17 best LED face masks in 2024 for a glowing complexion
Once reserved for use within the four walls of your salon, LED face masks – the result of skin LED light therapy becoming mainstream – are now one of the most popular at-home skincare devices. The best LED face masks use red and near infrared LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) to target multiple concerns or skin conditions at once – from acne to dark spots and pigmentation, fine lines and rosacea. And they're adored by editors, celebs and dermatologists the world-over as a result.
Even if you’ve not used an LED face mask yourself, you’ve probably spotted them in action on the social feeds of Victoria Beckham, Kourtney Kardashian, Madonna or Chrissy Teigen – to name just a few. Or on screen during Emily in Paris and Sex Education.
It's no surprise. With consistent use, there’s no doubt that the introduction of an LED treatment into your skincare routine will result in a glowing complexion – but with countless (rather expensive) new releases dropping every year, it can be tricky to know where to start. Do LED face masks actually work? Are they safe for home use in untrained hands? And, erm, what the hell even is LED light therapy? Bog-standard sheet masks, be gone – 'cos we’ve got all the answers.
SKIP TO: What is LED light therapy? | Do LED face masks really work? | Are LED face masks safe to use every day? | What colour LED do I need? | Full LED face mask reviews | How we tested the LED face masks in this edit.
Best LED face masks 2024, at a glance:
- Best Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, £299
- The Runner-Up: BeautyPro LED Mask Device, £195
- Best Budget: SENSSE Professional LED Light Therapy Face Mask, £119.99
- Best New Release: Theragun TheraFace Mask, £549
- Best For Acne: FAQ™ 202 Silicone Mask, WAS £719 NOW £645
Meet the experts:
- Dr Radmila Lukian: Dermatologist at Lucia Clinic.
- Dr Jinah Yoo: Dermatologist at Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology.
How we tested:
Investing in an LED face mask isn’t like picking up a new retinol serum or moisturiser. They’re expensive. So, we've road-tested as many of the masks in this edit as possible for a period of at least two months. Some have been tested for six. We've scored them on the difference we saw to our skin after persistent use, comfort, charging time, ease of use and value for money. For the face masks we haven't yet had a chance to test, we've spoken to experts and studied customer reviews to bring you the information you need.
What is LED light therapy?
LED light therapy has existed for more than 30 years and is suitable for use on all skin types and tones. We’ve already answered all of your “what is light therapy?” questions in some serious depth, so head over there for a real deep dive. But in short, according to Dr Radmila Lukian, light therapy refers to the process of exposing skin to different wavelengths of light – including red and blue light – which “stimulate collagen production and purify the skin”. The light emitted by your LED face mask is absorbed by your skin, and as the light wavelength increases, so does the depth of penetration.
Each different light type stimulates a different response – which means every colour boasts different skincare benefits. Generally speaking LED light therapy “can help improve skin texture, reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone,” as well as psoriasis and other side-effects of inflammation. Elsewhere, LED light therapy can simply help to improve the general appearance of your skin and reduce visible signs of ageing.
Do LED face masks really work?
Are LED face masks just a fad, or will they actually be worth your coin? You'll be pleased to know there's actually a plethora of clinical research which suggests that yes, they do work – particularly if you want to boost collagen production in a bid to give structure, strength and elasticity to your skin. Another study carried out in 2021, showed an improvement in atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition) in both men and women after twelve weeks of phototherapy, while a small 2018 study found green light therapy to aid in fading melasma and hyperpigmentation.
What colour LED light do I need?
“The colour of the LED light to use depends on your specific skin concerns,” Dr. Jinah Yoo said.
- Blue light is the bacteria-fighting LED light. It triggers photochemical oxidation in order to kill bacteria living on the skin. This makes blue light an excellent choice for those with acne, eczema or rosacea.
- Red light stimulates our fibroblasts for cell renewal and ATP regeneration.
- Near-Infrared has no colour but it can be used to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
- Amber or yellow light is the least common in at-home devices, working to revitalise the skin, reduce swelling and boost your skin's radiance.
Is it safe to use LED face masks everyday?
“It is generally safe to use an at-home LED face mask every day,” Dr. Lukian said, “but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not overuse it. Using it for up to 20 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week is a good starting point.”
The LED used in at-home devices is much weaker than what it would be in-salon, and actually, the devices often undergo much more rigorous testing because they need to be safe enough to use without the presence of a professional. Just never buy an LED face mask that hasn’t been FDA improved, “if you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, it's best to consult with a dermatologist before using one.”
“When using an LED face mask, it's important to be consistent with the treatment, but not overuse it. You should also be patient, as it may take several weeks to see the full benefits. It's also important to maintain healthy skincare habits, including a thorough skincare regime and hydrate using a face SPF daily.”
After more skincare gadgets? Shop the best jade rollers, the best ice globes and cryotherapy tools and the best facial cleansing brushes. For more from GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.