These Hollywood Facialist-Approved Red Light Face Masks and More LED Beauty Devices Are On Sale for Black Friday Weekend

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If you’ve been keeping up with all of the latest and greatest high-tech beauty gadgets out there, then you’ve probably heard about LED (light-emitting diode) masks. Some of the best LED face masks and devices can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and scars; soothe rosacea; and treat inflammation, among other skin benefits.

“LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at varying depths, triggering natural biological responses,” Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy, founder of Glo by Glen Skincare, tells The Hollywood Reporter. The New York-based board-certified aesthetic physician is known for pioneering beauty-hacking, her approach of combining science-backed techniques, lifestyle adjustments and innovative tech to “optimize beauty from the inside out,” she says. At her Brooklyn medispa, Nosworthy offers her starry (and HIPAA-confidential) clientele dermal fillers, microneedling, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections and more skin enhancements. Also on the menu is the celebrity-loved, red carpet-ready Glass Facial, a rejuvenating treatment that uses her collagen-stimulating topical polydioxanone (PDO) serum, hulauronic acid and a microdose of Botox.

When it comes to LED, “each wavelength of light delivers unique benefits, so choosing the right one for your skin concerns is essential,” Nosworthy explains. Measured in nanometers (nm), “red light (620 to 700 nm) penetrates deeply into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production, while near-infrared light (700-1200 nm) penetrates even deeper than red light to target muscles and joints.”

She continues, “blue light (400-490 nm) targets the surface layer of the skin, killing acne-causing bacteria, and green light (495-570nm) affects skin pigmentation by calming overactive melanocytes.”

At a Glance: The Best LED Therapy Face Masks & Tools

LED light therapy was first developed by NASA scientists in the early ’90s, first for plant growth experiments in space and thereafter to boost the wound healing of astronauts. The light’s wavelengths can go deep into body tissue to promote blood circulation and collagen production, which is why the skin-care industry jumped on the high-tech train to bring LED light therapy to top Hollywood spas.

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“The use of light on skin is not a new technology, but as LEDs have improved and become more efficient, so have LED-based technologies,” Mike Poling, president of Lightwave, and a 16-year innovator in the field, recently told The Hollywood Reporter. He explains that the usage of LED lights on the skin helps to re-energize cells: “This increase in energy helps our cells function more like they did when we were younger with the immediate effects being a release of endorphins, a reduction in inflammation, and an increase in lymphatic system activity to help detoxify the body.”

Today, the masks are more easily accessible and have quickly become an MVP among skin-care tools for at-home facials. Among the most popular LED face masks includes New York-based aesthetician Dr. Dennis Gross’ DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED mask — designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and treat acne — that went viral in 2020 after stars including Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Lucy Hale and Halle Berry shared their lockdown selfies wearing the device.

How to Choose the Right LED Mask or Device

Nosworthy adds that there are several factors to consider as you’re choosing the best LED device for yourself. Skin concerns, power output, size and design, safety, ease of use and budget are all important when selecting the right one. “Choose FDA-cleared devices to ensure safety and efficacy, and look for built-in eye protection or use goggles if the device doesn’t include them,” she says.

If you want to target signs of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles), “choose a device with red or near-infrared light,” notes Nosworthy. Blue light is best for addressing acne, while green light is the most helpful for pigmentation or redness. “Combination devices may include multiple wavelengths for versatile treatment.”

She points out that “higher power output means better penetration and faster results. Look for devices with a power output of at least 20-40mW/cm² for effective treatment.”

For those who are minding their budget, “professional-grade devices may cost more but deliver faster results, while affordable options are available but may require more consistent use to see effects.”

How to Use LED Face Masks and Devices

Speaking of effectiveness, Nosworthy recommends using the devices as recommended by their manufacturer, typically three to five times a week. “Always use on clean, dry skin to maximize absorption and apply hydrating or soothing products afterward to lock in benefits.”

She reminds people to be patient: “results often appear after four to eight weeks of regular use. By matching the wavelength to your specific skin concerns and ensuring the device meets safety and power standards, you can maximize the benefits of LED light therapy for your skincare routine.”

What Are the Best LED Masks and Skin Care Devices?

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best LED masks for a variety of budgets and skin-care goals — including some on sale all Black Friday weekend.