From treatment room to living room: The rise of at home led skincare devices
- Danielle Van Velzer
- Feb 28
- 15 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The hot skincare trend that started in 2020 and peaked in 2025 is staying strong as we enter into 2026. Now, this is a skincare trend I can get on board with. Everyone is googling
"What LED home skincare mask should I buy?" " Best home LED therapy mask"
Let's explore
what to look for when purchasing an in home LED face mask device
what each colour is beneficial for
and compare some of the LED's that are on the market.
What to look for when wanting to invest in a home LED (Light Emitting Diode) face mask.
Proper wave lengths:
This is important so the colours are penetrating the skin at a proper depth to do their specific target work. Make sure the device has a break down of each colour and the nm (nanometers) depth it provides. Each colour reaches a different depth into the skin. If your LED face mask does not outline the depths; that is a red flag. Each colour has a specific nano meter depth that is required for cellular change. Click here to see the detailed LED wavelength guide.
LED not "Therapy Light":
Make sure it says LED not just "therapy light". Therapy light does not mean the same as LED, which means the intensity and the wave lengths would not be outlined and results that LED provide cannot be promised. Remember LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. The acronym is important here. I have a therapy light device I use, but it does not give the benefits (nor is it the same thing) of LED. So it is important to be aware of this!
Quantity and Quality of LED:
The number of LED lights in the mask and making sure it's professional or "medical grade LED". Having a sufficiant number of bulbs per mask is important to cover the surface area. If bulbs are spaced out too much, it's an inconsistent treatment. Which provides less than an ideal treatment. We always want to maximize our time and maximize our treatment.
Time:
The time suggested per use could indicate the strength and efficacy of the LED. For example if it says to use 10 minutes every 3 days, and another option says use for 30 minutes every other day- we could assume that the first example has stronger bulbs delivering a result within a shorter time commitment and less frequency. However, staying consistent is important no matter what LED device you are using. This is not a super big red flag when searching for a home LED. Even if you use it for 5-10 minutes 3 times a week you are ahead and you will notice results with your skin!
Clinical Studies:
Something to back up their claims. Medical reviews, clinical studies, peer reports etc. Something more than just what the company provides is ideal to avoid a biased sample. This does not seem to be an easy find- but if you search you may have luck!
Other:
This is considering budget, how often you realistically will use it, and ease of using (hand held vs mask / cordless vs cords etc.) More of a preference and ROI type reflection on your behalf!
What each Colour Targets:
Each LED colour serves a specific purpose, and understanding the differences is key to customizing and optimizing your at-home treatments. The most commonly used colours in both clinical settings and home LED devices are blue, amber, and red, each targeting different skin concerns for more personalized results.
Blue light:
is effective at treating bacteria, inflammation, and congestion. Therefore, blue LED is a perfect and popular option for acne-prone skin or skin that has active acne lesions. Blue LED is great to help heal blemishes before they fully surface, or even to treat those stubborn under the skin bumps and cysts. Blue LED can also be beneficial in helping control oil production and help in the long term with pore size, as it reduces activity in the sebaceous glands, which helps control and reduce bacteria in the skin (aka pimples). Important note: Blue light LED needs to reach 415 nanometers minimally into the skin for proper depth and an effective treatment. Great range is 415-460
Orange / Amber light:
is used for treating pigmentation and damaged cells to create an even complexion. It helps revitalize the skin and help with wrinkles, which makes this an overall healthy skin treatment. This is a great option as a treatment before a special event, or to add with an age prevention or oxygenation treatment! Orange light helps give your skin that extra boost! It also is famous for helping soften severe inflammation such as acne and rosacea. Do not underestimate (or under use) the power of amber in your LED device. Important note: Amber light needs to reach 590 nanometers into the skin for proper depth and an effective treatment
Red light:
is the most used light treatment, as red LED is used to produce and stimulate collagen, trigger cell regeneration, fast track healing, promote firmness and tightness in the skin, and lift and contour the face. Red light is used to stimulate skin cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are important to help make collagen. As we know, collagen is super important for healthy aging and healing of the skin. This is important for all skin types and skin concerns. Since red light stimulates collagen and cell regeneration this can and will also help treat any scarring. A fantastic choice in treatment room and to boost home care results. Do NOT use red if you have melasma.
