The best red-light therapy devices—wands, masks, full-body panels—have gotten a lot of attention lately (and happen to be among the most wish-listed gifts this year), but do they really work? Dermatologists tell Glamour that while these at-home tools aren’t quite as strong as medical-grade equipment, they do deliver glowing skin with regular use and a little patience. How? The devices spark a cell repair process that can help reduce inflammation (great for the acne-prone) and deliver antiaging benefits like increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity. But they don’t come cheap, especially for something that requires trust in the process, so our editors spent the past year talking to experts and testing upwards of 15 devices ourselves to find out which ones are worth your hard-earned money.
Our top overall pick is the Qure LED face mask for its convenience, versatility, and efficacy. But there are plenty of other great options—all of which are FDA-approved—that we confidently recommend, including a super slim handheld option that works on your full body, a gadget with interchangeable heads for a facial massage, and one that doubles as a microcurrent device. Ahead, the best red-light therapy products that our reviewers say delivered actual results.
The best red-light therapy devices, at a glance
All your red-light therapy questions, answered
What is red-light therapy?
Red-light therapy is “a noninvasive treatment that uses low level light to do what we call photobiomodulation,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in NYC. Put more simply, it’s a treatment that uses low-wavelength red light and near-infrared light to penetrate cells, activating a repair process within the cells themselves that can help reduce inflammation, speed up wound healing, and even reverse signs of aging.
Red-light therapy isn’t new in clinical settings. This “low-level laser therapy” has been around for decades, but it has recently exploded in the world of at-home skin care devices based on the tantalizing promise that you might be able to rejuvenate your skin cells by literally waving a magic wand (think the Solawave).
Which skin types can benefit from red-light therapy?
According to Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare in Southern California, all skin types can benefit from red-light therapy at home with no side effects. “However, if you have melasma, then any light therapy can potentially worsen your pigmentation,” she says. Otherwise, red-light therapy at home is a great option for mature skin types seeking antiaging benefits, such as increased collagen production and the boosting of strength and elasticity in the skin. It can also benefit acne-prone and sensitive-skin types due to its ability to reduce inflammation and scarring and improve the complexion overall. It’s even useful as part of a pregnancy-safe skin care routine, since those who are pregnant might not be able to use other powerful acne fighters such as retinoids or salicylic acid.
Is at-home red-light therapy effective?
Unfortunately, clinical studies for at-home red-light therapy devices are limited, and at-home devices are not as strong as medical-grade equipment in dermatology offices, says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC.
That doesn’t mean that you won’t see any benefit from using at-home devices, though. “At-home devices will take more consistent use as directed by the manufacturer because of the difference in strength,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. The bottom line, she says: It will take longer to achieve the glow that red-light therapy is known for, but if you are patient and follow directions, you can achieve glowing skin on your schedule—especially if the therapy is used in tandem with a consistent routine that includes musts like cleansing, moisturizing, and other targeted serums and products.
How often should you use a red-light therapy device?
There’s a lot of variation in the recommended time and frequency of use for at-home devices, so always follow the manufacturer’s directions. “It depends on the type of unit, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully,” says Dr. Shirazi. In general, she suggests three to five times a week for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
What should you look for in a red-light therapy device?
When shopping for at-home red-light therapy devices, Dr. Shirazi advises, look for an FDA-cleared device with the proven light energy: 630–680 nanometers (nm) red light, 415nm blue light, and 830nm near-infrared light. Red-light therapy penetrates deeply into the skin and has anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and collagen-stimulating effects; blue-light therapy does not penetrate as deeply but has anti-microbial properties to target acne-causing bacteria; infrared light can help reduce redness and even out skin tone from dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
The type of device (mask versus handheld) is also key; choose one that works with your mindset. Multitaskers tend to prefer face masks, while those who like to dedicate time to making their skin care routine a moment of TLC may want the handheld options. Wands are also great for additional treatment areas—like your neck or even arms. Other factors to consider? How it fits on the face (if applicable), ease of operation, and treatment time.
The true key to getting the most effective red-light therapy at home is choosing a product that you’ll be most likely to use consistently. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including treatment frequency and length, to get the full benefits of the device, Dr. Lolis says.
