Do LED Light Masks Really Work? Benefits, Safety
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Do LED Light Masks Really Work?

Do LED Light Masks Really Work?
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Updated on July 22, 2025
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They look otherworldly — like a Star Wars Stormtrooper’s helmet — and promise to give you clearer, smoother-looking skin. LED light masks are exactly what they sound like: devices illuminated by LED lights that you wear over your face.

Here’s what you need to know before you invest in this celebrity-beloved beauty trend.

Are LED Masks Safe to Use?

LED masks have an “excellent” safety profile, according to one research review of masks using blue, red, and infrared lights.

And though you may have heard more people talking about LED masks lately, they’re nothing new. “These devices have been around for decades and are generally used by dermatologists or aestheticians in an office setting to treat inflammation after facials, minimize breakouts, and give skin an overall boost,” says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, a dermatologist in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. Today you can purchase these devices and use them at home. (Most of the full masks cost in the $100 to $500 range.)

Social media is one possible reason you may have seen coverage of these futuristic-looking devices. Former Mad Men star January Jones hilariously posted a video of herself dancing on Instagram, wearing a red LED mask (and drinking what appears to be a can of Coors Light, using a straw). More recently, fellow actress Kristin Davis posted a similar video — minus the beer — from her dressing room on the set of And Just Like That…

The convenience of improving your skin while having a beer or lounging on the sofa may be a huge selling point for LED masks; it makes skin care look easy. “If people believe [the masks] work as effectively as an in-office treatment, they save time commuting to the doctor, waiting to see a dermatologist, and money for office visits,” Dr. Solomon says.

What Does an LED Mask Do to Your Skin?

Each mask employs a different spectrum of light wavelengths that penetrate the skin to trigger changes at the molecular level, says Michele Farber, MD, a dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia.

Each spectrum of light produces a different color to target various skin concerns.

For instance, red light is designed to increase circulation and stimulate collagen, making it useful for people who are looking to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, she says.

 A loss of collagen, which happens via aging and sun damage, can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.

Blue light targets bacteria that cause acne, which one research review finds is an effective and safe treatment for breakouts.

 The authors note, however, that further research needs to be done to develop standardized treatment recommendations.
Red and blue are the two most common wavelengths used, but other LED devices on the market use additional colors, such as yellow (to reduce redness) and green (to lessen pigmentation).

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Do LED Masks Actually Work?

The research behind LED masks, which focuses on specific wavelengths of light, has shown that LED light therapy can be beneficial to your skin.

In a study with 52 female participants, researchers found that red LED light treatment “significantly” improved measures of eye-area wrinkles at 12 weeks.

 One review of studies that used LED devices, including masks, for skin rejuvenation (improving elasticity, hydration, wrinkles, and skin texture) found that the research was too limited to make treatment recommendations. Seeing improvements in skin rejuvenation can take some time, and they argue that more long-term research is needed.

When it comes to acne, one small study that used blue light therapy for six weeks found that inflammatory lesions disappeared or were greatly improved at four months. Researchers also found reduced production of pro-inflammatory proteins in the immune system, suggesting that blue light can modulate the inflammation response.

 In one research review, the authors looked at home-based devices and their efficacy on a variety of dermatological conditions, ultimately recommending LED treatment for acne.

 Research suggests that blue light may kill acne-causing bacteria.

 “Bacteria can be very susceptible to the blue light spectrum. It stops their metabolism and kills them,” says Solomon. This is advantageous for preventing future breakouts. “Unlike topical treatments that work to ease inflammation and bacteria on the surface of the skin, light treatment eliminates the acne-causing bacteria in the skin before it begins to feed on the oil glands, causing redness and inflammation,” she adds. Because red light also reduces inflammation, it may be used in combination with blue light to address acne.

But it’s helpful to keep your expectations in check. “Not all at-home devices deliver the same strength that a clinical device can. What can be accomplished at home will not always have the same effect as what can be achieved at a dermatologist’s office, where treatment is calibrated and regulated,” says Solomon.

Another consideration is that you have a good skin-care regimen set in place to act in conjunction with light therapy. “This isn’t a good monotherapy. Light devices can help as long as they’re used with topicals or in-office treatments,” says Dr. Farber.

Are There Any Risks to Using LED Masks?

In general, LED masks are safe. There are exceptions to this rule, though. Be sure to follow these tips before trying one.

Do Your Research

Be sure that the mask you choose is safe. One popular LED mask made by Neutrogena was recalled over concerns of a “theoretical risk of eye injury” from the lights for some people who have eye conditions or take certain medication, per the company’s statement.

 Wearing eye protection when using an LED device is good advice for anyone, says Farber.

