Best red light therapy skin care devices, according to experts

In the realm of skin care tools, LED light therapy devices might look a little intimidating to the newcomer (some can even mimic a horror film character), but there's a reason why they've become so popular and accessible over recent months. The at-home devices claim to help with a combination of skin concerns, without the need to schedule an expensive dermatology treatment.

If you've been curious about LED light therapy devices, especially red light products, we asked dermatologists to break down how this technology works for the skin and how adding one to your routine can help you achieve your desired results.

What is LED light therapy? | What are the benefits of LED light therapy for the skin? | How should you use LED light therapy devices? | Can everyone use these? | Dermatologist- and editor-approved LED products | More LED skin care products to shop | Skin care to use with LED devices | Meet the experts | How we chose

Light-emitting diode (LED) light is a technology that emits different wavelengths of light, which also includes light colors, on a visible light spectrum, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reshimi Kapoor. She also explains the wavelengths can reach deep into layers of the skin. "Different wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths and have varying biological effects on the skin depending on the depth of penetration," says Kapoor.

In the '90s, NASA began exploring the benefits of LED light therapy when it came to wound healing and since then, it has become a staple at many dermatology clinics and aesthetic spas.

So what can you expect? Dr. Angela Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist, says this type of light therapy can provide skin benefits for a variety of goals, based on your area of concern. And while you might see a variety of lights, our experts says red and blue light therapy are most commonly used to help with the skin.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, blue light targets the uppermost layer of skin, yellow light goes deeper and red light goes further in depth, which is why dermatologists favor it for stimulating collagen. Read on to see more benefits of these lights.

"Red LED light has been shown to stimulate the fibroblast, a cell that plays a role in collagen production, which could help reduce signs of photoaging and improve fine lines and wrinkles," says Kapoor. "Red light may also play a role in wound healing, decreasing inflammation and improving hair loss."

If you suffer from acne, blue light might be for you. Both dermatologists say this color targets acne by reducing oil production in the sebaceous glands and targeting acne-causing bacteria.

While red and blue are the most common LED lights for skin, there are other options out there. Some devices even offer a mode that mixes blue and red, which will target fine lines and acne. However, Kapoor notes that while there is less evidence, green light can help with brightening the skin complexion and yellow light may help combat redness.

If you're looking to give your skin care routine the ultimate upgrade, we rounded up some dermatologist- and editor-approved LED devices. Plus you'll find a few other shopper-loved gadgets, and hydrating serums and moisturizers to shop, too.

LED color options: Red, blue, amber | Good for: Fine lines, acne, collagen, redness | Use: Once a day for 10 to 20 minutes

Associate editor Kamari Stewart has been using (and loving) this affordable LED mask for over a year and says it's easy to use." It has multiple settings with different light therapies (blue, red and orange), which is great. I think it gives you a good bang for your buck. I also don’t charge it super often and am always surprised by how long it lasts," says Stewart.

Save 35% off on the Solawave website with code FALL35.

LED color options: Red | Good for: Fine lines, acne, puffiness | Use: Up to three times a week

This compact red light wand happens to be a Shop TODAY favorite, and Lamb says she loves this anti-aging device, too. According to the brand, the wand is a 4-in-1 device that offers red light therapy, microcurrents, a gentle massage and a warming effect. Together, these functions can reduce wrinkles, depuff the face and help your products absorb better into the skin.

I [Garlin] have been using this product for nearly two years and every time I use it, I notice a difference in the morning; my face is smoother, brighter and overall looks more refreshed. I also love its compact size, which makes it easy to travel with.

LED color options: Combination red, amber, infrared | Good for: Fine lines, wrinkles| Use: Up to three minutes, five times per week

This microcurrent device from NuFace, now has an attachment for red light therapy, which commerce editor Vivien Moon is a huge fan of. This device attaches to the gadget and emits red, amber and infrared lights to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, says the brand.

"I have had this attachment for a few years and love how I'm able to save on space when I'm traveling but still want to do my skin care on the go," says Moon. "It has a sensor so it knows when it’s on the skin and turns off when it’s not on, which is also great for those who don't love the red light glaring at them when it’s not on the face. I also really like that I can use it on other areas (neck and décolletage).

