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Beyond the skin care basics, like a reliable face wash, moisturizer, and face sunscreen, there’s a whole world of at-home beauty gadgets (like high frequency wands) that can seriously enhance your skincare game. A red light therapy tool is sure to be a boon to any skincare enthusiast, especially due to its ability to reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin texture.
For those not in the know, NASA originally developed red light therapy to explore its effect on plant growth. Researchers eventually discovered that red light may also treat both wounds and underlying skin problems. “Red light therapy is a treatment using light emitting diodes to deliver low-level wavelengths in the red and infrared light (NIR) spectrum to the skin, usually in the form of a face mask, a wand with tiny LED bulbs, or light panels,” Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, cosmetic dermatologist of La Jolla Laser Dermatology and founder of AziMD Skincare, says.
Nowadays, red light therapy is a pretty common in-office procedure, and at-home red light therapy devices have exploded. But you might be wondering: will at-home devices be as effective as regular in-office LED light therapy?
“At-home devices still work but can potentially be less efficacious,” Dr. Kseniya Kobets, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care, explains. “But in my opinion, since at-home devices are more readily available for use throughout the week, they are more efficacious than coming in for in-office treatments three times a week. While in-office red light therapy is a great tool to be used before and after in-office procedures, at-home red light devices are more convenient and a great option for chronic use.”
In other words, no matter how optimized your skin care regimen might be, a red light therapy device could make all the difference. Ahead, we rounded up the 10 best red light therapy devices worth your money.
Our top picks for the best red light therapy devices in 2024
Derm-Approved
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Pros
Red LED treatments for anti-aging- Blue LED treatments for acne
- Can treat your entire face at one time
Cons
- Pricey
- Must be charged frequently
Full-face LED masks address all areas of the face all at once, as opposed to wands that require you to manually target different areas of your face—which is why this mask from Dr. Dennis Gross is one of Dr. Eman Abdallah’s favorites. “I personally prefer the full mask type light therapy so that the light is being distributed evenly the entire length of the treatment,” Dr. Abdallah says.
Sephora rating: 3.4/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: “Slow Sundays call for a detailed routine using my favorite skin care tool, the SpectraLite FaceWare. Since my skin is prone to breakouts, I always opt for red light therapy when I get facials, so I love having a milder version at home to keep up maintenance. All I have to do is dedicate three minutes a few times a week and my skin is good to go.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Designed to minimize individual zits
- Red and blue LED lights
- Three-minute treatment
Cons
STOP—don’t pick at that spot on your face. Instead, pop on this battery-powered LED light for a 3-minute acne-shrinking treatment.
Dr. Dennis Gross rating: 3.4/5 stars
What Dr. Dennis Gross reviewers are saying: “The is a gem! I struggle with hormonal cystic acne and this little device definitely helps! I use it when I feel a breakout coming. I hold it over the spot and it auto shuts off after 3 minutes. It helps to reduce any inflammation. I have incorporated this little device into my routine!”
| Targeted Use | Body, Face |
|---|---|
| Red Light Wavelength | N/A |
| Best Used | As needed |
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Pros
- Quick 5-minute sessions
- Vibrates to gently massage face
Cons
- Needs water-based serums to be activate
Solawave’s best-selling wand helps you stop painful cystic acne and stubborn breakouts right in their tracks with just five-minute treatments. Water-based serums activate the wand, so it can easily glide across your face and targeted areas.
Solawave Rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: "The best part of this tiny wand is obviously the red light working to kill acne-causing bacteria. However, next to that is the brief, heated massage your skin gets a few minutes into your session that pushes the serum you're spreading (a serum activates the wand) deeper into the skin to get maximum results.”—Nerisha Penrose
| Red Light Wavelength | 630nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face and neck |
| Best used | Three times per week |
Pros
- Contoured design for maximum results
- 10-minute treatment
- Can treat your entire face at one time
Cons
- Pricey
The Omnilux face mask curves around your entire face to ensure the red lights target every inch of your mug. Dr. Shirazi suggests investing in this one because it’s a “high-quality device with clinical trials and research to back it up.”
