8 Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices for Glowing Skin
Reduce texture and wrinkles with the help of these wands and masks.
Medically reviewed by Caroline Chang, M.D.Board-Certified Dermatologist
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Tackling wrinkles, sun damage, acne, hair loss, inflammation and hyperpigmentation, red light therapy “works by inducing skin regeneration in a noninvasive way — exposing the skin to safe wavelengths of light," says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.
While an in-office treatment rendered by a professional can produce the most immediate results, red light therapy at home has its benefits as a quick, convenient alternative that can produce results over time with repeated use. Devices used at home offer treatment sessions that may last for just three minutes at a time. “[It is] a powerful tool for skin rejuvenation," says Bertha Baum, M.D., a Miami, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist. “For the best results, I always recommend using FDA-cleared devices and following safety guidelines.”
In an effort to help you find the best at-home devices, from masks to panels and handhelds, we gathered recommendations from dermatologists and GH editors, consulted Beauty Lab experts and scoured the internet for reviews from real-life consumers. Here are our top picks.
LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use design
- Includes goggles
- Three-minute timed sessions
Cons
- Wired
This easy-to-hold, straightforward red light therapy device is a consumer and editor favorite. With just one switch, the design is nearly foolproof and can be used all over your face. Just flip the light on and it'll stay on for a timed three-minute session before automatically turning off. Once it turns off, you can restart it and move it to the next area of your face you want to treat.
"I've used LightStim for years on my acne spots and scarring, and it's so quick and easy to use I can't imagine not having it in my skincare routine," one GH beauty editor said. However, note that it's wired: Our editor loves watching TV while using it since you can't walk around during treatment. Dr. Baum is also a fan of this brand, noting that the LightStim Elipsa, a more expensive option, is great for boosting collagen and reducing fine lines.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | All areas of body |
Pros
- Wireless
- Multiple color light settings
- Has red light, blue light and green light
Cons
- No automatic shut-off
- Not FDA cleared
Red light therapy doesn't have to be a huge investment. Though it's not inexpensive by any means, this pick won't break the bank as much as some other devices. Skin Gym's affordable choice emits blue, green and red light to target aging, acne breakouts and hyperpigmentation. This product is mobile, too, as it's wireless and rechargeable. Just make sure to watch your timing on each area, as there is no automatic shut-off feature and it is not FDA cleared.
"I have some crow's feet and some pigmentation on the top of my hands and I already see improvement in my concern areas," one reviewer raved. Another shares that "it has done wonders for my acne prone and sensitive skin."
| FDA cleared | No |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | All areas of body |
NuFace Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Attachment
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to bring on-the-go
- Red, amber and infrared lights target anti-aging benefits
Cons
- Must be attached to the Nuface Trinity device
Attach this red light therapy tool to your NuFace Trinity device (note that you need to buy this separately for the attachment to work) for convenient, targeted treatment. It features red, amber and infrared lights for anti-aging skin benefits.
Dr. Engelman loves this on-the-go device. "This handheld machine has a red light attachment that can be used for just three minutes per treatment area," she says. "It specifically targets anti-aging benefits and is compact and convenient to take anywhere." Nordstrom reviewers love the benefits as well: "I think it really helps even out your skin tone used on a weekly basis and has also helped reduce a scar I have," shared one.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | Face |
Pros
- Attaches to your head/face for hands-free use
- Has an automatic shut-off feature
- Can use up to 10 minutes at a time
Cons
- Can be bright on the eyes
- Bulky
Like many of our other choices, this is an FDA-cleared LED mask. The portable, wearable mask attaches to your head via Velcro straps so you don't have to hold it up yourself. While many other options suggest three minute-long usage, this mask can be used for 10 minutes at a time and it includes an auto shut off feature.
"I like that it covers my whole face while still having eye and nose holes — there is a piece that lays on top of your nose so you are still treating your nose without feeling claustrophobic," says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "My favorite way to use it is while I am laying down before bed when my eyes are closed because although there are no lights on the eyes, some of the other lights can make it too bright to see."
