Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (2023)

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (1)

For years now, dermatologists have used LEDs to help reduce post-procedure inflammation and galvanize the production of face-firming collagen and elastin. Now, like so many in-office marvels that have been recalibrated and re-sized for at-home use (microdermabrasion, and microneedling, and chemical peels—oh my!) there’s an array of illuminated gizmos designed for us to use on our own faces from the comfort of our living rooms. But are they worth the investment? According to dermatologists, the spectrum of skin improvements light therapy can spark makes it a powerful beauty-regimen player.

“LED light converts electrical energy into non-coherent spectrums of light, which emit different wavelengths,” says Manhattan dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD. Each wavelength penetrates a specific depth of skin tissue and possesses unique qualities that can affect various skin conditions. “Blue light sets off a chemical reaction that eliminates acne-causing bacteria,” says Nussbaum, while red light "promotes collagen and elastin production by stimulating the mitochondria and fibroblasts.” Additionally, “by promoting circulation, red light can reduce redness and inflammation of the skin.”

At-home devices are nowhere near as powerful as those used in dermatologists’ offices, but they can still deliver—if you stick with them. “They’re a great way to maintain the results from professional treatments,” says Nussbaum. “But the benefits of light therapy are cumulative, so for LED treatments to be effective, there needs to be adequate time spent under the light for continuous periods of several weeks.” In other words, compliance is key, and don’t expect to see an immediate transformation. Stick with it, though, and chances are you’ll glow forth with healthier, bouncier, and clearer skin.

Here, some of the best the market has to offer, from the budget buy, to the budget-busting splurge.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

1

LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (2)

1

LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device

This lightweight hand-held device is a bit more time-consuming (you move it over your face, holding it for three minutes in each treatment zone) than a mask, but it comes with a pedigree: It’s made by the company that created the first FDA-approved full-body LED bed, the likes of which are now a fixture in luxury spas and celebrity homes. The LightStim emits multiple wavelengths of glow-boosting, puffiness-deflating, and collagen-galvanizing light, and can be used in conjunction with any favorite facial serum.

2

Skin Care Light Shield

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (3)

2

Skin Care Light Shield

Horizontal rows of diodes make this the most Tron-like in appearance, but spacious(safety-tested) eye openings make it easy to scroll Instagram while you use it. Recommended sessions are 10 minutes, with three light settings to address inflammation, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

3

(Video) ANTI-AGING SKIN BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT LED THERAPY| DR DRAY

MMSkincare The MMSphere 2.0

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (4)

3

MMSkincare The MMSphere 2.0

Created by New York dermatologist Ellen Marmur the MM Sphere is unique not only in its donut-like shape: It can be synced with your phone to customize treatment, and used in conjunction with specially formulated masks (also from Marmur Metamorphosis) in order to super-charge efficacy. In addition to red, green, and blue light, there’s also an amber setting to help improve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4

Luxury Pick

Déesse Pro Mask Next Generation

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (5)

4

Luxury Pick

Déesse Pro Mask Next Generation

The Rolls Royce of DIY LED comes with a splurgy—but for those who swear by it, such as celebrity facialists Shani Darden and Joanna Czech, worthy—$1,900 price tag. The Déesse packs in 770 LED lights and six treatment modes, including green light for brightening, and a combo of near-infrared, blue, and red to quell post-procedure inflammation.

5

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpectraLite Faceware Pro

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (6)

5

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare SpectraLite Faceware Pro

This full-face LED mask makes you look like a glowing cyborg (potentially terrifying to children and pets, but also Instagram gold) for the 3 minutes a day you’ll need to wear it in order to see results. Developed by tech-wiz dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, the mask has three settings—full-spectrum red light to address fine lines, boost collagen, and reduce redness; blue light to battle break-outs; and a dual red and blue light setting to tackle everything at once.

Add light therapy to the list of Skin Gym's beautifying offerings. This mask utilizes blue and red lights in addition to orange light, which helps revitalize dull skin. It charges with a USB, so you don't have to fuss with wires or cords while you're wearing it. Plus, there's something oddly fashionable about the baby pink hue...

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

lumiNIR 4-n-1

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (8)

One wand with a number of attachments that feature a specific light frequency for the condition you want to tackle. There's one for anti-aging, one for cell-repair, one for clearing acne—even one for pain relief, all of which you can use around your body, not just on your face. Targeted treatments based on your day-to-day needs, with the ease of clicking out an attachment. What could be better?

