LED Face Masks: What’s All the Hype About?

If your feed looks anything like mine, you’ve probably seen those glowing red LED face masks everywhere. They look slightly futuristic, they’ve become a bit of a wellness-girl staple, and naturally I wanted to know — do they actually do anything, or are we all just sitting around looking like red-lit robots for no reason?

The good news is there’s actually some interesting science behind them.

So, what actually is near-infrared light?

Near-infrared light (NIR) is a type of light that we can’t see with our eyes, but our skin and cells can still respond to. It can travel a little deeper than the red light you see glowing from an LED mask, which is why you’ll often find the two used together. Think of red and near-infrared as a little skincare duo, working at different depths of the skin. The science-y name for using specific wavelengths of light in this way is photobiomodulation — essentially, using light to influence how our cells function.

But how does shining a light on your face actually help?

This is where it gets interesting. Red and near-infrared light are thought to interact with our cells, including the mitochondria — basically the tiny energy producers inside them. This may help support cellular processes involved in repair and inflammation. In the skin, researchers are particularly interested in how light therapy may affect the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. And we love collagen: it helps give skin its structure, firmness and bounce, but our natural production gradually decreases as we get older.

So, what are the potential benefits?

This isn't an overnight wake up looking ten years younger situation — unfortunately, I'm still waiting for that one. But research into red and near-infrared light has found promising results for supporting collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and signs of skin ageing. The key word here is consistency. It's something you add into your routine and stick with rather than expecting a dramatic change after one session.

And one thing worth knowing before you get influenced into buying the prettiest mask on your feed: not every LED mask is the same. The wavelengths used, the amount of light delivered and the recommended treatment time all matter. More colours and more LEDs don't automatically mean a better mask. I personally look for a reputable brand that actually tells you what wavelengths its device uses and has clear instructions for how it should be used.

The LED Masks I’d Actually Look At

If you're thinking about trying one, these are the masks I'd consider based on their technology, wavelengths, ease of use and whether they're something you could realistically incorporate into your routine.

✨ My top pick — Shark GryoGlow LED Face Mask with Under-Eye Cooling

A good option if you're ready to invest in an LED mask and want red + near-infrared technology. I love the under eye cooling feature so refreshing.

Want to compare a few options? → Shop my LED face mask picks

My biggest tip? Don't buy an LED mask just because TikTok told you to. Check what light it's actually delivering, choose something you'll realistically use and remember that good skin still comes back to the basics too — SPF, sleep, nutrition and a routine you can actually stick with.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

This article is for general educational information and isn't intended as medical advice.