I Tested Some Of The Best Red Light Therapy Tools Of 2024 For Fine Lines, Acne & More

Though there are many skin care devices on the market, LED light therapy tools seem to be the most captivating. Once reserved for dermatologists' or estheticians' offices, these at-home tools have now become mainstream.

LED facial devices target skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, promoting collagen production and improving overall skin texture. Plus, they can enhance the effectiveness of topicals, aiding in deeper penetration and absorption of skincare products.

But just because you can get your hands on professional-grade light therapy tools doesn't mean every item for sale is actually up to par.

In fact, experts warn that there are many less-than-quality options that have flooded the web, so it's important to make sure you're purchasing one that comes recommended—which is why we've spent years testing the best options.

If you're looking for a device that won't take up too much space in your small bathroom or is easier to pack in a carry-on, this handheld device is the tool for you.

Not only is it portable, rechargeable, and pretty darn cute, but it also works effectively to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and dark spots.

Along with red light therapy, it uses microcurrent technology and facial massaging techniques to stimulate the muscles and deeper layers of the skin for an overall refreshed complexion.

For those who are already a part of the NuFace family, this LED attachment is a must. It will take your anti-aging skin care routine another step further for seriously notable results.

This FDA-cleared device was created by aestheticians and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with consistent use.

It features five intensity levels and a combination of red, amber, and infrared lights for precise treatments.

This handheld device emits both red and near infrared light simultaneously without the damaging UV rays, aiming to lower inflammation, boost collagen production, and improve appearance of wrinkles, scars, skin texture, and elasticity.

Designed by an MD, the Lumebox is larger than other options on our list, allowing for larger treatment areas such as the feet, back, arms, and legs.

It also comes with a travel case making it a great portable option.

Beloved by professionals, celebrities, and all consumers alike, this FDA-cleared high-tech face mask targets everything from wrinkles to acne.

100 red lights and 60 blue lights work together to improve skin density, boost collagen production, smooth out wrinkles, fight discoloration, and clear breakouts.

"This Instagram-famous mask is a favorite among celebrities, influencers, and media folk. I’ve used this option and can account for its efficacy."

Listen, we know $800 is a lot to spend on a face mask, but we promise you this one is totally worth the splurge if you can afford it.

For starters, it's FDA-approved and features two types of treatments: anti-aging mode and acne mode.

It uses LED red and blue light therapy to diminish wrinkles and breakouts while simultaneously calming inflammation, firming up muscles, and boosting the skin's natural radiance.

OK, so $80 isn't necessarily budget-friendly, but Skin Gym's tool is the most effective one we recommend at the lowest price point. After all, you don't want to go too budget when it comes to LED tools.

Let me reiterate: These are technically professional tools, thus they come with a professional price. This one also features green and blue light therapy alongside the red light, meaning it's also a multitasker.

All you have to do is glide the handheld device around the face to absorb all the LED benefits such as redness, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

Less concerned about aging and more concerned about acne? Meet the LED red light tool for you.

Talk about convenience! You can pair this tool to your phone through an app to guide you through finding a regimen that best suits your and your skin's needs.

Alongside the red, blue, green, white, purple, orange, yellow, and cyan LED lights, this palm-size tool features thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and T-Sonic pulsations to further aid your skin care products' efficacy. 

In just two minutes, this heating and cooling device can help give your skin a youthful glow.

Though there are still some questions1 about the ins and outs of how LED therapy works, these low-level lights have been shown to heal scars, improve the appearance of breakouts, and stimulate collagen production. (For a full rundown, we wrote a whole guide on the benefits of LED light therapy.)

All LED therapy is best done by professionals thanks to their professional-grade tools and extensive training.

Not to mention, there are lots of questionable at-home red light therapy tools looking to take advantage of the buzz around red LED light therapy.

With that being said, there are also some really great at-home options available for those looking for a more consistent and affordable routine.

If you are looking to partake in LED light therapy at home, we recommend buying from only reputable skin care brands and companies.

Red light therapy can be a pricey investment, so it's crucial to evaluate whether the potential benefits align with your needs and justify the cost.

Those interested in improving their overall well-being and addressing specific health or skincare concerns might consider investing in red light therapy.

This includes people seeking non-invasive and natural solutions for conditions such as acne, fine lines, muscle pain, or inflammation.

LED therapy is generally considered safe for most people (in fact, some research papers have stated3 that there is "an almost complete absence of side effects" associated with red light therapy treatment). Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology deems LED treatment safe.

Of course, there are things to keep in mind when using the tools.

First and foremost, you should find a quality product (more on that below). Because as experts have explained to us, less-than-stellar options have flooded the market, resulting in a lot of poorly made options in the hands of users.

"Unless the LED light is the correct wavelength, it's not going to do anything; you might as well be using Christmas lights," says esthetician Natalie Aguilar.

Anecdotal accounts reveal that some people find red light therapy to be irritating or bothersome to the eyes, but this can be remedied by wearing goggles.

Finally, always follow the instructions from the brand. Esthetician Aneta Zuraw, co-founder of Atelier Beauté, generally advises placing the device panel within 1 inch of the face, but certain manufacturers may have different protocols.

"All programs, distance, and time vary per skin condition and device used," she says. 

When picking a red light therapy device, there are a few things to consider:

Device type: As you can tell by our list, red light therapy devices come in a handful of different formats. Consider whether you'd like to use a hands-free device like a mask or light panel, or a more interactive tool like a wand.

Price: Red light therapy devices come at a wide range of prices—our list alone features picks from $80 to over $800! If you're not quite sure how your skin will react to red light therapy, it may be worth starting with a lower-priced device before shelling out the big bucks. And be sure to read up on the return and warranty details of each product before purchasing.

Wavelength: As Aguilar mentioned, wavelength matters. Research suggests that red light wavelengths between 620-670 nanometers22 will be most effective for improving the look and feel of your skin, so check that the device you're choosing meets that criteria.

Treatment area: Consider the size of the treatment area the device can cover to determine whether it suits your specific needs, whether it's for facial treatments or larger body areas.

Ease of use: Opt for a device that is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and simple operation, to make your red light therapy sessions hassle-free.

LED red light therapy can be a beneficial addition to your regular skin care routine. Not only will it help your products penetrate deeper into the dermis, but it can also stimulate collagen production and heal acne and scarring for an enviable complexion that's youthful and smooth.