I Found The Best Red Light Masks For Fine Lines, Acne, & Hyperpigmentation

As mentioned, the before and after photos should showcase what a massive difference Bon Charge's Red Light Mask made in our testers skin. I like to think it's because of the mask's impressive number of LED light bulbs: 240 total.

Along with red light, our tester opted to used the near-infrared light. This optional feature transforms your red light session into a soothing treatment that also supports collagen production. This makes the mask a one-stop shop for glowing (and firmer) skin.

Our tester noticed a drastic change in her breakouts and overall redness after using the mask for 30 days (which you can read about more here).

Our tester used a handful of different red light masks before trying out Bon Charge's design. While there aren't any special feature within the straps, she felt the fit ensured no red light leaked in her eyes. This means it's possible to multi-task while working towards a glowing complexion.

Reminder: Near-infrared light is invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. Because the mask starts to warm up over time, our tester did sweat slightly when using it. She recommends wiping it down after your red light treatment to keep it sanitized.

Bon Charge's red light mask sticks to one technology only—but we argue that's what makes this affordable mask so good! It doesn't try to cram in bells and whistles—so you only get the best technology possible.

Frequency depends on user; Bon Charge suggest 10 to 20 minutes up to 3 times per week.

To understand the strength of this mask, I just want to highlight the jaw-dropping 648 medical-grade LED lights and 17 proprietary QX-Micro Motors to deliver massaging vibration therapy. It uses red, blue, and infrared lights to brighten skin tone, boost collagen production, ease inflammation, and target breakouts. Plus, the percussive technology relaxes muscle tension and encourages circulation. Beauty editor Jamie Schneider told me that, “immediately after using it, my skin looked brighter and refreshed. After several treatments, I noticed less dark spots and blackheads.” Ferrante adds that while she’s yet to see noticeable differences in her fine lines, she’s seen impressive differences in the overall complexion.

Both of the testers noted how comfortable the fit was. As Schneider said, “I have a smaller face, so most LED masks slide off my head if I don’t hold it up the entire time. I was completely hands-free with Theraface, which I consider a win. The velcro head straps are soft and easy to secure, and the mask stayed snug throughout the whole 9-minute experience.” 

It’s also cordless and has optional goggles, so it’s ideal for multitasking. “The standout feature design-wise is the removable goggles and the fact that the mask is cordless. I love having the option to either sit back and relax or go about my day-to-day while wearing this mask,” notes Ferrante. However, you should wear the goggles if you have sensitive eyes. While it’s safe to use sans goggles, some folks are just more sensitive to bright lights. 

However, the primary drawback that both noted was that the mask is bulky and doesn’t fold—so it’s not very travel-friendly. Worth noting if you’re a frequent traveler who was planning to pack this along.

The vibrating technology is what Therabody is known for, and this mask folds that tech seamlessly into the LED technology. Both testers noted how relaxed it made them feel during the 9-minute session, particularly highlighting the around the temples and scalp. 

And as for fitting all this technology in, the mask does it for you, as Schneider notes, “In terms of lights, Theraface features red, red + infrared, and blue LED lights. You don’t have to choose which color to prioritize—the 9-minute treatment cycles through them all.”

9 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Use for 12 weeks to see full results.

Thanks to the high number of LED lights and infrared technology, this mask is highly effective in a relatively short amount of time. The clinical results boast results in as little as six weeks (which is very quick for LED). I tested both the red and infrared modes to help boost collagen production, fade dark spots, and reverse photodamage. Immediately after using it, my skin looked more glowy thanks to its inflammation fighting powers. 

Its clinicals are impressive too: 91 percent of testers aged 30 to 70 (men and women) said they saw improvements with fine lines. It was also clinically shown to improve dark spots, redness (my main issue), and uneven tone. 

I suspect the quick results and overall efficacy has to do with the combined wavelengths and infrared. Infrared is able to penetrate deep into the skin and encourage cellular rejuvenation and improve cellular energy.

The mask is bulky and comes with a lot of add-ons and cords. (As someone who loses that sort of stuff very easily, that might be a concern.) The mask and neck component connect to the controller, which is where you power it on, select your mode (it has 3), press start, and pause. 

The mask design fits easily on my face, including around the eyes. It has adjustable neoprene straps that don't pull or tug at the hair. All-in-all, I would recommend using it while seated or (better yet!) laying down. Given the bulkiness of the mask and cords, it’s not the easiest to walk around wearing, although I don’t consider that a deal-breaker considering the efficacy. 

I loved that there are 3 easy-to-understand settings: 1 for wrinkles, 2 for acne, and 3 for photodamage. Just pick the protocol that best suits your needs, press start, and it’ll run for 10 minutes.

The neck feature is a standout. As someone who is starting to get concerned about my tech-neck (and youth-induced sun damage) in the area, testing this component felt like a godsend. It only emits red and infrared light (read: no blue) as its main purpose is to target fine lines and dark spots. The neck component is very comfortable and can be worn on its own, in case you want to wear it while multitasking.

For acne, best results are seen after treating 4 days a week for 6 weeks. For fine lines, wrinkles & pigmentation, best results are seen after treating 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

Admittedly, I no longer use it as constantly as I should (I have other products to test!), but when I first tested the mask years ago when it first came out I found it really helped calm my skin. I have easily irritated skin, and this keeps inflammation at bay. I noticed improvements with broken capillaries (which I get around my nose and cheeks), and lines on my forehead seemed to become less apparent. I do not have acne at this stage of my life, so I can’t attest to its blemish-clearing abilities as I only use it on red.

Another mbg staffer who uses the mask told me this: “I absolutely loved using this. After a month or so of regular use, I’ve noticed a slight change in the fine lines in my skin, especially the ones on my forehead, above my brow line and around my eyes!

I think one of the strongest selling points here is that it only takes 3 minutes out of your day, which is practically nothing. Says our staffer, “It’s been easy to add to my daily skincare routine and it allows me to do both my masks and a quick 3 minute meditation simultaneously.” 

The mask sits on the face nicely, as it’s shaped to the face’s contours. Here’s another major bonus: It’s totally hands-free! No control handle, no cords, nothing. I’m literally wearing it as I type this sentence. The silicone strap is easy to use, however, given it’s only one strap, it has a tendency to slide down. But I fix this by putting my hair in a high ponytail, and resting the strap on top of the hair band.

However, given it is a bulkier mask, it’s not as travel friendly as silicone options. 

3 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Use it for 10 weeks to see full results.

With the least amount of bulbs, this isn’t going to be the most effective option on the list. That’s not to say it doesn’t work, it just means it won’t be as strong as some of the other (more expensive) options here. 

However, our reviewer found it to provide “a post-use glow” and the red light setting left her with a “relaxing, warming sensation.” She notes she doesn’t have acne, so she didn’t test that setting.

Our reviewer found this to be very easy to use, thanks to the fact that it was semi hands-free, included removable eyewear, had comfortable straps, and was easy to travel with. “The removable protective eyewear and stretchy velcro straps are small features that make a big difference. Plus, I appreciate the fact that this mask comes with a soft storage pouch that’s easy to toss in my travel bag,” she told me. “It doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet, but it does have a control, which makes it a bit less ‘handsfree’ in my opinion.”

10 minutes a day, at least 3 days a week. Use it for 10 weeks to see full results.