Red light therapy has moved from dermatologists' offices to bathroom shelves. The evidence is real but modest: in controlled trials, regular sessions improved skin texture and fine lines over months, not days. Results depend on picking the right device and using it consistently. Here's how to do that safely, and which devices are worth the money.
| 01 | 01Shark CryoGlow LED Face MaskBest mask for most men | Shop → |
| 02 | 02CurrentBody LED Face Mask: Series 3Premium mask | Shop → |
| 03 | 03Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro3-minute sessions | Shop → |
| 04 | 04Mito Red Light MitoMID 2.0 PanelPanel for face and body | Shop → |
| 05 | 05Hooga HG300 Red Light PanelBudget panel | Shop → |
| 06 | 06Mito Red Light Glasses (IR3)Eye protection for panels | Shop → |
What Red Light Can (and Can't) Do
The American Academy of Dermatology says red-light LED devices can give subtle to noticeable improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, rough skin, redness and loose skin. It also notes that at-home devices are less powerful than the ones dermatologists use (American Academy of Dermatology: is red light therapy right for your skin?).
One of the better trials randomized 136 adults to red or near-infrared light twice a week for 30 sessions, or to no treatment. The treated groups improved in skin complexion and roughness, and showed higher collagen density on ultrasound (Wunsch & Matuschka, 2014, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery).
Red light won't replace sunscreen or a retinoid, and it won't fix deep wrinkles. Many masks also have a blue-light mode, which targets acne bacteria.
Mask or Panel?
A mask sits on your face, so it is hands-free and the light stays close to your skin. The AAD notes that a mask sitting flush against the face is less likely to shine light into your eyes.
A panel sits on a desk or stand a few inches away and can treat your face, neck, chest or a sore muscle. It needs proper eye protection, which the AAD stresses for any device that sits away from the face.
Step 1 — Start With Clean, Bare Skin
Cleanse your face and dry it. Skip sunscreen, makeup and thick creams before a session; anything on the skin can block some of the light. Apply your serums and moisturizer afterward.
Step 2 — Follow Your Device's Session Time
Every device is designed around its own dose, so use the built-in timer:
- Shark CryoGlow: a 6-minute anti-aging treatment.
- Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite: 3 minutes.
- CurrentBody Series 3: 10 minutes, three to five times a week.
- Mito MitoMID panel: 10-minute sessions.
Longer sessions are not better: follow the directions for your device.
Step 3 — Protect Your Eyes
With a panel, wear goggles designed for both red and near-infrared light; ordinary sunglasses won't block enough. Mito's IR3 glasses cut the light by about 80%, for about $14 (sold by Mito Red Light Official). Never look straight into the LEDs.
Step 4 — Be Consistent for Months
The trial above ran for 30 sessions over about 15 weeks; Shark's own study ran for 12 weeks of daily use. Take a photo in the same light on day one and compare after three months, not three days.
Who Should Ask a Doctor First
Have any changing mole or suspicious spot checked by a dermatologist before you treat over it. Also check with a doctor if you take medication that makes you sensitive to light, or if you have an eye condition.
Which Device to Buy
The Shark CryoGlow is the mask we would buy for most men at about $299 (sold by Amazon). It combines red, blue and infrared light with under-eye cooling, and Shark says it is FDA-cleared. Its 6-minute anti-aging mode was tested in a 12-week study of 60 people.
The CurrentBody Series 3 is the premium mask at about $570. It has 750 LEDs across six wavelengths, an app that lets you customize each treatment, and a flexible silicone fit with optional eye inserts (sold by The Beauty Tech Group). If you want the shortest sessions, the Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro runs for 3 minutes with red, blue or both, and is FDA-cleared according to the brand, for about $455 (sold by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare).
For face and body, the Mito Red Light MitoMID 2.0 panel has 60 LEDs at 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared), measures 19 × 9 × 3 inches, and lets you run red, near-infrared or both, for about $449 (sold by Mito Red Light Official).
On a budget, the Hooga HG300 is a smaller 60-LED panel with the same two wavelengths and a tabletop stand. Hooga rates its output at over 73 mW/cm² at six inches, and it comes with protective eyewear and a three-year warranty, for about $199 (sold by Hooga Health).
FAQ
Does red light therapy work for skin?
Modestly. Controlled trials show improvements in skin texture, fine lines and collagen density with regular use over several months. At-home devices are weaker than in-office treatment.
How often should I use red light therapy?
Follow your device's directions — typically a few minutes, three to five times a week or daily. More or longer sessions are not better.
Do I need eye protection for red light therapy?
Yes for panels. Wear goggles made for red and near-infrared light. Masks that sit flush on the face are less likely to shine into your eyes, but don't look into the LEDs.
Is a red light mask or panel better?
A mask is simpler and hands-free for the face. A panel needs goggles and a little more setup, but it can also treat your neck, chest and muscles.
Comparing devices? See our best LED face mask and best red light therapy panel guides.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology: is red light therapy right for your skin?; Wunsch & Matuschka, 2014, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
