These Masks Promise Brighter Skin & A Collagen Boost — So What's The Deal?

Yes, LED face masks can be portable: This uses a flexible silicone-based fabric to embed the LED lights, so the mask itself is bendy (unlike the more rigid plastic contraptions). This means it’s not only comfortable to wear, but you can pack it into overnight bags, purses, and more. The mask itself combines red (633nm) and near infrared light (830nm) wavelengths to improve collagen production.

What users say:

Users call it their “favorite purchase ever,” like this one who writes about the results: “After 6 weeks of recommended use I am constantly complimented on my skin tone , glow and improvement of lines and firmness.”

This has an impressive combination of 100 LED lights in red mode and 62 LED lights in blue mode for a more robust set of benefits: It boosts collagen, soothes inflammation, and can help clear blemishes. (You can put it in red mode, blue mode, or combo depending on your particular needs.) This is a great mask for those in their 30s who are looking for healthy aging results, while also looking to clear up residual adult acne. 

What users say:

This Instagram-famous mask is a favorite among celebrities, influencers, and media folk. I’ve used this option and can account for its efficacy. Another mbg staffer says this: “I have absolutely been loving using this. After a month or so of regular use, I’ve noticed a slight change in the fine lines in my skin, especially the ones on my forehead, above my brow line and around my eyes! It’s been easy to add to my daily skincare routine and it allows me to do both my mask + a quick 3 minute meditation simultaneously.”

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This comes with a hefty price tag, but the mask comes with a whooping 238 LED lights in red, near infrared, and blue wavelengths to justify the cost. The woman behind the mask is the legendary Shani Darden, facialist to the stars (she counts Jessica Alba and Emily Ratajkowski as clients). Darden has been using professional-grade LED panels in her spa for years, so you know when she came out with an at-home device it was going to be top-notch. And this one does not disappoint: It uses a dual-diode technology which increases the mask’s efficacy. 

What users say:

I’ve personally had the pleasure of experiencing a Shani Darden facial, and can confirm that her in-spa LED panel is top notch. And this at-home version delivers professional-grade results, say users: “This is so worth the money. This is a professional grade LED mask that's used at an esthetician's office. My skin looks awesome and youthful. It's expensive but this adds up to every time you pay for this and now you can have this at home.”

Lots of LED masks can also target acne (they do so by adding blue light), however if acne is your primary concern you’ll want to find something that was specifically designed to clear skin. This option from Omnilux is clinically proven to reduce active acne and blemishes, ease redness and calm inflammation. It does so by utilizing two wavelengths: red 633nm and blue 415nm, which work on a cellular level to kill acne-forming bacteria in the sebaceous glands.

What users say:

Acne is a complicated skin condition: There is no singular treatment or modality that will permanently “fix” it. However, this mask can be used alongside your other skin care and lifestyle habits to manage moderate acne—one user notes: “This device works. I use it regularly and found it has helped clear up breakouts and reduce the size of new ones. This is in addition to doctor prescribed topicals. My skin is stubborn and the mask gives it the extra support.”  

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At-home professional-type tools are expensive, full stop. And if you find one on the internet that’s only $20, chances are you shouldn’t really be using it (aesthetician Natalie Aguilar once told me: “you might as well be using Christmas lights.”) However, that’s not to say you need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a mask—this option from leading facial workout studio SkinGym is just shy of $100 and uses red, blue, and orange/yellow wavelengths to reveal a more radiant complexion. 

What users say:

Not only is the price point great for first-time users, but it’s very easy to use. Writes one user: “ There is nothing complicated in the application, even a non-professional can handle it by reading the instructions. Helps to tighten contours.”

Not only is this mask comfortable, it was literally designed to move with you—that way you don’t have to worry about taking time out of your day for LED therapy. The mask is made from silicone (so it’s bendy and contours to the face) and has two straps that wrap around the head (for more stability). This means you can wear it while you do a yoga flow, clean your house, work from home—or, yes, even when you’re relaxing on the sofa for some much needed downtime. 

What users say: 

One common complaint users have about LED therapy tools is compliance—in our busy lives, it's hard to find even a few spare minutes to focus on ourselves. However, reviewers note that this one makes it easy: “This mask is so easy to use and has quickly become part of my morning routine. I've been looking for ways to add more biohacking and simple mood boosting tips to start my day and this is exactly what I needed. It is so easy to wear while going about my day and/or sitting in meditation. It gives me fancy facial vibes in the comfort of my own home.”

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