These days, technology is unavoidable–especially when it comes to skincare. Sure, curating a solid lineup of serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen is still the first step toward a glowing complexion, but high-tech skincare devices (like red light therapy tools, microcurrent devices, and dermarollers, to name a few) are becoming mainstays to help skincare enthusiasts boost the results of their product routines.
As a beauty editor, I have access to almost every state-of-the-art skincare device available, though LED masks are by far my favorite. They’re incredibly easy to use, offer a ton of benefits, and are safe for all skin types. Plus, light therapy addresses virtually every skin concern: it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance radiance, even out tone, minimize the look of dark spots, improve texture, and firm sagging skin.
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“Red light therapy (RLT) involves exposing the skin to safe wavelengths of light in order to address a number of skin concerns,” says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “Low wavelength red light produces a biochemical effect in cells to make more energy, which in turn helps cells work more efficiently to rejuvenate and repair damage.”
While there’s definitely no shortage of LED masks available, the Therabody TheraFace Mask has always been a clear standout. I’ve consistently used LED masks for about a year (the Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask and Solawave Neck and Chest Rejuvenating Mask have been my go-tos), but after using the TheraFace mask for a month, I can confidently say that this splurge-worthy device stands in a realm of its own. That could be why the Women’s Health beauty team named it the best LED face mask you can buy.
What makes the Therabody Mask so unique, you ask? Keep reading for the full breakdown.
What is the Therabody TheraFace Mask?
The Therabody TheraFace Mask is an FDA-cleared LED light therapy mask that utilizes three forms of light—red, infrared, and blue—to address various skin woes. Each light emits specific wavelengths that penetrate the skin and provide distinct benefits. Red light, for example, targets fine lines, wrinkles, and texture to smooth your complexion, infrared light lessens the look of dark spots while also enhancing radiance, and blue light kills acne-causing bacteria to diminish breakouts.
TheraBody TheraFace Mask
When LED face masks first made their way to the home market, many of them were only programmed with one type of light wave. Now it’s not uncommon to find models made with many, just like the TheraFace Mask. Despite that, Therabody still manages to have a leg up on the competition, particularly when it comes to the amount of bulbs. While the average at-home LED face mask features around 100 tiny light bulbs, the TheraFace mask has more than triple that—648 to be exact.
Therabody also added another special signature touch to the mask with the addition of vibration therapy. The built-in vibrations—which cycle through continuous, breathing, and wave patterns—are situated at key pressure points along the scalp and face to alleviate tension, increase circulation, and help you de-stress.
How to use the Therabody TheraFace Mask
You should always use the Therabody Mask on a freshly cleaned face, but before applying serums or moisturizers. Any products that you layer on your face prior to using the mask will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. (The lights would have to penetrate through the serums to reach your skin, so make sure your face is bare before slipping the mask on.)
Adjust the straps to comfortably fit your face and then you can settle in for the treatment. Pressing the small button on the right temple revs the mask into action and begins the nine minute treatment session. The mask is programmed to cycle through all three wavelengths and vibration modes in three minute increments, but if you only want to complete one form of light treatment you can press the same button to skip to the next one.
The button on the left temple controls the vibration patterns. Pressing it allows you to toggle between the three options to find your favorite, or you can turn this feature off altogether. If you’re just in the mood for a relaxing facial massage rather than LED light therapy (or vice versa), each system can be used independently.
Much like any other skincare treatment, consistency is key to see results. The brand recommends using the mask nine minutes a day for a minimum of 12 weeks to maintain a radiant complexion and experience the skin-firming benefits.
My experience with the Therabody TheraFace Mask
I take a lot of pride in my skin. I’ve curated a thoughtful skincare regimen over the years and religiously use a variety of skin tech (namely microcurrent and LED red light therapy) in my daily routine. That said, the LED masks I’ve primarily used have only been built with red light. I’ve recently been dealing with annoying hormonal breakouts along my chin—I can thank my IUD for that—so I wanted to upgrade to a mask that offered blue light to address those concerns. Plus, as someone who struggles with stress-related tension headaches, I felt like the vibration feature on this mask was something I’d greatly benefit from.
Writer Mary Honkus was thrilled to see her breakouts disappear after one month of testing the TheraFace Mask.
Experts are indifferent about when you use LED masks, so, again, just make sure your face is clean before starting a treatment. I like to end my day with LEDs—after I wash my face and before applying my products—because I find it extremely relaxing. So, for the past month I situated the mask on my face, turned on an affirmation track, and settled in for the pre-programmed nine minute treatment to unwind before bed.
One of the first things I noticed about the mask was just how heavy it is. It’s significantly bulkier than other devices I’ve tried (for reference it weighs 1.2 pounds, which is four ounces heavier than the Currentbody mask), and it took some time to get used to wearing it. I will say that completing a treatment lying down was a bit uncomfortable at first, especially compared to when wearing it upright, because of the weight of the mask pressing down on my face. This did result in red dents on my forehead and nose, however those faded about 10 minutes after I removed the mask. Overall, it only took a few days to acclimate to the weight.
The vibration therapy was also an adjustment. While the sensation did wonders for melting my tension away, the motors are quite loud, which made the treatment a smidgen less relaxing. That said, the more I continued to wear the mask, the less the noise bothered me. By the end of my one-month trial I was close to falling asleep before the nine minute treatment was complete.
Those minor inconveniences aside, there are two underrated design features that I especially valued in this mask. The first is the silicone eye protector. The large, malleable piece conformed to my facial contours and completely shielded my eyes from the bright lights. There were a few days when I needed to squeeze in a treatment during working hours, and I was able to continue typing at my computer without eye strain. (I’m actually wearing the mask as I write this!) The battery life also impressed me. I only needed to charge the cordless mask once over the course of the month. Typically I end up having to charge my other LED devices about once a week.
While the brand recommends wearing this for a minimum of 12 weeks to see results, I started to notice a difference in my complexion about three weeks in. Any zit that was brewing under the surface of my skin calmed before it reached the surface, my eyes appeared less tired (which I attribute to the vibration function); and my skin looked more luminous than usual. I’m confident that with continued consistent use the results will become more striking.
The Bottom Line: Is the Therabody TheraFace Mask Worth It?
There’s no denying that the TheraFace Mask is a major investment. At $599, it’s more expensive than a majority of the LED masks on the market. However, its additional features, including the three types of LED, number of lights, vibrational massage technology, and battery life, completely justify the price point.
I’d recommend the mask to anyone—if they can use it regularly. This is one of those items that requires consistent usage (at a minimum three to five times a week) to experience the benefits you’re after. For those who can commit to a daily treatment, it is totally worth the splurge.
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Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell’s Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC’s hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.
