Everything You Need To Know About Red Light Therapy At Home, According To Experts
When a treatment like red light therapy enters the beauty world with as much buzz as it has, it’s only natural that questions – and a fair amount of scepticism – follow. Ask just about any beauty expert, and they’ll tell you the same thing: two of the most common questions they get are whether red light therapy really works, and which at-home device is actually worth investing in.
Vogue’s pick of the best at-home red light therapy devices:
Before recommending – or investing in – a red light therapy at-home device, it’s essential to understand what the treatment actually is and whether it lives up to the hype. To get to the heart of the matter, Vogue consulted leading beauty tech experts to separate fact from fad. Their verdict? Red light therapy is far from a passing trend. It’s safe, non-invasive and backed by science – provided you’re using a device with the right specifications, that is.
“While clinic LED treatments are both effective and popular, at-home devices are a much more cost-effective and convenient way of using LED,” says Laurence Newman, the founder and CEO of CurrentBody. “You can use LED more consistently at home, resulting in better long-term effects on the skin.” That said, red light is an additional complexion aid – not an excuse to skip out on skincare. “Optimal at-home results will be achieved while combining light therapy treatments with a well-designed skincare routine,” says Murphy-Rose.
In this article:
How we chose the best at-home red light therapy devices
With so many at-home red light therapy devices on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Since it’s a significant investment, Vogue put dozens of devices to the test – across different skin tones, types and concerns – consulting industry experts along the way. The result? A curated list of the most effective devices worth your money, plus everything you need to know about why this much-hyped technology actually delivers. Our picks range from LED face masks to red light therapy wands to those designed for hair growth.
Best multi-tasking red light therapy gadget: CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Panel
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: “The LED Light Therapy Panel is the red light device I didn’t know I needed,” says Vogue’s Senior Beauty Shopping Writer Ellie Davis. “I have it affixed on the stand at my desk to maximise the combination of blue and red lights while I’m working away.” There are four modes to suit two different concerns: Anti-Ageing for skin rejuvenation (red) and Clearing for blemish busting (blue). Its USP, though? The design is flexible. You can use the straps provided to attach to any part of the body, from the back to the shoulders, or mould in place for the face or hands.
- Device type: Multitasking
- Best for: Full body bacteria-busting, sebum reduction and collagen boosting. It can also be used to supercharge healing, while the red light encourages mood-boosting and wellness.
- Wavelengths: blue (415nm), red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and deep near-infrared (1072nm)
- Treatment time: 10-20 minutes
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A step up from red light in terms of the depth its beams penetrate, Lyma’s device combines low-level cold laser therapy with NIR to rejuvenate skin from the inside out. This handheld tool can treat fine lines everywhere on the face and body – from the crow’s feet to hands and lips – and offers impressive results for deep-set concerns like pigmentation and scarring. What’s more, it fits inside your handbag and is still effective when used over your SPF or make-up. Great for the jet setter who needs on-the-go treatments, it’s no wonder this device is beloved by the celebrity set.
- Device type: Handheld
- Best for: deep-down skin rejuvenation. Tightening lax skin, renewing dull skin and remodelling skin with scars. Several users praise the non-invasive device for its anti-inflammatory effects on conditions like psoriasis.
- Target area: Face, body, neck and hands
- Treatment Time: Three plus minutes daily
- Good to know: As well as whole face rejuvenation, try using it for five minutes on targeted areas like acne scarring and persistent sun spots.
Pros
- Ease to use
- Results in a short amount of time
Cons
- Covers a small surface area at a time
- Expensive
Best spot treatment: Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Solawave
Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A Vogue editor favourite, Solawave’s four-in-one device handily smooths fine lines and wrinkles, brightens dark circles and boosts serum absorption in just a few minutes with consistent use. All the while, it delivers a de-puffing face massage, which boosts circulation.
- Device type: Handheld
- Best for: Suited for all skin types, the wand targets fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles, and blemishes.
- Target area: Face, neck
- Treatment time: Three minutes per area
- Good to know: Compact, convenient and easy to use anywhere, this is a great option if you’re a frequent traveller.
