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there are many There are many different skin care products and beauty services on the market that all promise to make you look younger and slow down the effects of aging; we see countless procedures, such as Botox injections or facelifts, performed almost routinely in programs like Real Housewives Not to mention an entire industry of multivitamins.
While there have been amazing strides in the plastic surgery industry to make these procedures safer and produce better results, there are safer and more cost-effective ways to delay the time from passing through your face, and improve the overall quality of your skin—one of which is red light therapy. “Red light therapy is a clinically studied and FDA-approved treatment that can improve the appearance of your skin if you have acne, scarring, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging,” says Shane Miller, a licensed aesthetician and owner of the popular Instagram account @howtohydrate.
Overview: Best Red Light Therapy Devices
LED lights (which emit red and infrared light) have quickly become one of her favorite skincare devices, says Alexis Correri, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. “Studies have shown that these devices help stimulate hair follicles and fibroblasts within our skin. This results in the generation of adenosine triphosphate, which acts as fuel for our cells,” she says. This allows the cells to calm inflammation, which can increase circulation and wound healing, and aid in the formation of new collagen. “Together, this results in more vibrant, elastic, and youthful skin,” she says.
If you're interested in what red light therapy can do for you, here are some picks based on Miller and Currier's recommendations, along with devices our editors have tested ourselves that come from trusted brands.
In this article
What are the best red light therapy devices?
What is red light therapy?
When should you use red light therapy devices?
Is red light therapy safe?
Buying Guide: How We Chose the Best Red Light Therapy Devices
What are the best red light therapy devices?
From full-body red light therapy devices, to face masks that help soothe the skin, we've rounded up some of the best red light therapy devices to buy online.
Easier to use
Vanity Planet LEDA Silicone Face Brush in Red
If you’re looking for a simpler way to get some daily red light therapy, this facial cleansing brush is easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine. By helping your skin produce collagen and elastin, red light can help rejuvenate your skin and fight wrinkles, dark circles, and acne. Simply rub the gentle silicone bristles over your face with your cleanser or serum of choice for a few minutes and let it work its magic.There are three brush modes and two removable heads — after using the brush, gently wash it with lukewarm water and a towel. A mini USB charger is included when it's time to recharge the sonic brush.
More diverse
Theraface Pro
A palm-sized device no bigger than an electric razor, the TheraFace PRO is a unisex gadget that has helped “hack” our skincare routines by being both a light therapy device and a recovery tool. While you may know them as high-end massage guns, Therabody says its team of product designers found a way to combine its Theragun’s percussive technology with “other modalities” to address more than 40 muscles in our face. In addition to tightening the skin, we used the built-in LED light ourselves (switching between red, blue, and infrared options) to help reduce wrinkles and acne, while we also found the deep-cleaning mode to be great for removing sweat and dirt after a long day or gym workout. As someone who suffers from TMJ issues, it’s great to be able to relieve minor tension and pain around the face with a quick massage while also getting a daily dose of red light therapy.
Best face mask
Omnilux Contour Face
You’ve probably seen this red light therapy mask on your Instagram or TikTok feeds. The FDA-cleared device allows for a full, hands-free facial, which is why it’s one of Dr. Currier’s favorite devices to recommend to her patients. “I feel like they really set themselves apart from other products. With consistent use of the red and near-infrared light device for 10 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week, you’ll notice healthier, more vibrant skin.”
If you have a busy schedule, Dr. Correri also loves how easy it is to use. “You can wear it while checking your emails, folding some laundry, or just taking a few minutes to close your eyes and relax for the day. It’s also portable, making it easy to take on business trips or vacations.” We’ve tested this ourselves as a treatment for moderate acne scars, and it also makes a great self-care gift for any occasion.
best eye mask
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro
If you're looking to easily adapt to red light therapy, or aren't looking for a full-face treatment, Miller recommends the SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro.
“This product is ideal for those whose main priority is treating wrinkles around the eyes, fine lines, and crow’s feet around the eye area,” says Miller. “This FDA-cleared eye light therapy device has been shown to stimulate natural collagen production while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.”
