5 Best Red Light Therapy Masks: The Winner Will Surprise You

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The 5 Best Red Light Therapy Masks According To A Dermatologist: The Winner Will Surprise You...

Are those gorgeous LED red light therapy masks all over your Instagram really worth the investment, or are they just another beauty trend promising younger-looking skin while quietly draining your bank account?

We consulted with Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a leading UK dermatologist specialising in phototherapy, to analyse the most popular masks on the market – and her findings might make you think twice before clicking "add to cart"...

Smiling doctor with a stethoscope, wearing a white lab coat.

Smiling female doctor with a stethoscope around her neck.

May 11th 2025, 11:11am ‍
by Dr. Sarah Mitchell

A person shrugs while four different LED face masks float around them.

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The Truth Behind Those Celebrity LED Masks

Let's be honest – we've all seen those slightly terrifying, sci-fi looking masks lighting up our social feeds.

They've become a staple in celebrity skincare routines, with everyone from Victoria Beckham to Kourtney Kardashian posting glowing (literally) selfies.

The promises are certainly enticing:

Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
Clearer, more radiant skin
Diminished acne and scarring
All from the comfort of your sofa while catching up on Love Island

But here's what those influencer posts aren't telling you about these trendy devices...

"I've thoroughly tested the most popular LED masks," explains Dr. Mitchell, "and I can confidently say they're the least effective way to do red light therapy.

Despite their hefty price tags, they simply don't deliver enough power or coverage to produce the clinical results we see in studies."

So why are these masks falling short of their promises, and why is a simple red light panel actually the smarter investment for your skin (and wallet)?

Let's dive deeper...

The Science: Why Your LED Mask Isn't Working

The effectiveness of red light therapy comes down to one critical factor: power.

In the scientific studies showing impressive skin improvements – the kind we all want – researchers use devices that deliver specific power levels, measured in mW/cm².

These clinical studies consistently show that effective treatments require at least 100 mW/cm² of irradiance.

Here's where LED masks fall desperately short:

"To achieve genuine therapeutic benefits," Dr. Mitchell explains, "you need sufficient power reaching your skin cells. But in these face masks, that level of power would generate so much heat it would be unsafe to have against your face. It's a fundamental design flaw."

This creates what dermatologists call the "power-proximity problem"...

High power + close proximity = too hot and unsafe
Lower power + close proximity = safe but ineffective

LED panels like the Solis Spectrum SOLO solve this problem with professional cooling systems that allow for powerful light output (180mW/cm²) while maintaining a safe distance from your skin – giving you genuine clinical-grade therapy rather than just a pretty glow.

The Coverage Illusion: Tiny LEDs, Big Promises

Take a closer look at any LED mask, and you'll notice something concerning – those little lights only cover a small fraction of the surface area.

Dr. Mitchell's analysis found something shocking:

"Even in premium masks advertising 30-60mW/cm², independent testing shows they only deliver that power directly over each LED. The spaces between – which make up 70-80% of your face – receive less than 1mW/cm², which is virtually nothing."

This means:

Only tiny spots on your face get the advertised power
Most of your skin receives minimal therapeutic light
You're paying for full-face treatment but getting patchy coverage

It's like applying your expensive serum to just a few spots on your face and expecting all-over results. The maths simply doesn't add up.

"But They're So Convenient!" Are They Really?

One of the biggest selling points of LED masks is supposed convenience – just strap it on and multitask, right?

Let's be realistic about what wearing these masks is actually like:

You can barely see through the tiny eye holes
They're awkward and uncomfortable after a few minutes
You can't actually do much whilst wearing them (no reading, scrolling, or applying other skincare)
Your partner, flatmates, or children will probably have nightmares if they see you in it

Compare this to using the Solis Spectrum SOLO for 10 minutes:

Read, watch telly, scroll social media, or apply your skincare
Treat any area of your body (not just your face)
Target specific concerns like stretch marks, body acne, or joint pain
Use it to improve sleep quality and boost your mood (something no mask can do)

As Francesca from London wrote in her Solis review:

"I was looking for muscle recovery plus skin improvements due to perimenopause. After 3 weeks, the facial toning has improved so much I don't think I'll consider surgery for my hooded eyelids. My partner says the skin on my back has evened out, with age spots disappearing before his eyes."

