8 Best At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices for Glowing Skin
Target fine lines, wrinkles and more with these easy-to-use at-home tools and devices.
Medically reviewed by Caroline Chang, M.D.Board-Certified Dermatologist
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Quite the multitasker, a red light therapy at-home device checks off more than a few boxes. "Red light therapy can help with acne, hair loss, aging, sun damage, pore size, hyperpigmentation and inflammation," explains Dendy Engelman, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. "It works by inducing skin regeneration in a noninvasive way — exposing the skin to safe wavelengths of light." While in-office options are the most powerful, the at-home devices are quick, painless and easy to use, with many offering treatment sessions lasting just three minutes and showing great results over time.
Our top picks:
"Red light therapy uses a special wavelength of visible light which has been shown to re-energize the skin, stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation," adds Karan Lal, D.O., director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Arizona. "It was originally studied in the 1960s for skin cancer and later for wound healing, which it is still used for." According to this review, red light therapy can also potentially be used to help treat alopecia, scars and acne. Red light therapy comes in many forms, including masks, helmets, panels and beds. "Sometimes red light devices are paired with laser light," adds Dr. Lal, "making it an optimal treatment for hair growth, facial rejuvenation, muscle pain and wound healing."
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab tests thousands of beauty products, including skincare items like the best anti-aging serums and the best retinol eye creams, every year. In these tests, Beauty Lab scientists collect thousands of data points and analyze skin using devices such as the Visia Complexion Analyzer, Corneometer and Cutometer. These machines track visible skin changes, skin moisturization and skin firmness, respectively. However, the Lab has not tested red light therapy at-home devices in more than 10 years. So, we gathered derm-, editor- and consumer-loved red light therapy-at home devices to bring you the best choices out there.
You can read more about everything you need to know to shop for your ideal red light therapy at-home device at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to improve your skin? Check out our guides to the best anti-aging wrinkle creams and the best collagen-boosting creams for your money.
LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device
LightStim for Wrinkles LED Light Therapy Device
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use design
- Includes goggles
- Three-minute timed sessions
Cons
- Wired
This easy-to-hold, straightforward red light therapy device is a consumer and editor favorite. With just one switch, the design is nearly foolproof and can be used all over your face. Just flip the light on and it'll stay on for a timed three-minute session before automatically turning off. Once it turns off, you can restart it and move it to the next area of your face you want to treat.
"I've used LightStim for years on my acne spots and scarring, and it's so quick and easy to use I can't imagine not having it in my skincare routine," our Beauty Assistant says. However, note that it's wired. Our Beauty Assistant loves watching TV while using it since you can't walk around during treatment. One Nordstrom reviewer loved the quick effects. "I saw results within the first try and now I’m hooked," she says.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | All areas of body |
Skin Gym Revilit LED Light Therapy
Skin Gym Revilit LED Light Therapy
Pros
- Wireless
- Multiple color light settings
Cons
- No automatic shut-off
Red light therapy doesn't have to be a huge investment. Though it's not inexpensive by any means, this pick won't break the bank as much as some other devices. Skin Gym's affordable choice emits red light to target aging, breakouts and hyperpigmentation, respectively. This product is mobile, too, as it's wireless and rechargeable. Just make sure to watch your timing on each area, as there is no automatic shut-off feature.
"I have some crow's feet and some pigmentation on the top of my hands and I already see improvement in my concern areas," one reviewer raves. Another shares that "it has done wonders for my acne prone and sensitive skin."
| FDA cleared | No |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | All areas of body |
NuFace Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Attachment
NuFace Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Attachment
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to bring on-the-go
Cons
- Must be attached to the Nuface Trinity device
Attach this red light therapy tool to your NuFace Trinity device (note that you need to buy this separately for the attachment to work) for convenient, targeted treatment. It features red, amber and infrared lights to help fight aging.