Important note: Red light needs to reach 630-690 nanometers into the skin for proper depth and an effective treatment
Other colour options that are not as popular but still serve important functions;
Green light:
is great for healing sensitives in the skin. It is beneficial for releasing some of the redness and heat from the skin, especially post procedure. Its fantastic at treating broken capillaries, and helping rosacea. Green is one of the colors I use in treatment for clients that have sensitive skin, or if we are working on their compromised skin barrier. Green LED is also a helpful and beneficial treatment after micro-needling, morpheus8 or a chemical peel for example. Green light helps with healing and decreasing inflammation.
Important note: Green light needs to reach 495 nanometers minimally into the skin for proper depth and an effective treatment. A great range is between 495-520.
Purple Light:
is a blend between blue and red. This colour option is fantastic for those inflammed clients, even those who may have acne in later years. The blend of these two colours (blue and red) help kill bacteria and encourage cellular regneration. Purple is not common in homecare LED devices, but if it is included with yours, thats a nice added bonus! Perfect for hormonal breakouts; and even post procedure. This will help with healing, boost your collagen production, while also killing any bacteria to minimize the likelihood of any purge.
Important note: Purple light needs to reach 405-420 nanometers into the skin for proper depth and an effective treatment.
Infrared:
Infrared is commonly paired with LED (red specifically) because infared can penetrate deeper into the skin. Infrared is great for cellular and muscle repair. Great for elasticity, skin firming, treating wrinkles, lifting skin that has loss its tone as well as reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Important note: infrared needs to reach 620-750 nanometers into the skin for proper depth and an effective treatment.
Here we are, comparing brands and LED devices.
I have not personally tried ALL of these brands. This is a breakdown due to research and comparison. You can scroll through a read the comparisons, or simply click on the ones that interest you most!
OMNILUX -- retailing for $535
I feel like this home LED masks is one of the most popular ones, would you agree? I see the Omnilux LED home masks EVERYWHERE on socials. Many skincare clinics in London Ontario (and surrounding areas) retail them to their customers. The price is quite high, but when really break down the quality and making sure the mask meets the requirements, the price is not far off what is on the market. In fact, for the price in comparison it is one of the better options. At first I truly felt the price was outrageous, but I was very shocked with pricing of masks that are sold at Sephora and Shoppers, so I stand corrected. l'll break down the pros and cons.
Description:
- Red LED 633nm
- Blue LED 415nm
- 132 Medical grade lights
PROS : - Mask is flexible which looks comfortable - Hands free - Have add on options (hand options, spot treatment options and a neck option) - Blue and red LED both meet the LED colour nm depth recommendation - Direct contact and exposure of LED to skin - Has near infrared as an option *important to note not all LED masks have this feature. - Exclusively sold at approved retailers (such as skin clinics and dermatologist offices) some could see this as a con; as a professional I see this as a perk.
-Has clinical and peer reviewed studies
- 2 year warranty. I love a brand that stands behind their products to protect their customers.
CONS:
- There is a "clear" mask for acne and a "contour face" for healthy aging.
^ I prefer masks with a wider range of colours to be more versatile; rather than investing in ONE mask to tackle ONE concern using ONE colour. This is a BIG con for me.
- Price for the mask to only have ONE colour option
CURRENT BODY -- retailing for $500-650
Another popular name, another high price point. I'll break down the pros and cons
Description: - Red LED 633nm - Blue LED 415nm - 236 bulbs in red mask - 132 bulbs in blue mask - 566 bulbs in the multi light mask (the blue and red version)
PROS : - Mask is flexible which looks comfortable - Hands free (put on and do what you need to do) - Have add on option (neck addition) - The blue and red LED both meet the LED colour nm depth recommendation
- Direct contact and exposure of LED to skin
CONS:
- Price point
- They recently launched one mask that has three colours, but the price point is more substantial... so this brings me back to the price point being a strong "CON" for me since one colour per mask is not my jam.
- No mention of infrared
- Has studies but all studies are private and independent which potentially could cause some biases since the studies are done by the manufacturer.
Dr. DENNIS GROSS -- retailing for $615
If you have searched LED, you would have seen this name before. Especially from those TikTok influencers. Sephora really pumped ads out for this bad boy. It was one of the first to really hit the ground running in a store that was accessible to everyone; aka the malls (not just purchased through your skin practitioner in clinic). It also claims a short time per use provides with massive results. I haven't personally trialed and tested these claims, but that is one strong marketing claim.
