LED Masks, tried and tested: Do they really work? | Now to Love - New Zealand (2025)

Look, I was sceptical. I am not one to splash my cash on the latest beauty tools or fancy skincare. But something about LED face masks tickled my fancy.

Once restricted to the four walls of a facialist’s clinic, LED Masks have now hit the mainstream. One scroll down Instagram or TikTok and a celebrity or influencer will be sharing a selfie looking a bit like Darth Vader.Many of these content creators selling the masks claim that the tool has cleared their acne, or faded their sunspots, all for as little as wearing the mask for five minutes per day. From Victoria Beckham to Kim Kardashian and Rita Ora, these celebrities thank the LED mask for their radiant glow. But what are these masks and how do they work?

As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, my skincare regime is rather basic. But I also like to keep it short and sweet, mostly due to laziness and eagerness to roll into bed at night. I usually take the day off with a good cleanse at night, followed by a serum and a moisturiser, then the same moisturiser and a healthy dose of SPF50 in the morning. But the addition of an LED Mask (and at least five minutes added to my routine) felt more like self-care than a necessity, forcing me to take the time to sit down and let the mini bulbs do their job so I’d be rewarded with blemish-free, glowing skin.

What are LED Masks?

An LED face mask is a skincare tool designed to improve the appearance and health of one’s skin using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Light therapy can include specific wavelengths of light, each targeting different skin concerns.

LED colours and their benefits:

Red and Near Infra-Red LED: known for its anti-aging properties, red light can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve overall skin texture.

Blue light: Known for its acne-fighting properties, blue light can clear acne-causing bacteria and help prevent breakouts.

How to choose an LED face mask:

When deciding which LED face mask to invest in, first consider your skin concerns. LED Masks will advertise the wavelengths of each light therapy. If you wish to address collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles, look for a mask that offers red light with a 620 – 650 nm (nanometers) wavelength. If you aim to target acne-causing bacteria, look for a blue light option with a 415-455 nm wavelength.

Most LED masks will offer a range of wavelengths, allowing you to target multiple issues with one device.

How much does an LED mask cost?

Not all LED Masks are created equal, and typically, the higher the quality, the more expensive the LED mask will be. But deciding on the best device for you could also come down to the amount of time you’re willing to spend behind the mask. Higher-quality masks are likely to be more effective and, therefore may not require more use than a few times per week.

Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask Review

I opted for the Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask, $299.00, available at Caci Clinic. As an oily girl in my early 30s, I wanted to prevent the odd breakout, as well as target my fine lines and pigmentation, regretfully showing up now from my years without sunscreen.

The Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask promises to repair and soothe the skin with consistent use. Each night, post-cleanse and pre-skincare, I wear the mask for 10 minutes on both the blue and red light settings, splitting the time between each colour.

Where to buy LED Skin Masks:

01

Omnilux Contour Face LED Mask

$678.50 at Omnilux

Best for: Anyone seeking anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

This FDA-cleared, dermatologist-recommended red light therapy device comes with plenty of clinically proven benefits, including a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, the appearance of pigmentation and redness. It’s also been proven to promote healthier, younger-looking skin, without any pain, side effects or downtime.

Specs:

• Red and near-infrared LEDs
• 633nm (red) and 830nm (near-infrared) wavelengths

Mask type:

• Flexible silicone mask

Usage:

• 10-minute treatments, three to five times per week for four to six weeks

Wireless:

• No

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02

Therabody Theraface LED Mask

$999.00 at Adore Beauty

Best for: Those targeting firmer, smoother, healthier-looking skin.

The Therabody Theraface LED Mask is an FDA-cleared, TGA-registered mask that delivers full-face Red, Red + Infrared and Blue light therapy, with vibration for tension relief.

Specs:

• 648 LED lights

Mask type:

• Hardshell

Usage:

• 9-minute treatment, once a day

Wireless:

• Yes

Also available at:

• The Iconic

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03

Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask

$299.00 at Caci

Best for: Those looking to target blemishes, skin repair and soothing.

The Skinsmiths LED mask is a more affordable device for those seeking the benefits of light therapy. Thoroughly tested to ensure the highest energy output for those looking for an at-home option. It features multiple light settings, including red, blue and near-infrared light to enhance skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a clearer complexion.

Specs:

• Blue, red and near-infrared LEDs
• 465-475nm (blue), 620-640nm (red) and 820-850nm​ (near-infrared) wavelengths

Mask type:

• Hardshell

Wireless:

• Yes

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Make the most of your LED Skin Mask with an at-home facial

With your LED Skin Mask, and a few other key ingredients likely already on your shelves, experience the luxury and added benefits of a spa facial without getting out of your pyjamas.

Adding an at-home facial to your weekly routine not only will promote self-care and relaxation, but your skin will thank you for the benefits. Think glowing skin, minimal fine lines and dark spots, and fewer breakouts.

Step 1: Begin your facial with your regular, everyday cleanser. As your second cleanse, use an exfoliating cleanser to clear dull, dry skin from the surface. We recommend the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser from Murad, as it combines physical and chemical exfoliants to help improve the penetration of the LED lights into the layers of your skin. Rinse and pat your face dry.

Step 2: If your skin concerns include dullness, consider adding a Vitamin C Cleanser to your routine. The Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial from Murad provides a spa-like experience, as once applied, the product will begin to turn from orange to white to indicate sufficient exfoliation. Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes. Formula changes from orange to white to indicate sufficient physical exfoliation and even application

Step 3: Time to use the LED Facial Mask, at whatever setting suits your concerns best.

Step 4: You may be feeling a little dry after your LED Facial Mask, so it’s time to add hydration to your skin. Select a sheet mask that’ll work to draw and lock moisture into your skin. The Hydration Booster Facial Mask by SkinSmiths is powered by niacinamide to refine skin tone, pentavin to lock in moisture and sodium hyaluronate for hydration, all of which will promote that post-facial glow. Leave on for 20 minutes, or until all the serum has absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with your usual night-time skin routine, including treatment serums and moisturisers. And don’t forget eye cream – the Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector by Murad includes light-reflecting micro-minerals that will instantly brighten the skin. Gently pat the formula under the eye area.

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