Just about everyone on social media is either wearing LED masks or swiping their faces with red-light-emitting face tools. (Actor Sydney Sweeney even uses Solawave's Advanced Skincare Wand to prep her skin in her "Go to Bed With Me" video.) But the buzzy devices aren't just for show: Professionals say there are real benefits to these viral skincare tools.
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"Red light therapy helps to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate the skin non-invasively without heating it or causing thermal damage, while also promoting anti-inflammatory effects in acne-prone or rosacea skin," Kseniya Kobets, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, New York, tells Bazaar.
So, which of the best red light wands are actually worth the investment? Ahead, we've gathered some of the top devices Bazaar editors and experts deem worthy of your routine. Plus, we've gathered additional insights from Kobets along with dermatologist Kiran Mian that make it simple to use your tool of choice more effectively. Read on for more of the buzziest red light wands worth adding to your regular beauty routine.
Pros
Versatile- No conductive gel needed to use
Cons
- Over $100
Bazaar beauty market and commerce editor Katie Intner has an "endless amount of beauty tools," but says this 6-in-1 device has become a favorite.
"While the red light mode helps with the production of collagen and elastin and skin elasticity, the device employs electroporation (a series of electrical pulses) to boost the efficacy of any serum or cream you apply before using," she explains. "The tool not only boasts red light, but also four other types of LED light–including blue for oil control and killing bacteria, orange for brightening, and green for plumping."
Customer review: "This device is worth the hype! I was able to get it on sale and so happy I did! I love how high-tech it is. It has its own app, you can make your own routine, customize the device and so much more! Can’t wait to see how much my skin improved with extended use." —Lindsay
Pros
- Includes goggles to protect eyes and activating serum
Cons
"So many red light wands are very small, so you have to work in tiny sections to cover a large surface area. This one has a wider head so you can work a little faster, which makes me want to use it more often! It’s easy and effective!" Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein says of this FDA-approved device.
Customer review: "This device has save my skin. whenever I feel my skin is starting to breakout I use it and the big cystic acnes go away after two to three days. I would recommend this to people who don't want to use harsh anti-acne creams on their skin." —Elmira
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Pros
- Celebrity favorite
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Does not include accompanying serum
"Almost as soon as I took SolaWave's Advanced Skincare Wand out of its box and onto my face, I was hooked," Bazaar beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis says of this top tool that's also loved by celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and Priyanka Chopra. "Not only is it easy to use, but the warmth the tool emits feels supremely therapeutic on my skin."
Customer review: "This is the holy grail of skincare. Using it for a few weeks now and already seeing amazing results. I have noticed a huge difference in the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes and mouth. My skin also has a radiant glow and looks so much healthier." —Vickileeh
Pros
- Cordless
- Includes a thermal sensor and heat stabilizer to prevent overheating
Cons
- Over $400
Here's a popular tool that uses three technologies, including radio frequency, low-level laser therapy, and collagen-boosting near-infrared technology, to firm and smooth skin. It also nicely comes with two attachment options of varying sizes, which makes it easy to treat and target specific areas of the face.
Customer review: "This product works wonders! I’ve really seen the reduction in my fine lines and overall my skin feels firmer. I love that it comes with a larger attachment and the slider gel feels great on my skin." —Susan
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Pros
- Features a curved, ergonomic design that fits face and body contours
Cons
- Takes two hours to fully charge
A fraction of the price of other red light wands, over 3,000 Amazon shoppers reach for this beauty tool. It features seven types of light therapy settings, including red, blue, green, and purple, to address different skincare concerns, plus a warming sensation and gentle microcurrent vibrations. It also makes a great option for the chin area, neck, and décolletage.
Customer review: "I’ve been using for three months now and if used consistently you can see noticeable difference. The vibrating and the heat is just a bonus, makes my skin feel great!" —Jenna
Pros
- Features percussive technology for facial massage
Cons
- Over $300
Not only does the TheraFace Pro have red and blue light attachments, but you can use them while you use the tool to massage your face, deep clean, or for microcurrent. Talk about versatility!
Customer review: "I love that this device is LED, microcurrent, a cleanser, and a massager all in the same place. It's super compact and easy to use. The massage with LED is my favorite setting but each attachment works well. " —Hannah
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Best Dual Wavelength
Ladora Velve Pro Skincare Wand with Blue & Red Light Therapy Simple Kit
Pros
- Features therapeutic warmth
Cons
- Does not include serum
This top-rated tool feels warm on the skin and features blue and red light therapy, microcurrent, and sonic vibrational massage to enhance your face routine. And since the wand features a pre-programmed self-timer, each treatment only takes five minutes.
Customer review: "This device is very soothing on the skin with the slight warmth it has. I use it at night and I always wake up to a brighter and clearer looking complexion." —Beth
Best Red Light Attachment
NuFace Trinity+ Wrinkle Reducer Attachment
Pros
- Great for smoothing fine lines
Cons
- Must already own NuFace Trinity+ to use
If you already have a NuFace Trinity+ in your toolkit, you can simply swap in this attachment for the microcurrent. We love that it has an automatic sensor, so it turns on as soon as it touches your skin.
Customer review: "This device really works. Very relaxing when using at night." —Anonymous
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Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for travel
Cons
- Can only be used on specific targeted areas
This handy single-button LED pen combines red and blue light to reduce breakouts and prevent new ones from occurring. The FDA-cleared device uses six bulbs for quick, three-minute spot treatments.
Customer review: "I get occasional blemishes and was surprised to see that this LED pen takes the inflammation away instantly!" —Snejana C.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Kiran Mian, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at the Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets, M.D., is the director of Cosmetic Dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York.
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What's the difference between a red light wand and mask?
Of course, the first difference is that one is hands-free, while the other is handheld. But that's not all: "Both offer the same capabilities, with a mask offering more broad treatment and a wand more targeted treatment," Kobets says. "Results vary based on the device wavelength and size, as well as the number of bulbs within the device."
How long should I do red light therapy to see results?
"The key with red light therapy is consistency," says Mian. "Most lights require three to five days of use for 15 minutes, and results can be noticeable after eight weeks." The professional also adds that the specific device plays a role in how quickly you'll see results.
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Are there any risks associated with red light wands?
"The risks of red light devices are possible over-use and use of inappropriate devices not properly tested that would emit more heat and not at the specific wavelengths that are listed on the devices," Kobets explains. Red light does not actually emit heat, so heat therapy is an add-on in many wands; therefore if it ever feels too hot, you should stop use immediately. In addition, "Heat could worsen conditions like melasma," Mian adds.
Looking for more editor-approved skincare tools?
- Is Shark's CryoGlow LED Face Mask Really Worth It?
- The Best Red Light Therapy Devices to Upgrade Your Hand Care Routine
- Is the Omnilux LED Face Mask Worth the Hype?
- The Best Red Light Therapy Neck Devices, According to Experts
- The Best LED Face Masks to Address Wrinkles, Acne, and More
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Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
