LED Face Mask – Which One Is Actually Worth It?

[moe313]

I am thinking about investing in an LED face mask and wanted to get some advice from people who have real experience using one. What should I be paying attention to when choosing an LED mask, and which light colors (red, blue, near-infrared) are actually effective for concerns like acne, fine lines, or uneven skin tone? How important are factors like power output, treatment time, FDA clearance, and overall safety for long-term use?

I am also curious whether flexible masks are better than hard-shell designs in terms of comfort and results. With so many mixed reviews and marketing claims out there, I’d really appreciate hearing which LED masks have worked well for you and which ones you’d recommend avoiding.

[PDXXXX]

Hi @moe313 ! First, a couple articles you might like: one on the how of these masks (https://www.allure.com/story/red-light-device-led-mask-investigation) and the other reviewing the top masks out there (https://www.allure.com/story/best-led-face-mask).

There are a lot of good competitors with equivalent numbers of lights in the mask out there now but as the first article notes, when selecting consider that they only really work with consistent use. With that said, you might want to think about how long you'll need to wear the mask a day and how important fit/comfort is.

Like several others here, I have the Dennis Gross mask. I've actually bought it twice now having not used it regularly and given the first away during a move and then replacing it this year. For me, a major factor was not only cost (it's not cheap but it's not at the top end price-wise) and that it only requires 3 minutes a day. Personally, any longer than three minutes and I'm not sure I'd stay consistent which would make it a waste. It's not one you can do much of anything while wearing. But I'm in the habit of putting it on after washing/drying my face now and lying on the floor and actually find it like a mini meditation time.

The pros for me in particular have mostly been it helps a ton with inflammation and redness (I have found this both with the Dennis Gross mask and blue light therapy with facials in the past when my concern was more acne). But I also think it's important to be realistic about goals. For example, it may be a good preventative but at a certain age if your goal is to eradicate wrinkles it's not like Botox in a mask.

I've also tried the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ LipWare Pro LED Device if you're ever interested and will vouch for it.

Hope you find the best fit for you!

[ather]

@moe313  I have had the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ BodyWare Pro and the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Device for close to 5 years and I love them. I don’t know if there would be any difference between a hard and a soft but I like to lay down and use my mask. I just take a little rest. I do mine before bed.  I like that mine has the red and blue. But I use the red the most. I do notice my face has been looking better since using it. 

[lmkeller4u]

I've hard the change to try quite a few LED masks, and red light has been great for softening fine lines while blue light really helps with breakouts. If you like longer sessions, a flexible mask makes a big different comfort-wise.

[WinglessOne]

Thanks for the tag, @itsfi ! 

@moe313 I have two full face LED masks. Six years ago, I bought a Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Device. Last spring, I got a Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro. I prefer the Qure mask because it fits my face shape better and has a more secure strap than the DDG mask. (I can’t use my DDG mask unless I’m lying down/back because the strap’s too weak. Not everyone has that problem though.) But I’m terribly inconsistent about using either of ‘em, so I can’t give you honest feedback on efficacy. This reminds me to rehome the DDG mask since I’m less likely to use it going forward. It’s not a bad device though. It’s just not the right one for me.

Answering a few of your questions: 

• Light colors -blue light’s for acne (fights bacteria). Red light’s for wrinkles (boosts collagen). And IIRC, near infrared targets hyperpigmentation. Both my masks also have a “purple light” mode that uses the blue and red lights together.
  
  
• Does FDA clearance matter - it does if you wanna use your HSA or FSA to pay for the mask (assuming you’re in the US). Not all LED devices are FSA/HSA eligible. Otherwise, the importance of FDA approval is up to you. Without FDA approval, an LED mask is a cosmetic product; that doesn’t mean it’s not safe to use. I mean, retinol is also considered a cosmetic product: it’s not FDA-approved for acne or anything else, but that doesn’t mean it’s dangerous. Retinoic acid (tretinoin) is FDA-approved for acne, but it’s not necessarily safer than retinol.
  