Description:
-Blue LED 415nm
-Red LED 630-633nm
-Amber LED 605nm
-Infrared 880nm
- 162 bulbs
PROS: - Hands free - One mask has multiple colour options (two blue variations, red, amber and infrared) - The LED colours meet the nm depth recommendation - Infrared included
CONS:
-Hard shell plastic (does not look comfortable) - Price point - No public data about their trials and clinical studies
HELLO FACE -- Retailing for $350-400
I believe you will start to see this brand more and more. Hint, Hint, Nudge, Nudge. An effective and high standard LED with a price we can get on board for. This one has me excited and hopeful. Prices will range based off of where you purchase the LED. Description: - Blue LED 460nm
-Red LED 630-660nm -Amber 605nm -Near infrared 880nm - 280-332 LED Medical grade LED bulbs are used PROS: - Lots of accessible information (incredibly easy to find and source) Love transparency - Honeycomb heat shield for extra safety precaution - Soft flexible material - Hands free - Meets the LED nm depth recommendation - Customization of colour choice and time choice to fit any skin need and routine- all options in one mask - Price point, much more digestible -2 year warranty. I love a brand that stands behind their products to protect their customers. (Speak directly with your supplier) - Available only by approved clinicians, dermatologists and aestheticians.
CONS:
- Clinical studies are more generalized and no peer reviews
THIS IS THE ONE WE DECIDED TO RETAIL IN CLINIC!!
You will have access to purchase this LED Home mask option through us, right here at Inspirations Beauty Clinic, in London Ontario. We loved Hello face so much that we even purchased their professional LED; this way you can experience it throughout your Treat•ments as well! We are very excited about this partnership and hope you are too!
SILK'N -- Retailing for $275
You may recongize this brand. This is a beauty brand you can find at your general beauty/drug store! Unfortunately, I dont want to get your hopes high thinking you found your newest purhcase. You see the price and think score! You see that it is sold at a drug store, easy convience, another score! Keep reading because I don't recommend this one either. Not such a score... Description: - Blue LED 460nm
-Red LED 620nm -Infrared 830nm -100 bulbs
PROS:
-hmmm?
CONS:
-LED nm depth does not meet all requirements and suggested depths
- Very few bulbs
- No clinical studies or peer reviews
SHARK CRYO GLOW -- Retailing for $499
Another popular off the shelf brand name you will recognize. This is not always a good thing or good sign. Let's break it down. Description:
-160 Tri Wick LED
-Blue LED 415nm
-Red LED 620mm
- Infrared 820nm
PROS:
- Red, infrared and blue in one device
-Infrared is included.
-Chill under eye pads (haven't seen this in an LED before) Not sure its necessary; cool maybe, but not necessary.
CONS:
- Available for purchase at drug stores. You may see a pro here, I see a CON!
- LED depth does not match what is recommended
- Expensive in general, especially for a drug store brand.
-Hard plastic shell, does not look comfortable.
-Not many LED bulbs
Foreo FAQ 201 -- $750
Foreo seems to have a good understanding of skincare and the popular things on the market as they have a wide variety of skin tool options. Foreo UFO and FAQ 201 is an LED device and can be found at Sephora. The UFO Foreo device also has 8 LED options which means you can choose and customize your home treatment.
Description:
-Blue 415nm -Near infrared
-600 bulbs
-8 colours
PROS:
- Colours meet the nm depth suggestion
- Multiple colours = customization
- Lots of bulbs
- Seems relatively easy to source
- Had third party testing and reviews
- Great marketing.. (is this a pro or con...)
CONS:
-High price point
-Looks like a hard plastic shell, therefore assuming its not the comfiest option the market has
OROGOLD Marvelous 24k gold skincare LED system -- Retails $14,950
This one makes me want to puke. The price is absoloutely outrageous. You mine as well invest in a clinical grade LED device - like we are taking what clinics have, those oxygen domes or flexible lamps that we use in clinic, because this price is unjustifiable for home use. This is the market cost, this is not a professional machine- just straight up for home use. YIKES. I also really dislike this company in its entirety. I usually don't come out right and say that; because I always try to maintain professionalism and respect. However, this company I dont beleive uses those traits in their business, so I share loudly about this company. I know far too many people (my 87 year old grandmother was one of them to their products not their device THANK GOD ) who have fell victim of their sales tactics. Truth be told, I just really cannot stand for it.
Description: -Red: 625 nm -Orange: 592 nm -Blue: 465 nm
-Green: 525 nm -Handheld device
PROS: -Do I have to even write one... ugh --> okay fine. The Pro is that Green LED is included with this hand piece. But with the price it should also include your own private chef too. - All colours in one device.
CONS: - LED depth is mediocre
-Price is outrageous
- Couldn't find the number of bulbs
- No clinical testings or peer reviews outside of their company
ZAQ -- Retailing at $650
This skincare company is one of the companies that I use in Clinic. We use their LED hand held device in some of our services. The one we use in clinic, does not seem to be available any longer; however they have more options now! They have a mask, a neck and a hand option! From loving and using their ZAQ handheld device, I can stand by this company although not used this specific device.