8

HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (9)

8

HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask

With red and near-infrared light, HigherDose's strap-on mask boasts the ability to boost your mood and your glow in just one 10-minute session. Better yet, it's designed to be worn in action, like while you're working out or doing yoga (on HigherDose's infrared mat, might we suggest?)

9

Dermishine Pro 7 Color Wireless LED Face Mask

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (10)

(Video) BEST Red Light Therapy Masks for Anti-Aging Your Skin FAST!

9

Dermishine Pro 7 Color Wireless LED Face Mask

Contemporary skincare wisdom stresses to never neglect the neck. Thankfully, this LED face mask (complete with a remote) comes with a neck attachment, so you can get all the collagen-stimulating benefits for your face and neck at the same time.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10

SKIN INC. Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light Glasses

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (11)

10

SKIN INC. Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light Glasses

If your eye area is your main point of concern, this compact light-treatment works like glasses do, giving targeted stimulation to the region, which prevents the loss of suppleness in skin and the after effects of staring at blue light all day.

11

Budget Friendly

LUX SKIN LED Facial Mask

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (12)

11

Budget Friendly

LUX SKIN LED Facial Mask

If you want to avoid spending an arm and a leg for some LED light stim, this is for you. A blend of red, blue, and yellow LED light helps produce collagen and elastin, kill bacteria, and stimulate lymph during a 30 minute treatment that you can wear while walking around the house because, yes, this baby is wireless.

Whether you seek a fuller pout (but aren't quite sold on lip injections), or are battling pesky fine lines around the mouth, meet your new best friend. In quick three-minute sessions, this therapeutic mouth piece is your ticket to more plump, youthful lips.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

Best for Breakouts

Omnilux CLEARTM

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (14)

13

Best for Breakouts

Omnilux CLEARTM

With Red and blue LED light, this device is considered the gold standard in terms of wearables that treat breakoutsThe suggested use is three to five 10-minute treatments to promote healthier, clearer skin.

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (15)

April Long

Beauty Director

April Long writes about beauty, wellness, and luxury skincare for Town & Country.

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (16)

Roxanne Adamiyatt

Roxanne Adamiyatt is the senior editor at Town & Country, where she writes about lifestyle, fashion, travel, and beauty.

Get a Clearer, More Youthful Complexion With These LED Light Therapy Tools (17)

Meg Donohue

(Video) LOOKING YOUNGER in 3 min a DAY // SKIN CARE GADGETS 2021 // QURE BEAUTY LED LIGHT THERAPY

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Meg Donohue is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Her passions include spicy foods, sustainability, and the Y2K remake of Charlie’s Angels. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

FAQs

What light therapy is best for aging skin? ›

Red light. If you're concerned about wrinkles and general aging of the skin , red light devices are your best bet, as “they target fibroblasts, which are involved in the production of collagen,” says Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a dermatologist and the author of “Beyond Soap.”

What color LED light is for anti-aging? ›

Red LED light stimulates collagen and elastin, which can help with anti-aging,” explains esthetician, makeup, and beauty expert Tiara Willis, whose work is centered around treating skin of color.

What LED light is best for sagging skin? ›

In short, red light therapy is extremely helpful for your skin cells, especially the cells that produce collagen and keep your skin firm and smooth. Collagen, a protein that makes up about 80 percent of the skin, provides the structure for skin, which is what keeps it feeling firm.

Does LED light therapy help aging skin? ›

LED light therapy is mainly focused on skincare, promoting anti-aging effects and reducing inflammation. The purported benefits include an increase in the amount of collagen in the skin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other stigmata of aging.

What color light is best for wrinkles? ›

Green. If your bathroom shelf is already stocked with anti-aging products, it might be time to explore supplementing your routine with green light. Dr. Marmur recommends this color for wrinkles, large pores, and dark spots.

Does light therapy help sagging skin? ›

Red light therapy may work in skin health to: Stimulate collagen production, which gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity. Increase fibroblast production, which makes collagen. Collagen is a component of connective tissue that builds skin.

How long does it take to see results from LED light therapy? ›

Every individual may respond differently to specific treatments and results will also depend on the goal you want to achieve. However, with daily use, you should be able to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.

What should I put on my face before LED light therapy? ›

What Should I Put on My Face Before Red Light Therapy? For best results, it's always recommended to use LED products on a clean face with no serums or moisturizers. This allows the light therapy to effectively penetrate the skin without any barriers.

