Best LED face masks to buy in 2024
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The best LED face masks for targeting everything from acne to redness

Including a celeb fave 👀

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Wearing an LED face mask may look as though you've stepped out of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller but, actually, what it's doing to improve the appearance of your skin is far from horrifying.

Reigning supreme as a great all-in-one gateway to better skin, LED face masks can help everything from acne and redness to fine lines and scarring – and they have great success in boosting collagen and elastin production, too.

If you're heading to a clinic and forking out for a sesh with a skincare professional, of course this will be more powerful than an at-home device, but research has proven that LED masks can do a masterful job at treating a range of skincare concerns.

So, if LED is on your mind, these are the Cosmo-approved masks to know about. Better yet, some of our faves are on sale today. Happy shopping.

Best LED face mask deals...

  • 1
    LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask

    Best glow-boosting LED face mask

    CurrentBody LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask

    £568 at CurrentBody
    Read more
  • 2
    4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit

    Best LED device for brightening and lifting

    Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit

    Read more
  • 3
    LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

    Best LED face mask for breakouts

    MZ Skin LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

    Read more
  • 4
    GetLit Tri Colour LED Face Mask

    Best budget LED mask

    Magnitone GetLit Tri Colour LED Face Mask

    Read more
  • 5
    UFO 2 Device

    Best LED mask for a targeted treatment

    Foreo UFO 2 Device

    Read more

What is light therapy?

LED light therapy is when the skin is exposed to an array of colours on the visible light spectrum (including red, blue, or infra-red). The light is absorbed by your skin which stimulates a certain response depending on the colour you use: this could be anything from healing acne, to redness, reducing inflammation or boosting radiance.

The technique was originally (mistakenly) discovered after NASA used LED lights to stimulate plant growth in space, and found that it had skin healing benefits too.

Soon after, clinics started to use it as a fancy facial technique, and now it has become a mainstream golden ticket to a happier complexion.

How does light therapy benefit the skin?

Over to Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, medical doctor and founder of the Joyful Skin Clinic, to explain:

“Plants directly absorb light from the sun in order to grow. In the same way, certain wavelengths of light on the visible spectrum (particularly red, infrared and blue) are absorbed into our skin cells.” As the wavelength increases, it penetrates the skin further to target specific concerns, including reducing wrinkles, inflammation, acne, scarring and premature signs of ageing.

Light therapy is arguably the most famous for minimising the signs of ageing, but consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong says it may help people struggling with breakouts and oily T-zones, too.

“LED can potentially reduce sebum in skin that is oilier, lower the volume of acne-inducing bacteria and provide anti-inflammatory support.”

What do the different colours of light therapy do?

Not all LED face masks address every skin complaint, so get to grips with what each light does to find your perfect pairing:

Red: Often used to help reverse the signs of ageing. It supports the production of collagen, which provides support and structure to the skin. Research shows it may also be useful for certain types of hair loss.

Green: Not the most talked about colour, but if age spots or hyperpigmentation are your chief skincare concern, make it a priority. It helps brighten the skin (even dark under eye circles) and is often used to treat broken capillaries (aka those pesky purplish lines that like to lurk around your nose).

Infrared: The OG of light therapy, known for treating fine lines and wrinkles and increasing collagen density.

Amber: Elusive in DIY masks but a great option for those suffering from sensitive skin, like rosacea and redness. It ramps up cellular growth to help skin heal and soothe irritation.

Blue: For acne-prone skin, this is a popular treatment due to its reductive effects in oil production, fighting bacteria and preventing future breakouts. What’s more, blue light can help banish free radicals that contribute to ageing skin.

How should I use my skincare routine with an LED mask?

It’s pretty simple. Clean, freshly cleansed skin is the key to letting the light penetrate the skin and work its magic. Leftover makeup or even your trusty serum can cause a barrier, so make sure you wash your face with a cleanser beforehand and leave it at that. After the treatment you can apply your usual skincare routine and lather on your serum and moisturiser.

The good news is that LED lights won’t cause any redness to the skin either, so there’s zero downtime needed if you want to leave the house afterwards.

And while it may be temping to soak in the lights for longer than the suggested time, the best ones will come with safety features, like automatic shut offs and timers, to ensure the mask is being used correctly.

Cosmo’s top picks of the best LED face masks...

1
Best glow-boosting LED face mask

CurrentBody LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask

On Sale
LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask
1
Best glow-boosting LED face mask

CurrentBody LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask

£568 at CurrentBody

You may recognise this mask from a little show called Emily in Paris? The CurrentBody Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask is a fave within the celebrity circle so, naturally, it's a fave of ours too.

After a month of loyal usage, trials have shown a 75% increase in a radiant finish and an all-round improved complexion. It really sets the pace for comfort, as the adjustable straps ensure the mask is fitted snug to your face to ensure that all areas are covered.

This edition is also decked out with a neck and dècolletage attachment (can you tell we've watched too much Emily in Paris?) because, remember, your complexion doesn't just end at your face.

2
Best LED device for brightening and lifting

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit

On Sale
4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit
2
Best LED device for brightening and lifting

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit

Now 30% Off
Credit: Solawave

Don't fancy marinating yourself in a full face mask each evening? Consider the Solawave: this small but mighty wand is ideal for gliding over your face during a mega Netflix marathon.

