A quick look at the best LED light therapy tools
- Best LED light therapy tool for acne: DeMarkQ POP LED Light Zone Acne Treatment
- Best LED light therapy tool for eyes: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro
- Best LED light therapy tool for wrinkles: LightStim for Wrinkles
- Best LED light therapy tool for travel: Glō by reVive Light Therapy Portable Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device
- Most splurge-worthy LED light therapy tool: Joovv The Go 2.0
- Best blue light LED therapy tool: QuasarMD Baby Quasar Blue
- Best quick LED light therapy tool: FOREO Espada Blue Light Acne Treatment
- Best smart LED light therapy tool: FOREO UFO 90-Second Smart Mask Treatment
- Best LED light therapy tool for lips:
At-home LED light therapy devices look pretty futuristic, especially if you’ve seen someone on Instagram wearing one that made them look like a robot. But looks aside, these LED masks and tools have many benefits for the skin.
LED light therapy tools can help promote skin elasticity and the production of collagen. They can also reduce acne and ease redness.
So, if you’re considering exploring LED light therapy and aren’t sure where to start, read on to learn more about LED light therapy and what to look for when choosing the right LED therapy for you.
Here’s our list of some of the best LED light therapy tools that you can order today to help light up your beauty routine.
What is LED light therapy?
First off, LED stands for light-emitting diode, and these LED light therapy devices can either be worn (like a face mask) or used as a handheld device to target specific areas of the body. These devices work by allowing lights of different wavelengths to penetrate the skin.
Many LED light therapy devices contain various colors and wavelengths of light, though some only use red or blue light. Research also suggests LED light therapy may help improve the look of redness, dark spots, acne, and wrinkles.
In a
Unlike ultraviolet A or B (UVA or UVB) light from the sun, LED lights don’t burn the skin. However, it’s still a good idea to wear protective eyewear when using LED devices for added safety.
Can using multiple colors of LED light have different benefits?
Red light
If you’re concerned about wrinkles and general
She adds that an increase in collagen may reduce visible signs of skin aging, and that recently, it’s been shown to help restore hair follicles in those experiencing male and female pattern androgenetic alopecia.
Blue light
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.
How we chose the best at-home LED light therapy tools
There are tons of LED light therapy options available, and it can be daunting to decide which one is best for you.
To help you pick the tool that best fits your budget, we narrowed down our list by selecting products that are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have numerous great reviews from reputable websites, and are available at a range of different prices.
Pricing guide
Like most beauty products, LED light therapy tools can vary widely in price, from under $100 to over $500.
We kept the picks on this list on the lower-to-mid end of the price spectrum to make them more accessible. That being said, there are also some splurge options.
- $ = under $150
- $$ = $150–$250
- $$$ = over $250
Comparison of the best at-home LED light therapy tools
| LED light therapy tools | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DeMarkQ POP LED Light Zone Acne Treatment | $$ | acne |
| Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro | $$ | lines around the eyes |
| LightStim for Wrinkles | $$ | wrinkles |
| Glō by reVive Light Therapy Portable Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device | $ | firmer skin |
| Joovv The Go 2.0 | $$$ | signs of aging |
| QuasarMD Baby Quasar Blue | $$$ | acne |
| FOREO Espada Blue Light Acne Treatment | $ | acne |
| FOREO UFO 90-Second Smart Mask Treatment | $$ | acne |
| Conair True Glow Light Therapy Solution Anti-Aging Lip Care & Plumper | $ | plumping lips |
Healthline’s picks for the best at-home LED light therapy tools
Best LED light therapy tool for acne
DeMarkQ POP LED Light Zone Acne Treatment
- Price: $$
The DeMarkQ POP tool helps treat acne in the notoriously oily T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin).
The device mixes red and blue LED lights, both of which are medical grade, to reduce the appearance of acne. It’s also incredibly discreet and portable — it’s similar in size and look to the iPhone — and is intended to help brighten the skin and promote collagen production.
The brand also offers a smaller, handheld LED device meant for spot treatments and is available for $79.
Pros
- helps treat acne
- medical-grade LED lights
- boosts collage production
Cons
- improvements may take several weeks to notice
Best LED light therapy tool for eyes
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro
- Price: $$
Acting as a visor that fits around your head, this hands-free device targets the skin around the eyes, helping reduce crow’s feet, wrinkles, and frown lines. It’s recommended for use each day for about 3 minutes.
This therapy tool is intended for long-term use (about 10 weeks) in order to see visible improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tone. However, one reviewer says there was a noticeable difference after 4 weeks of daily use.
Pros
- hands-free
- softens signs of aging
- only short sessions are required
Cons
- some report issues with the product holding a charge
- LED lights may be too much for those with sensitive eyes
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Best LED light therapy tool for wrinkles
LightStim for Wrinkles
- Price: $$
Designed to help stimulate collagen and improve skin’s firmness, this LED device plugs into a wall outlet —so you don’t have to worry about batteries — and emits multiple colors of light.
Reviewers note that, unlike a mask, the wand can be used on the hands, neck, or any other areas of the body showing wrinkles. It also features a built-in 3-minute timer that automatically turns the device off, so you’ll know when to move onto a new spot.
The kit also includes the LightStim PhotoSerum, a light-activated pro-aging face serum that helps accelerate the repair process of DNA damage from UV rays.
It takes about 8 weeks of use before you start to see improvements. Once you achieve the desired results, it’s a good idea to continue using the device two to three times per week.
Pros
- firms up skin
- easy to use anywhere on the body
- boosts collagen production
Cons
- cord can limit where you use the tool
- requires an electrical outlet, which could limit the device’s portability
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Best LED light therapy tool for travel
Glō by reVive Light Therapy Portable Anti-Aging Light Therapy Device
- Price: $
This medical-grade light therapy device is small and lightweight enough to take with you on the go.