Editor's note: You will need the NuFace Trinity+ device to utilize this attachment.

LED color options: Blue | Good for: Acne, blackheads, excess oil | Use: Up to two times a week

The GloFacial tool gives you a spa treatment right at home. The BeautyBio team sent this device for me to try, and it really takes the word multi-functional to the next level. It sucks all the gunk from your pores, and the LED blue light targets the acne-causing bacteria, which dermatologists say can help prevent new acne to develop. I use this about once a week, and my face looks so glow-y and clean after each use.

LED color options: Red, blue, infrared | Good for: Fine lines, acne, age spots, firmness, pain

Social editorial assistant Annie Shigo says that she's been using this device for a few months and loves the variety of options it offers: red light, blue light, massager and microcurrent attachments.

"It really is a one-stop shop for everything you could want for your face. I use the red light therapy a lot in the summer when I know I am in the sun more. It is the perfect concentrated amount of red light therapy that you can just take a couple of minutes a day to move around your face," Shigo says.

LED color options: Red, blue, amber, infrared in three settings | Good for: Fine lines, acne, texture | Use: Three minutes per day

Another favorite of Lamb's is this LED light panel, which she says is great for targeting acne. This panel is meant to be held in front of your face and features a combination of red, blue, infrared and amber lights, in three different settings. A bonus is that this panel can be used on the face, neck and chest.

Save 35% off on the Solawave website with code FALL35.

LED color options: Combined red and infrared light | Good for: Fine lines, acne, texture, lifting | Use: 10 minutes, three times per week

After the success of the 4-in-1 wand, Solawave recently launched a full red light face mask. According to the brand, it uses a combination of red and infrared light to help plump the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines overtime. Since the launch, this mask often sells out and right now, the next shipment will be in October.

I was lucky to get my hands on one of these and though I love the wand, this mask provides similar benefits without the work, and it's worth the cost. The silicone mask fits comfortably on your face and it only takes 10 minutes to use. My face looks glowy and bright, and I think it's a great tool for fine-line prevention.

LED color options: Red | Good for: Fine lines, collagen, mood | Use: For 10 minutes, up to five times a week

Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto says this red light mask's fit is so secure, that she can walk around her home and multitask without it falling off. "I also see serious results from this product; my skin is brighter and clearer. Plus, I like to use a leave-on hydrating mask after using this LED face mask to really give my skin some extra pampering," says Ricevuto.

LED color options: Red | Good for: Fine lines, collagen, dark spots | Use: For 10 minutes, up to five times a week

This mask is so popular, it often sells out (thankfully, it's in stock right now!). Moon says this mask has become an "instrumental part" of her skin care routine and loves the contoured design.

"When used consistently, I notice an improvement in my skin's pigmentation and glow. I wanted it because it has the right wavelength and a contoured fit that makes it easier to wear and has me confident that the mask is able to fit my face specifically to get the most from the LED lights," says Moon.

LED color options: Red, blue and dual-light | Good for: Fine lines, collagen, acne, inflammation | Use: For 10 minutes daily

Another favorite of Ricevuto's is this option by JTAV, she says she uses it "all the time," and is a fan that it's both wireless and portable. The mask offers red light for anti-aging and collagen production, and blue light for acne-prone skin, says the brand. Plus it features an automatic 10-minute shutoff, so you won't overuse it.

Save 35% off on the Solawave website with code FALL35.

LED color options: Red and blue combo| Good for: Acne, inflammation, hyperpigmentation | Use: For 3 minutes on breakouts

The editor-loved brand also has a tool that's meant to target your acne spots. According to the brand, this spot treatment device features a combination of blue and red light to help eliminate acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. To use, you hold it on blemish-prone areas for three minutes.

LED color options: Red, blue and orange | Good for: Fine lines, acne, dull skin | Use: For 15 to 30 minutes

While you might look like a scientist, this light shield offers three LED colors for anti-aging, to treat acne and to promote brightness. And reviewers say they love their results. "I’ve been using it for several weeks, and my skin has simply transformed. Fine lines have diminished, skin tone has evened out, and acne breakouts have become much less noticeable. Highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their skin without trips to the dermatologist," wrote one Ulta reviewer.

