In the realm of skin care tools, LED light therapy devices might look a little intimidating to the newcomer (some can even mimic a horror film character), but there's a reason why they've become so popular and accessible over recent months. The at-home devices claim to help with a combination of skin concerns, without the need to schedule an expensive dermatology treatment.
If you've been curious about LED light therapy devices, especially red light products, we asked dermatologists to break down how this technology works for the skin and how adding one to your routine can help you achieve your desired results.
What is LED light therapy?
Light-emitting diode (LED) light is a technology that emits different wavelengths of light, which also includes light colors, on a visible light spectrum, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reshimi Kapoor. She also explains the wavelengths can reach deep into layers of the skin. "Different wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths and have varying biological effects on the skin depending on the depth of penetration," says Kapoor.
In the '90s, NASA began exploring the benefits of LED light therapy when it came to wound healing and since then, it has become a staple at many dermatology clinics and aesthetic spas.
What are the benefits of LED light therapy for skin?
So what can you expect? Dr. Angela Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist, says this type of light therapy can provide skin benefits for a variety of goals, based on your area of concern. And while you might see a variety of lights, our experts says red and blue light therapy are most commonly used to help with the skin.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, blue light targets the uppermost layer of skin, yellow light goes deeper and red light goes further in depth, which is why dermatologists favor it for stimulating collagen. Read on to see more benefits of these lights.
Red light therapy
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Inflammation
- Collagen boost
- Hair loss
"Red LED light has been shown to stimulate the fibroblast, a cell that plays a role in collagen production, which could help reduce signs of photoaging and improve fine lines and wrinkles," says Kapoor. "Red light may also play a role in wound healing, decreasing inflammation and improving hair loss."
Blue light therapy
- Acne and acne-causing bacteria
- Oil reduction
If you suffer from acne, blue light might be for you. Both dermatologists say this color targets acne by reducing oil production in the sebaceous glands and targeting acne-causing bacteria.
Other LED light colors
- Green: Brightening
- Yellow: Redness
While red and blue are the most common LED lights for skin, there are other options out there. Some devices even offer a mode that mixes blue and red, which will target fine lines and acne. However, Kapoor notes that while there is less evidence, green light can help with brightening the skin complexion and yellow light may help combat redness.
Dermatologist- and editor-approved LED light therapy products
If you're looking to give your skin care routine the ultimate upgrade, we rounded up some dermatologist- and editor-approved LED devices. Plus you'll find a few other shopper-loved gadgets, and hydrating serums and moisturizers to shop, too.
Associate editor Kamari Stewart has been using (and loving) this affordable LED mask for over a year and says it's easy to use." It has multiple settings with different light therapies (blue, red and orange), which is great. I think it gives you a good bang for your buck. I also don’t charge it super often and am always surprised by how long it lasts," says Stewart.
A winner of the first-ever Shop TODAY Mature Beauty Awards, this affordable LED light massager has seven light choices, including the most popular, red and blue.
Along with light therapy, it has other benefits, too. "The warmth is relaxing. I could tell it was increasing blood circulation to rejuvenate and smooth my skin, thanks to the slight flush I wore proudly at the end of treatment," wrote one Shop TODAY contributor in a review article.
This microcurrent device from NuFace now has an attachment for red light therapy, which commerce editor Vivien Moon is a huge fan of.
“I have had this attachment for a few years and love how I’m able to save on space when I’m traveling but still want to do my skin care on the go,” says Moon. “It has a sensor so it knows when it’s on the skin and turns off when it’s not on, which is also great for those who don’t love the red light glaring at them when it’s not on the face. I also really like that I can use it on other areas (neck and décolletage).
Editor’s note: You will need the NuFace Trinity+ deviceto utilize this attachment.
This compact red light wand happens to be a Shop TODAY favorite, and Lamb says she loves this anti-aging device, too. According to the brand, the wand is a 4-in-1 device that offers red light therapy, microcurrents, a gentle massage and a warming effect. Together, these functions can reduce wrinkles, depuff the face and help your products absorb better into the skin.
I [Garlin] have been using this product for nearly two years and every time I use it, I notice a difference in the morning; my face is smoother, brighter and overall looks more refreshed. I also love its compact size, which makes it easy to travel with.
This red light eye mask is another Solawave favorite from deputy managing editor Jess Bender, who started using it in hopes of combating signs of aging around her eyes.
"In an effort to counteract some areas of concern, I've been turning to this light therapy eye mask during cozy nights at home," says Bender. "Does it make me look like a lazy superhero wearing it? Absolutely! Ridiculousness aside, it works effectively against puffiness and dullness in the span of minutes thanks to the multiple types of light therapy rolled into the mask. The immediate results make me really eager about the long-term effects that the brand says it delivers (particularly, for me, the reduction of fine lines)."
The BeautyBio team sent this device for me to try, and it really takes the word multi-functional to the next level. I use this about once a week, and my face looks so glowy and clean after each use.
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto says this red light mask’s fit is so secure that she can walk around her home and multitask without it falling off. “I also see serious results from this product; my skin is brighter and clearer. Plus, I like to use a leave-on hydrating mask after using this LED face mask to really give my skin some extra pampering,” says Ricevuto.
