BEAUTY
At-home beauty tech has come a long way, but if there’s one gadget that has gone from niche to absolutely everywhere, it’s the LED face mask. Once reserved for in-clinic treatments, these futuristic-looking devices are now a staple in skincare routines, promising everything from acne control to collagen production and an all-around glow-up.
We're betting that you’ve already spotted LED masks glowing on the faces of influencers, celebrities, and beauty editors during those doom scrolls. They’ve become a skincare staple, with everyone from Victoria Beckham to Vogue’s beauty team singing their praises. And according to dermatologists? They actually work, provided you use them correctly.
So, is an LED mask the game-changing skincare investment it claims to be? Or is it just another beauty tech trend? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is LED Light Therapy & How Does It Work?
LED (light-emitting diode) therapy exposes the skin to different wavelengths of light, which penetrate at varying depths to trigger specific skin benefits. Unlike other treatments, it’s non-invasive, completely painless, and requires no downtime, meaning you can use it while binge-watching Real Housewives or answering emails.
Each colour of light serves a different function:
🔴 Red Light (630-700nm): Stimulates collagen and elastin production, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. It’s the go-to for anti-aging and overall skin rejuvenation.
🔵 Blue Light (405-420nm): Kills acne-causing bacteria, regulates oil production, and helps calm breakouts. If you struggle with blemishes, this is your best friend.
🟠 Yellow Light (570-590nm): Reduces redness, enhances healing, and promotes lymphatic drainage—great for sensitive skin or post-procedure care.
🟢 Green Light (525-550nm): Targets hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, brightening the complexion over time.
🌿 Near-Infrared Light (700-850nm): Penetrates the deepest to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and even provide pain relief.
But Do LED Face Masks Actually Work?
Yes, but consistency is key. Unlike professional treatments like lasers or microneedling, LED therapy delivers cumulative results, meaning the more you use it, the better the outcome. Most experts recommend 10-minute sessions at least 3–5 times a week to see noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and clarity.
That said, LED masks will never fully replace in-clinic treatments. They’re best seen as a maintenance tool, helping to prolong the results of professional facials and procedures while offering an at-home boost in between appointments. When used regularly, they can help brighten, smooth, and refine the skin, but for more intensive concerns, nothing beats the expertise (and devices) of a professional treatment.
The Best LED Face Masks to Invest In
With so many on the market, choosing the right one is a tad overwhelming. But after extensive testing (and countless expert recommendations), these are the top-performing LED masks worth considering:
Best Overall: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Price: £299
Why We Love It: Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% in four weeks, this mask uses red and near-infrared light to boost collagen and brighten skin. It’s also celebrity-approved (Victoria Beckham is a fan).
Best for Acne: Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Price: £465
Why We Love It: A favourite among beauty editors, this rigid mask combines red and blue light to tackle both acne and signs of aging in just three minutes per day.
Best for Under-Eyes: MZ Skin Lightmax Minipro Eyeconic LED
Price: £225
Why We Love It: Designed specifically for tired, puffy eyes, this patch-like LED treatment softens fine lines and brightens dark circles in 10-minute sessions.
Best Luxury Mask: Déesse Pro LED Next Generation Mask
Price: £1,440
Why We Love It: With 770 medical-grade LED lights and four different wavelengths (red, blue, green, and near-infrared), this is one of the most powerful at-home options on the market.
Best Budget Buy: Sensse Pro LED Light Therapy Mask
Price: £140
Why We Love It: A more affordable entry into LED skincare, this mask includes four different wavelengths (red, blue, yellow, and purple) to tackle multiple skin concerns.
How to Use an LED Face Mask for Maximum Results
Start with clean, dry skin - LED works best on freshly cleansed skin, free from makeup or skincare.
Use for 10 minutes per session - Most masks recommend three to five sessions per week. Some, like the Dr Dennis Gross mask, work in as little as three minutes per day.
Follow with your skincare routine - LED therapy enhances product absorption, so apply your serums after treatment for maximum benefits.
Be patient - Results aren’t instant. Expect to see noticeable improvements in 4–6 weeks with consistent use.
Is It Worth the Investment?
If you’re serious about skincare and committed to using it regularly, an LED face mask is a solid investment. While it won’t replace in-clinic treatments entirely, it’s one of the few at-home beauty devices that actually delivers results.
For anti-aging? Red light therapy boosts collagen and smooths fine lines over time.
For acne? Blue light therapy is clinically proven to kill bacteria and reduce breakouts.
For overall skin health? Near-infrared light improves healing, reduces inflammation, and enhances radiance.
In short: if you’ll use it consistently, yes, it’s worth it.