The Guardian has tested 12 LED and infrared light therapy face masks on the UK market, aiming to establish which of these increasingly popular but pricey devices genuinely live up to claims of reducing fine lines, treating blemishes and calming redness. The review draws on interviews with dermatologists and doctors, noting that while such masks are not a miracle cure for deep wrinkles, red and infrared light can support collagen production and skin elasticity, with the underlying science dating back to research from the 1990s on wound healing and acne treatment.

The reviewer, a health and beauty tech journalist of four years, named the CurrentBody Multi Light Therapy LED mask (£499.99) as the overall best, with the Silk'n LED face mask 100 (£98.77) recommended as a budget option. Other category winners include the Shark CryoGlow (£257.99) for fine lines and blemishes, the Lustre Solo (£50) for acne-prone skin, the Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro (£465) for quick treatments, and the Silk'n LED face mask Pro (£259) for travel. The article cautions that blue light can worsen hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones, and stresses that masks work best alongside a solid existing skincare routine including cleansing and SPF, rather than as a standalone fix.