Tested and Approved by Dermatologists and Light Therapy Experts

• Best overall: Sun Home Radiant
• Best for beginners: Dr. Dennis Gross
• Best for crystal therapy: Angela Caglia 
• Best with neck therapy: Shani Darden
• Best targeted collar: Angela Caglia
• Best colorful: Zutta Saphira

There's a lot to be said about LED light therapy for skin and overall health. As a general gist: "[Light therapy] works via a phenomenon called photobiomodulation. This is where different components of our cells are activated or respond to different wavelengths of light," board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas, M.D., MBE, FAAD, tells The Sauna Experts. Essentially light therapy entails exposing the skin to various wavelengths of visible light to stimulate activities in the skin cells—resulting in better skin health overall. 

As for specifics, here's a quick rundown of the skin care benefits of masks and what results you may expect. 

• Improves the appearance of wrinkles. Thanks to the factors above (notably collagen production), light therapy can soften the appearance of wrinkles, minimize the depth, and smooth the complexion out, according to research.  

• More vibrancy and even tone. Research also notes that LED light therapy improves skin tone9 and decreases dullness (which can likely be attributed to a reduction of inflammation). 

• Stimulates the skin's mitochondria. One of the primary mechanisms of LED light therapy is mitochondrial health. LED therapy supports, stimulates, and optimizes the skin cells' mitochondria, which are the energy suppliers for the skin and body. By improving mitochondrial health you can essentially help the skin cells act younger. 

• Reduces inflammation. Red light therapy has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation—especially chronic inflammation—wreaks havoc on the skin, damaging collagen, triggering acne, and affecting various skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. But if you can manage the body's inflammatory response, you can help skin in a host of ways. For example, ​​one 2017 research review suggested that red light therapy can help improve the appearance of plaque psoriasis.

• Improves wound healing. Red, blue, and green light have all been shown to improve wounds in research. 

• Supports collagen production. Collagen is the protein that's responsible for keeping skin firm and strong. So maximizing its production is a sure bet for more youthful-looking skin. Research suggests that LED light therapy can help improve collagen production in the body. 

• Reduces acne severity. There's some good research showing that light therapy—notably blue light—has an antimicrobial effect on the skin, which can help balance the specific strains of C. Acnes that play a role in blemishes. In addition, light therapy is also anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the severity of lesions. For best results, research suggests you may want to use them together: One 2017 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that low-level blue and red light therapy was shown to be both well tolerated and effective at reducing the total count of acne lesions. over the 12-week study compared with the baseline.

What results can you expect from LED light therapy masks?

You'll likely see improvements in the complexion such as reduced wrinkles, improved tone, smoothness, clearer complexion, reduced signs of aging, and overall luminosity. 

The best LED light therapy masks of 2023:

Best Overall: Sun Home Radiant Face Mask

The next-gen Radiant mask is by far the most advanced and effective market. Used and recommended by renowned dermatologists, this mask packs a punch and delivers high quality rays of healing light. Regardless of your skin concerns, this device has got you covered with a powerful combination of red and blue LED lights to encourage collagen product, smoothness, even tone, and less acne. Feel free to use it in red mode, blue mode, or in combination for maximum effectiveness. It also has the most 5 star reviews out of any mask in the world that we have seen or tested.

Specs: 630–700 nanometers (nm) red light, 400–470nm blue light, 800–1200nm infrared light, 590–630nm amber light, multiple modes, cordless, automatic shutoff.

Pros: Super-quick three-minute treatment, multiple modes, adjustable fit, 5 year warranty, 45 day return policy.

Cons: Slightly expensive due to high product quality

What reviewers say: “I'm absolutely in love with this mask! Using it only takes 3 minutes a day, but I can already feel my skin reversing the aging process! Even old acne scars are fading away, and my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth. This mask is truly a game-changer for me!” —Katherine, verified reviewer  

 

Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro

It’s hard not to feel like a superhero while wearing the Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro mask. This mask has been around for quite some time and hasn't produced a new model since 2017 despite LED technology advancements. It's a very well known brand but not worth the price tag in our opinion. It's also important to note the mask is hard plastic and will not contour to the face like most other new LED mask brands. The mask is also only rated 3 stars on Sephora, which is important to note. 