Dr. Engelman loves this on-the-go device. "This handheld machine has a red light attachment that can be used for just three minutes per treatment area," she says. "It specifically targets anti-aging benefits and is compact and convenient to take anywhere." Nordstrom reviewers love the benefits as well: "I think it really helps even out your skin tone used on a weekly basis and has also helped reduce a scar I have," shares one.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | Face |
Omnilux Contour Face
Omnilux Contour Face
Pros
- Attaches to your head/face for hands-free use
- Has an automatic shut-off feature
- Can use up to 10 minutes at a time
Cons
- Can be bright on the eyes
- Bulky
Like many of our other choices, this is an FDA-cleared LED mask. The portable, wearable mask attaches to your head via Velcro straps so you don't have to hold it up yourself. While many other options suggest three minute-long usage, this mask can be used for 10 minutes at a time and it includes an auto shut off feature.
"I like that it covers my whole face while still having eye and nose holes — there is a piece that lays on top of your nose so you are still treating your nose without feeling claustrophobic," says Danusia Wnek, senior chemist at the GH Beauty Lab. "My favorite way to use it is while I am laying down before bed when my eyes are closed because although there are no lights on the eyes, some of the other lights can make it too bright to see." Wnek notes that it's a little bulky, but the fact that it covers such a large surface area makes it worth it. Other reviewers are very pleased with the results: "I love how my skin is looking — reduced fine lines, improved firmness and faded age spots," one writes.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Pros
- Portable and hands-free
- Multiple color light settings
Cons
- Pricey
Stimulate collagen production and target acne at the same time with this long-time editor-, derm- and consumer-loved LED face mask. With both red and blue lights, this multitasker treats multiple skin concerns after just three minutes.
Our experts note its ease of use. "Since this is a whole mask, it’s easy to use and can be done while moving around the house since it has a strap as well," says Dr. Engelman. Reviewers note that while it's pricey, the proof is in the pudding. "This has to be the most I've ever spent on a beauty product," says one. "The results? My skin definitely looks more radiant and uniform looking."
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Mask |
| Target areas | Full face |
CurrentBody LED Lip Perfector
CurrentBody LED Lip Perfector
Pros
- Good battery life
- Can improve the appearance and fullness of lips
Cons
- Some felt results took a long time
Yes, you can even use red light therapy devices on your lips. This lip device, like other red light therapy devices, can help increase blood flow and stimulate production of collagen, which can result in increased skin elasticity, making lips appear younger and fuller. Dr. Lal is also a fan of the brand's Light Therapy Face Mask: "It has red and near infrared light that penetrates deeper in the skin, is easy to use and not uncomfortable."
"I’ve been using this for a week and notice a difference in my lips immediately after use," a reviewer notes. "They’re more defined and plump." Another shares that "my lips look so much smoother and the cracks have nearly disappeared." While some have seen results quickly, not everyone has has the same response. A few reviewers commented it can take a long time to see minimal, if any, changes.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Lip mask (similar to wearing a mouthguard) |
| Target areas | Lips |
SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Pros
- Sleek, thin design
- Easy to move around your face/body
- Auto shut-off feature for different area of the face and device overall
Cons
- Minimal results
- Only has seven LED lights so can only cover a small area of the face
SolaWave makes multitasking easy with this 4-in-1 facial wand. In addition to emitting red light, it also warms and vibrates for a facial massage. We appreciate the cordless, rechargeable and sleek design, which makes it easy to move around your face.
Two GH staffers tested the Solawave and shared their full reviews here. "It's compact, so it's easy to travel with and use all over my face," says GH's Beauty Assistant. Chiara Butler, GH Lab's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst, says she found the massage and warmth to be "soothing" but says "it likely didn't provide a significant benefit to my skin." The main takeaway? It's good for travel or touch-ups between professional treatments but won't provide dramatic results. "If you are on-the-go and would like to bring a tool with you that uses red light therapy, this would be a great device to purchase," adds Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | Face |
TheraGun TheraFace Pro
TheraGun TheraFace Pro
Pros
- Compact design
- Multitasker
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the quality of the device
The goal of this device is to bring the spa to you, with targeted, customized treatments including LED light (red, blue and red plus infrared), heating, cooling, microcurrent, cleansing and massage all in one small handheld machine. Target your skin concerns with this 8-in-1 device that's compact enough to sit on your vanity without taking over the space. While most reviewers raved over the quality, a few had issues with different parts of the device breaking.