Wnek notes that it's a little bulky, but the fact that it covers such a large surface area makes it worth it. Other reviewers are very pleased with the results: "I love how my skin is looking — reduced fine lines, improved firmness and faded age spots," one wrote.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Pros
- Portable and hands-free
- Multiple color light settings
- Head strap keeps mask in place
Cons
- Pricey
Stimulate collagen production and target acne at the same time with this long-time editor-, derm- and consumer-loved LED face mask. With both red and blue lights, this multitasker treats multiple skin concerns after just three minutes.
Our experts note its ease of use. "Since this is a whole mask, it’s easy to use and can be done while moving around the house since it has a strap as well," says Dr. Engelman. Reviewers note that while it's pricey, the proof is in the pudding. "This has to be the most I've ever spent on a beauty product," said one. "The results? My skin definitely looks more radiant and uniform looking."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Tried the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Light Mask, and My Eczema Is Thanking Me
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
Pros
- Good battery life
- Can smooth cracks in lips
Cons
- Some felt results took a long time
Yes, you can even use red light therapy devices on your lips. This lip device, like other red light therapy devices, can help increase blood flow and stimulate production of collagen, which can result in increased skin elasticity, making lips appear younger and fuller. Karan Lal, D.O., Director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Arizona, is also a fan of the brand's Light Therapy Face Mask: "It has red and near infrared light that penetrates deeper in the skin, is easy to use and not uncomfortable."
"I’ve been using this for a week and notice a difference in my lips immediately after use," a reviewer noted. "They’re more defined and plump." Another shares that "my lips look so much smoother and the cracks have nearly disappeared." While some have seen results quickly, not everyone has has the same response. A few reviewers commented it can take a long time to see minimal, if any, changes.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Lip mask (similar to wearing a mouthguard) |
| Target areas | Lips |
Pros
- Sleek, thin design
- Easy to move around your face/body
- Auto shut-off feature for different area of the face and device overall
Cons
- Minimal results
- Only has seven LED lights so can only cover a small area of the face
SolaWave makes multitasking easy with this 4-in-1 facial wand. In addition to emitting red light, it also warms and vibrates for a facial massage. We appreciate the cordless, rechargeable and sleek design, which makes it easy to move around your face.
Two GH staffers tested the Solawave at home. "It's compact, so it's easy to travel with and use all over my face," said one GH editor. Meanwhile, Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler says she found the massage and warmth to be "soothing" but says "it likely didn't provide a significant benefit to my skin."
The main takeaway? It's good for travel or touch-ups between professional treatments but won't provide dramatic results. "If you are on-the-go and would like to bring a tool with you that uses red light therapy, this would be a great device to purchase," adds Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Is the Solawave Skincare Wand Worth It?
| FDA Cleared | Yes |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target Areas | Face |
TheraGun TheraFace Pro
Pros
- Compact design
- Multitasker
- Auto-dim prevents eye damage
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the quality of the device
The goal of this device is to bring the spa to you, with targeted, customized treatments including LED light (red, blue and red plus infrared), heating, cooling, microcurrent, cleansing and massage all in one small handheld machine. Target your skin concerns with this 8-in-1 device that's compact enough to sit on your vanity without taking over the space. While most reviewers raved over the quality, a few had issues with different parts of the device breaking.
"I love that it's such a multitasker," noted one GH editor. "Rather than needing several different devices to do each task, I can do almost everything with this one. It's a great space saver."
Amazon reviewers agreed: "It is easy to do two or three or more treatments at a time — the different attachments pop in and out very smoothly," said one. We love that the LED lights also have an auto-dim when the device senses it's moving away from your face to prevent eye damage.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | Face |
How we choose the best red light therapy at-home devices
Every year, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab tests thousands of beauty products and skincare items. In these tests, we collect thousands of data points and analyze skin using devices such as the Visia Complexion Analyzer, Corneometer and Cutometer. These machines track visible skin changes, skin moisturization and skin firmness, respectively.
While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab hasn't formally tested red light therapy devices in over a decade, our last test involved 13 at-home testers as well as in-Lab analysis. Scientists took note of improvements in wrinkles, texture, pores, visible spots and UV spots.
