☀️ Summer Skin Tip: Yellow Light Therapy helps reduce redness, inflammation, and skin stress after UV exposure. Add it to your post-sun ritual.

When people talk about "the future of skincare," I don't think any of us predicted something quite so futuristic. Yet here we are with these "killer looks" in 2025.

Whether you're a serial Instagram and tiktok-scroller or just have your thumb on the pulse of the newest, coolest skincare innovations, it's likely that you've heard a little something about LED skin therapy.

In the past, these fancy treatments were only available under the practiced hand of your aesthetician for in-office treatments. Now, this luxury is available for you to use at your leisure when your skin is in the mood for something fancy.

👨‍🚀 Did You Know?
LED light therapy is actually a NASA technology that was adopted by the skincare community when its ability to heal wounds and tame inflammation was noticed.

Blue light frequencies are typically used to treat acne, while red light is used for anti-aging concerns. If shooting lights at your face sounds scary, you should know that there are no ultraviolet rays in these devices. The only frightening thing about these masks are the look of them.

Most LED face masks have pretty hefty price tags, and nearly all of them claim transformative results. So what’s the deal? Do they work? How do they work? Are they worth the money? And, um… What is light therapy? We’re here to dish the dirt.

What is light therapy?

In short, light therapy is a treatment which has been around for about 30 years. It's the process of exposing skin to red, blue, green, cyan, yellow, orange/amber, purple, white, and near-infrared LED light which each have various skincare benefits.

What does light therapy do?

When used regularly, LED light therapy can be used to reduce breakouts, pigmentation, rosacea symptoms, bags under eyes, psoriasis and other side-effects of inflammation. If you don't suffer from the above complaints, LED light therapy can simply help to improve the appearance of your face and neck (the first to show signs of aging).

⭐ RED LIGHT THERAPY
Red light boosts collagen, reduces wrinkles, and energizes cellular repair — ideal for anti-aging.
⭐ BLUE LIGHT THERAPY
Targets acne-causing bacteria and inflammation to promote clearer skin and reduce oil.
⭐ ORANGE/AMBER LIGHT THERAPY
Improves circulation and radiance, great for dullness and overall glow.
⭐ GREEN LIGHT THERAPY
Helps fade pigmentation and calms redness — promoting an even tone.
♡ YELLOW LIGHT THERAPY
Soothes skin stressed by sun or sensitivity, supporting recovery and balance.
⭐ CYAN LIGHT THERAPY
Energizes tired skin while calming irritation — ideal for combination types.
⭐ WHITE LIGHT THERAPY
Deepest penetration for cell regeneration and healing — enhances other light therapies.
⭐ PURPLE LIGHT THERAPY
Blends red and blue benefits — clears breakouts while boosting anti-aging results.

And the benefits go well beneath the skin’s surface. In fact, LED light treatments have been applauded for their mental health benefits, too.

Client feedback suggests that a short period of time spent under in-clinic LED lamps could dramatically improve mood, lifting spirits and reducing stress levels. Need proof? LED light therapy boosts our ATP so that it can fuel other cells with energy and boost our serotonin count. Needed.

Collagen Preservation Over Time

Red light therapy helps slow the natural decline in collagen production after age 25, reducing visible signs of aging.

100% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% 97.5% 95% 92.5% 90% 87.5% 25 30 35 40 45 50 With Red Light Therapy Without Red Light Therapy

Since the results for your skin and mind are cumulative, you need to have regular treatments to see an effect. If you can’t afford regular LED treatments at your local clinic, spa, or salon, at-home light therapy could be the answer. And that’s where the best LED face masks come in.

If you're curious about the LED face masks that will up your skincare game, read on for some of the best on the market that we have tested.

  • "What's wonderful about LED therapy is its versatility. Whether you're combating acne or chasing away wrinkles, there's a light for that."

    - Dr. Sarah Hartman, Dermatologist

  • "When we talk about LED therapy, we're not just discussing skin deep transformations. We're delving into the very wavelengths that invigorate cellular health."