The Time Factor: How Long Until You See Results?

The most shocking revelation?

The actual time investment required for LED masks to deliver results.

Let's do the maths:

Most clinical studies showing significant wrinkle reduction use devices delivering around 50-100mW/cm².

If your mask delivers just 1-2mW/cm² to most of your face (which testing shows is typical), you'd need to wear it for:

25-50 times longer than advertised
Up to 17.5 hours to match one 10-minute session with a clinical panel

In practical terms: What the Solis SOLO accomplishes in 10 minutes would take nearly three weeks of daily 20-minute mask sessions to achieve.

Is it any wonder so many women abandon their masks after a few weeks, believing red light therapy "just doesn't work" for them?

Head-to-Head Comparison: Solis Spectrum SOLO vs. Popular LED Masks

Now let's compare the Solis Spectrum SOLO with the four most popular LED face masks on the market today:

1. WINNER - Solis Spectrum SOLO

Price: Was ~~£599~~ Now £379. (£399 with Light-Activated Serum)
Irradiance (Power Output): 180mW/cm² (at 6 inches away)
Wavelengths: 5 in total. Visible Red (630 & 660nm) and Invisible Near-Infrared (810, 830 & 850nm)
LEDs: 60 x high-powered medical-grade LEDs
Treatment Area: Full face, and can be used on the entire body for skin, muscle, joint, and hair treatments
Clinical-Grade Quality: The same power and wavelengths used in professional clinics, where treatments can cost between £50-£100 per 20-minute session.
Guarantee: 90-day money-back trial.
Warranty: 3 years.

Dr. Mitchell's Verdict:

The Solis Spectrum SOLO 2.0 delivers the exact same clinical-grade therapy you'd receive in professional treatments costing £50-£100+ per session. With 180mW/cm² of irradiance, it provides the power needed for genuine and fast results.

Unlike masks, this versatile panel allows you to treat your entire body - perfect for addressing multiple concerns from fine lines and acne to mood, sleep and hair growth. This makes it significantly more valuable than a face-only device, especially considering its current price point.

But here's what takes results to the next level:

Solis now offers their SOLO as part of a Serum Stack, including their patent-pending Light-Activated Luminous Serum. This world-first formula contains 12 clinically-proven and clean botanicals, specifically chosen to enhance light absorption - including niacinamide, copper peptides, and green tea extract.

Studies report up to 230% boost in collagen production when combining the serum with red light therapy.

What impressed me most is the 90-day trial period - most devices offer only 30 days, showing real confidence in their results.

"I've been using the Solis red light therapy every day since February - sometimes morning and evening - and honestly, it's become part of my routine I really look forward to. In the mornings, it calms me down and helps set the tone for my day. I also struggle with SAD, so it gives me that extra boost of happiness and light I really need. In the evenings, it winds me down beautifully and sets me up for a perfect night's sleep.

Alongside that, I started using the light-activating serum, and wow - my skin is glowing! My complexion looks so much brighter, and I've noticed my makeup applies and sits so much better too. Together, the red light and serum have been such a game-changer for me - I honestly couldn't imagine my routine without them now. I can't recommend Solis enough!"

- Suzie Hamilton, Verified Buyer

PLEASE NOTE: The Light-Activated Serum has sold out quite a few times, so check to see where the stack is in stock, otherwise I'd advise to invest in the SOLO 2.0 panel on it's own and wait for the serum to come back in stock.

CHECK IF THE SOLO 2.0 SERUM STACK IS IN STOCK >>>

2. Dr. Dennis Gross (DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro): £460

Futuristic white and rose gold face mask with adjustable straps on a pink background.

Price: £460
Irradiance (Power Output): 35-60mW/cm²
Wavelengths: 4 in total. Red (630nm), Near-Infrared (880nm), Blue (414nm) & Amber (605nm)
LEDs: 160 x low-powered LEDs
Treatment Area: Face only.
Guarantee: 30-day money-back.
Warranty: Nothing stated on their website.

Dr. Mitchell's Verdict:

At £460, this is the most expensive mask in our comparison, yet it delivers significantly less power than the Solis SOLO.