Solomon advises making sure that the LED light therapy device you buy is labeled as cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The Effects of Blue Light Are Murky

Some experts are also wary of blue light exposure. Research on mice suggested that blue light can cause free radical damage, which breaks down skin’s structures and leads to aging, but that other colors of light, such as red and green, did not. It’s unclear if the results are the same in humans; further research is needed.

There’s also concern about the effects of blue light on eyes, but one research review says data hasn’t shown that average use of LEDs (via smartphones, computers, and tablets — research on masks is lacking) causes damage to retinas. The authors noted, however, that there’s a lack of information on the potential harm of long-term cumulative exposure, or at what dose.

“There are questions about whether or not people should be using blue light or if it can be damaging to skin. I think that’s something we need more information on,” says Farber. Whether LED devices for acne have more negatives than positives remains to be seen. With that in mind, you may choose to hold off on the blue light treatment for now.

Talk to Your Dermatologist — Especially if You Have a Skin Condition

One study of 30 people with mild psoriasis showed that at-home treatment using a UV-free blue LED device was “safe and highly effective.”

 Similarly, previous research found that blue LED light helped lessen eczema lesions.

 And a research review noted they’re generally safe for most people with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, though research on safety in the long term is needed.

The best course is to visit your dermatologist first — bring in your face mask and talk about the best way to use it for your skin’s goals (timing, dose), which will help reduce the risk of side effects, says Solomon.

LED light mask therapy may be beneficial for collagen production and killing the bacteria that cause acne breakouts, but they don’t replace your regular skin-care routine. As at-home devices, they may be less effective than in-office procedures at your dermatologist’s office. Take proper precautions before using them, including wearing eye protection and following directions, in order to stay safe while treating your skin.

The Takeaway

  • Treating certain skin conditions with LED light therapy has been an option at the dermatologist’s office for decades, and masks meant for at-home use have increased in popularity in recent years, despite a lack of robust evidence or standardized treatment recommendations.
  • While LED masks generally have a favorable safety profile, researchers note that additional studies are needed to confirm they’re safe for the skin and eyes in the long term, as well as to develop standard recommendations for use.
  • Red light therapy may increase circulation and stimulate collagen growth, making it an option for targeting concerns related to aging, while blue light research suggests it kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

Talk to your doctor before using an at-home LED mask, as it’s not appropriate for everyone, and always use eye protection designed for this purpose.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Ablon G. Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes: Treating a Broad Range of Medical and Aesthetic Conditions in Dermatology. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. February 1, 2018.
  2. Red Light Therapy. Cleveland Clinic. December 1, 2021.
  3. Wrinkles. Cleveland Clinic. July 27. 2022.
  4. Gonçalves Diogo ML et al. Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review. Sensors. October 19, 2021.
  5. Academy F. The Benefits of LED Light Therapy – A Revolutionary Skin Treatment. Florida Academy. November 12, 2024.
  6. Nam CH et al. The Efficacy and Safety of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles. Dermatologic Surgery. March 2017.
  7. Jagedo J et al. The Efficacy and Safety of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm Light-Emitting Devices for Treating Wrinkles. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. January 22, 2018.
  8. Bonnans M et al. Blue Light: Friend or Foe? Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. November 1, 2020.
  9. Cohen M et al. Home-Based Devices in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy. Archives of Dermatological Research. May 3, 2021.
  10. Hernández-Bule ML et al. Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. April 19, 2024.
  11. Schmidt T. LED Face Masks – Skip, Save or Splurge? Mayo Clinic Press. May 28, 2024.
  12. Light Therapy Mask Recall Statement. Neutrogena.
  13. Nakashima Y et al. Blue Light-Induced Oxidative Stress in Live Skin. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. July 1, 2017.
  14. Cougnard-Gregoire A et al. Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention—A Narrative Review. Ophthalmology and Therapy. February 18, 2023.
  15. Lesiak A et al. Prospective 3-Month Study on the Efficacy of UV-Free Blue Light in Mild Psoriasis Vulgaris Treatment. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. March 2021.
  16. Keemss K et al. Prospective, Randomized Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Local UV-Free Blue Light Treatment of Eczema. Dermatology. August 19, 2016.
  17. Lodi G et al. Blue Light Therapy in Dermatological Practice: A Review. Cosmetics. February 18, 2025.
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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist, specializing in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques, including injectable fillers and botulinum toxin injections, advanced laser procedures, noninvasive body contouring, and removing lumps and bumps with precision. She is an expert in the treatment and detection of medical conditions, including skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Dr. Rose believes in a comprehensive approach to skin health and incorporating a skin-care routine tailored specifically for each individual and utilizing a wide array of tools to target specific skin concerns.

Rose has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Self, Women’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

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Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.

She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).

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