Description: -Red, Blue, Purple & infrared PROS: -Love that they have multiple options -Company is easy to work with -Danielle15OFF is a discount code you can apply at check out! -All colours in one mask -Flexible fabric (comfortable easy to wear) -Meets all the nm criteria for effective treatments -Medical & professional grade LED CONS: -American Pricing - Higher price point - No specfifc studies or peer reviews on the specific ZAQ LED home mask. But many resarch and reviews on proving the technology that is used.
BLUMENE -- Retails for $150
This is a small hand held device that is quite unique. I use this the odd time when on my vibration plate. So yes, some personal expereince to share! I use the vibration plate to stimulate lyphatic drainage. I also try to multitask, at the same time so; I alternate between my facial devices. This specific device is NOT an LED. Although it has cool qualities, it is not classified as LED. It's classified as Light Therapy. Remember I made note of this earlier as something we need to watch for!
Description:
-Light Therapy (not LED) - Micro-current Therapy - Muscle Stimulation -RED - Age Eraser
-GREEN- Lymphatic Stimulation - BLUE-Skin Smoother
I will not outline the pros and cons specifically as this is not a Light Emitting Diode device.
There are so many home LED masks on the market that you will see retailed here in London Ontario, Skin clinics carry LED home masks, but not everyone has the same recommendation!
I have tested and trialed a few and due to my research, I am leaning towards that the cost does in fact influence the quality of the LED. That is always a question right? Does a $100 LED mask operate like a $500 mask? I was hopeful that it would, or at least be somewhat comparable. I was thinking if the nm reached the proper depth, pricing should not dictate much more. Thinking perhaps, the price was a sale prive of the name and marketing exposure. I was wrong. The cheaper options I explored did not work for a long period, the quality just was not there or the device was a light therapy or muscle stimulator verses LED specific.
I used to even send links for an amazon option, but this research was for exactly this; to find out what I actually need to know and educate my clients accordingly. This will be chalked up to one of those things I cringe at "I used to do" / "I used to recommend" but, sharing this with you is exactly what I am here to do as your skin bestie!
FAQ about LED:
How often should I use my LED?
This should be outlined based off of which device you purchase. The instructions should be provided in the user manual. Consistency is key for skincare, especially devices such as this! LED is safe enough for daily use, however a minimum of 2-3 days a week is suggested to see result.
Can I use / do LED while Pregnant?
Pregnancy and skincare is not overly studied. There is not enough data for safetly claims to be made. Of course, no mother is willing to use their body and fetus as a test subject. In theory, LED would not be harmful to the fetus if only using over the face, since LED only penetrates a specific nm into the skin. However, since there is not enough studies or trials, it is recommended to just avoid LED use while pregnant. If you are ever unsure always reach out to your physician, midwife and OBGYN. Just note, there are not enough studies to give a concrete confident response. If you are breastfeeding LED is absolutely safe to do and can be a beautiful self love practice.
Does an LED home mask really work?
After this blog you will know that it will depend on the quality of your mask. It will also depend on how consistent you are with it as well. If these factors check out, yes absolutely LED can work. I do urge you to look at LED as an enhancer tool. Meaning, LED is fantastic and can provide a beautiful result but it is paired best with a solid home routine. LED on its own with no support from home will not serve you to its highest potential.
4. Should I put anything on my skin under the LED?
Making sure your skin is freshly clean is the most important thing! You can apply the LED home mask directly to a clean face without any serums or face masks. Some clients love to apply a hydration mask or a sheet mask (like our Hydrinity Restorative Masks) and then put the LED on top. Do what suits you and your skin goals. Remember using the LED over clean skin is the bigger place to focus.
What made you go with Hello Face as the LED mask to retail in your clinic?
As you can tell with the other LED home care mask comparisons, for all the features Hello Face has made this decision really easy. Hello Face has blue light, red light, amber light, and infrared all reaching the required nm suggestion. All of these colours are in one mask! The quality and quantity of bulbs and the price also made this decision a no brainer! I am really excited to offer this LEDand have it at a price that is competitive!
Can I share this Mask with others in my household?
Yes!! Absolutely, that is a benefit with a product like this. This can be an investment for the entire family. As you learned, everyone and everyskin type can benefit from this mask! Just use a non alcoholic base cleaner wipe to disinfect between uses!
Does it matter what time of day I use it?
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