The claimed 35-60mW/cm² is misleading since this only occurs directly over each LED, leaving most of your face receiving minimal therapy.

With no cooling system, this mask simply cannot produce the power needed for clinical results without becoming uncomfortably hot.

The extra wavelengths sound impressive but don't compensate for the fundamental power and coverage issues.

For almost £100 more than the Solis SOLO, you're getting less power, less coverage, and can only treat your face.

3. Omnilux (Omnilux Contour Face): £348

LED light therapy face mask with floral pattern and Omnilux branding.

Price: £348
Irradiance (Power Output): 35mW/cm²
Wavelengths: 2 in total. Red (633nm) and Near-Infrared (830nm)
LEDs: 132 x low-powered LEDs
Treatment Area: Face only.
Guarantee: 30-day money-back.
Warranty: 2 years.

Dr. Mitchell's Verdict:

The Omnilux Contour Face Mask looks sleek, but once again, we run into the same issues.

It's limited to facial treatments and the power is nowhere near what's needed to match the results you'd get in a clinic.

Without cooling, it can't deliver high doses safely, so it's stuck at a lower power output.

For £348, you'd expect more, especially when for a similar price, the Solis Spectrum SOLO offers full-body treatments and significantly more power.

4. CurrentBody Series 2 (LED Light Therapy Face Mask): £399.99

A person wearing a white LED light therapy face mask.

Price: £399.99
Irradiance (Power Output): 30mW/cm²
Wavelengths: 3 in total. 1 x Red (633nm) and 2 x Near-Infrared (830nm & 1072nm)
LEDs: 104 x low-powered LEDs
Treatment Area: Face only.
Guarantee: 60-day money-back.
Warranty: 1 year.

Dr. Mitchell's Verdict:

At £399.99, the latest mask from Current Body is priced higher than the Solis Spectrum SOLO, but the benefits don't get close.

The power output is six times lower, and you can only use it on your face (you have to pay more just to get the attachment for the neck).

It's decent for what it is, but if you're looking for real, long-lasting results or the ability to treat other areas of your body (to address ageing on your neck, hands, chest or even for things like hair growth and better sleep), this mask falls short.

Why limit yourself to a face mask when you can get full-body treatment with a high-powered panel for even less of an investment?

The warranty on this is also only a year, which doesn't fill you with confidence for a long-term investment.

5. Solawave (Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask): £330

Pink Solawave LED face mask for skincare with white eye and mouth cutouts.

Price: £330
Irradiance (Power Output): 30mW/cm²
Wavelengths: 2 in total. Red (630nm) and Near-Infrared (830nm).
LEDs: 66 x low-powered LEDs
Treatment Area: Face only.
Guarantee: 60-day money-back.
Warranty: 1 year.

Dr. Mitchell's Verdict:

Solawave is best known for its viral skincare wand, which has gained significant popularity in the beauty industry.

While their newly-released face mask is an improvement over the wand - which, frankly, doesn't live up to the hype - the mask still falls short of being a worthwhile investment.

This is the cheapest mask in this comparison, but that makes sense due to it having the worst specs out of the masks.

Given this, the Solawave mask ranks last in our comparison, offering less value for your money.

The Verdict: Why The Solis Spectrum SOLO Is Your Best Investment...

When it comes to red light therapy, clinical studies are clear – power and coverage determine your results.

LED masks might look futuristic and trendy, but they fundamentally can't deliver the power needed for meaningful results without burning your face.

It's not a quality issue; it's a physical limitation of the design.

The Solis Spectrum SOLO, priced at just £379 (+ an additional discount currently added in cart), provides the same clinical-grade therapy you'd receive in professional treatments costing up to £100 per session.

This means:

As Heather Lynn shared in her review:

"My daughter has suffered severe facial inflammation, eczema and dermatitis for years. After trying expensive creams, dermatologists and beauticians, I purchased the Solis red light therapy machine. Within 2 weeks her skin was completely healed and she has never had a breakout since. My daughter has gained her confidence, joy and quality of life back again."

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

“I recommend Solis to all my patients who are looking to reap the immense and diverse benefits of red and infrared light therapy on their health and wellness. I am yet to find a product on the market which boosts the power output of their Spectrum range at an affordable price-point”