Omnilux Rating: 4.8/5 stars
What reviewers are saying: “Great product. My skin has improved and friends have noticed too. I love that 10 minutes for myself.”
| Red light wavelength | 633nm and 830nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Three to five per week |
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Pros
- Reduces acne breakouts and fine lines
- 10-minute session
- Also has a neck piece
Cons
- Super pricey
Anyone lucky enough to get a facial from beauty whisperer Shani Darden (her clients include clean beauty queen Jessica Alba) knows it’ll end in a gorgeous glow. Mimic that radiance from the comfort of your home with her light therapy mask, a costly addition to your skin gadget collection but a worthy one.
Shani Darden rating: 5/5 stars
What reviewers are saying: “The mask is very comfortable and I immediately felt tighter & smoother skin after a few treatments. My favorite new thing at the end of my workday from home is to plop on my comfy chair and run the quick 10-minute light session. It’s like a meditation and face rejuvenator all at once! I love the sense of a healthy glow to start my evening.”
| Red light wavelength | 630nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Four times a week |
Pros
- Has red, blue, and infrared wavelengths
- May help with some types of psoriasis
- Has pre-programmed treatment sessions depending on goal
Cons
- Treatment session is 30 minutes
- Can't multi-task
- Pricey
If it's good enough for Kate Moss, can we have one, please? This light therapy device reminds us of a tanning bed with way better results. Sit back, select which of the seven 30-minute treatment plans you want to try, zone out, and your visage will absorb the red, blue, and infrared wavelengths to address any skin issues you may be concerned about.
Currentbody rating: 4.9/5 stars
What Currentbody reviewers are saying: "Because of acne plus aging (yes, that's possible), skin was in a really bad way following two years of various hormone treatments. I tried this in a salon, thinking it probably won't work, but within one session, I was so surprised by the changes. After 6 sessions I was looking for ways to buy my own and I'm so happy. Not only is it giving me amazing skin that is acne free and feels firmer every day, but I also get 30 mins of time just for me to relax and listen to an audio book!"
| Red light wavelength | 633 nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face and body |
| Best used | Depends on treatment |
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Best Compact Option
Foreo UFO 2
Pros
- Small enough to treat neck and chin area
- App enabled
Cons
- Pricey
- Serum needed
Foreo's UFO 2 looks small in size, but packs a huge punch. The compact LED light therapy fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and the app will teach you exactly what to do to get the results you want.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
What Ulta reviewers are saying: “I'm so happy to have this, it makes me look and feel beautiful in my own skin... simply AWESOME beauty gadget that you must incorporate into your skincare routine! You will be so happy you did.”
| Red light wavelength | N/A |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face and neck |
| Best used | Daily |
Pros
- Cordless and rechargeable
- Clear so you can multi-task
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people
Destroy acne-causing bacteria in minutes with this multi-light therapy mask from Therashield. The red, blue, and amber medical-grade LED lights encourage collagen production, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and stops acne from making an appearance in the first place.
Revolve rating: 5 stars/5 stars
What reviewers are saying: “My skin is significantly (and noticeably) brighter, smoother and more even, with dark spots and scarring from the occasional previous breakouts becoming much lighter and less noticeable. People keep saying that though they can't quite put a finger on what specifically it is about my skin that looks different, there just seems to be an all around 'healthy glowiness' to it."
| Red light wavelength | 620nm to 750nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Daily |
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Best Multi-Tasker
TheraFace PRO Microcurrent Facial Device
Pros
- Three different light settings
- Includes multiple attachments
Cons
- Takes time to figure out
- Pricey
With TheraFace PRO, Therabody has created a Jack of all trades that's actually a master of all. It comes with eight different attachments, including red, blue, and infrared light rings that reduce wrinkles, acne, and inflammation, respectively. Meanwhile, the microcurrent ring firms skin and tones facial muscles, and other attachments work to relax the muscles and encourage circulation.