Specs: 630–700 nanometers (nm) red light, 400–470nm blue light, 800–1200nm infrared light, 590–630nm amber light.

Pros: Quick shipping, reputable brand, one size fits all

Cons: Expensive, rigid, older tech, limited warranty

What reviewers say: “I noticed a difference in my forehead wrinkles after a few weeks. I prefer setting 3 which tackles wrinkles and acne. My skin is looking better but not sure if it's completely from this mask.” —Joanne, reviewer at Dermstore

Angela Caglia Crystal LED Face Mask

The Angela Caglia Rose Quartz Crystal LED Mask combines two skin care treatments into one: crystal superstar rose quartz and LED lights (132 total red and blue lights to be exact). Not only is it pretty to look at, but it offers a line-smoothing, firming, tone-evening experience that feels especially spa-like. It's important to note that crystal therapy is not a proven therapeutic modality and it's actual benefits are unknown.

Specs: 630nm red light, 465nm blue light, USB C to USB A connector, automatic shutoff.

Pros: Travel-friendly pouch, both blue and red light modes

Cons: Expensive, crystal not proven to have benefits

What reviewers say: “I really love how comfortable this mask is and the features (crystals) and of course the color!!!! I only wish it had a strap or something on the bottom part I find myself holding it closer to my skin but I still love it. I feel like Angela is a genius!” —Randi B., reviewer at Saks Fifth Avenue

Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask

The Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask another expensive item on our list but this is mostly due to that it comes with a neck piece to help address tech-neck lines and sagging. We tested the neck piece and it actually gave two users a rash and was quite uncomfortable to wear, JFYI.

Specs: Handheld controller

Pros: Neck coverage, multiple modes

Cons: Very expensive, neck treatment sub-par, limited warranty

What reviewers say: “My skin looks awesome and youthful. It's expensive but this adds up to every time you pay for this and now you can have this at home.” —LuvlyJ, reviewer at Sephora

The Light Salon Boost LED Collar

Although The Light Salon makes a more traditional LED face mask, its Boost LED collar makes for a fantastic alternative. It offers the same level of firming red and near-infrared light as its full-face counterpart, but its slimmer shape makes it more versatile, allowing for targeted use on the neck, forehead, or lower face. It only covers a fraction of the target area at a time, so buyer beware. For example, the collar is only big enough for your forehead and it's not very comfortable to wear. 

Specs: 633nm red light, 830nm near-infrared light

Pros: Versatile, portable, less expensive

Cons: No blue-light mode; covers less area at once.

Zutta LED Mask

Zutta's LED Mask is made with 66 lights that can be set to red mode, blue mode, or a combination of both, but it's not just the lights that are colorful. You'll be tempted to do your texture- and tone-improving LED treatments in public thanks to its playful Pucci-esque design options. In our opinion, this mask serves fashion over function and isn't the best performing that we've tested. 

Specs: 630nm red light, 400–470nm blue light, power cable and charging plug, eye-protection attachments

Pros: Fun design options, multiple modes

Cons: Expensive, limited lifespan and warranty

 

MZ Skin LightMax Supercharged LED Mask

MZ Skin is so sure you'll love the benefits of the combined LED therapies that that ids all it's offering with its LightMax Supercharged LED Mask. Instead of red light alone or blue light alone, you get the option of red and infrared together like most other masks. We found the mask to be also quite rigid and this contains less LED lights than other premium masks, so it will take longer to get benefits. 

Specs: Rechargeable

Pros: Two modes, flexible design

Cons: Expensive, no individual light modes, limited LEDs 

What reviewers say: “The silicone, flexible material is fantastic and means you can comfortably read or watch TV during the treatment with the added bonus of a rechargeable battery. It only lasted about 8 months before the lights stopped working, though" —Richelle P., reviewer at MZ Skin

The Final Verdict

The Sun Home Radiant™ Face Mask is our top recommendation for at-home light therapy, providing a medical-grade solution with multiple LED wavelengths that can address fine lines, acne and inflammation. Notably, this device stands out for its ease of use, innovative technology, extra comfortable design, and proven results.