Best for acne: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
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Dr Dennis Gross
DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
There’s a reason this Dr Dennis Gross LED mask always sells out. Having tested it extensively ourselves, we’ve found that it’s a brilliant mask for those who are short of time or want to incorporate LED into their routine, but never find a moment to actually do it. Each treatment “session” is just three minutes, which means the red, blue or red-blue combo lights (of which there are 162) get to work quickly. From evening out skin tone and texture to softening fine lines and discolouration, it’s truly brilliant. This dermatologist-developed mask also stimulates collagen production and clears up breakouts. “I specifically designed this device to be easily incorporated into your everyday routine with one three-minute daily treatment,” Dr Dennis Gross tells Vogue.
- Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (630nm) and blue (415nm)
- Mask Type: Rigid
- Treatment Time: Three minutes
- Wireless: Yes
- Device type: Face mask
- Best for: Beneficial for ageing or acne-prone skin, the device smooths fine lines and wrinkles, minimises the appearance of sun and age spots, and tames redness and inflammation.
- Target area: Face
- Good to know: While a combination red and blue light treatment is great for overall skin health, it can also be used with isolated red or blue lights to boost collagen or treat breakouts, respectively.
Pros
- Speedy session time
- Treats everything from acne and pigmentation to signs of ageing
Cons
- Rigidity of mask may be uncomfortable for some
Best red light therapy mask: CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
CurrentBody
Skin Series 2 LED Light Therapy Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by an impressive 35 per cent in just four weeks, CurrentBody’s LED Mask is also a hit with a number of celebrities. With red and near-infrared, it won’t target acne-prone skin (as it doesn’t offer blue light), but it is brilliant for general luminosity, collagen boosting and skin smoothing. And to add to that? It’s made from patented flexible silicone, which isn’t just comfortable, but it also ensures light covers every area of the face. It’s a yes from us. “I love using this mask. Not only do I see genuine results with better clarity and improved bounce when I use it regularly, but it’s comfortable to wear and simple to activate. A great option if you’re new to LED.” – Vogue contributing editor, Georgia Day.
This device also ranks high on dermatologist Dr Nicole Ruth’s list. “I find CurrentBody’s face mask sits nicely on the curvatures of your face, allowing even coverage on the skin surface without any gaps,” she says.
- Key specs:
- Light Modes: Red (633nm), near infra red (830nm), deep near infra red (1072nm)
- Mask Type: Flexible
- Device type: Face mask
- Target area: Face
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Best for: The mask has noticeable anti-ageing effects, including improved skin texture and firmness.
- Wireless: Yes
- Good to know: Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins is a fan of this mask. With her virtually poreless skin, that’s good enough validation for us.
Pros
- Boosts collagen with red LEDs and near infrared
- Silicone comfortably flexes to the contours of your face
- Great for brightening skin
Cons
- Does not include blue LED light
Best for hair growth: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet
Read more: From Solawave To Nu Face, These Are The Best Skincare Tools That Actually Work
Best clinical: Dermalux Flex MD LED Light Therapy Device
Dermalux
Flex MD LED Light Therapy
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A leading provider of LED in the clinical setting, Dermalux is the brand to know for powerful light therapy. Its home device emits clinical-grade blue and red LED wavelengths, as well as deep-reaching near-infrared (NIIR). “This wavelength penetrates deeper into the skin and tissues, reaching muscles, joints, and even organs,” notes holistic health expert Sarah Bradden, going on to explain that NIR doesn’t just help transform skin, but is effective for pain relief, wound healing, inflammation reduction, and generally improving cellular function too.
- Device type: Panel
- Best for: Skin rejuvenation, targeted pain relief for aches and conditions like arthritic joint pain
- Treatment Time: 30 minutes
- Good to know: As well as being an excellent option for improving the health and condition of your skin, this is a great investment to support joint health and tackle inflammation if you, or your family members, regularly work out or play lots of sport.
