Beauty Pie's LED mask is back in stock – and it won't rival your rent!
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 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.
What's the catch then? Yes it's true that the effects are widely acknowledged, but the elephant in the room is that these gizmos aren't exactly affordable. Many of the top-rated tools can reach four-figure price tags but, as the bargain babes we are, we come bearing good news!
There are many top-rated masks that feature similar tech to the spenny players, just at a *much* friendlier price tag. Truth be told, you'll still be shopping in triple-figure territory (and a couple only in the two-figure), but the technology and results behind these tools make up for the investment. Plus, they're far cheaper than heading to a clinic and forking out on professional sessions.
Proving that price tag isn't indicative of performance, below read our edit of our favourite LED face masks that won't rival your rent...
Best LED face masks, at a glance
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.”
Cosmo’s top picks of the best LED face masks...
Facial LED Mask
Our Beauty E-commerce Writer, Clare Stephenson, is a major fan of Silk'n's Facial LED Mask for smoothing and brightening her complexion. Boasting 100 LED lights, it offers four different wavelengths, including red, yellow, blue and purple, to tackle everything from dullness and pigmentation to blemishes and dehydration.
As for the fit? The flexible – and very comfortable, may we add – mask sits snug around the face and is secured with a velcro tie around the back. We also appreciate that it's wireless and has built-in eye protectors, so you can still bop around your house as you enjoy your session. Each session only lasts 10 minutes too, so it's a speedy appointment.
C-Wave Light Facial Dual Light LED Treatment Mask
Member price: £120
Beauty Pie has answered our LED-related prayers (yes, that's a thing) with its dual-wave treatment mask. Coming in at £120, in no means is its efficacy indicative of its price tag as, easily, the mask holds its own compared to many four-figure gadgets.
The flexible mask features both red and near-infrared light therapy, meaning this is a powerhouse if you're looking to smooth fine lines and boost collagen. And in case you need a reminder, the more collagen you have present in your skin (which naturally starts to decrease in your mid-to-late 20s) the more plump and youthful your complexion will appear. Not to mention the radiant glow... oh the glow.
Boost LED Mask
Ever wonder how celebs achieve such radiant and clear skin? Well, know that many rely on a great LED face mask to achieve that red-carpet glow, and this one is a particular fave for Alexa Chung and Chrissy Teigen.
The Light Salon's Boost LED Mask features both red and near-infrared technology to encourage collagen production – so we're talking, fewer fine lines and a plump and youthful complexion. It's a very simple mask to use (making it a great, slightly pricier, choice for beginners) and if you stay loyal to it, you should notice a difference in only a few weeks.
CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask
Big news: Shark Beauty has entered the skincare world with a seriously high-tech piece of equipment (what else would you expect from the creators of the FlexStyle?).
We've tested many LED face masks over the years, but Shark's CryoGlow is certainly showing off. Not only does it offer both blue and red light technology to reduce blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles, but it also harnesses cold technology to cool the under-eye area. Yep, the wheel has been reinvented in the quest to reduce puffiness.
It's also designed with your eyes in mind, featuring shields and dimming features, so you can carry on your TikTok scrolling or MAFS marathon during the treatment. Or you could put all screens away and enjoy some much-needed R&R – we know, crazy idea right!
LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2
You many recognise the CurrentBody Face Mask from a little show called Emily in Paris? Well, introducing its new sister, the LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2.
We're still huge fans of the Series 1 mask (alongside Lily Colins, obvs) but this upgraded iteration is worth shouting about if you're in the market.
Like the previous series, it offers red and near-infrared technology to brighten, improve texture and boost collagen but now it also features deep near-infrared technology to tackle fine lines and wrinkles.
The mask has also been upgraded in light coverage and layout to ensure that every inch of your skin is soaking up the goodness. As for the fit? The flexible, silicone mask fits snug around your face to ensure the 10 minute wear time is a comfortable one.
Sculpta by Déesse PRO
Sculpta by Déesse PRO's unique, dual-ended device combines three energy therapies to restore facial definition, tighten, sculpt, improve lymphatic drainage and revitalise the appearance of the skin. Honestly, there's nothing this gizmo can't do.
One side of the tool harnesses red light therapy to boost collagen levels and plump out the depth of fine lines, while radio-frequency heats the skin to promote tightening.
On the other, EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) technology stimulates muscle contractions – quite literally! – to tighten and sculpt facial contours. Stronger than microcurrent, with the tingling sensations to prove it, this is essentially an at-home workout for your face.
4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit
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.
Get Lit Tri Colour LED Face Mask
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.
UFO 2 Device
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.
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.
DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro
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.
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.
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 tempting 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.
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