I deem it to be my responsibility not to over-exaggerate in an over-saturated beauty market. And while my Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask review might sound like I’m doing exactly that, I can promise you, I’m not. I can’t picture my daily routine without my Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask – and as searches sour for the brand’s new SpectraLite Faceware Pro LED Mask in Power Pink (it’s so cute, people), I thought I should tell you why.
Of all skincare devices I’ve tested – there have been many – this LED face mask is the one that has made the biggest difference to the quality of my skin. Specifically, keeping my hyperpigmentation at bay, and helping calm my PCOS-related breakouts. No, I don’t want to promise it’ll transform your complexion – but I can confidently tell you the benefits it had to mine.
ICYMI, the clever red light therapy device launched back in 2020, and has secured countless endorsements from celebs and beauty editors alike since. Its futuristic design is far from the only reason to blame: the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask – or DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, if we’re being pernickety – harnesses two types of LED therapy (red and blue) – each intended to be used for different skin concerns. There are plenty of similar options out there, so to separate fact from fiction, I’ve been busy testing this mask for the last year in an effort to bring you a comprehensive and unbiased review. I also spoke to Dr. Dennis himself to break down all the benefits and the technology behind it. Here’s everything you need to know.
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- Dr. Dennis Gross, brand founder and board-certified dermatologist.
- Jessica Weiser, M.D., a dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group.
- Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic & clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask review: at a glance
- Tested by: Denise Primbet – a beauty journalist who has reviewed beauty products for Glamour UK, Marie Claire UK, Cosmopolitan UK, Refinery 29 UK, Vogue Arabia, Glamour US and British GQ.
- LED types: Blue & red.
- Treatment modes: 3 – blue, red and combined.
- Duration of treatment: Three minutes per mode.
- Recommended usage: Once daily.
- Reasons to buy: Delivers on its claims, cordless, stays in place during use, adjustable.
- Reasons to avoid: Expensive, a little heavier than expected to wear.
- Price: £465 at full price.
- Our verdict: “I rarely say it, but this is one of the few cases where the device actually lives up to its luxury price point,” says Denise Primbet. “Not only did it help reduce my PCOS-related inflammation and helped fade my dark spots, but over consistent and prolonged use, it helped improve my overall skin tone and my skin’s texture, resulting in a bouncier, firmer complexion,” she explains.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
How I tested the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
I used the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro as directed by Dr. Dennis Gross himself. That is: once daily (after cleansing, but before carrying out the rest of my skincare routine each evening). Each session only lasts three minutes, which made the commitment to testing a whole lot easier. I’ve been testing the Dr. Dennis Gross LED face mask constistently for the past year, over the course of twelve full skin cycles. I’ve also ensured other members of the Glamour team have tested this product, noting their before and after photos, and commentary on results.
To ensure a fair verdict, I made sure to keep my wider skincare routine more or less the same (I used my trusty SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vitamin C serum, a hydrating B-Hydra serum from Medik8, a Korean sunscreen from Skin 1004, the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream and, for nighttime, my Medik8 Crystal Retinal). I assessed precision (clinically-proven wavelengths of light are key; the most clinically-proven wavelengths of light, 633 nanometers & 830 nanometers), coverage and fit (any gaps between the mask and face can reduce effectiveness).
- My skin type: Dry & sensitive skin.
- Main skin concerns: Mild rosacea & PCOS-related breakouts.
- Testing period: 1 year.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for the past five years, which means I’ve tested my fair share of red light therapy masks – as well as other launches, from Korean serums to red light therapy helmets, LED eye masks and moisturisers. You could say I know more about the best new beauty products that you average beauty fan.
During my career, I’ve seen lots of trends come and go – but the consistent and exponential rise of red light therapy has been the most interesting to me. So, when it comes to red light therapy specifically, I have interviewed experts – including Dr. Dennis Gross himself – attended product launch events, attended panel talks and done a hell of a lot of reading around the topic. As such, I had a lot of expertise when it came to assessing quality of this product, and determining whether the technology behind the mask genuinely justifies the price.
How does the Dr. Dennis Gross LED face mask work?
The FDA-cleared Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask features two types of LED therapy – red and blue (100 red-mode LEDs and 62 blue ones). You can use them separately or together for a total of three treatments, depending on which benefits you want to focus on. According to Dr. Dennis, “red LED works to stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles all while reducing inflammation.” Elsewhere, he also shares that “blue light targets and kills acne-causing bacteria, treating and preventing breakouts.”
“Just like a topical active ingredient, our skin cells have receptors for red LED,” he explains. “When the light connects with these receptors, it effectively tells our skin to start creating more collagen – the key to healthy, youthful-looking skin.”
“Red LED also stimulates blood flow. Acne-causing bacteria also have receptors – one is for blue light. When a specific wavelength of blue light connects to this receptor, it self-implodes. This is how the blue light can uniquely target the bad bacteria without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier,” says Dr. Dennis.
What makes the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask different from others on the market?
The mask itself features a hard shell and a cushy layer of silicone on the inside, as well as adjustable straps. All you need to do is push the button at the top to turn it on switch between LED light settings. According to Dr. Dennis, what sets this mask apart from other options is the fact that you only need to use it “3 minutes per day while others can be upwards of 20 minutes. This is because of the mask’s power – you are able to get the same energy in less time.”
It’s also completely wireless and can be used hands-free, as opposed to other tethered LED masks that make it harder to multi-task and walk around during use. Dr. Dennis also shares that the design itself ensures that it “follows the face’s natural contours allow for maximum light penetration.”
Elsewhere, there are “clinically proven wavelengths that provide optimal results. For example, blue light has been shown to be most effective at 435nm. When it comes to red light, using a device that incorporates a spectrum of red light including amber, red, deep red and infrared will deliver the best results,” he shares.
How often should you use the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask?
The Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask is designed to safely include in your skincare routine with one three-minute treatment. You can’t use it for more than three minutes at a time, as the brand says that skin cells become fully saturated after one three-minute session, and can’t absorb any additional LED energy.
However, you can use the device more than once a day to help bring down redness, inflammation or puffiness, and you should see results within 10 weeks.
My experience using the Dr. Dennis Gross LED face mask
As advised by Dr. Dennis, I used this LED face mask as the first step of my skincare routine. While the time of the day matters less, I opted to use it as part of my nighttime regimen in order to unwind after a busy day. I liked using it as a moment of self-care.
When interviewing Dr. Dennis, he reiterated that the mask should definitely be used before applying any skincare formulas. “Light therapy should be done on a clean, dry face. Applying topical products beforehand will block the LED from penetrating the skin, and you won’t see the best results,” he explains.