  
• Treatment time - this matters if you’re impatient like I am. 😅 Luckily, most LED masks have 3-5 minute sessions. And if your mask has a good secure strap, you can multitask. I’ve worn my Qure mask while loading and starting the washing machine.
  
  
• Flexible vs. hard shell - depends on your comfort level and skin sensitivity. I avoided flexible masks because most or all of their lights made skin contact. This could generate heat directly on my skin which, in my case, would lead to more hyperpigmentation—one of my main skincare issues. The lights on both my hard shell masks sit close to my skin without making contact. If that’s not a concern for you, then you might prefer a flexible mask which would probably be lighter weight and cover more of your face.

[SportyGirly125]

@moe313 Namvo on instagram is the queen of led mask if you want to give her a follow. 

I have the Dr. Dennis Gross one and I find consistency is key. I did get it a few years ago during the holiday sale. I haven’t used it recently but need to. I’m just waiting for some scars to heal from the derm to start using it again. I did find that it helps with acne and fine lines and wrinkles on the red mode for me. 

[danielledanielle]

@moe313 Set your expectations low and you might be surprised.  I have older versions of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Device and an Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite™ LED EyeCare Max Pro .  I got the eye mask first Ave didn't stay with it, didn't really feel it did much and it fit tightly.  I have it still and my husband uses it occasionally. 

Faceware was great in the beginning, I didn't think much of it for fine lines, as I intended it for acne.  It works well for me for acne except hormonal acne.  It's hard to gauge the benefits of not using it if you aren't consistent and I like that I can use it for just 3-6 minutes a day.

[missjeanie]

@moe313 I have the Dr. Jart mask and found it to be perfectly comfortable to wear around, I could easily stand and do dishes etc etc.  That said, I tended to keep it by my bed and would use it at night before falling asleep or in the morning when I was waking up and checking email.  I'll be honest though, I bought mine because so many people were excitedly showing some anti aging benefits of clearer brighter skin.... and when used regularly as you have to use it for result, I found it made sun spots I didn't even know I have a lot darker and bigger.  So it's been a bit of a dud for me personally.  If you do pick one up, which ever model, I'd suggest grabbing some wipes to keep with it to keep it clean between uses.  I found that while I didn't get warm with it, it was pressed to my skin so I felt like it needed cleaning after every use which I hadn't thought of before hand. 

[itsfi]

Hi @moe313, these are all fabulous questions. Love that you are digging into the details to determine which, if any, of the LED face masks on the market will work for you. I'm going to tag a few folks here who I believe have had experience with one or more types of LED face masks; as I recall others who have used similar devices, I'll come back to tag them, unless it appears that you've gotten your questions answered. They're based in different locales with different climates, represent a variety of skin types, ages and opinions. I'm sure you'll be able to get many if not all of your questions (and more) answered.

Out of curiosity, are there any specific LED face masks you are currently looking into or interested in?

@ather @heartsmyface @danielledanielle @lmaster @faeriegirl @WinglessOne @SportyGirly125 (apologies for anyone I've inadvertently missed or erroneously tagged)

[faeriegirl]

@moe313  I have the DDG Spectralite , Skingym wrinklit, and the Shark Cryoglow. Out of the 3 I would recommend the shark. I feel like it has worked the best. 

[danielledanielle]

@faeriegirl , I was waiting for your response because you have the skin gym one and I figured if it's ever a DOB feature, is get it... But interesting you pick the Shark, what hedges that one out for you?

[faeriegirl]

@danielledanielle  It is sturdier and more comfortable. I really like the pre sets and the cooling option for under eye. The skingym is good for the price but it’s not comfortable and doesn’t like to stay in place. 

[danielledanielle]

Thank you, that is really good to know @faeriegirl 

[danielledanielle]

Thanks for the tag! @itsfi