This LED Mask Is My Favorite Skincare Device of All Time
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As a veteran beauty editor, I've tested and reviewed all the most popular LED face masks (including Dr. Gross's SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, Currentbody's LED Mask, Solawave's LED Mask, and Omnilux Clear) but one really stands out as a favorite: TheraBody's TheraFace Mask. I've incorporated it into my skincare routine for a little over a year now (a major feat given I use most skincare tools just a handful of times before getting lazy and retiring them to a dusty shelf) and I have nothing but high praise for the device. Keep scrolling for my official review—plus the benefits of the mask and what to expect if you end up buying one for yourself.
TheraFace Mask
nordstrom.com
$599.00
What are the benefits of the TheraFace Mask?
The TheraFace Mask has two main benefits: LED therapy and gentle vibration. The mask utilizes 648 multi-color LEDs (which, on average, is about three times more than the amount used in other popular LED face masks) which emit a combo of red, infrared, and blue light. These lights each have their own skin-enhancing benefits, which I'll quickly break down for you:
Red light: Helps reduce inflammation, soften fine lines, and fade dark spots.
Infrared light: Helps boost collagen production to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Blue light: Can help kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin to curb breakouts.
Now in true TheraBody fashion (they're also the makers of the wildly popular Theragun and TheraFace) this mask also gently vibrates with the goal of eliminating facial tension and promoting relaxation. These vibrating massage discs are situated at key pressure points—around the eyes, at the top of the head, and back of the scalp—and pulse in three different styles (continuous, breathing, and wave) with varying levels of intensity.
How often should you use the TheraFace Mask?
Consistency is the name of the game with the TheraFace Mask (and all LED devices, for that matter), so if you want good results you've got to use it every day. In the brand's clinical trials, testers used the mask once a day for 12 weeks to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Personally, I saw an improvement in my skin clarity around the 10 week mark. And it took about 4 months of daily use for me to notice a difference in my skin's firmness. The good news is that the whole treatment only takes 9 minutes—it cycles through three minutes of red light, three minutes of infrared light, and 3 minutes of blue light—so it's honestly really easy to incorporate the mask into your daily routine for an extended period of time.
My review of the TheraFace Mask:
I started using the TheraFace Mask in June of 2023 when my skin was in a particularly bad place. I was newly pregnant and my face was covered in angry breakouts—the result of fluctuating hormones. And since I was pregnant I couldn't use my tried-and-true retinol serum or try a chemical peel or acne laser to help treat it.
What I could use? LED. It's largely considered pregnancy-safe by derms, and it's great for addressing the skin concerns—like inflammation, acne, and discoloration—that I was dealing with. So I got a sample of the TheraFace Mask and starting using it every morning while I drank my coffee and skimmed through my inbox. Cut to September, and my skin looked glowing. Like noticeably glowing. It took about 2.5 months of consistent use, but eventually my breakouts were less severe and my skin appeared less blotchy and ruddy.
I continued to use the mask five times a week until February 2024 and my skin just continued to get better and better. Sure, my hormones began to level out during my second trimester, but I really felt the mask was helping keep things clear. It was even fading some of the dark marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my chin and cheeks too.
Then I gave birth and my entire skincare routine went out the window. The TheraFace Mask had been good to me, but it was no longer something I had the time or energy to keep up with. During those first few months of motherhood if I had 9 free minutes to myself, I was either showering, sleeping, or thinking about showering and sleeping.
Now my son is almost 6 months old. I'm out of the newborn fog, back at work, and feeling (kinda) like my old beauty editor self again. So I busted out the mask and starting using it again. What really struck me this time around is how easy this LED mask is to use. It's entirely cordless and hands-free, so once I strap it on my head I can comfortably use it wherever and while doing pretty much whatever—folding laundry, washing baby bottles, answering emails, etc. It's uncomplicated and ideal for multitasking, which is a must for me these days.
The silicone eye inserts also make this more comfortable than other LED masks—plus they allow me to keep my eyes open during a treatment without having to squint or strain. Another bonus? The TheraFace mask holds a charge longer than most of my other skincare device; I can get about 10 full uses out of the mask before I need to recharge it with my USB-C wire.
Now, if I'm being honest, I'm not a fan of the vibration therapy feature. I appreciate the intent, but personally I find the vibrating more distracting than relaxing, so as soon as I turn the mask on I turn the vibration off by holding down the button next to the left ear. IMO, the vibrating is kind of loud and shakes the entire mask so it makes it impossible to focus on anything else while wearing it.
The bottom line:
At $599, the TheraFace is a hefty investment. And it's a commitment—you'll need to use it daily for at least three months before seeing a change in skin. Ultimately though, I think it's worth the price tag. When combined with a good skincare routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.), this mask can really be a game changer for acne-prone and/or aging skin. And unlike some other skincare devices out there (like high frequency wands or at-home lasers), you really can't over use the TheraFace Mask so there's minimal chance of experiencing any negative side effects either.
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