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LED and red light therapy devices may be all the rage right now, but research backs up their skin-enhancing superpowers. LED light therapy has been shown to improve a long list of skin concerns, from acne to fine lines and loss of elasticity to scarring. Of course, not all devices are the same, especially when you’re looking for one for home use. I’ve tried several LED skincare masks and wands for home use over the past decade, but Therabody’s TheraFace facial mask is unlike any other model I’ve tried.
After being sold out for months following its September 2023 launch, the mask is finally back in stock and available for pre-order. It is also available and available to purchase from third-party retailers such as Best Buy, Revolve, and Nordstrom. In addition to being equipped with red, blue, and infrared medical-grade LED lights, the TheraFace mask also features vibration massage therapy that not only relieves tension but also seems to promote lymphatic drainage for an additional decongestant effect. Plus, it just feels great. Who doesn’t love a hands-free head massage?
Comparison with other LED light masks
Most LED light therapy masks I’ve used are made from silicone to make them more flexible, but the TheraFace mask is designed with a steel and aluminum vibration motor and high-quality TPU to provide a sturdier construction that shakes less while delivering more power to each individual motor on the face. While it’s rigid (making it awkward to transport) and much heavier than other masks on the market, it still only weighs about a pound, and you know exactly what the extra weight and bulk is used for: its performance.
The mask features protective silicone eye shields and adjustable Velcro straps that go over your head to ensure a snug fit and full face coverage, so as long as it’s secure, you can go about your day without having to hold it in place—a huge plus for lazy people like me who like to put it on while watching trash TV, folding laundry, or doing other mindless tasks. Because of its rigid design, the mask also floats over your face instead of directly touching it, which avoids permanent marks on my skin and makes me personally less paranoid about bacteria. (To clean, I just spray it with a hypochlorous acid spray and wipe it down after each use.)
LED light therapy
The TheraFace mask offers three wavelength options for LED light therapy: red, red + infrared, and blue. You can choose the pre-programmed nine-minute cycle with three minutes each and different vibration patterns, or select just one for a specific problem. You can also turn the vibration function off if you don’t feel it.
I usually opt for the standard nine-minute cycle and the vibration massage treatment, but I enjoy the fact that I can tailor my treatment to my skincare needs on any given day. For example, after cutting my face with a piece of glass a few weeks ago, I used only the red light method for the entire nine-minute treatment to really target the injury and speed up healing (some studies suggest that red light therapy may help reduce scarring by stimulating collagen production). While I can’t scientifically prove that it was just this product, the scar does seem to be less visible after a few weeks of treatment.
If you’re dealing with a pesky rash, you can also use the blue light to benefit from its antimicrobial and acne-fighting effects. I had a rare cystic pimple last week, so I exposed the blemish to the blue light setting twice a day for two days, and the pesky pimple significantly reduced in just 48 hours.
Vibration/massage therapy
Although I wouldn’t necessarily buy the TheraFace mask exclusively The vibration massage feature alone, which I loved, is certainly an added benefit that my husband, who doesn’t care at all about the appearance or general health of his skin, will also appreciate.
The device has eight vibration motors around the eyes and nine vibration motors on the top and back of the head for a soothing massage. It might be a placebo effect, but when it massages around the eyebrow region, I feel like the area looks tighter. Incidentally, I’ve seen a few Reddit reviews mentioning a similar effect after using it, so maybe it’s not just my imagination.
While I don’t suffer from severe headaches, I struggle with sinus congestion almost daily and have found that the vibrations seem to relieve the pressure and swelling. This is a huge plus point for the TheraFace mask – especially since, to my knowledge, there is no other LED light mask that has this feature.
General thoughts
After using the device (almost) daily for eight weeks, the most noticeable visible improvement in my skin is an overall reduction in redness, broken capillaries and uneven skin tone. Although it is subtle, I also see an overall firmer appearance (not just in the eyebrow area). I am still testing the effect on my new injury, but I am confident that with daily use, TheraFace’s red light feature will help the remaining marks of my wound to continue to fade.
No single serum or face mask will solve all your skin problems, but the TheraFace mask combines a whole host of different treatments in one device, making it well worth the price. Its superior performance, versatility, and innovative vibration massage modality make it my favorite LED mask yet. This thing feels, looks, and functions like it’s expensive, and it’s well worth the investment if you have the money for it.
Will it replace my biannual Botox appointments? Probably not. But this easy-to-use, advanced LED mask has visibly improved my skin texture, tone, and elasticity without it feeling like a chore—and in just two months. If you travel frequently or are looking for something more portable, you may want to consider other options made from silicone, as they are a bit heavier.
If you’re looking for an option that delivers professional results, is backed up by impressive before and after photos, and isn’t a hassle to use (you have to be consistent to see results!), grab Therabody’s TheraFace mask before it sells out again.
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