By Ella Parastaran
As Valentine’s day approaches, everyone is looking for the perfect way to celebrate, whether it’s a night in with your favorite rom-com, a sweet treat, or a well-deserved selfcare night. One of the trendiest ways to treat yourself this season? LED red light therapy.
I grew up with a skincare-obsessed mother who was years ahead of the red light therapy trend. Long before LED masks started going viral on social media, she made weekly visits to her esthetician for sessions before finally investing in her own at-home light, the Celluma Pro red light, which she still swears by nine years later. She’d constantly encourage me to sit under it for just 30 minutes a day. I listened, and she was right. Red light therapy helped even out my skin complexion, relieved sinus pressure and inflammation, supported lymphatic drainage, and even softened the look of facial scars.
Now, LED red light masks are finally getting the love they deserve, and influencers like Halley Kate and Alix Earle are often seen wearing them.
LED red light therapy has become a go-to for skincare. It started as an anti-ageing treatment, and more recently has been found to offer other skin and health benefits. Red light therapy uses low-level lasers on targeted areas of the skin, helping increase collagen production, improve blood flow and reduce redness, according to Brown Health. With consistent use, red light devices can help reduce dark spots, acne, and inflammation, and heal signs of scars.
From masks and beds to wands and caps, red light therapy comes in several forms. Maks, however, have taken over. They’re hands-free, easy to wear and make multitasking simple. Whether you’re doing homework, scrolling online, or shopping for Valentine’s Day, a mask lets you improve your skin while getting things done.
If you’re ready to try red light therapy for yourself, here are a few popular options:
Shark Beauty CryoGlow MaskRetail: $349.99
This Medspa-style mask pairs red light therapy with under-eye cooling to target signs of aging and puffiness. It offers multiple settings and can be used completely hands-free.
Image courtesy of www.ulta.com
Retail: $329.99
A portable, handheld option perfect for on-the-go use. In addition to multiple LED settings, the TheraFace features microcurrent therapy, cleansing attachments, and facial massage tools.
Image courtesy of www.therabody.com
HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask
Retail: $349
A cordless, travel-friendly mask. This mask is designed to smooth lines, target blemishes, increase hydration and give your skin a natural glow.
Image courtesy of www.sephora.com
Retail: $1,825
If you’re willing to splurge, this LED face light is comfortable and easy to use. In addition to a red light, it features a blue light and near-infrared light option, which help ease pain and inflammation, and can better target acne and bacteria.
Image courtesy of www.amazon.com
Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day solo, planning a cozy girls’ night or just leaning into a skincare journey, red light therapy is an easy way to elevate your routine. Pair a glowing face mask with a good rom-com, and a fun drink of choice, there is no better way to celebrate than giving your skin (and yourself) a little extra love.
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