Do LED Face Masks Actually Work Here's What Doctors Say.

Do LED Face Masks Actually Work Here's What Doctors Say.

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©Eli Schmidt

As our beauty editor, I’m often asked by my friends about LED face masks. Do they actually work? The answer is yes, but I see the best results when I commit to using my CurrentBody Skin 2 face mask for 10 minutes, three times a week. These devices use various wavelengths, with red being the most popular option, to boost collagen production for plumper, wrinkle-reducing skin, while blue and green lights target acne and dark spots, says dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD. A 2018 study shows that LED light can even help support wound healing and treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.

And sure, these light therapy tools might resemble the infamous mask from The Phantom Of The Opera, but I don’t mind. The minor trade-off of temporarily looking like I haunt the Paris Opera house is worth it because the results speak for themselves. I’ve been using mine consistently for seven years, and my face is noticeably clearer, even-toned, and radiant.

Best LED Face Masks

While I’ve been a fan of LED face masks since 2018, they can get pricey (think $300 and up). Given the upfront cost, it's important to do your research and find one that will truly tackle your unique skin issues ensuring the investment is worthwhile. If you do, the device will pay for itself, and see your skin through the hormonal acne caused by your period and the fine lines that can affect your skin during menopause.

What To Consider

LED face masks are hands-free, so you can wear one while on your phone, reading, or watching TV. Here’s what to know when purchasing the best LED face mask.

Light Color And Wavelengths

Most at-home red light therapy devices use a mix of red and blue wavelengths. However, each LED shade offers different benefits, so you’ll need to find the right color for the skin concerns you want to treat, says dermatologist Dr. Leah Ansell, MD. Here’s a quick guide:

· Red light smooths wrinkles and improves texture by using wavelengths that range from 630–680 nanometers (nm) to penetrate 8 to 10 mm into the skin for surface-level improvements.

· Near and far-infrared light reaches deeper into the middle layer where wrinkles start. Wavelengths between 700 and 1440 nm boost collagen and elastin for bouncy skin.

· Blue light, which sits between 380 and 500nm, kills acne-causing bacteria, and research shows it helps calm inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. A 2020 study also found that blue light softens raised scarring.

· Green light wavelengths range from 500 to 570 nm and are effective for treating hyperpigmentation and superficial redness, says dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian, MD. It also enhances your skin’s radiance and boasts an anti-inflammatory effect, adds dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, MD.

Number Of Lights

Standardized wavelengths are helpful, but the number of lights is also important, says dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD. A higher concentration of LED bulbs means your entire face is covered for a stronger, even treatment.

Material: Hard Shell vs. Flexible LED Face Masks

Not all LED face masks are built the same.

· Hard-shell styles like the Theraface and Qure are sturdy but fit fewer facial non-Eurocentric features.

· Silicone masks, including MZ Skin, are comfortable and contour to fit most features.

I’ve used both types since 2018, and they are equally easy to clean with hand sanitizing wipes. My favorite light therapy masks are made from flexible materials like silicone, but it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and what you’re more likely to use consistently. Remember, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks to see noticeable results, so you're going to want a face mask you can stick with.

Time Commitment and Frequency

Carving out time for self-care in your busy schedule can sometimes feel like a stretch. Thankfully, these LED face masks require a relatively low time commitment. The popular Dr. Dennis Gross face mask requires only a quick 3-minute daily session for the best results. Others range from 10- to 15-minute sessions for three to five days a week. With such speedy treatment, it’s no wonder the makeup artists for Halle Berry and Carey Mulligan have primped their clients using CurrentBody Skin.

The FDA And LED Masks

LED face masks are usually class II devices. They’re either FDA-listed or FDA-registered, meaning the brand notified the agency about the device. However, this listing doesn’t indicate the products are approved, cleared, or authorized by the agency.

They could also be FDA-cleared, meaning they are similar to other devices that are legally marketed for the same use. Our editors prioritized testing face masks that are either FDA-listed, -registered, or -cleared. And I referenced the FDA database to verify the status of our recommendations.

How We Chose

Here at Women's Health, we love sharing our holy-grail beauty essentials that deliver on their promises, including these LED face masks.

Long-Term Testing

Our team of hard-to-please editors has been testing and reviewing LED face masks for over two years. Since we first published this story in February 2023, we’ve evaluated dozens of options and refined our list. In March 2025, we updated this story and featured the now-discontinued CurrentBody Skin mask. The brand released a newer model dubbed the Series 2 after I saw overnight results—flatter zits and glowy skin—and a more even complexion within a month.

As for the rest, they’ve been part of our routine for as little as three weeks and as long as one year. The results from many of these face masks have been so impressive that our team has penned solo reviews detailing our experience with them.

Additional Features To Justify Pricing

This is where things get personal—in the best way possible. Beyond considering the variety of LED lights available, the material they're made from, and overall comfort, we prioritized relatively affordable options. Many are $500 and under, but we also spotlighted some premium options that are actually worth the money if you've got the extra funds. Don’t worry: We considered their capabilities and our short- and long-term results.

We also looked for added bells and whistles that help the mask you purchase work seamlessly into your real life. After all, you're going to have to put in the time to see the results, so it might as well be an enjoyable option. If you're fidgety and can't commit to sitting still or lying down for 15 minutes straight, look for a cordless option. Now if comfort is king, look for adjustable straps, a padded interior, or a flexible outer shell. TheraFace boasts all of these features and even vibrates for extra relaxation.

Meet Our Testers

· Brian Underwood is our award-winning beauty director with over 20 years of experience in beauty journalism.

· And there’s me, Nicole Saunders, hi! Before joining WH as beauty editor in March 2025, I spent eight years covering skincare for NBC, CNN, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, and Best Products.

· Lily Wohlner, Brigitt Earley, Erica Metzger, and Mary Honkus are beauty contributors to Women’s Health.

TLDR

LED face masks aren’t just trendy; they’re a practical way to target wrinkles, dullness, and acne from the comfort of your home. Regardless of your unique beauty concerns, there is an editor-approved option within your budget. The best LED mask for you factors in comfort, fit, and ease of integrating one into your routine. Stick to a few minutes a day, and you’ll also notice a visible glow-up with these hands-free tools.