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The red light therapy trend is backed by science
There are many TikTok-viral beauty trends we’d never recommend. (Remember when people were using nail files to shave down their teeth?! Please don’t attempt that.) However, a number of TikTok-approved beauty practices also have scientific backup as to their effectiveness. Recently, TikTokers have been raving about the skin care benefits of using at-home red light therapy devices, and studies show these gadgets might actually work to boost collagen, smooth fine lines, reduce inflammation and more. Color us intrigued.
If you’re looking to reap the skin care benefits of at-home red light therapy, here’s everything you should consider before purchasing a device.
In this article: PMD Clean Revolution Red Light Therapy, Fastaid Red Light Therapy Wand for Face and Neck and Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Facial Wand
How does red light therapy work on the skin?
According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, red light therapy is a “safe, alternative treatment for photoaging and photodamaged skin.” At-home red light therapy works by using low-wavelength red light and near-infrared light to penetrate skin cells and activate a repair process.
“Treatment of human skin cells with low-level red and infrared LED lights were found to significantly increase hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS2) and elastin (ELN) gene expression in human fibroblasts in as little as three days,” noted the study. “Since low-level red and infrared light stimulated the production of multiple biomarkers associated with antiaging skin benefits, these findings suggest that low-level red and infrared light treatments present opportunities for daily, at-home treatments for patients with photoaging and photodamaged skin.”
Which at-home red light therapy device is right for you?
People have been visiting their dermatologists to get in-office red light therapy treatment for decades. Though stronger than at-home red light therapy devices, the ones found at the dermatologist’s office are quite expensive, and the multiple treatments required to see results will rack up a hefty bill.
At-home red light therapy devices present an opportunity to reap the benefits of these treatments for a much lower price. However, since the devices aren’t as strong, you’ll need to use them more frequently in order to see results. Consistency is key, so it’s wise to buy an at-home device that you’re more likely to use, whether that be a hands-free mask or a handheld wand.
Masks vs. wands
If you don’t typically dedicate a lot of time to your at-home skin care routine, you may prefer a wearable red light therapy mask, which allows you to multitask while you get your dose of red light therapy. People who enjoy pampering themselves with at-home spa treatments may be more prone to using a handheld red light therapy wand. These are often substantially cheaper than masks, but they require active participation (by holding the wand up to your face) throughout the duration of the treatment.
Don’t let that scare you though: Many people find the active treatment relaxing. BestReviews Editor Maria Guido tested a handheld wand, the PMD Clean Revolution Red Light Therapy device, and thoroughly enjoyed the process.
“I’ve been regularly using this tool for months and my skin definitely has a glow,” Guido wrote of the device in a guide to the best beauty products for mature skin. “The treatment itself forces you to sit and relax for a bit as you run the wand over your face, so that’s a plus. Red light therapy is a popular add-on in professional skin treatments, so having your own wand at home really is cost-effective if it’s something you’re interested in using regularly.”
Best red light therapy devices you can buy
PMD Clean Revolution Red Light Therapy
The BestReviews editor-approved device offers two treatments in one. On one side of the wand, there are 19 powerful red LED lights that work to smooth, lift and firm the skin. On the back of the device, you’ll find soft silicone bristles, which are used to cleanse the face by vibrating at 7,000 vibrations per minute. It is recommended to use the device once or twice daily for best results.
Fastaid Red Light Therapy Wand for Face and Neck
Glide this massaging red light therapy wand across your face and neck to help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, stretch marks, double chin, undereye dark circles and puffiness. It offers seven colors of light therapy, three vibration modes and therapeutic heating up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. “I’ve been using this for a quite some time now and all I can say is it works,” one satisfied Amazon reviewer wrote. “Just make sure that your face is heavily moisturized so it easily glides. I noticed that my [stubborn] line on the forehead is not as visible anymore since using this product.”
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Facial Wand
This device is a fan favorite for its nifty, compact silhouette. Small but mighty, the wand offers four different treatments to improve your skin: red light therapy for rejuvenation, galvanic current to enhance serums, vibrating massage for reduced puffiness and therapeutic warmth for a glow. Just three minutes of daily use is said to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, fine lines, blemishes and dark spots with results visible after three weeks in most people.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
If you feel like you’re too busy to dedicate time to red light therapy, consider this hands-free mask by Dr. Dennis Gross, which can be worn while you do just about anything. The device uses a combination of 100 light-emitting diodes in red mode and 62 LED lights in blue mode that work together to smooth wrinkles, diminish discoloration and clear acne. It offers three different treatment options as you can use red light therapy alone, blue light therapy alone or both therapies at the same time.
Aphrona MOONLIGHT PRO 7 Color Treatment Photon Mask
This FDA-cleared device offers seven different color light therapies in a single mask. Equipped with 150 narrow spectrum LED chips, the mask provides better treatment for the skin in less time than many of its competitors. “If you want something simple and effective to step up your skin care routine, I highly recommend this mask,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It’s made such a difference for me, and my skin has never looked better!”
Beuwe 7 Colors LED Light Therapy Tool
For the ultimate at-home spa experience that mimics an in-office procedure, try this device which rests above your face while you lay down and relax. It offers seven different colors of light therapy, which target the skin in various ways with results including smoother skin, tighter skin, oil control, smaller pores and more. It’s recommended to use this device for 20 to 40 minutes two to three times per week in order to see the best results.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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