Social editorial assistant Annie Shigo says that she's been using this device for a few months and loves the variety of options it offers: red light, blue light, massager and microcurrent attachments.
"It really is a one-stop shop for everything you could want for your face. I use the red light therapy a lot in the summer when I know I am in the sun more. It is the perfect concentrated amount of red light therapy that you can just take a couple of minutes a day to move around your face," Shigo says.
This mask is so popular, it often sells out (thankfully, it's in stock right now!). Moon says this mask has become an "instrumental part" of her skin care routine and loves the contoured design.
"When used consistently, I notice an improvement in my skin's pigmentation and glow. I wanted it because it has the right wavelength and a contoured fit that makes it easier to wear and has me confident that the mask is able to fit my face specifically to get the most from the LED lights," says Moon.
According to Kapoor, red light can help target hair loss and Ricevuto has been using this red light hat to help target thin hair. "I use my Higher Dose red light hat every single night in an effort to grow out my baby hairs. My favorite thing about it is how easy it is to use. I just put the hat on, it has a self-timer so it beeps after 10 minutes, and then I’m done. I've been using it for 10 weeks now and my results have been impressive!" says Ricevuto.
I got to try out this innovative red light and loved how portable and easy it was to use. I like that you can prop it up while you read, watch TV, or take a bath, while enhancing your skin care routine.
Another favorite of Ricevuto's is this option by JTAV, she says she uses it "all the time," and is a fan that it's both wireless and portable. The mask offers red light for anti-aging and collagen production, and blue light for acne-prone skin, says the brand. Plus, it features an automatic 10-minute shutoff, so you won't overuse it.
Another favorite of Lamb’s is this LED light panel, which she says is great for targeting acne. A bonus is that this panel can be used on the face, neck and chest.
This Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner is a new launch from Shark Beauty. The brand recently got into the skin care game with the launch of the new CryoGlow LED mask. And this launch takes LED masks to the next level. Not only does it have red, blue and infrared LED lights, but it also has an option for temperature-controlled cooling to help de-puff the under-eyes.
More LED light therapy products
The editor-loved brand also has a tool that's meant to target your acne spots. According to the brand, this spot treatment device features a combination of blue and red light to help eliminate acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. To use, you hold it on blemish-prone areas for three minutes.
Reviewers say they love their results. "I’ve been using it for several weeks, and my skin has simply transformed. Fine lines have diminished, skin tone has evened out, and acne breakouts have become much less noticeable. Highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their skin without trips to the dermatologist," wrote one Ulta reviewer.
Its ergonomic design makes it seamless to pull across the skin, covering all areas of the face. To use, just pick it up and start sliding it across your skin to activate — you don't even have to press a button to begin! Even better? According to the brand, you'll see results in just two weeks.
No, this isn't a superhero mask, but you might gain some super skin. According to the brand, this red light eye mask gives you 360 degrees of eye coverage to target crow's feet, between your brows (or 11's) and the under-eye area. And it's also cordless and portable, coming with a strap to securely fit around your face.
Skin care to use with LED devices
When it comes to pairing skin care with your LED device, the dermatologists note you’ll want to stick to moisturizing ingredients, and avoid anything harsh such as retinols, exfoliants and anything that increases sensitivity to light exposure. Below, we're rounding up moisturizers and serums that contain hydrating ingredients.
Most of the LED "activating serums" are formulated with hyaluronic acid. If you're looking to pair your device with an affordable option, this serum from Good Molecules is only $6. "I have sensitive skin, and most serums are too harsh, but this one is perfect! It goes on nice, dries in seconds and my skin looks hydrated and smooth. I’ve been using for about a week and starting to see great results," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
This top-selling serum from The Ordinary is loved by multiple Shop TODAY editors, including myself. This is my go-to when it comes to skin care prep with my LED masks. It contains ceramides, too, allowing my skin to feel hydrated and plump.
You can also use it day and night, making it a great staple for everyday use, says the brand.
I [Garlin] have used this sheet mask with my Solawave mask and noticed immediate smoothing and brightening results. The ingredients are so hydrating, leaving your skin looking and feeling dewy.
Solawave offers an "activating serum" for their red light devices. I've been using this with my Solawave facial wand and love how replenished and moisturized my skin feels.
Experts turned a few Shop TODAY editors on to this brand, such as myself, and it's become a staple in the final step of my nighttime routine, before I use a mask or facial wand.
These perks, paired with the benefits of an LED mask will have your skin looking and feeling its best.
Solawave recently expanded its skin care line with even more creams and serums to use with red light devices. Plus, the cream’s LighBoost technology helps boost the effects of your red light devices, per the brand.
Shop TODAY commerce writer Emma Stessman says she's impressed by this cream for her dry skin. "It’s ultra-rich and moisturizing and you really only need a little to feel the effects. I also have sensitive skin, so I love how gentle the formula is,” says Stessman.
How we chose
We selected the LED light therapy skin care devices based on insights with interviews with top dermatologists, and recommendations from Shop TODAY editors. Other LED light products picks are sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
Our Shop TODAY editors have been using the selected LED devices consistently and on a weekly basis for up to a year or more.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She’s currently the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at Mount Sinai Dermatology.
- Dr. Reshmi Kapoor, MD is a board-certified dermatologist, and owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.