The vibrating head isn't just filled with powerful red LED lights: use it with the accompanying activator serum and it'll deliver skin-tightening microcurrent too.

The kit is also equipped with an activating serum which, not only helps you glide the tool over your skin, but is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to keep your complexion plump and hydrated.

3
Best LED face mask for breakouts

MZ Skin LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

On Sale
LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0
3
Best LED face mask for breakouts

MZ Skin LightMAX Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

This innovation was designed by Dr Maryam Zamani – one of the leading faces in oculoplastics – so it’s a serious way to supercharge your skincare routine.

Unlike many plastic formed LED masks which can feel quite rigid, this pleasing mask hugs your face for a very comfortable fit and is strapped down so you aren't confined to your bed while using it.

It comes with two light modes so you can tailor it depending on your concern: the red and near-infrared lights boost collagen production and promote a radiant complexion, while the acne mode uses blue and red lights to tackle bacteria and prevent breakouts.

It may be a pricer option but, if you're loyal to it, the results will be worth every penny.

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4
Best budget LED mask

Magnitone GetLit Tri Colour LED Face Mask

On Sale
GetLit Tri Colour LED Face Mask
4
Best budget LED mask

Magnitone GetLit Tri Colour LED Face Mask

Now 32% Off
Credit: Boots

LED masks are known for being spenny, but there just so happens to be some brilliant budget-friendly alternatives out there, too. Magnitone's Tri Color LED mask is under £100 and features red, blue and yellow lights to treat acne and boost a brighter complexion (and, for anyone interested, it helps to reduce signs of ageing).

The mask slides on like a pair of sunglasses so you can comfortably get about your day-to-day whilst wearing it. We also appreciate that it has a need for speed too; you only need to wear it for 15 minutes before seeing results. Bingo.

5
Best LED mask for a targeted treatment

Foreo UFO 2 Device

UFO 2 Device
5
Best LED mask for a targeted treatment

Foreo UFO 2 Device

Credit: Foreo

Hands down this is the most aesthetically pleasing gadget on the market. It comes with almost every light you can imagine (bar infrared) and is ideal if you find the full-face options claustrophobic, as you can treat one patch of skin at a time (avoiding your eyes, of course).

It's not just light therapy you're getting here, either: the UFO also employs heat and cryotherapy to relax muscles and depuff skin, along with sonic vibrations to help absorption of topical products.

With a super speedy treatment time of two mins, you don’t have to watch the clock to notice your skin visibly looking healthier and gleaming a natural glow.

Plus, it’s not only for your face: you can use it on your neck and chest, too. While the lights aren't quite as powerful as some of the bigger (and spendier) masks, this is a solid investment that's a joy to use.

6
Best on-the-go LED face mask

Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask

Wrinklit LED Mask
6
Best on-the-go LED face mask

Skin Gym Wrinklit LED Mask

This easy-to-wear mask is brilliant value, can be slotted into your busy lifestyle and helps to alleviate a multitude of skincare concerns. Just like a pair of specs, the shield is placed over your ears and worn for 15-30 mins.

With three different light options available, you can rely on it to help prevent acne (blue light), brighten your complexion (orange light) and prolong signs of ageing (red light).

And even though it’s a rigid mask, it sits slightly away from your face so it’s still comfortable to wear. Skincare just got sooo much easier.

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7

Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro

DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro
7

Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro

Credit: Look Fantastic

If you’re wanting to target your eye area, drop the full face mask and opt for these funky glasses instead. They sit very snugly, without prodding or poking around your delicate eye region, and the adjustable strap means it stays firmly in place.

The mask is lined with 72 red and amber LED lights which penetrate the middle layer of your skin to stimulate collagen production, and in turn, plump out fine lines and crow's feet.

Take three minutes out of your day, shut your eyes and soak in the lights.

8
Best multi-use LED face mask

Therabody TheraFace PRO

TheraFace PRO
8
Best multi-use LED face mask

Therabody TheraFace PRO

Hand-held devices are super practical, which is why we love this one from Therabody. The Theraface Pro incorporates eight different light therapy treatments into one nifty gizmo.

It combines the same massage therapy as the Theragun – with microcurrent and heat therapy to relax muscles, and firm and contour your skin – while red and blue lights brighten and clear your complexion. It’s a one-and-done multitasker that delivers some serious results.

9
Best LED light for collagen production

Déesse Pro Express

Déesse Pro Express
9
Best LED light for collagen production

Déesse Pro Express

This mini, portable and much cheaper alternative to the Déesse Pro LED Phototherapy Mask is a great one to get your hands on as it delivers brilliant results, without any downtime.

The flexible mask is looped over your ears and strapped in place so you can still move about with ease – it’s great for those busy bodies – and is easily packable into your suitcase or overnight bag.

It uses red and near-infrared lights to encourage elastin and collagen production, so consider it if you’re looking for a smoother, plump and youthful-looking complexion.

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10
Best LED face mask

SmartTech Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask

Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask
10
Best LED face mask

SmartTech Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask

Obviously this device is silly spenny but, if you have the means to invest in your future skin, it's our top pick. With 1026 LED lights – one of the highest compared to other leading masks – not only does it help to brighten and firm, but it’s proven the best for improving acne and blemishes.

With multiple light modes to choose from (near-infrared, red, blue, pink, blue + pink combined), it shines bright – but while it may pack a powerful punch, this medical-grade mask doesn’t cause any irritation.

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