LED color options: Red | Good for: Fine lines, dark circles, puffiness | Use: For three minutes daily

No, this isn't a superhero mask, but you might gain some super skin. According to the brand, this red light eye mask gives you 360 degrees of eye coverage to target crow's feet, between your brows (or 11's) and the under-eye area. And it's also cordless and portable, coming with a strap to securely fit around your face.

When it comes to pairing skin care with your LED device, the dermatologists note you’ll want to stick to moisturizing ingredients, and avoid anything harsh such as retinols, exfoliants and anything that increases sensitivity to light exposure. Below, we're rounding up moisturizers and serums that contain hydrating ingredients.

Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronate, glycerin

Most of the LED "activating serums" are formulated with hyaluronic acid. If you're looking to pair your device with an affordable option, this serum from Good Molecules is only $6. "I have sensitive skin, and most serums are too harsh, but this one is perfect! It goes on nice, dries in seconds and my skin looks hydrated and smooth. I’ve been using for about a week and starting to see great results," wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, glycerin

This top-selling serum from The Ordinary is loved by multiple Shop TODAY editors, including myself. This is my go-to when it comes to skin care prep with my LED masks. It contains ceramides, too, allowing my skin to feel hydrated and plump.

Size: 1.8 oz. | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamides

This ultra-hydrating moisturizer is great for prepping your skin for red light therapy, since it contains both hyaluronic acid and niacinamides. You can also use it day and night, making it a great staple for everyday use, says the brand.

Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera

Solawave offers an "activating serum" for their red light devices. I've been using this with my Solawave facial wand and love how replenished and moisturized my skin feels. It even contains aloe vera, which I find to be very soothing.

Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredient: Niacinamide, watermelon, hyaluronic acid

According to the brand, this hydrating serum can help reduce hyperpigmentation and help your skin look radiant. These perks paired with the benefits of an LED mask will have your skin looking and feeling its best.

Size: 1.69 oz. | Ingredients: Peptide, Ceramide, Squalane

Dermatologists previously recommended this moisturizer for its thicker formula that still feels lightweight upon application. Experts turned a few Shop TODAY editors on to this brand, such as myself, and it's became a staple in the final step of my nighttime routine, before I use a mask or facial wand.

Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluroset complex, niacinamide, bakuchiol

Shop TODAY commerce writer Emma Stessman says she's impressed by this cream for her dry skin. "It’s ultra-rich and moisturizing and you really only need a little to feel the effects. I also have sensitive skin, so I love how gentle the formula is,” says Stessman.

Dermatologists advise to avoid using products that will make you sensitive to light such as retinol or retinoids, and harsh exfoliants.

Kapoor says LED light therapy is safe to use, however, some could experience mild redness, swelling, dryness and itchiness.

That depends on what you're using it for and experts say you'll want to make sure you follow the instructions on the device, which most recommend using around three to four times a week.

"For acne there are several devices that recommend several minutes per week, the same with anti-aging wands. The facial masks it is recommended for longer," says Lamb.

And incorporating an LED device into your routine is simple. According to Kapoor, she says you'll want to use them after cleansing your skin, and both experts say you can still use your favorite skin care products with it, such as an emollient or antioxidant. However, the experts warn against using a harsh exfoliants, or retinols and retinoids, since those products can make skin more sensitive to light.

For the most part, both dermatologists agree that short-term use of LED light therapy is safe for most people to use. But Kapoor says you'll want to consult with your doctor if you have an underlying eye condition or taking medications that cause light-sensitivity.

And while she says it's a "generally safe" method to use, she notes there could be mild side effects such as redness, swelling, dryness and itchiness of the skin.

We selected the LED light therapy skin care devices based on insights with interviews with top dermatologists, and recommendations from Shop TODAY editors. Other LED light products picks are sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.

Our Shop TODAY editors have been using the selected LED devices consistently and on a weekly basis for up to a year or more.

Shannon Garlin is an Associate Editor for Shop TODAY.