Having coasted on a high metabolism and a full head of hair, I never really thought about aging as anything other than a biological reality. But now, with my 35th birthday on the horizon, I’ve begun to notice that some (okay, all) of my youthful features are starting to sag, grey, and wrinkle. And, for better or for worse, I think it’s time I do something about it.
That’s not to say I don’t take care of myself, but more that I’m reactive to the various problems that pop up, whack-a-mole style, versus worrying about anything preventative. If I had a pimple, I’d put a little cream on the spot and move along with my day. If I wore sunscreen, it was never to think about the longlasting sun damage my skin would face and more about the immediate risk of burning and looking bad in vacation photos. I’m incredibly vain, yes, but also pretty shortsighted, too.
With this in mind, I’ve begun to do a bit of research into the phenomenon that is the red-light therapy mask. You’ve undoubtedly seen them across Instagram, encasing celebrities’ faces like a latter-day Shroud of Turin for the dermatologically-inclined. And while there’s surely something to be said about the ubiquity of any social media trend, I myself was curious if the benefits could help the fine lines around my eyes or the dullness in my once-rosy cheeks.
How Red Light Therapy Masks Work
While the masks themselves may look like a stormtrooper mask from Star Wars, there is a fair bit of dermatological sci-fi that goes into their efficacy. In short, Red light therapy masks use LED bulbs to deliver specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to the skin. This light, in turn, penetrates the surface layer of your face and is absorbed by cells, where it speeds up collagen production, reduces irritation, and encourages the skin’s natural repair process to help with fine lines, redness, and inflammation.
But, of course, not all masks are created equal. As with anything that gains popularity these days, there’s a wave of subpar products promising results without the reviews to back them up. Add in the fact that most masks require consistency, with long-term effects rather than quick fixes, and it makes sense that user reviews can vary pretty widely. Luckily, I’ve put some of the top masks on the market to the test and can say that the six options below are worth adding to your skincare regimen if you, too, are approaching the big 4-0 anytime soon.
Photo via Omnilux
Omnilux Men
Broadly speaking, men’s skin is slightly thicker than women’s. Up to 25%, in fact. This, in turn, means that red light used in traditional masks may not be able to penetrate the dermis fully. Omnilux used this knowledge to make a men’s version of their mask, calibrating the mask with the deepest wavelength of near-infrared light to stimulate cell growth to help with fine lines, wrinkles, and skin fatigue.
Photo via MitoGLOW
MitoGLOW LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask
One of the downsides of most LED masks on the market are that they hug the face too tightly, making for an uncomfortable fit and some unsightly red marks if it stays on too long. To avoid cosplaying as Jason, MitoGLOW’s mask hovers over the face for extra comfort, while still promising to ameliorate fine lines, active acne, dullness, or redness. All in a 10-minute session.
Photo via JOVS
JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask
Endorsed by the Kardashians and claiming to be the world’s first and only FDA-cleared red light therapy mask, JOVS’ popularity comes from both its celebrity endorsement and its efficacy. Utilizing laser technology over traditional LED, this mask promises quicker, longer-lasting results to your skin in just one week.
Photo via TheraBody
TheraFace Mask
The makers of the Theragun have moved into the beauty space to much acclaim, including with their TheraFace Mask. Using both red and blue light therapy (blue, apparently, helps with acne-causing bacteria on the skin), and providing a gentle massage around the eyes and top of the scalp, this is an all-in-one mask option for anyone who wants a little something more in their wellness routine.
Photo via INIA
INIA GLOW 4D LED Mask
At INIA’s price point and features, it definitely is competitively priced, offering an all-in-one solution for a fraction of others on the market. With its 4D therapy, including blue light technology for those pesky bacteria, and CryoCooling therapy, it’s a wallet-friendly, but no less effective, option for anyone looking for a mask to try without breaking the bank.
Photo via Solawave
Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro LED Face Mask
Solawave’s mask is like many on the market (and similarly priced), but the twist here is the light’s speed. With twice as many lights in the mask and working in doubletime, you only have to wear Solawave’s mask for a measly three minutes a day versus its competitors’ ten-minute requirement.
Photo via NEWKEY
NEWKEY 4D LED Red Face Mask
NEWKEY’s 4D LED mask is Amazon’s top-rated and one of its most reasonably priced. At less than $130, it’s an option that’s budget-friendly while still delivering many of the promised results, including wrinkle reduction, fine line smoothing, and a clearer, brighter overall skin (in fact, this mask boasts a few interesting statistics, including an 88% reduction in acne breakouts with regular use).
