Find your perfect fit with our guide to light therapy at home
Reducing the appearance of fine lines, calming redness, treating acne, promoting collagen production and smoothing skin, LED face masks are the clever – and impressive – tech tools taking skincare to the next level. Read on to learn more about how LED works, and our most sought-after at-home masks.
How do LED face masks work?
Low-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers are applied directly to the skin for a set time via a rigid face mask. It’s a non-invasive, low-level light treatment that usually uses red light therapy, often combined with different types of light, for a range of skincare benefits.
What is red light therapy?
Red and near-infrared wavelengths can enhance skin’s cell function and promote rejuvenation. With sustained use, the benefits of red light therapy include promoting healing, reducing inflammation, acne treatment and stimulating circulation. Results aren’t instant – it can take weeks to see them – so you’ll need to be both patient and consistent.
Best overall LED face mask: myBlend myLEDmask2
Supported by six clinical studies, myLEDmask2 is among the most scientifically validated LED masks on the market. Combining continuous red light and pulsed near-infrared light to stimulate the skin’s repair mechanisms, use it every two days and you should start seeing results in eight weeks.
Best LED face mask for quick sessions: Therabody TheraFace
Designed with three times more LEDs than its competitors (a whopping 648, to be specific), the cordless TheraFace is The One for maximum efficacy in the shortest amount of time. Tailor it to your skin’s needs using one of the three-minute treatments or, when time allows, use the nine-minute preset.
Best portable LED mask: The Light Salon Boost, £395
Crafted from soft, medical-grade silicone, this LED mask is super lightweight and portable, making it a winner if you travel a lot. Suitable for all skin types, it delivers red 633nm and near-infrared 830nm wavelengths to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve hydration, even skin tone and boost skin regeneration.
Best LED face mask for acne: Shark CryoGlow, £299
This best-selling, professional-grade LED mask, with a dedicated Blemish Repair mode, delivers powerful results; we were super impressed when we tried it. As well as noticeably brighter and blemish-free skin, the innovative under-eye cooling technology helps to soothe and de-puff for full-face renewal.
Best LED face mask for mature skin: FOREO FAQ™ 202, £719
This 7-light LED mask also includes NIR (near-infrared wavelengths) to target fine lines, sun spots, wrinkles and sagging. Connect to the FAQ™ 202 app for pre-programmed facial treatments that use cutting-edge skin-sensing tech to adjust intensity or, alternatively, customise your own.
Best value LED face mask: TheraFace Glo Cordless, £299
Combining red, infrared and blue light therapy via 504 medical-grade LEDs, plus a relaxing scalp massage, this full-face treatment is great value, gives ‘spa-day’ vibes and delivers glowing skin. Use every other day for 12 minutes to see results in as little as eight weeks.
What’s the best light therapy for the body?
If you’re already a light therapy convert for your face, the latest tech makes it even easier to get a fix for your body. Flowlife’s portable Flowlight Red Light Therapy Panel delivers focused, high-density light for recovery and cellular repair. While the premium Flowsauna Elite Solo Infrared Recovery Cabin is engineered to help athletes recover, using targeted heat to relieve muscle tension.