Solavif
Best for neck and chest
Soleve Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask
When celebrity faces aren’t helping to shine on the red carpet, Solawave is back in business with the launch of a brand-new skincare tool—the Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask. In fact, your neck and chest area seems to age faster than your face, leading to wrinkles and fine lines, so it makes sense that this new tool uses a powerful electrical current and red light therapy to attack that forgotten area of your skincare routine. So far, the product has been met with rave reviews, with early reviews praising its comfort, ease of use, and early results (some users say their chest area looks visibly firmer while others experience fewer breakouts) after just a few weeks of consistent treatment.
Best LED Panel
Hoga red light therapy device
One of the easiest ways to get started with red light therapy is with a portable red light therapy device, like this one from Hooga. This box-shaped lamp measures 12 x 8 inches and combines 60 5-watt LEDs that emit red and near-infrared light to help stimulate collagen, increase energy, and help reduce inflammation.
We like to keep the device on a table a foot or so away from us in the morning while we sip coffee and eat breakfast (you can also hang the device in your bathroom using the included hook). Spending a few minutes a day goes a long way toward improving skin health and overall vitality, but don’t just take our word for it: The Hooga Red Light has a 4.5-star rating (out of five) from more than 500 online reviewers.
best full body
Therapy wrap therapy mat
The therapy mat’s user-friendly design and superior optics make it an attractive option for those looking to get full-body red light therapy. Whether placed on your bed or laid on the floor, you’re just inches away from full-body exposure. This device is also highly effective, featuring a recovery mode, continuous light, and an energizing boost mode.
It also couldn’t be easier to use—start with 10-minute sessions and gradually increase to 15-20 minute sessions as you get used to it. These sessions can help reduce inflammation and pain, improve your skin by helping to speed up collagen production, and even help strengthen bone density, according to the brand. But the Therapy Mat is just one of many red light devices that Therapy Wrap offers, and you can check out its website to find the perfect one for you.
(*Is it too expensive for you? Amazon has a number of well-reviewed alternatives to the therapy mat that start at around $500. It's an easier — and cheaper — way to get started with red light therapy.)
What is red light therapy?
How does red light therapy work?“As we age, our cells become larger,” explains Miller, “making it increasingly difficult for them to divide and reproduce, ultimately slowing down our body’s ability to regenerate. Red light therapy delivers a low-wavelength light to stimulate our skin cells.” In short, the red light produced by the device is absorbed by our mitochondria and keeps our cells stimulated and working hard, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and the texture of your skin.
In addition to slowing down the effects of old age, regular Red light therapy sessions can have a variety of other benefits for our skin and body in general, such as reducing skin inflammation caused by conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
When should you use red light therapy devices?
As with everything in life, red light therapy is best used in moderation; be sure to check your device’s instructions to see how long your session should last. Miller recommends using it daily, after cleansing your face and before applying any serum or moisturizer. If you use your device during the day, always remember to finish off your routine with some sunscreen.
Red light therapy can help boost collagen if that’s a concern for you, says Dr. Correri, by reducing visible signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. “It reduces redness and pigmentation from sun damage, and also helps treat occasional acne lesions by reducing oil production on the skin.”
“Miller also recommends using the red light device on dry skin after cleansing. “If your device is a wand or instrument, applying a moisturizing serum or oil will reduce the tightness of the skin and allow the device to glide easily over the skin.”
Is red light therapy safe?
““Unlike UVA/UVB rays, red light does not pose a threat to your skin,” says Miller. “However, any new treatment should be approached with caution because everyone’s skin and body will react differently.”“
If you're unsure how to incorporate red light therapy into your daily routine, Miller recommends consulting a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist to see if it's right for you.
As always, Dr. Correri says that when looking for a device to use at home, “you want to look for a product that has a safety record, reliable results, and research to back up its claims.”
Buying Guide: How We Chose the Best Red Light Therapy Devices
There are a few things we took into consideration when searching for the best red light therapy device for you. Here’s what you should know.
power: Higher-powered devices are more effective at activating your cells, meaning you get the most out of your red light therapy session faster. You might think that the wattage of a device determines its power, but this is a common misconception; power refers to how much energy the device consumes. To assess the power of a device, check its irradiance, measured in milliwatts per square centimeter.
measuring: This will determine how much skin you will be able to treat in one session. If you are only concerned about your face and the appearance of wrinkles, a smaller device will do the trick.
