, Dermatologist

Smiling middle-aged male doctor with gray hair, black glasses, and white coat in an office with a framed diploma on the wall.

“LED therapy isn’t only about what you see on the surface. It uses specific light wavelengths that work with your cells to support healthier, more active skin from within.”

- Dr. Alex Mohanian, Board Plastic Surgeon

Smiling woman with long curly red hair wearing a white lab coat embroidered with 'Dr. Kazickas Plastic Surgeon.'

“Before considering more invasive treatments like injections, I recommend my clients try LED light first to tackle their skin concerns. It boosts your cells and ensures they are working optimally.”

- Dr. Emily Kazickas, Internal Medicine

Here is what we recommend

Person wearing a pink LED light therapy facial mask labeled SOLAWAVE with orange light glowing around the nose and mouth openings.

#1 Best Overall

Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro Mask

The Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro Mask is designed for people who want meaningful results with minimal effort. It uses a combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths to help boost collagen, soften fine lines, and improve overall skin firmness. The mask fits comfortably, covers the entire face evenly, and delivers a treatment strong enough to support visible improvements within weeks. It’s one of the most complete and effective at-home LED masks for long-term skin health.

Pros:

Powerful red + NIR wavelengths for true anti-aging benefits

No gap coverage for even, consistent results

Lightweight, comfortable design that encourages regular use

Strong clinical grounding behind its LED technology

Only 3 min treatment

Cons:

Requires consistent weekly use for best results

Not the cheapest mask

Get 50% Off at Solawave.co

Red and gold LED facial mask with textured surface and a black label reading 'FAQ' at the top center.

Most Futuristic Looking

FAQ 202 – Face Mask

The FAQ 202 Mask is a sleek, high-tech device built for users who want a customizable LED experience. It offers multiple wavelengths and adjustable intensities so you can tailor each session to your skin’s needs. While the design is striking and the technology advanced, its higher price and learning curve mean it’s best suited for skincare enthusiasts.

Pros:

Multiple wavelengths for targeted treatments

Adjustable intensity settings

Premium feel

Cons:

Expensive compared to similar devices

Not as beginner-friendly

Not as much clinical data

Shop on Foreo

MULTIPURPOSE MASK

Shark CryoGlow LED face mask with a wired remote control, wireless earbuds, a drawstring storage pouch, and a charging adapter.

Shark Cryoglow Mask

The Shark Cryoglow combines LED therapy with cooling elements to help calm inflammation and refresh the skin. It’s especially appealing for users who deal with redness, puffiness, or heat sensitivity. While the experience feels luxurious, the LED output is less robust than dedicated anti-aging masks.

Pros:

Combines cooling + LED for soothing, spa-like treatments

Great for calming redness and puffiness

Unique (though unclear if effective)

Cons:

LED intensity is not as strong as other devices

Better for soothing than for deep anti-aging

Under eye area (super important) are covered by cooling pads

Shop on Shark.com

BEST HARD SHELL MASK

White Ulike LED face mask with red light therapy, adjustable head straps, USB charging cable, control unit, and a small beige storage pouch.

Ulike ReGlow LED Mask

The Ulike ReGlow Mask offers a solid balance of affordability and performance. It features red and blue wavelengths to support both anti-aging and acne-prone skin, making it a versatile option for mixed concerns. While the build quality is good for the price, the mask may not provide the deeper benefits of more premium devices.

Pros:

Versatile wavelengths for aging + acne

Affordable compared to premium masks

Lightweight and easy to use

Cons:

Lower LED density

Results may take longer compared to stronger devices

Materials quality likely won't last as long

Shop on Ulike

Avorla LED light therapy facial mask with a white perforated design and adjustable strap, displayed beside its textured white storage case.

BEST BUDGET MASK

Avorla LED Mask

The Avorla LED Mask is a budget-friendly option for beginners who want to experiment with LED therapy without a large investment. It includes basic wavelengths and offers a simple, no-frills experience that supports general skin maintenance. While it delivers value, it won’t match the power or depth of higher-end masks.

