Woman using red light therapy product
The treatment has been used in medical, dental and spa settings to repair tissue and relieve pain and inflammation – and now, it’s an everyday at-home tool for addressing fine lines, wrinkles and other skin concerns

Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-wavelength red light to reportedly improve the skin’s appearance and treat other medical conditions. Red light therapy is believed to work by activating the body’s mitochondria. By increasing their energy, cells can work more efficiently and effectively, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation. Cells absorb the light wavelengths and are stimulated to work. In skin health, RLT may work to stimulate collagen production, fibroblast production, and blood circulation. It may also reduce inflammation in cells. While many RLT studies are in progress to determine its scientific effectiveness, most researchers say that preliminary results look promising. Consumers are excited by the new at-home offerings in RLT, which tout the same benefits as the more expensive spa treatments. Athletech News rounded up the best red light therapy products for skin care.

Best face mask overall

HigherDose, a popular at-home wellness tools company, launched a Red Light Face Mask in December 2021. A light therapy device that combines red and near-infrared LED technologies, the face mask treats the skin and provides a calming, spa-like experience at home or while traveling. It’s chargeable and portable, so you can wear it while working or doing tasks around the house. For pure, high-intensity red light therapy, HigherDOSE’s mask is a relatively affordable and extremely effective tool for glowing skin and reducing acne-causing bacteria.


Best red light wand

SolaWave’s Advanced Skincare Wand combines microcurrent, therapeutic warmth, red light therapy and facial massage into one affordable, travel-friendly tool. At around half the price of HigherDOSE’s Red Light Face, it’s the most budget-friendly option and great for a pre-event glow (no wonder it’s a favorite among celebrity facialists and makeup artists).

To use it, simply massage your cheekbones, forehead and other spots where you want to lift, sculpt, de-puff, tighten and soothe the skin. While the results aren’t as strong as clinical-grade treatments, we love the SolaWave Wand for prepping our skin for makeup or on-the-spot relaxation and temporary lifting.


Best face mask overall

Therabody’s TheraFace Pro is an all-in-one facial device that really can do it all, and its customizability is unparalleled. Red light is just one tool in its toolbox, which also includes percussive facial attachments, a microcurrent ring, a cleansing ring and optional cold and heat therapy add-ons.

Unlike the other tools, TheraFace offers both red and infrared light, giving users an array of mix-and-match treatment options. Not only can users pair the two red light options with three percussion attachments (flat, micro-point and cone) to maximize skin circulation and tension relief, they can also integrate red light into other skincare routines.


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