Jonathan Knowles
No matter how extensive—or pricey—your skincare regimen is, there are instances when further assistance is required. Skin quenching cleansers, concentrated serums, and hydrating moisturizers can do a lot to get your skin in shape, but getting professional treatments or spending money on at-home tools can give your products the assistance they need in between office visits. One device worth investing in for added skincare benefits is a red light therapy tool.
Fun fact: NASA developed red light therapy to explore its effect on plant growth. Soon after, researchers discovered that red light may also treat wounds and, eventually, underlying skin problems. “Red light therapy is a treatment using light emitting diodes to deliver low-level wavelengths in the red and infrared light (NIR) spectrum to the skin, usually in the form of a face mask, a wand with tiny LED bulbs, or light panels,” Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, cosmetic dermatologist of La Jolla Laser Dermatology and founder of AziMD Skincare, explains.
There are a lot of factors to consider when browsing the interwebs for a red light therapy device, from price point to design to key features. Ahead, we broke down the 10 best red light therapy devices worth investing in.
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Derm’s Choice
Omnilux
Contour FACE
| Red light wavelength | 633nm and 830nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Three to five per week |
Best For All Skin Types
Skin Gym
Revilit LED
| Red light wavelength | N/A |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face and neck |
| Best used | Two or three times a week |
Best Multi-Light Mask
Solaris Laboratories NY
How To Glow 4 Color LED Light Therapy Mask
| Red light wavelength | 620-750 nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Three to five times a week |
Best Complete Set
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Turn Your Glow On FaceWare Pro Set
| Red light wavelength | 630 – 700nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Daily |
Best Short Treatment
Solawave
Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
| Red light wavelength | 660nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Three times per week |
Best Compact Option
Foreo
UFO 2
| Red light wavelength | N/A |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face and neck |
| Best used | Daily |
Best For Wrinkles
LightStim®
LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device
| Red light wavelength | N/A |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Two to three times weekly |
Best Splurge
Shani Darden
Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask
| Red light wavelength | 630nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Four times a week |
Best Luxury Buy
MZ Skin
MZ Skin Light Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
| Red light wave length | 630nm |
|---|---|
| Targeted use | Face |
| Best used | Two to three times a week |
What is red light therapy?
Simply put, red light therapy treats underlying skin issues your traditional skincare products can’t quite get to. “When you place the red light near the skin, the light particles are able to penetrate through the tissue and activate chromophores, which can then trigger beneficial changes in cells,” Dr. Abdallah says. Red light devices vary in size, design, and key features, but their main function remains the same. “Some of the benefits of red light therapy include decreasing redness and inflammation in the skin, decreasing pigmentation, aiding in the treatment of acne, hair loss, and can even help to stimulate collagen to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles over time,” she explains.
How often can you do red light therapy at home?
Dr. Shirazi recommends keeping your at-home treatments to “every other day from five to 15 minutes at a time,” though many devices come with specific instructions on how to use them. Keep in mind, red light therapy devices are as strong as the professional grade ones you find in-office, but they can still be effective as long as it’s used correctly. “Like any treatment, you never want to overdo it because it can lead to unfavorable effects. Make sure to consult with your dermatologist or skin specialist regarding your desired treatment outcome in order for them to safely guide you on how to properly use your at-home device,” Dr. Abdallah adds.
What are the benefits of red light therapy at home?
The benefits of using red light therapy on your skin vary, but the tool is used mainly to help with anti-aging. “Several studies have found red LED light treatment to improve eye-area wrinkles, as well as improving elasticity and hydration. Red light is thought to set off signals in the energy centers of skin cells to regulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, in addition to reducing inflammation, pigmentation, and redness. It’s also been found to promote cellular repair and circulation, leading to healthier skin,” Dr. Shirazi says.
Nerisha Penrose Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music).
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