Pros:

Very affordable entry point

Simple, straightforward operation

Good for light maintenance

Cons:

Lower intensity LEDs

Limited advanced features

Shop on Avorla

Which one is right for you?

It really depends on your situation.

If you’re looking for the combination of proven results, accessible pricing, comfortable fit, and minimal treatment time, we strongly suggest the Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro. If you struggle with melasma, none of these options are a guaranteed fit for you. Consult your doctor first. If you have dark, melanated skin, we recommend consulting your doctor as well.

And lastly, if you have the space (and a $5,000 budget), and want to treat your entire body each time, we recommend the EXESAS 5040-PRO panel.

Smiling female doctor with long blonde hair wearing a white coat embroidered with 'Dr. Winbrook Plastic Surgeon'.

About the author

I am a clinician-researcher with a strong interest in evidence-based, noninvasive treatments that support skin health and overall wellness. Her work focuses on the clinical applications of light-based therapies, exploring how emerging technologies can be safely integrated into patient care. Through her writing for the Light Therapy Institute, she aims to translate current research into clear, practical insights for both practitioners and the broader public.

Studies and citations

Lee SY, Park KH, Choi JW, et al. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and split-face clinical study on LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation… Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 2007;88:51–67. (Supports: LED red/NIR-style phototherapy improving wrinkles/skin rejuvenation outcomes.)
Bhat J, Birch J, Whitehurst C, Lanigan SW. A single-blinded randomised controlled study to determine the efficacy of Omnilux Revive facial treatment in skin rejuvenation. Lasers in Medical Science. 2005;20:6–10. doi:10.1007/s10103-005-0330-5. (Supports: at-home LED improving skin rejuvenation measures vs control.)
Baez F, Reilly LR. The use of light-emitting diode therapy in the treatment of photoaged skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2007;6(3):189–194. (Supports: LED therapy improving signs of photoaging.)
Sadick NS. A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light-emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2008;7(4):263–267. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00404.x. (Supports: visible/NIR LED improving photoaging parameters.)
Papageorgiou P, Katsambas A, Chu A. Phototherapy with blue (415 nm) and red (660 nm) light in the treatment of acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology. 2000;142(5):973–978. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03481.x. (Supports: blue±red light improving acne lesions with minimal short-term adverse effects.)
Systematic Review: Blue-Light Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of Family Medicine. 2019;17(6):545–553. (Supports: overall evidence that blue-light-based therapies reduce acne severity vs comparators; summarizes adverse events.)
Cohen M, Austin E, Masub N, Kurtti A, George C, Jagdeo J. Home-based devices in dermatology: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2022;314(3):239–246. (Supports: safety/efficacy overview of home-use devices including LEDs.)
Glass GE. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2021;41(6):723–738. doi:10.1093/asj/sjab025. (Supports: mechanism + clinical trial landscape for red/NIR PBM in skin rejuvenation/acne; discusses safety/limitations.)
[2025 RCT, Yellow + Red + Infrared] Efficacy and safety of 570/590 nm yellow light combined with red light and infrared LED in treating facial skin photoaging: a randomized controlled exploratory study. Lasers in Medical Science. 2025;40:Article 435. (Supports: multi-wavelength LED improving wrinkles/texture/brown spots; reports safety.)
[Male mask study] Male facial rejuvenation using a combination 633, 830, and 1072 nm LED face mask. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2023. (Supports: red/NIR LED mask associated with improvements in wrinkles/texture/UV spots/brown spots and notes favorable safety profile.)

The Light Therapy Institute is an educational resource for individuals interested in skin health, dermatology, and evidence-based skincare technologies. Our content is intended for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Some links on this site are affiliate links to partners like companies and amazon, and we may be compensated if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. This compensation helps support our work and allows us to keep our content accessible to the public.