    - Dr. Myung Lee, Dermatologist

  • "For those wary of invasive procedures, LED light therapy offers a radiant solution to skin concerns, illuminating the path to healthier skin."

    - Dr. Evelyn Liu, Dermatologist

BEST IN TECH: ARTEMIS

This goddess esque mask and neck plate are forged in the beauty capital of the world Seoul. It has a vast array of 1080 high density powered LEDS which utilizes 7 colors which already puts the Artemis in an entire class of it's own.

The tech does not stop there though. It features the best in class app with complete customizable settings for all your trouble spots. Plus an available case that does sterilization and charging simultaneously.

In addition to this, there are automatic settings for those who prefer a fast treatment as well as a setting that automatically caters to you based on your local weather. If you're keen on living in the year 3025 this is your wireless friend.

Pros: App is next level for custom and automatic treatments, easy to use, full décolletage coverage (neck & upper chest), wireless, straps were not an afterthought.

Cons: Extra Pricey

SHOP ON ARTEMISMASK.COM

BEST IN TECH RUNNER UP: CHOUOHC

This mask iron giant looking mask is made from Japan. Inspired by metamorphosis and branded around the word "butterfly" in Japanese. This one has the most amount of LEDS at a whopping 1528 count while utilizing 4 wavelengths.

Select from 6 done for you modes which is perfect for those that want to simply push a button and let the mask do it's thing. One thing is for certain, there won't be a single cell on your face and neck that won't be treated. Did we mention comfortable? It's design research has over 66 point mapping to perfectly contour to your facial features.

Pros: Easy to use, surprisingly lightweight, full décolletage coverage (neck and upper chest), comfortable, sleek stand, strapless system, and gorgeous packaging.

Cons: Extra Pricey, Has a remote but it's not cumbersome.

SHOP ON CHOUOHCTOKYO.COM

BEST FACE MASK ONLY: AVINA

Another Dr. made brand. This space age looking mask also hails from the beauty capital of the world Seoul. It has an incredible array of 300 high powered LEDS. It's truly a remarkable anti-ager and acne fighter that keeps on giving with each use. It's no wonder why users of this tech have glass skin. It features a smart chip that takes you through 2 different modes for a picture perfect session.

Pros: Easy to use, straps were not an afterthought, nice cradle, automatic sensor for when it's in use and not in use.

Cons: Pricey, has a remote but at least it's not cumbersome.

SHOP ON AVINAMD.COM

BEST ALL AROUND: CLEOLIGHT LED MASK

This ironman-looking mask not only treats your face with LED light therapy, but includes neck coverage so you can look forward to no longer having neck wrinkles. It has 192 LEDS and 7 different light modes to treat every ailment from acne, aging, scars, dullness and more. These spa-esque light treatments with 4 different power levels are completely wireless which means it's time to indulge in some me time from anywhere.

Pros: Easy to use, neck coverage, wireless, 7 colors, 4 power levels, comes with an app and a nice case.

Cons: Finding where to tap exactly, easy once you know after 1st use, optional adjustable strap could be improved but at least it's sturdy.

SHOP ON CLEOLIGHT.COM

BEST BUDGET OPTION: REGENALIGHT LED MASK

This Jason esque looking mask now with a new neck mask will spook your skin into better condition. With 7 colors and it's wireless portability, it's hard to go wrong with this one especially for those new to light therapy or those testing the waters.

Pros: Wallet friendly, neck coverage, easy to use, literal tap here button, wireless, 7 colors.

Cons: The optional adjustable strap could be improved but it is secure at least.

SHOP ON REGENALIGHT.COM

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL OPTION: ASTERIA LED MASK

This mask will have you looking like Jabbawockeez member in no time! But make no mistake, your skin will be dancing for joy. With 7 wavelengths and neck coverage, you know you're getting what you need even if its you're first time.

Pros: Easy to use, neck coverage, wireless, 7 colors, extra lightweight, dual strap (the top one makes it perfect for adjusting to the face)

Cons: Box packaging could be improved.