For the latest update to this article, we relied on our editors' recent road tests of popular red light therapy devices, as well as recommendations and insights from dermatologists and online reviews.
What to look for when shopping for the best red light therapy at-home devices
✔️ Ease of use: This is a product you'll be using at home on your own, so Dr. Engelman recommends considering ease of use and ease of instructions when looking for an at-home red light therapy device. "Since at-home RLT isn’t always as strong as in-office treatments, it’s important to look for a device that can be easily used multiple times a week for maintenance and preventative benefits," she advises. Butler agrees and emphasizes the comfort of the tool as well. "You want to choose a device that you can sit with and relax while the lights work."
✔️ Wavelength: To avoid skin sensitivity or damage, take note of the wavelength of light, Dr. Engelman suggests. "I recommend devices that can provide a wavelength between 600 and 900 nanometers," she adds.
✔️ Device type and shape: Since many of these devices come in mask form, we recommend trying these on both for skin sensitivity and to make sure they are comfortable to wear. If they aren't, opt for a handheld wand-like device instead.
✔️ Color(s) of light: Dr. Lal recommends using a pure red light device, especially for skin of color. "Blue light can lead to hyperpigmentation, so I would avoid combo masks if you have darker skin."
✔️ Power Density: For skin issues, aim for a device with a power density between 20 and 200 mW/cm². "Power density means how much light is emitted per unit area," Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann says.
Is at-home red light therapy effective?
Yes, but it takes consistency and dedication. "I was skeptical at first because there isn't a huge amount of evidence, but my patients that use red light masks post laser procedures heal faster with less long-term redness so I have become a fan," says Dr. Lal. Butler has seen some studies showing anti-aging benefits including neck wrinkle improvement and fine line and wrinkle improvement after home use of a wearable LED device.
The one caveat: the energy level of an at-home red light therapy device is generally lower than what professionals use in the office but that’s true for any home devices for safety purposes. "It just may require more long-term treatment to get results," says Dr. Lal.
How do you use red light therapy at home?
With several at-home devices being FDA cleared, it's easy and safe to do red light therapy at home. It's a non-invasive, painless treatment, but it's still very important to read directions carefully and follow instructions closely.
While every device is different, Dr. Lal generally suggests that people use red light in the evening, after cleansing their face but before skincare application. "I recommend patients sanitize their masks because they are in close contact to the skin and people can develop folliculitis or acne from contamination." He recommends people use their device three times a week on average, but notes that this treatment plan can vary on the device and the energy it emits. Since those with melanated skin can be more prone to side effects (like discoloration and blistering), it's safer to start with a more conservative approach using the device less frequently and build up as you go.
As with any other devices, proceed with caution. "Misuse of RLT devices can potentially cause blisters or burns," warns Dr. Engelman.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
For the most part, red light therapy is safe to use without side effects, as long as it's used correctly. However, as noted above, it's important to follow the instructions to avoid overuse. "If worried about cell damage, keeping sessions to a maximum of 20 minutes is a good idea and will still give you the desired benefits," recommends Dr. Engelman.
One review on light therapy also notes that patients of color can be more sensitive to visible light than patients with pale skin, so use caution with at-home use of red light and monitor your skin’s reaction to these devices.
How long should you do red light therapy to see results?
The key to red light therapy is consistent use over time. While you may see results in the short-term, it's important to continue using them to maintain those results. "You can see results from red light therapy by just doing treatment for five to 10 minutes, two to three times a week," says Dr. Engelman. However, red light therapy at-home devices "need to be used consistently over several months to see any anti-aging benefits," adds Aral.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins updated this article with expert tips from Dr. Bertha Baum and GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. She also has a wealth of experience writing about makeup and skincare.
Former GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn originally wrote this guide, working closely with Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists. She has personally used several of the picks on this list.
For this article, she worked with former Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., who formally tested red light therapy devices for the Lab in 2009. Malzahn also interviewed Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Additionally, Karan Lal, D.O., Director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Arizona, was interviewed.
Catharine (she/her) is the former beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.