1. Best Red-Light Therapy Device Overall: Qure LED Light Therapy Mask
What we love: Programming options in the app allow you to target specific areas of your face and customize treatments; great eye protection; quick treatments
What could improve: Rigid design might not be comfortable for all face shapes
Wavelengths: Red (630 nm), deep red (660 nm), infrared (880 nm), amber (605 nm), blue (415 nm)
Target area: Face
Treatment time: 3 minutes
Qure’s LED Light Therapy Mask, recommended by Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City, is unique, because it’s one of the few smart masks out there. You can track and schedule treatments to help ensure you remember to fit it into your schedule—key for efficacy, says Dr. Shah. It’s also highly versatile, since it’s equipped with several wavelengths of light therapy (including red, deep red, blue, amber, and infrared) to target acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles in varying parts of the face.
“Of the dozen of red-light devices I’ve tested over the last year, this is by far the most convenient, which is a huge perk to me. It’s entirely wireless so I can multitask, plus it’s hard to find an excuse not to slip the mask on when the treatment time is just three minutes. It’s the perfect option for a busy working mom like me. Over the last nine months, I’ve seen a very gradual improvement in skin tone and texture, but my skin does look undeniably glowier. People are constantly surprised when I tell them I’m in my late 30s, and I’m definitely not complaining about that,” says Glamour reviewer and beauty writer Brigitt Earely.
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
2. Best Wand: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley demonstrating the Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
What we love: Portable; adjustable head; delivers other skin benefits simultaneously
What could improve: You have to manually work your entire face and neck
Wavelengths: Red (630 nm)
Target area: Face or body
Treatment time: 12 minutes
Three dermatologists recommended Solawave’s 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand, which Glamour editors praise as well. True to its name, this little pen-size device bundles four skin treatments into one multitasking magic wand. In addition to red-light therapy, it combines “galvanic current for better skin-care-product absorption, gentle and therapeutic warmth to soothe skin, and facial massage to boost radiance,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. She says the rotating head is a big bonus, too, since it allows you to more effectively pass over the contours of your face.
In our Solawave review, Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco described the device as “very user-friendly” and said she could “pick it up while watching Netflix on the couch,” adding, “I notice an immediate difference in puffiness and lift after using the Solawave wand. In the morning it really helps drain my face of any fluid buildup from overnight.” It does take 12 minutes, which may feel like a long time if you’re in a rush, but we like how easy this device is to store, plus appreciate the portability. You can toss it in your cosmetics case and bring it wherever you go.
Original image by Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco
3. Best Mask: Higher Dose Red-Light Face Mask
Jenifer Calle demonstrating the HigherDose Red Light Therapy Face Mask
What we love: You can wear it hands-free; lightweight; adjustable
What could improve: Not as versatile as some other options
Wavelengths: Red (630 nm), near-infrared (830 nm)
Target area: Face
Treatment time: 10 or 20 minutes
Made from medical-grade silicone, the HigherDose Red-Light Face Mask is one of the most comfortable at-home red-light therapy devices you can buy. The derms we spoke to tell us that the tighter, flush-against-skin fit is key for efficacy too. It’s also one of the more convenient options, since it’s lightweight and largely cord-free (a little remote hangs down from one side), so you can multitask while doing a treatment. It also comes with extra plugs for international vacays, making it more travel-friendly than most.
“It fits very comfortably—I can even lie down on my couch wearing it,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who has been testing the HigherDose mask for six months. She finds it easy to fit treatments in two to three times per week, since the eye holes are large enough to see out of, and she can wear the mask while doing chores in the morning. And as far as results go? “I tend to break out around my chin and jawline during my period because of hormonal acne. I noticed that I didn’t get as many pimples when I was using the mask. Plus, my skin looks a lot smoother than it used to after three weeks of consistent use,” Calle says.
Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
4. Best for Face: Silk’n Titan MultiPlatform
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
What we love: Four intensities for comfort; three-in-one beauty tool; two treatment heads for different areas of the face and neck
What could improve: Long treatment time
Wavelengths: Red (630 nm), infrared (850 nm)
Target area: Face or body
Treatment time: 15 minutes per area (60 minutes total)
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