SHOP ON ASTERIAMASK.COM

BEST IN NUMBERS: CELESTALIGHT

This masquerade esque looking mask that also shines from Korea will have you glowing like a celestial goddess. It's equipped with an out of this world one thousand two hundred high density LEDS to make sure every single cell is covered. Yes, you read that right. This one also comes with a automatic 3 color cycle that will transcend your skin through light and time.

Pros: Easy to use, nice cradle, straps are efficient.

Cons: Pricey, has a remote but its very simple.

SHOP ON CELESTALIGHT.COM

BEST RED LIGHT THERAPY PANELS: REDMD

These sleek panels are the definition of light on command (literally). Engineered with professionals in mind first but are accessible to at home users as well. Tackling everything from target treatment, facial care, and the whole body. The voice commands make you feel like you're living in the future.

They offer 5 different pro panels depending on your use case.

Pros: Easy to use, voice commands, adjustable, touch screens/tap settings, variety of uses cases. The Pro Plus series also offers blue light therapy for acne and customized clinical settings.

Cons: Pricey, the larger units can be heavy but that speaks to their quality and sturdiness.

SHOP ON REDMD.COM

BEST NO BRAINER: SWAP RED LIGHT CONVERTER

If there’s one product everyone should be using, it’s this. You’re already glued to your iPhone—why not get something good out of it? It uses breakthrough LumaShift™ Technology to convert harmful blue light (not to be confused with the Acne fighting blue light) into beneficial red light that supports your skin and overall well-being.

Pros: Easy to install, effortless skincare, acts as a regular screen protector, barely tints your phone screen red, no wires or electronics involved other than you using your phone.

Cons: There's really none other than it's limited to iPhones only and the trade off is that it's not going to be as powerful as a mask, panel, wand etc. but the compounding effect pays off.

SHOP ON SWAPRED.COM

BEST ACCESSORY: DERMACREST GUA SHA LED DEVICE

This ornate crescent shaped device combines Gua Sha, Red Light, Heat, and Massage Therapy into one. Designed in Korea with real Bian stone, it's perfect for those looking for a non-invasive face lift.

Pros: Easy to use, wireless, made of real Bian stone, combines multiple therapies.

Cons: We think the stone could extend out a tad longer. Arms can get tired.

SHOP ON DERMACREST.COM

STAY CLEAR OF THESE

1. Masks with microcurrents can be dangerous and definitely aren't for everyone. They are also uncomfortable and should be avoided when possible.

2. Masks that look like face shields from our tests virtually do nothing and don't protect the eyes.

3. The Zoidberg looking masks that are made from silicone. While these are comfortable, they often lack full face coverage and we've also found them to be weak with typically only 66 bulbs. Not to mention a bit cumbersome with the remotes and they all smell like formaldehyde out of the packaging.

📈 Results Stack Over Time

LED therapy isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long game — a biological investment. Just like compounding interest, the more consistent your use, the more powerful the payoff. Small sessions, stacked regularly, lead to real change.

WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?

Like many things in this world, it's situational. In fact it's NONE industry wide if you are sensitive to light or take any medications that increase light sensitivity.

That aside, if you can afford the best in class technology then go for the Artemis or Chouohc or Avina X1 They don't disappoint. If you can't quite justify splurging on the apple of beauty you can opt for a well rounded Cleolight Mask We really do like having the ability to take care of our neck at the same time.

Then you have your budget option the Regenalight which works well especially for the price.

Finally you might be the type that's looking for multiple use cases (fitness, recovery, pets and skincare), and in that case panels might suit you best with RedMD

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Outside of work and conferences, there's nothing more that I enjoy than Yoga or a glass of wine. Sometimes together.

- Kathryn Shaffer

Citations:

[1] Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100.

[2] Kwon, H. H., et al. (2013). The clinical and histological effect of home-use, combination blue-red LED phototherapy for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris in Korean patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 168(5), 1088–1094.

[3] Avci, P., et al. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52.