What LED light is good for age spots? ›

Green light therapy reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation by decreasing the production of melanocytes, the melanin forming cells found in the lower level of the dermis. These melanocytes are responsible for creating age spots.

Does red light therapy work on turkey neck? ›

Answer: Red light will not significantly tighten skin on the neck. This will not work.

Does red light therapy work for sagging jowls? ›

LED doesn't work for skin firming or tightening. LED treatments are really great for surface rejuvenation of the skin, but won't help much for tightening loose or sagging skin. It really takes a deeper heating element, such as from ultrasound or radiofrequency to achieve more of a tightening effect.

How long does it take for red light therapy to work on wrinkles? ›

It may not be instant but after each day, you and other people will notice the difference in your skin. In clinical studies, it takes at least 4-6 weeks to see visible results. Be patient. Your body is doing its work to reverse the hands of time.

What are the side effects of LED light therapy? ›

Even though this type of treatment is generally very safe, negative effects may occur. As a consequence of light therapy, patients can complain of irritability, headaches, eye strain, sleep disturbances, and insomnia. Mild visual side effects are not unusual but remit promptly.

Is LED light therapy the same as red light therapy? ›

The Benefits of Red Light (LED)

Infrared penetrates deeply while red light works on the surface of the skin. Red Light LED produces its effects by stimulating collagen production because 700nm wavelength of Red light therapy is optimal for Collagen I production.

What color light makes you look younger? ›

' What colours make you look younger? 'Creams, off whites, tans and golds reflect light onto the face and make us look younger. Dusky pinks and pale lilacs can also work wonders in turning back the clock,' Orla says.

What light makes you look younger? ›

LED light therapy has a dramatic effect on controlling the visible signs of aging including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and hair loss.

Which light makes you look pretty? ›

People tend to look the best when illuminated by light bulbs that measure around 2700 kelvins. Most bulbs, whether incandescent, LED, compact fluorescent or halogen, are labeled “soft white/warm white” (2,700-3,000 kelvins), “bright white/cool white” (3,500-4,100 kelvins) or “daylight” (5,000-6,500 kelvins).

What home remedy is good for sagging skin? ›

Other natural remedies for loose skin:
  1. Banana. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and natural oils. ...
  2. Cucumber. Cucumber helps retain elastin and hyaluronic acid which are necessary to maintain firm skin. ...
  3. Pineapple. ...
  4. Aloe Vera. ...
  5. Coffee grounds scrub. ...
  6. Honey.
Dec 14, 2022

What can be done for aging arms? ›

How to tighten loose, sagging skin on arms
  • Consider CoolSculpting. ...
  • Consider arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) ...
  • Swim regularly. ...
  • Sign up to pilates or yoga. ...
  • Schedule in some daily press ups. ...
  • Add some daily chair dips. ...
  • Stay hydrated. ...
  • Research Endermologie.
Aug 7, 2018

Can you do too much LED light therapy? ›

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, even though researchers aren't exactly sure how and why it works. And there are no set rules on how much light to use. Too much light may damage skin tissue, but too little might not work as well.

Does at home LED skin therapy work? ›

Does LED light therapy actually work? Research suggests that LED light therapy can help reduce and improve some skin conditions and issues. To see improvement in your skin, though, you need to have regular treatments.

How many times should you do LED light therapy? ›

A course of 6-8 treatments are recommended for LED light therapy to improve your cellular function and be effective long term. A one off treatment will give you an instant glow and supercharge your skin treatment however results are accumulative and need to be performed once or ideally twice a week for optimal results.

Do you put lotion on before red light therapy? ›

Red light therapy helps your skin absorb creams and serums, making post-PBMT the right time to apply anti-aging products, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products. Before applying heavier moisturizers, start with serums and eye creams, which are lightweight and often contain concentrated doses of active ingredients.

Can I use LED light on my face everyday? ›

So how often should you use our LED mask? For best results, treat skin for a minimum of 3 to 5 days a week for 10 minutes.

Do you put serum on before light therapy? ›

*Important note: use serums before light therapy only if they do not contain retinol or SPF.

What is best for dark age spots? ›

Treatment
  • Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. ...
  • Laser and intense pulsed light. ...
  • Freezing (cryotherapy). ...
  • Dermabrasion. ...
  • Microdermabrasion. ...
  • Chemical peel.
Feb 11, 2022

Can LED light remove dark spots? ›

LED light therapy is a skincare treatment used to minimize wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and scars, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It works by using an LED light to target specific areas of the face. People often do it using tailored LED light therapy masks.

