Reviewed LED At-Home Treatments

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
There are endless skincare services and beauty products on the market that promise to make you appear younger and slow down the effects of aging; we see countless procedures, such as Botox injections or facelifts, being done almost routinely on shows like The Real Housewives, not to mention an entire industry of multivitamins.
While there have been amazing strides in the plastic surgery industry to make these procedures safer and produce better results, there are easier and more cost-efficient ways to delay time from marching across your face, and improve the overall quality of your skin — one of them is red light therapy. “Red Light Therapy is a clinically studied, FDA-approved treatment that can improve the appearance of skin if you have acne, scars, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging,” says Shane Miller, a licensed esthetician and the owner of the popular Instagram account @howtohydrate.
AT A GLANCE: The Best Red Light Therapy Devices
Dr. Alexis Curreri, MD, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and says that Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights (which deliver that aforementioned red and near infrared light) are quickly becoming one of her favorite dermatologic devices. “Studies have shown that these devices help stimulate hair follicles and fibroblasts within our skin. This leads to the generation of ATP, which acts as the fuel for our cells.” She says this allows cells to calm down inflammation, which can increase blood circulation and wound-healing, and help with the creation of new collagen. “Together this leads to more vibrant, elastic, younger-looking skin.”
If you’re interested in finding out what red light therapy can do for you, here are some picks based on Miller and Curreri’s recommendations, along with devices our editors have tested ourselves that come from trustworthy brands.
What Are the Best Red Light Therapy Devices?
From full-body red light therapy devices to face masks that help to soothe and calm skin, we’ve rounded up some of the best red light therapy devices to buy online.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
So how does red light therapy work? “As we age, our cells become larger,” Miller explains, “making it increasingly difficult for them to divide and multiply, ultimately slowing our body’s ability to regenerate. Red light therapy technology delivers low-wavelength light to energize our skin cells.” In short, the red light produced by the device is absorbed by our mitochondria and keeps our cells stimulated and working hard, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and our skin’s texture.
In addition to slowing the effects of aging, regular red light therapy sessions can have a variety of other benefits on our skin and overall body, such as reducing skin inflammation brought on by conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
When Should You Use Red Light Therapy Devices?
Like everything in life, red light therapy is best used in moderation; be sure to consult the instructions of your particular device for how long a session should last. Miller recommends using it daily, after you’ve cleansed your face and before the application of any serums or moisturizer. If you are using your device during the day, remember to always end your routine with some sunscreen.
Dr. Curreri says that through the promotion of collagen, red light therapy can reduce the visible signs of aging, if that’s a concern for you, including fine lines and wrinkles. “It decreases redness and pigmentation brought on by sun damage, and also helps with those occasional acne lesions by decreasing oil production on the skin.”
“After cleansing, use your red light device on dry skin,” Miller also advises. “If your device is a wand or tool, applying a hydrating serum or oil will minimize tugging and allow the device to easily glide across the skin.”
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
“Unlike UVA/UVB rays, red light does not pose a threat to your skin,” Miller says. “Still, any new treatment should be taken with caution as everyone’s skin and body will react differently.”
If you’re unsure of how to integrate red light therapy into your daily routine, Miller recommends consulting with a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist to see if it’s right for you.
And as always, Dr. Curreri says that when looking for a device to use at home, “you want to look for a product that has a history of safety, reliable results, and the research to support their claims.”
Buying Guide: How We Chose the Best Red Light Therapy Devices
There are a couple of things we kept in mind while searching for the best red light therapy device for you. Here’s what you should know.
Power: The devices with more power are more effective at energizing your cells, meaning you are getting the most out of a red light therapy session more quickly. You might think the device’s wattage dictates its power, but this is a popular misconception; wattage refers to how much energy is being consumed by the device. To assess a device’s power, check out its irradiance, measured in milliwatts per square centimeter.