Amazon rating: 4.4 stars/5 stars
What reviewers are saying: "I have never written a review before, but after using this for several weeks, I felt I needed spread the word. This amazing device has so many uses and doesn't cause any irritation to sensitive skin. It is easy to do 2 or 3 or more treatments at a time—the different attachments pop in and out very smoothly."
| Red light wavelength | N/A |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Daily |
Pros
- Portable
- Includes goggles
- Can be used without serum
Cons
- Not wireless
This powerful handheld device comes with an entourage, including a travel bag, goggles to protect your eyes from light exposure, and a serum to apply before treatment. It's also built to last—no replacement cartridges, LED lights, or batteries needed.
Amazon rating: 4.2 stars/5 stars
What reviewers are saying: "This works, but you have to be consistent with it. However, I have definitely seen improvements (almost overnight) and I would recommend this product."
| Red light wavelength | N/A |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Daily |
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What is red light therapy?
Simply put, red light therapy treats underlying skin issues your traditional skincare products can’t quite get to. “When you place the red light near the skin, the light particles are able to penetrate through the tissue and activate chromophores, which can then trigger beneficial changes in cells,” Dr. Abdallah says. Red light devices vary in size, design, and key features, but their main function remains the same. “Some of the benefits of red light therapy include decreasing redness and inflammation in the skin, decreasing pigmentation, aiding in the treatment of acne, hair loss, and can even help to stimulate collagen to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles over time,” she adds.
Who should use red light therapy?
Dr. Kobets says most everybody can benefit from red light therapy. "Red light therapy can be used for a variety of skin conditions, including calming inflammation, and more commonly to gradually stimulate the skin to make collagen. It also has some good evidence for stimulating hair growth in the scalp when used with other wavelengths," Dr. Kobets says. However, there is one type of skin that might have to be a little careful with it: "There is more and more research coming out on how visible light can worse pigmentary disorders, such as melasma, so I don't recommend red light therapy for people with melasma," Dr. David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology in New York City, explains.
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How often can you do red light therapy at home?
Dr. Shirazi recommends keeping your at-home treatments to “every other day from five to 15 minutes at a time,” though many devices come with specific instructions on how to use them. Keep in mind, red light therapy devices aren’t as strong as the professional grade ones you find in-office, but they can still be effective as long as it’s used correctly. “Like any treatment, you never want to overdo it because it can lead to unfavorable effects," Dr. Abdullah says. "Make sure to consult with your dermatologist or skin specialist regarding your desired treatment outcome in order for them to safely guide you on how to properly use your at-home device."
What are the benefits of red light therapy at home?
The benefits of using red light therapy on your skin vary, but the tool is used mainly to help with anti-aging. “Several studies have found red LED light treatment to improve eye-area wrinkles, as well as improving elasticity and hydration. Red light is thought to set off signals in the energy centers of skin cells to regulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, in addition to reducing inflammation, pigmentation, and redness. It’s also been found to promote cellular repair and circulation, leading to healthier skin,” Dr. Shirazi says.
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How long does it take to see results from red light therapy?
According to Dr. Kobets, it can range anywhere from days to months—it all depends on the results you're looking for. "In terms of inflammation, red light therapy results can be seen within days to weeks," she explains. "However, for collagen stimulation, the results may come after weeks to months. In terms of use in the scalp, since hair grows slowly, the results may be seen over several months with constant and regular use as directed."
Meet the Experts
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.
Dr. Eman Abdallah is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Emana Medical.
Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care.
Dr. David Kim is a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology in New York City.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
Margaux Anbouba loves to try it all, which makes her a perfect beauty editor for ELLE. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, or inject—and if it's worth your dollars, she'll tell you about it here.
Nerisha Penrose is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
Carol Lee is the associate e-commerce writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty. Before joining ELLE.com, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine. She’s always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
Margaux Anbouba
Beauty Editor
As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