Best vibrating: Therabody TheraFace Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Equipped with massage therapy, the Therabody LED mask soothes tension in the face – and it provides more reasons to exhale. With red and blue light settings, it also firms, smooths, and boosts radiance in the skin.
- Device type: Face mask
- Best for: The device firms and contours the complexion, making a noticeable difference in sagging and loose skin; it can also make dark spots less noticeable.
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: Nine minutes
- Good to know: As well as supporting collagen production and skin’s tone and texture, the massage function ensures optimal circulation and nutrient-rich blood flow to the skin.
Best for neck: CurrentBody Skin LED Neck & Dec Perfector
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Currentbody’s lightweight device wraps comfortably around the neck and the decolletage, where its red and near-infrared lights stimulate collagen production and give the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. “So many of my patients are focused on their face, but I always remind them we can’t ignore our neck and chest,” Ruth says. “CurrentBody’s neck and chest mask is lightweight and comfortable. You can use the mask while sitting in bed reading or catching up on emails.”
- Device type: Neck and decolletage mask
- Best for: The anti-ageing device has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just four weeks.
- Target area: Neck, chest
- Treatment time: 10 minutes
- FDA-Approved: Yes
- Good to know: As well as being flexible to fit the contours of your neck, this can also be worn backwards if you’re concerned about reducing sun spots, wrinkles and texture on your back too.
Best customisable: Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Light Therapy Mask
Q-Rejuvalight Pro LED Light Therapy Mask
- Why we love it: Dermatologist-tested, this mask has five treatments that target different skin concerns, including redness and fine lines, including around the eyes.
- Device type: Face mask
- Best for: The wrinkle-smoothing technology makes ageing skin appear fuller and firmer.
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: Three minutes
- Good to know: The customisable treatment plan is a great addition, while the app pairing makes using it easy and intuitive.
Best for redness: MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
MZ Skin
Light Therapy Golden Treatment Mask
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: With five colours of LED light – including red for collagen production, blue to clear up blemishes, and yellow to tame redness – this doctor-developed mask offers targeted treatments for a host of issues.
- Device type: Face mask
- Best for: Both sensitive and acne-prone skin will benefit from regular use of the mask, which is meant to promote a clearer, more balanced complexion.
- Target area: Face
- Treatment time: 10 to 30 minutes
- Good to know: Try the green and yellow lights to deeply soothe and balance the skin, especially after sun exposure.
Best red light therapy panel: Celluma Home
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Easy to stow in bags or luggage, the LED device offers full-body benefits thanks to the large light panels. On the face, it uses red and near-infrared wavelengths to smooth fine lines and wrinkles; on the body, it can also help with wound healing and relieve pain in muscles and joints.
- Device type: When used on the face, the corded panel is positioned onto two face rests. It can also be placed directly onto the shoulders, the lower back, or any other area calling for pain relief.
- Best for: Wound healing, anti-ageing, and pain relief.
- Target area: Whole body
- Treatment time: 30 minutes
- Good to know: Red light has also been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin so a spell under this offers a mood boost as well as skin rejuvenation.
FAQs
What is red light therapy?
“Red light therapy is a treatment that exposes skin to low levels of red or near-infrared light (most devices utilise 630 to 700 nm wavelength of light),” says board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose. Holistic health expert, Sarah Bradden, adds that red light “is absorbed by the mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells) in our bodies, which can trigger a variety of biological responses.” Among these are enhanced circulation and increased cellular energy, both of which help to improve the complexion immediately and over time. “Red light has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can reduce and prevent wrinkles and can improve skin texture,” says Dr Murphy Rose.
What do dermatologists think of red light therapy at home?
“Unlike UV light – which is linked to skin cancer and premature ageing – LED light falls within the visible spectrum and can actually benefit the skin,” explains New York-based dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe. “The longer the wavelength, such as with red light, the deeper it penetrates. Red LED light works through a process called photobiomodulation, which stimulates skin function without causing injury or trauma.”