The brand says it uses multi-wave light (meaning lights of different colors) to stimulate collagen and elastin production for even, firmer skin.
Each treatment takes 3 minutes. The device is battery-powered, so you can use it anywhere.
Pros
- boosts collagen production
- firms up skin
- quick treatments
- portable
- affordable
Cons
- can use up battery power quickly
Most splurge-worthy LED light therapy tool
Joovv The Go 2.0
- Price: $$$
Handheld and easy to use wherever you are, The Go 2.0 uses red and near-infrared wavelengths and comes with protective eyewear, a travel case, and a charger. An optional docking station is available separately for easier charging too. The device is also Bluetooth compatible and can sync with the Joovv app, so you can adjust the light settings and even set a daily alarm.
In addition to pro-aging skin benefits, this product aims to offer a host of other health benefits too, including improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and potentially even better sleep.
Joovv recommends a 10-minute treatment interval, with the device held 6 to 12 inches away from your skin. Some reviewers report positive results in just a few weeks of daily use.
Pros
- handheld
- pro-aging benefits
- 1-year warranty
- fights inflammation
Cons
- may be too pricey for most budgets
Best blue light LED therapy tool
QuasarMD Baby Quasar Blue
- Price: $$$
This travel-size tool makes it easy to add LED therapy to your self-care routine, even when you’re not at home. Using blue light to help reduce acne-causing bacteria and redness, several reviewers note that it did a good job of keeping moderate breakouts at bay. This device is intended to help people with oily skin or people prone to acne breakouts.
It’s also easy to use too — just touch it to your face and move it around in sweeping circular motions for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, it’ll shut itself off so that you can move to another area.
Pros
- convenient travel size
- helps treat acne
- reduces redness
Cons
- pricey
- not for severe acne
Best quick LED light therapy tool
FOREO Espada Blue Light Acne Treatment
- Price: $
This is a very good option if you’re running short on time, as this LED tool can be used in as little as 30 seconds. It uses blue light to neutralize the bacteria that causes acne along with sonic pulsations that encourage blood circulation to the area of skin that you are treating.
Reviewers say they began to see improvements in the skin —including a more even texture and reduced breakouts — in about 3 weeks.
Pros
- sessions are ultra-quick
- helps heal skin after breakouts
- easy to use
Cons
- some reports of device failure after weeks of use
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Best smart LED light therapy tool
FOREO UFO 90-Second Smart Mask Treatment
- Price: $$
This smart mask is powered by an app that helps you customize your treatment, including your preferred temperature, pulsation intensity, and LED color.
This small device can be held in the palm of your hand — it’s about the size of a mirrored compact — and features both thermotherapy and cryotherapy to refine your skin and reduce the appearance of pores.
This one is also specifically designed to be used with the brand’s UFO sheet masks that address various skin concerns, like redness, acne, and uneven texture.
Pros
- customizable experience
- USB rechargeable
- reduces the look of pores
- reduces redness
Cons
- expensive
- individual mask packs can get pricey if used regularly
Best LED light therapy tool for lips
Conair True Glow Light Therapy Solution Anti-Aging Lip Care & Plumper
- Price: $
Designed for the lips, this affordable light therapy mask works in just 3 minutes per day. Simply attach the mouthguard to the device and lightly bite down on the guard to hold it in place.
The company says that with regular use, this tool helps improve the tone, texture, and plumpness of your lips while reducing fine lines and discoloration.
This product is safe for all skin types and works by stimulating the production of collagen in the lips for an overall fuller look.
Pros
- helps improve the look of lips
- reduces signs of aging
- inexpensive
- brightens skin and fades dark spots
Cons
- some say it doesn’t produce visible results
How to choose an LED light therapy tool
Here’s what to consider when shopping for an LED light therapy tool:
- Targeted body area. Where do you plan to use it? If you’re simply targeting your face, consider a mask model. For use all over your body, a wand might be a better option.
- Wavelengths. Certain wavelengths or light colors are better for specific skin concerns like acne or reducing the signs of aging. Red light is good for firming and plumping the skin because it boosts collagen production. Blue light helps manage oil production and treat acne.
- Treatment time. Some devices require longer treatment times than others. If you’re looking for something that will allow you to squeeze in treatments before or after a busy day, go with a device with treatment sessions lasting 3 minutes or less.
Frequently asked questions about LED light therapy tools
What does LED light therapy do?
LED light therapy, or light-emitting diode therapy, is a skin care treatment that can improve the look of skin depending on the wavelength of light used.
How often should you do red light therapy?
It’s important to follow manufacturer instructions and to not use the device beyond the recommended time. Going overboard on any treatment may damage your skin.
Can you overuse LED light therapy?
There aren’t any official guidelines for LED light therapy timing. But using a device for longer than recommended by the manufacturer can damage the skin.
Does infrared light help wrinkles?
Yes. Research from 2019 suggests that infrared light may help increase collagen production and help reduce wrinkles.
Can infrared light tighten skin?
By increasing collagen production, regular use of infrared light can help plump and firm up the skin.
Is blue or red light better?
It depends on your particular skin care concerns. Blue light, for example, may be a better option if you’re trying to treat acne. Consider researching the LED colors that a product offers and how each can benefit your skin care goals.
Takeaway
LED light therapy tools use infrared light wavelengths to address certain skin issues like acne, wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven texture.
The best LED light therapy devices will have numerous great reviews from real users, are FDA-cleared, and manufactured by reputable sellers.
Grace Gallagher is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her words have appeared in Brit + Co, Greatist, The Sunday Edit, and BARE Magazine. All of her work can be found at www.gracelgallagher.com.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.
