LED Face Masks Are Worth the Splurge But Only If You Know the Best Ones to Buy

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

You already know that we're huge fans of LED masks here. In fact, we're not the only ones obsessed—Bella Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Hudson, Kourtney Kardashian Barker (the list goes on) have all praised light therapy.

But for those of you who may not be familiar with the at-home treatment yet, we have a few experts who can fill you in on the benefits these devices provide. "Studies suggest that LED light therapy is beneficial," explains board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. "Red light has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can reduce and prevent wrinkles and can improve skin texture. Red light is often thought of as the 'anti-aging' light, while blue light is the 'anti-acne' light. Blue light has been demonstrated to treat acne by reducing P. acnes bacteria and by decreasing the activity of acne-promoting oil glands. Optimal results will be achieved while combining light therapy treatments with a well-designed skincare routine and to consider in-office procedures that are capable of bringing about the most significant improvements."

Many masks are designed for quick treatments (starting at 10 minutes a session) and can be a nice addition to any skincare routine since they require pretty much no extra effort. But with these kinds of devices becoming more popular, it can also be tough to know which ones offer the best results and which ones are right for your particular skin type. For a little expert advice and device recommendations, keep scrolling below.

How to Choose the Best LED Face Mask

When selecting the right device for you, experts say it's important to keep your skincare goals in mind. "It is really important to choose the proper wavelength for your skin concerns," says Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Red light is good for anti-aging, stimulating collagen, and reducing inflammation. Blue light is best for reducing acne-causing bacteria and helping to control oil production. Devices that offer adjustable settings and different wavelengths of light are best for customizing treatments."

Now, I know you may be eager to go out and snag one in the bargain bin, but Murphy-Rose also recommends using an FDA-cleared device from a reputable company. The masks that are most effective contain medical-grade wavelengths of light and are costly because of it. Quality devices are ones that contain the same caliber of LED therapy that dermatologists and aestheticians use in their practices. So yeah, don't be alarmed if you see a few masks on this list that cost a pretty penny—these devices deliver quick results and may even rival a treatment at a professional's office if used consistently. Without further ado, keep scrolling for the best LED face masks at a few different price points, and be sure to read our review on SolaWave's Wand, one of the best LED tools on the market.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.