Which LED light is best for face? ›

Red light is one of the most common and studied wavelengths and can help with fine lines, wrinkles, and inflammation. Blue light works best for acne-prone skin, whereas white, orange, and green are used for boosting your glow.

How do you reverse sagging jowls? ›

There are several options for treating sagging jowls or reducing how saggy or droopy they appear. Surgical procedures, such as neck lifts, can tighten your skin and make it look less saggy. Nonsurgical procedures, such as thermage, lasers, and peels, can change the composition of the collagen in your skin.

Does red light therapy work for under eye bags? ›

Red and Infrared Laser Therapy and LED light therapy have proven effective at eliminating puffiness around the eyes. Red 660nm monochromatic light from a laser triggers the body to produce new skin cells and collagen causing the skin around the eye to become noticeably smoother.

Can red light therapy Help Your Thyroid? ›

Research shows that red light therapy can reduce the presence of thyroid antibodies and prevent auto-immune disorders from interfering with your thyroid's normal processes.

What is the best laser to tighten neck skin? ›

When it comes to the best laser skin tightening treatment, Thermage and IPL are both excellent options that can provide for firmer, younger looking skin with little to no side effects and zero recovery time.

Can you use red light therapy on your neck? ›

Red light therapy is used to reduce inflammation, which is often both the cause and a symptom of back and neck pain. This therapy can also repair tissue damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine, reducing the pain that can result from whiplash or other injuries.

What is the best laser for neck tightening? ›

Ablative lasers such as Fraxel or CO2 technologies can be powerful tools to erase crepiness and restore smooth, supple texture to the neck.

What tightens skin on face and neck? ›

Retinol (vitamin A) is the most frequently used ingredient in anti-aging creams. But tretinoin, another form of vitamin A, may be the most effective ingredient to firm the skin on your neck and face.

How do you get rid of a Crepey neck? ›

Dermatological treatments that can treat crepey skin include:
  1. Topical retinoid. Either in a cream or gel, retinoids encourage exfoliation and speed cell turnover. ...
  2. Fractional laser treatment (Fraxel) ...
  3. Ultrasound (Ulthera) ...
  4. Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) ...
  5. Fillers.

Can you tone a saggy neck? ›

Neck and chin exercises can help to stimulate the production of both collagen and elastin, which will not only tone your skin and improve your blood circulation but can help provide for more youthful-looking skin.

How many days in a row can you do red light therapy? ›

If you are using red light therapy to improve your skin tone, minimize the visible signs of aging, and heal sun damage, you can expect to undergo red light therapy in 10- to 20-minute sessions, 3 to 5 times each week for one to four months.

How many minutes should you do red light therapy? ›

There is a sweet spot for treatment with red light. The maximum amount of time you should expose your body to this concentrated red light is 15-20 minutes a day.

Is it OK to do red light therapy everyday? ›

The answer is yes. As long as you are following the manufacturers instructions, you can use red light therapy everyday. If you have chronic pain, it's recommended to start a daily routine with using red light therapy.

Does LED light therapy affect eyes? ›

The truth is, light therapy can cause eye damage. “Eyes should always be protected,” says Shamban. But that does not mean all goggles used in LED light treatments are created equal. “Think about shades in your bedroom — there are super sheer, semi-light blocking and total blackout versions,” she says.

What time of day is best for red light therapy? ›

The most optimal time for a light therapy session is morning or evening around the time of sunrise or sunset. This mimics the time of day when we receive the most red and near-infrared light from the natural sun.

Are LED light therapy results permanent? ›

Even after you've achieved the recommended number of sessions, your results aren't permanent. As your skin cells turn over, you may lose some collagen and start to see signs of aging again. You may also start to see acne breakouts.

Which LED light shrinks pores? ›

For people hoping to reduce acne or make pores appear smaller, Skotnicki recommends blue light therapy. This is because the light may help shrink your oil glands, which can reduce oil production in your skin.

What color light is best for skin? ›

“And that's why red light is an ideal wavelength for changing the way the skin functions.” Red light penetrates the skin deeper than other visible light and stimulates the mitochondria, which has an anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effect.

What do doctors say about red light therapy? ›

RLT is generally safe and may be a very effective treatment option for people seeking smaller changes in their skin or to keep the skin healthy and reduce inflammation. Other applications of RLT have promising early evidence, but there is not enough reliable evidence in humans to call it effective in every case.

