The light emitted by your LED face mask is absorbed by your skin, and each different colour stimulates a different response – which means every colour boasts different skincare benefits. More on that later.

What are the benefits of LED face masks?

There are lots of benefits to light therapy when used regularly. LED light therapy can be used to reduce breakouts, pigmentation, rosacea symptoms, psoriasis and other side-effects of inflammation. If you don’t suffer from the above complaints, LED light therapy can simply help to improve the general appearance of your skin and reduce visible signs of ageing.

And that’s not all. The benefits of light therapy go well beneath the skin’s surface. In fact, LED light treatments have been applauded for improving mental health, too. Client feedback suggests that a short period of time spent under in-clinic LED lamps could dramatically boost our serotonin levels, which in turn lifts mood, spirits and reduces stress levels. Tempted? You bet.

Since the results for your skin and mind are cumulative, you need to have regular treatments to see an effect. You’ll see that most of the best LED face masks come alongside recommendation of usage three-four times weekly. If you can’t afford regular LED treatments at your local salon, at-home light therapy could be the answer.

Can I use an LED face mask everyday?

Every LED face mask has a different recommended usage, but most should be used no more than five times per week for 10 minutes. For example, No7 recommend that you use their Boots LED face mask for 10 minutes, five times a week, while Dr. Dennis Gross recommends you use the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro for three minutes daily.

Are LED face masks safe?

Yes. Most experts agree that LED face masks are safe – since they’re non-invasive and don’t emit UV light – as long as you follow the instructions and use them for the recommended amounts of time only.

The LED used in at-home devices is much weaker than what it would be in-salon, and actually, the devices often undergo much more rigorous testing because they need to be safe enough to use without the presence of a professional.

To ensure your safety, never buy an LED face mask that hasn’t been FDA improved.

What should I put on my face before LED light therapy?

Before using your LED face mask, wash your face with your favourite gentle cleanser. Afterwards, reach for your favourite serum and moisturiser.

What colour LED do I need?

• Blue light: this is the bacteria-fighting LED light. It triggers photochemical oxidation in order to kill bacteria living on the skin. This makes blue light an excellent choice for those with acne, eczema or rosacea.
• Red light: stimulates our fibroblasts for cell renewal and ATP regeneration.
• Near-Infrared: has no colour but it can be used to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. It also speeds up wound healing and reduces pigmentation.
• Amber: Amber LED light is the least common in at-home devices, but works to revitalise the skin, reduce swelling and boost your skin’s radiance.

After more skin tools content? Head this way for the best jade rollers, over here for the best gua-sha and in this direction for our review of Charlotte Tilbury’s Cryo-Recovery face mask. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.

Scroll for our full edit of the best LED face masks to order in 2023.