"I love that it's such a multitasker," notes our Beauty Assistant. "Rather than needing several different devices to do each task, I can do almost everything with this one. It's a great space saver." Amazon reviewers agree: "It is easy to do two or three or more treatments at a time — the different attachments pop in and out very smoothly," says one. We love that the LED lights also have an auto-dim when the device senses it's moving away from your face to prevent eye damage.
| FDA cleared | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld |
| Target areas | Face |
How we choose the best red light therapy at-home devices
While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab hasn't performed a test on red light therapy devices in more than 10 years, the last test completed involved 13 testers as well as in-Lab analysis. Scientists took note of improvements in wrinkles, texture, pores, visible spots and UV spots. The Beauty Lab also tests thousands of skincare items every year.
What to look for when shopping for the best red light therapy at-home devices
✔️ Ease of use: This is a product you'll be using at home on your own, so Dr. Engelman recommends considering ease of use and ease of instructions when looking for an at-home red light therapy device. "Since at-home RLT isn’t always as strong as in-office treatments, it’s important to look for a device that can be easily used multiple times a week for maintenance and preventative benefits," she advises. Butler agrees and emphasizes the comfort of the tool as well. "You want to choose a device that you can sit with and relax while the lights work."
✔️ Wavelength: To avoid skin sensitivity or damage, take note of the wavelength of light, Dr. Engelman suggests. "I recommend devices that can provide a wavelength between 600 and 900 nanometers," she adds.
✔️ Device type and shape: Since many of these devices come in mask form, former GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., recommends trying these on both for skin sensitivity and to make sure they are comfortable to wear. If they aren't, opt for a handheld wand-like device instead. "It would also be wise to try them on before purchasing to check how well they fit on one’s face structure," Aral notes.
✔️ Color(s) of light: Dr. Lal recommends using a pure red light device, especially for skin of color. "Blue light can lead to hyperpigmentation, so I would avoid combo masks if you have darker skin."
Is at-home red light therapy effective?
Yes, but it takes consistency and dedication. "I was skeptical at first because there isn't a huge amount of evidence, but my patients that use red light masks post laser procedures heal faster with less long-term redness so I have become a fan," says Dr. Lal. Butler has seen some studies showing anti-aging benefits including neck wrinkle improvement and fine line and wrinkle improvement after home use of a handheld LED device.
The one caveat: the energy level of an at-home red light therapy device is generally lower than what professionals use in the office but that’s true for any home devices for safety purposes. "It just may require more long-term treatment to get results," says Dr. Lal.
How do you use red light therapy at home?
With several at-home devices being FDA cleared, it's easy and safe to do red light therapy at home. It's a non-invasive, painless treatment, but it's still very important to read directions carefully and follow instructions closely.
While every device is different, Dr. Lal generally suggests that people use red light in the evening, after cleansing their face but before skincare application. "I recommend patients sanitize their masks because they are in close contact to the skin and people can develop folliculitis or acne from contamination." He recommends people use their device three times a week on average, but notes that this treatment plan can vary on the device and the energy it emits. Since those with darker skin types can be more prone to side effects (like discoloration and blistering), it's safer to start with a more conservative approach using the device less frequently and build up as you go.
As with any other devices, proceed with caution. "Misuse of RLT devices can potentially cause blisters or burns," warns Dr. Engelman.
Can you overdo red light therapy?
For the most part, red light therapy is safe to use without side effects, as long as it's used correctly. However, as noted above, it's important to follow the instructions to avoid overuse. "If worried about cell damage, keeping sessions to a maximum of 20 minutes is a good idea and will still give you the desired benefits," recommends Dr. Engelman.
How long should you do red light therapy to see results?
The key to red light therapy is consistent use over time. While you may see results in the short-term, it's important to continue using them to maintain those results. "You can see results from red light therapy by just doing treatment for five to 10 minutes, two to three times a week," says Dr. Engelman. However, red light therapy at-home devices "need to be used consistently over several months to see any anti-aging benefits," adds Aral.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price updated this article, adding more details about the product picks and information about red light therapy, with expert tips from Dr. Karan Lal and GH Lab Analyst Chiara Butler. Beauty assistant Catharine Malzahn wrote the original piece, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of skincare products including both in-office and at-home red light therapy devices. She has personally used several of the picks on this list.
For this article, she worked with former Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., who completed a red light therapy at-home device test for the Lab in 2009. Malzahn also interviewed Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.
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