Is blue light or red light better for anti-aging? ›

Red light therapy is best for chronic skin conditions like signs of aging, scarring, and loss of elasticity. Blue light therapy is best for acute skin conditions like oil production, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts.

Is red or blue light better for wrinkles? ›

Red light is able to penetrate deeper into skin than blue light can, where it “stimulates fibroblasts to promote collagen production and may reduce the appearance of fine lines,” says Gidon, noting that getting treated with red light also “calms irritation and speeds up the healing process.”

Does red light therapy work on deep wrinkles? ›

Red light therapy gives you the instant glow in your face however, it does not correct the fine lines and wrinkles overnight. Collagen production will take time and although red light boosts its creation, it will still take weeks, even months to see visible results.

Can you overdo red light therapy? ›

Clients are also encouraged by the fact that red light therapy is safe – because it does not harm the skin or the underlying tissue, there is virtually no risk of overdoing it.

What is the most flattering light? ›

People tend to look the best when illuminated by light bulbs that measure around 2700 kelvins. Most bulbs, whether incandescent, LED, compact fluorescent or halogen, are labeled “soft white/warm white” (2,700-3,000 kelvins), “bright white/cool white” (3,500-4,100 kelvins) or “daylight” (5,000-6,500 kelvins).

Can red light therapy reverse aging? ›

Red light therapy (RLT) involves exposing the body to low-wavelength red light. The therapy aims to solve skin conditions such as scarring, and signs of aging — including wrinkles and age spots. There is some evidence to back up many of these claims, but RLT is no miracle cure.

Does red light therapy make you look younger? ›

Red light therapy is also backed by a huge base of clinical research. Across study after study, red light treatments have improved appearance, cut down on swelling & inflammation, and helped people look younger.

What is the best thing for younger looking skin? ›

Make sure to get your daily allowance of vitamins and minerals by consuming foods rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Eat a lot of bright fruits, green vegetables and fatty fish such as salmon. Avoid or reduce your intake of fatty or sugary foods. The quality of your diet is in some ways apparent on your skin.

How can I look younger with old age? ›

8 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance
  1. Stay out of the sun. While it's true that the sun isn't the only factor in the overall appearance of your skin, it does play a huge role. ...
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Get some ZZZs. ...
  4. Rub it in. ...
  5. Eat a diet rich in plants. ...
  6. Get moving. ...
  7. Establish a good routine. ...
  8. Limit alcohol and caffeine.

What to drink to make you look younger? ›

6 anti-ageing drinks that you should be sipping
  1. Water. Let's start with the obvious one: water. ...
  2. Grapefruit juice. Start off your mornings with a refreshing glass of pink grapefruit juice. ...
  3. Green tea. ...
  4. Beetroot juice. ...
  5. Milk. ...
  6. Cocoa.
Feb 12, 2020

How long does it take to see results from red light therapy on face? ›

Trophy Skin's RejuvaliteMD Red Light Therapy at-home red light therapy device is FDA-approved to treat full facial wrinkles. You can use it a minimum of 5 minutes, a few times per week (5 days a week is ideal, if daily treatment is impossible), for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to see results.

Does red light tighten face? ›

Since red light therapy can boost circulation and collagen production, it can assist in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can tightens the skin while also improving tone and shrinking pores.

How long does it take for red light therapy to improve skin? ›

How long does it take to see results when doing red light therapy? Every individual may respond differently to specific treatments and results will also depend on the goal you want to achieve. However, with daily use, you should be able to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.

Videos

1. 5 Best LED Skin Therapy Wands | Amazon's Best Selling LED Therapy Wand
(Trendy Beauty)
2. I Tried LED Light Therapy for Clearer Skin | What The Wellness | Well+Good
(Well+Good)
3. LED Light Therapy: What is it and Does it Work? | LED Acne & Anti-Aging
(TJTutorials)
4. Red Light Therapy for Anti Aging Over 50
(Pretty Over Fifty)
5. LED Masks Reviewed by DOCTOR V | Brown/ Dark Skin | SOC | anti aging, acne skincare|
(Dr. Vanita Rattan )
6. 10 TIMES ANTI-AGING RESULTS! MAXIMIZE RED LIGHT LED THERAPY!
(Beauty By Anne-Marie)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated: 03/12/2023

Views: 5862

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.