The therapeutic potential of red light was first observed in the late 1980s, thanks in part to a serendipitous discovery by NASA. Scientists using red and blue LEDs to simulate photosynthesis for plant growth noticed that cuts and scrapes on their hands were healing faster than usual.
Today, red light therapy is a go-to treatment in both professional medi-spas and at-home skincare routines. “LED – or light-emitting diode – therapy is often paired with treatments like microneedling, chemical peels or lasers,” says Dr Bowe. “It’s completely noninvasive and shouldn’t generate any heat.”
What are the benefits of red light therapy?
As noted by Dr Murphy-Rose, regular use of red light therapy reduces inflammation and ramps up both collagen production and collagen density, leading to improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles over time. The treatment has also been used to treat pattern hair loss and alopecia and to reduce body fat.
“Red light therapy is thought to promote collagen synthesis in the dermal layer of the skin and help to dial down inflammation in the skin,” says Bowe. “The light interacts with the skin to stimulate regeneration, healing, and repair of skin cells and supports our healthy collagen production and skin elasticity.” These benefits can be applied to scarring, fine lines and acne, too, though the latter is commonly treated with blue light.
“In clinic, benefits range across skin rejuvenation (collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation) right through to healing (using near-infrared light),” says Newman. The dialling down of inflammation has more benefits than simply reducing redness, it can also support cellular repair, improve skin barrier function, and enhance overall skin health.”
How often should you use red light therapy at home?
Frequency and duration of red light exposure are dependent on the “what” and “where” of your red light therapy device. “In-office red light devices are significantly more powerful than the devices you can get at home, and the at-home devices that are FDA-cleared are safer and more effective than the ones that are not FDA-cleared,” says Dr Bowe. “When we are referring to at-home devices, I recommend patients stick with regular use (daily or three to four times a week) for at least six weeks to give the device a chance to work.” She goes on to note that skin-firming results can require up to three months of a regular red light routine.
How quickly will you see results from at-home red light therapy?
While benefits like improved signs of photo-ageing and collagen boosting may take a few months, red light can calm inflammation in a single 10-minute session – the dermatologist-recommended span of exposure.
Is at-home red light therapy safe?
Red light therapy at home is generally considered a safe and effective method for all skin types, but there are a few common-sense caveats. Step one: close your eyes.
“If you’re keeping your eyes open, the light can cause damage,” says Dr Bowe. Next, neither your red light device nor your skin should ever be hot, or even warm. “If the wavelengths of light are creating heat, that can trigger pigment-producing cells in your skin to pump out more melanin, so you want to be especially cautious that it isn’t emitting heat if you are prone to hyperpigmentation.”
Who cannot use red light therapy?
Dr Murphy-Rose adds that it’s best to chat with your medical provider before using red light if you have any conditions that make you more photosensitive or take medications that increase your photosensitivity. And before you buy that pricey device, make sure it’s been properly vetted. “I would always recommend doing your research before investing in an LED device,” says Newman. “Not all LEDs are made the same; it’s very important to check that your device operates at the correct wavelengths to offer the results you are looking for and has been tested for safety.” Still, the non-invasive treatment is largely side effect-free. Whether you opt to treat skin conditions in-spa or try light treatment at home, the positive effects of red light therapy are worth your time and investment.
How to find the best at-home red light therapy device for you
Interested in giving red light therapy a try? When choosing the best device for you, dermatologist Dr Nicole Ruth says, “you should consider factors such as wavelength, power output and treatment-area coverage of the device.”
“Opt for a device with wavelengths between 630 and 850 nanometers, as these wavelengths have shown optimal penetration for skin rejuvenation,” she says. And of course, a stamp of approval from the Food and Drug Administration never hurts. “I instruct patients to look for FDA-cleared devices to ensure safety and efficacy,” she notes.
We have made it our mission on the Vogue beauty desk to put each and every LED device through its paces. We test and trial every single at-home red light gadget when it is launched, so we are well-placed to determine which are the ones worth investing in – as they are investments. From hair to skin, we have worn, applied and used a slew of masks, helmets, hands and wands and have only included the best in this edit.
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