If it seems like your social media feed is suddenly full of women wearing futuristic masks that emit a strange red glow, don’t worry. While they may look like extras in the latest “Star Wars” installment, these are just a growing number of beauty-conscious women who have finally seen the light– the red light, that is—when it comes to skincare.
Once reserved for those who could afford pricy spa treatments, red light therapy treatments have trickled down to the masses with at-home devices that promise to tighten, tone, calm, clarify, and leave the complexion looking lit from within. Before you write it off as just another TikTok trend that’s too good to be true, you should know that according to Forbes Health, dermatologists have been using red light therapy treatments on their patients for over 50 years.
“It has been used to address signs of aging and skin damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, by stimulating collagen production,” says Casey Kelley, M.D., founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health. She explains that red light therapy works by activating the mitochondria found within the skin cell, giving it a stimulating boost that allows it to be more productive and grow or heal more effectively. “Think of it as your morning coffee—red light therapy helps your cells wake up and get the job done!” says Dr. Kelley.
With many glowing reviews from professionals, influencers, and celebrities, it’s no wonder that at-home red light therapy devices are topping the holiday wish lists of many a beauty junkie. In fact, there hasn’t been this much fuss over a red light at Christmas since Rudolph first led Santa’s sleigh! But with so many products and price points flooding the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In the name of all things beauty, we have researched a few of the top sellers to help shine a light on the benefits of each. May your days be merry and your skin be bright!
Best Portable Option: SolaWand 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
This writer is obsessed with this award-winning, hand-held device that packs a lot of features into a portable, rechargeable, toothbrush-sized wand. So easy to use (and strangely relaxing), it claims to improve the look of the skin in just two weeks. As someone who has been using it with the activating serum every other night for the past three months, I can confirm that it delivers on that promise.
Part of the magic of this wand lies in the fact that it uses not only red light therapy but also incorporates galvanic current for hydration and product absorption, therapeutic warmth, and facial massage for decreasing puffiness and improving circulation. I appreciate that the head swivels to help you address contours and smaller surface areas, and the size and portability mean I can use it anywhere.
Since adding the SolaWand into my skincare routine, I’ve noticed a definite decrease in some deep lines around my mouth and an overall smoother, more radiant complexion. However, it is important to note that while it claims to do the job in as little as three minutes, that is per area. I spend a total of 12 minutes on my whole face, but it’s so soothing I don’t mind. Prices start at $169.
Best Hands-Free: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro
If hands-free is how you want to be, this full-face mask from skincare guru Dr. Dennis Gross is what many consider to be the gold standard of at-home light therapy treatments. Designed with an adjustable head strap for a universally comfortable fit, it delivers red light therapy to stimulate collagen and reduce wrinkles.
It also offers a blue light therapy option to fight acne-causing bacteria and treat and prevent breakouts. FDA-approved for all skin types, it’s more convenient than a hand-held device, and since it shuts off after three minutes, it offers more bang for the more than $400 bucks.
Best Coverage: HigherDose Red Light Face Mask and Red Light Neck Enhancer
Make it a blue Christmas with the Higher Dose Red Light Face Mask. This blue mask, made from medical-grade silicone, looks less like something Judy Jetson would wear and more like a sheet mask, but it still delivers the goods when it comes to rejuvenating skin. Set it for ten or 20 minutes and then forget it. The red lights will go to work on wrinkles, sagging, and blemishes while you go about your day.
And, because what good is a radiant face if your neck and chest are giving away your age, the company recently introduced the Red Light Neck Enhancer. This powerful, portable device uses the same technology to leave you glowing from chin to chest. $349 each, or bundle them for $100 off.
Best Multitasker: UFO™ 2
If you want a device that works as hard as you do, put the power in the palm of your hand with the UFO ™2 device. This tiny disc delivers out-of-this-world results with red light therapy, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and T-sonic pulsations. In other words, if you have a skin concern, there’s a setting for that.
This hand-held device connects to the FOREO app via Bluetooth. It gives you step-by-step instructions on using it with one of the company’s activation masks or how to customize it with your favorite sheet masks or products. As with any hand-held device, it does require you to set aside some time to commit to it, but only 90 seconds. That’s less time than it took you to read this article! $299 at sephora.com.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few of our favorites, but there are hundreds of other options on the market. Do your research, read the reviews, and consider your budget and lifestyle. For example, some devices require you to use their activation serums or products for the best results, often at an additional cost. Some allow you to be hands-free while the light does its job, while others require you to manually glide the device across your face, which is an added time commitment.
It’s also important to note that while these tools deliver, they will not give you the same professional-grade results you would get in a doctor’s office or spa. It takes repetition, consistency, and patience to achieve your desired results at home. The bottom line? The best red light therapy device for you is the one that doesn’t sit, forgotten, in the back of your bathroom cabinet. Choose the one that best fits into your life so that you will use it regularly.
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