Let’s address the cherry-colored elephant in the room: Does red light therapy actually work? It’s a question I, for one, have pondered many times as I watch Hailey Bieber move through her beauty routine or see the praises of the best red light therapy devices sung everywhere. Don’t get me wrong: Red light therapy (RLT) looks cool, and I have quite the collection of devices scattered across my bedside table and bathroom shelves. But are the red light therapy masks, red light therapy wands, and helmets all competing for my chargers actually doing anything, apart from casting an alluringly selfie-ready glow?
“Whilst clinic LED treatments are both effective and popular, at-home devices are a much more cost-effective and convenient way of using LED,” says Laurence Newman, founder and CEO of Currentbody. “You can use it more consistently at home, resulting in better long-term effects on the skin.”
It’s hard to recall a time when at-home red light therapy gadgets weren’t such a huge part of the online beauty enthusiast diaspora—and the surge in popularity is projected to only continue. In a recent report from Vogue Business, Allied Market Research shared that the global light therapy market was worth $521.1 million in 2021, and is expected to be worth $802.7 million by 2031.
“Red light therapy has really evolved to become more accessible, wearable, and much easier to incorporate into a normal routine,” Board-certified nurse practitioner Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C, tells Vogue. “We’re also seeing devices become much more targeted. Instead of one general-purpose light, consumers can choose a mask designed around facial rejuvenation, a scalp device for hair concerns, or a handheld tool that combines light with other modalities.”
Vogue’s Favorite Red Light Therapy Devices
Granted, consumer-facing devices can’t do it all, so don’t retire your tried-and-true serums, moisturizers, and professional treatments just yet. Instead, think of the best red light therapy devices as a glowing enhancement to any at-home skin-care routine—and don’t be surprised if the results of your in-office procedures start to last a little longer. That, Rufolo adds, is part of the category’s draw—convenience and maintenance in between pricier treatments.
The trick? Find a red light therapy tool that addresses your concerns, whether it’s fine lines, puffy under-eye areas, or blemishes. “When comparing devices, consider three things: The wavelengths it uses, how much light reaches the treatment area, and the evidence that supports the device’s results,” licensed APRN Jessica Manges tells Vogue. No matter which product you choose, you’ll need to use the device consistently for it to work—so consider convenience, how the treatment time fits your schedule, and any appealing perks (built-in scalp massage, anyone?) as you browse the list below. Ahead, discover everything you need to know about red light therapy at home, and learn about the devices Vogue editors and skin-care pros will vouch for every time.
