The Ultimate Showdown of LED Face Masks
- Maddie Webster
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
In a market flooded with at-home facial devices, is there one which stands out and really delivers remarkable results in the comfort of your own home? I have collated the top searched devices to find the Best LED Face Mask.
At-home LED Face lights began appearing in early 2010s with advancements in LED technology making them more accessible. They have been used in dermatology and cosmetic procedures since the 1990s for their skin healing and inflammation reducing abilities.
These days, you are more likely to see influencers on social media wearing bright red illuminated face masks as part of their weekly beauty regimes.
What is LED Phototherapy?
LED Phototherapy works by penetrating light into the skin. This light is absorbed by our cells, stimulating different responses.
Red light generally stimulates ATP, the energy within our cells, increasing replication and rejuvenation - perfect for anti-aging.
Near Infrared the deepest penetrating light provides calming and anti-inflammatory benefits - your light for rosacea, eczema, psoriasis.
Blue light fights against the p-acnes bacteria on the skin which is a contributor towards acne and breakouts.
If you want to delve deeper into what these lights do, head on over to my other post "Harness the power of Light".
The question still arises: "Which face mask should I buy?" Don't worry, I have researched and found the all important details to consider when purchasing your LED face mask.
What is the difference between masks?
It is important to find a mask which is comfortable. Consider whether you want to be able to continue with your daily tasks whilst wearing it or incorporate it into your 10/20 minutes of daily meditation as some are mobile and others need to be plugged in. The one pictured above is rigid and probably a little heavier than the silicone moulding ones*.
Depending on what you would like to treat, some masks have different light modes, the ones I have reviewed below have two or three, Red, Near Infrared and Blue. Red and Near Infrared are my favourites as Blue needs more caution, it is not always suitable for anyone with pigmentation issues as there is some evidence that blue light could stimulate your melanocyte cells (1).
Most of the masks use the same penetrating level of light, with Red light at 633nm, Near Infrared at 830nm and Blue at 415nm so that would not be a deciding factor. The most important part is the number of bulbs present, this is going to increase the overall power/coverage of the device and determine which one is better.
The Ultimate Showdown of LED Face Masks
CURRENTBODY SERIES 2 LED MASK
Lights: Red 633nm, Near Infrared 830nm & Deep Near Infrared 1072nm (they also do a separate Blue light mask)
Number of Bulbs: 236
Treatment time: 10 minutes
Hands Free device: Yes
Form: Flexible
Price: £399.99
DR DENNIS GROSS SPECTRALITE PRO
Lights: Red 630nm, Near Infrared 880nm, Amber 605nm, Blue 415nm
Number of Bulbs: 162
Treatment time: 3 minutes
Hands Free device: Yes
Form: Rigid
Price: £465
DERMALUX FLEX
Lights: Red 633nm, Blue 415nm, Near Infrared 830nm (can be used separately or in unison)
Number of Bulbs: 360
Treatment time: 20 minutes
Hands Free device: No
Form: Overhead
Price: £1,999
EXPRESS DEESSE PRO
Lights: Red 630nm, Near Infrared 830nm
Number of Bulbs: 66 combined
Treatment time: 10 minutes
Hands Free device: Yes
Form: Flexible
Price: £299
DECOLITE/FACELITE (sister company to Omnilux)
Lights: Red 633nm, Near Infrared 830nm
Number of Bulbs:132
Treatment time:10 minutes
Hands Free device: Yes
Form: Flexible
Price:£299
SHARK CRYOGLOW
Lights: Red 630nm, Near Infrared 830nm, Blue 415nm (under-eye clip on chill pads added extra)
Number of Bulbs: 480
Treatment time: 4, 6 or 8 minutes
Hands Free device: Yes
Form: Rigid
Price: from £299.99
Which is the Best LED Face Mask: A Glowing Review
Your top scorers on number of lights would be the Shark Cryoglow, Dermalux Flex and Current Body, the latter two holding the higher price tag but the reviews on the Shark Cryoglow device are mixed. Express Deessee Pro and Decolite/Facelite are the most affordable but if budget were no object, I'd definitely be purchasing the Dermalux Flex, they are the leading brand when it comes to LED technology and you can use this device on other parts of the body not just the face.
References
*I have not personally tried any of these masks. The opinions expressed in this blog are my own and the information provided is what has been collated from each individuals product page. I am in no way endorsed by any of the brands listed.