15 best LED face masks in 2024, tested & reviewed
LED face masks are, without a doubt, one of the most effective skincare gadgets on the market. As a result of LED light therapy becoming mainstream, the best LED face masks use red and near infrared LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) to target a multitude of skin conditions at once. Not only dullness, but acne, dark spots, fine lines, eczema and rosacea. The list goes on.
As has Sofia Richie recently told TikTok that her red light therapy device (the Lyma laser, FYI) is a vital part of her pregnancy skincare routine that has “transformed” her skin in “a week”, while Victoria Beckham, Kourtney Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen have all showed their LED face masks in action on Instagram. Elsewhere, Vasilios Tanis, makeup artist on Madame Web, revealed that Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney both prepped their skin on set with an LED face mask – the CurrentBody LED mask, specifically, which “really made sure breakouts were at a minimum”.
With consistent use, there’s no doubt that the introduction of a light therapy treatment into your skincare routine will result in a glowing complexion. But with so many LED treatment masks on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start. Do LED face masks actually work? Are they safe for home use in untrained hands? Which ones are hands-free? And, erm, what the hell even is LED light therapy? 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? | What skincare products should I use after treatment? | What LED mask do celebrities use? | Full LED face mask reviews | How we tested the LED face masks in this edit.
GLAMOUR'S LED face mask top picks, at a glance:
- Best LED Mask Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, £299
- Best Luxury: DÉESSE Pro LED Phototherapy Mask, £1,440
- Best Budget: BeautyPro LED Mask Device, £195
- Best For Anti-Ageing: Dr Dennis Gross DRX Spectralite Faceware Pro, £465
- Best With Massage Therapy: Theragun TheraFace Mask, £549
- Best For Acne: FAQ™ 202 Silicone Mask, WAS £719 NOW £645
- Best Lightweight: MAGNITONE London Get Lit Tri Colour LED Face Mask, £75
- Best For Face & Body: Dermalux Flex MD, £1,895
- Best LED Eye Mask: MZ Skin Lightmax Minipro Eyeconic LED, £300
How we test LED face masks:
Investing in an LED face mask isn't like picking up a new retinol serum or moisturizer. They’re expensive, so we want you to be able to trust our product reviews.
We aim to test LED face masks for at least a month, over the course of one full skin cycle, where our editors consider performance across four primary categories: results, safety (we ensure they’re FDA-cleared), research and the science behind specific claims, plus value for money. We’ll also consider features like whether they’re wireless, have adjustable straps and come with eye protection, whether they're comfortable and whether they're portable, for example.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Radmila Lukian: Dermatologist at Lucia Clinic.
- Dr Jinah Yoo: Dermatologist at Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology.
Meet the testers:
- Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR Associate Beauty Director.
- Neamh Randall, GLAMOUR Commerce Picture Editor.
- Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR Associate Visuals Editor.
- Lucy Morgan, GLAMOUR Purpose Editor.
What is LED light therapy?
LED 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”, according to Dr Radmila Lukian. 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 – usually represented by a different treatment mode in your device – stimulates a different response. This 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.
Do LED facial masks really work?
Yes – there is a lot of clinical research which suggests that pro LED face masks do work – particularly if you want to boost collagen production in a bid to give structure, strength and elasticity to your skin.
One 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.
What colour LED light do I need?
“The colour of the LED light to use depends on your specific skin concerns,” Dr. Jinah Yoo said.
- Blue light is the bacteria-fighting LED light. It triggers photochemical oxidation in order to kill acne-causing bacteria living on the skin. This makes blue light an excellent choice for those with pimples, eczema or rosacea.
- Red light stimulates our fibroblasts for cell renewal and ATP regeneration.
- Near-Infrared has no colour but it can be used as an anti-inflammatory.
- Amber or yellow light is the least common in at-home devices, working to revitalise the skin, reduce swelling and boost your skin's radiance.
How often should you use an LED face mask?
“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.”
How quickly can I resume my normal skincare routine after an LED light therapy session?
You don't need to avoid skincare products after your session. In fact, using an LED face mask will make your skincare products more effective. Let your skin settle, before continuing with your normal skincare routine after the treatment.
What LED face mask do celebrities use?
Which celebrity do you want to know about? Kourtney Kardashian posted a picture of herself using the DMH Aesthetics Light Shield which retails at $190 and features red, blue and amber LED light, while Suki Waterhouse, Halle Berry, Suki Waterhouse and Cillian Murphy have all endorsed the CurrentBody LED face mask. Elsewhere, Victoria Beckham has shared that she uses The Light Salon Boost Light Therapy Mask, one of GLAMOUR's top picks.
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.