At-Home Red Light Therapy Is All the Rage in the Skincare Community. Here’s Our Top 5 Picks to Get You Started During Cyber-Sale Season.

The Best Kept Skincare Secret Isn’t What You Think

No, it’s not skin cycling or vampire facials – it’s red light therapy. With all the beauty products out there claiming to be game-changers, it’s tough to figure out which ones are actually backed by science and which are just well-marketed. Red light therapy devices are no exception.

Are they really as amazing for your skin as they say? Or are they just expensive gadgets that will end up collecting dust in your bathroom cabinet? 

What You Need to Know About Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is gaining a lot of popularity in the world of skincare, particularly with the rise of at-home devices. These treatments can boost collagen production to make fine lines less noticeable, reduce inflammation, and even help wounds heal faster. Research indicates that it’s useful for tackling signs of aging, working on scars, and speeding up the recovery of surgical incisions. But the evidence supporting the effectiveness of red light therapy mainly comes from clinical settings – it’s important to note that at-home red light therapy devices aren’t as potent as the ones found in medical offices.

However, this doesn’t mean you won’t see any benefits from using at-home devices. Achieving radiant skin with red light therapy will require more consistent use following the manufacturer’s guidelines due to the lower strength. It may take longer to attain the desired results, but with patience and adherence to the instructions, you can enjoy glowing skin on your own schedule, rather than needing weekly or biweekly office treatments.

The Best Options for At-Home Red Light Therapy

In our mission to uncover the top devices in the at-home red light therapy world, we went full-on detective mode. We combed through thousands of reviews where real customers talked about their experiences with these products, delved deep into the science behind each device, and even took a look at each manufacturer’s history to ensure that they’re the real deal. Best of all? We tried each product for ourselves. 

So, here you have it – our hand-picked and thoroughly tested selection of red light therapy options that are going to have your skin saying “thank you.”

Best Overall: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand ($169, BUY ONE GET ONE FREE) 

Coming in as our number one pick is Solawave’s 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand. We’re head over heels for this affordable handheld wand, which wields red light therapy like a pro.

Staying true to its name, this petite device combines four skin treatments into one versatile wand. Alongside red light therapy, it harnesses galvanic current to enhance the absorption of skincare products, provides gentle and therapeutic warmth for skin soothing, and includes facial massage to enhance radiance. It’s compact and super user-friendly, featuring 180º head rotation that effectively addresses contoured areas of the face (like under the eyes) and a charging case to keep it clean after use.

To use the wand, all you have to do is cleanse, dry your face, and apply a serum. Using Solawave’s Renew Complex Activating Serum makes the wand up to 3x more effective, but you can use any non oil-based hydrating serum. Then, you hold the button for 2 seconds to turn on the wand, and glide it across your face in slow, smooth outward strokes for as little as 3 minutes (or as many as you’d like – there’s no limit on how long you can use it for). 

The 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is available in three colors: rose gold, ombre, and matte black—and it costs only $169, which is a total steal considering what goes into it. What’s even better is that this skincare device is currently on sale with a Buy One Get One Free offer, which means you can get two for the price of one. That sounds like 2x the skin rejuvenation, and we are so here for it. 

Best Fitting Device: Omnilux Contour Face ($395—Sale TBD) 

If those inflexible red light face masks out there don’t quite fit your face shape, we’ve got a solution for you: Omnilux’s adaptable design and 132 medical-grade LEDs.

This mask utilizes red and near-infrared LEDs and suggests a protocol of three to five ten-minute sessions per week for the first month of use. With two Velcro straps, this mask can be worn without needing to be plugged into a wall, and its flexible surface makes it convenient for travel and ensures the diodes are as close to the skin as possible. 

Even though it’s an electronic face contraption, it’s remarkably comfy. It’s also flexible and easy to carry around, and it comes with a rechargeable battery, so you can get your red light therapy fix while you make dinner, clean the bathroom, or chill on the couch. 

The Omnilux website showcases over 40 peer-reviewed studies that support its effectiveness, and at $395, it better be. The one drawback some may find bothersome is the external battery, which is connected via a power cord that needs to be managed during use. 

Best Hands-Free Device:  DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro ($455—Sale TBD)

If you’re looking for some serious power, you’ve got to check out Dr. Dennis Gross’s Insta-famous DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro. This futuristic-looking gadget is like something from outer space and rocks over 100 red LED bulbs to help plump up your skin with collagen, smooth out wrinkles, and fade pesky discoloration.

Now, it’s a bit pricier, and we’ll be honest, it might give your partner, roommate, or even your pet a bit of a scare with its sci-fi vibes. But, if you can handle that, it’s a super convenient at-home option. No hands needed, and it treats your entire face with both red and blue light all at once for the entire three-minute treatment.

It runs on a battery, and one charge can last for about eight to ten uses. The mask has a comfy elastic that keeps it secure, and it fits well on the face without leaving marks. On the downside, the mask’s rigid plastic design may not fit all face shapes, and it’s not the most travel-friendly option.

Best For Face & Neck: CurrentBody Skin Face & Neck Kit ($719 $611)

The CurrentBody Skin Face and Neck Kit employs a dual-action approach by using specific wavelengths of light to revitalize any complexion. This anti-aging device jumpstarts collagen production and cell renewal, leading to visibly healthier and more radiant skin.

What sets this mask apart from others is its flexibility and neck coverage, ensuring maximum light therapy benefits. The snug and comfortable fit conforms to your skin, allowing the wavelengths to penetrate deeply, resulting in optimal outcomes.

Your neck and chest, often exposed to the sun and the elements, deserve some TLC too. This mask is a gentle silicone LED mask that helps reverse the signs of aging on your neck and chest. It harnesses two different types of light that are scientifically proven to combat wrinkles, fine lines, and other indicators of aging, delivering a more youthful appearance.

If you can stomach the price, you’ll be getting a lot of benefits.

Best Handheld Device: Lyma Laser ($2,695)

Unlike conventional LED lasers, LYMA employs laser light therapy, a technology borrowed from the medical field. This advanced technology can penetrate deeply beneath the skin’s surface to repair cellular-level damage while supercharging collagen production. Remarkably, this process is painless and non-damaging, with no downtime.

For the small price of just $2,499 (we’re just kidding), the LYMA kit includes the LYMA Laser, accompanying accessories, a travel pouch, and an exclusive Membership card that grants you access to member-only pricing.

While this may be a top tier handheld, at-home, medical-grade laser treatment, it’s worth more than one month of rent. In our book, there’s no reason to be spending upwards of $2k on lights for your face. That being said…

If You’re Only Choosing One, Go With Solawave

This product roundup was fun, but it was also full of some pricier red light therapy treatments. All of these products will deliver top-tier results but we’re looking for the easiest, most affordable option, and Solawave delivers on all fronts. 

At $169, the Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is already a steal, but with their Buy One Get One Free sale, we know they’re going to  sell out soon. Make sure to get yours while you still can. 

Solawave is our top pick, and they’re having their best sale of the year right now. Head over to their website and take advantage of their Buy One Get One Free sale before it’s too late.