The Best Red Light Wands for Smoother, Brighter Skin in a Flash

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You may have noticed that everyone on social media is either wearing LED masks or swiping their faces with red-light-emitting face tools. (See: Sydney Sweeney using her Solawave in her Harper's Bazaar "Go to Bed With Me" video.) But it's not just for show—derms say there are real benefits to these skincare tools.

"Red light therapy helps to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate the skin non-invasively without heating it or causing thermal damage, while also promoting anti-inflammatory effects in acne-prone or rosacea skin," explains Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.

So what red light wands are worth investing in? We gathered the six Bazaar editors deem worthy of your routine below—along with more insights from Kobets and dermatologist Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, ahead.

Lightstim® for Wrinkles

"So many red light wands are very small, so you have to work in tiny sections to cover a large surface area. This one has a wider head so you can work a little faster, which makes me want to use it more often! It’s easy and effective!" says Bazaar Beauty Director Jenna Rosenstein of this FDA-approved device.

Customer Review:

"This device has save my skin. whenever I feel my skin is starting to breakout I use it and the big cystic acnes go away after 2-3 days. I would recommend this to people who don't want to use harsh anti-acne creams on their skin." —Elmira

4-in-1 Advanced Skincare Wand

"Almost as soon as I took SolaWave's Advanced Skincare Wand out of its box and onto my face, I was hooked," says Bazaar Associate Beauty Commerce Editor Tiffany Dodson of this tool, also used by celebs like Sydney Sweeney and Priyanka Chopra. "Not only is it easy to use, but the warmth the tool emits feels supremely therapeutic on my skin."

Customer Review:

"This is the holy grail of skincare. Using it for a few weeks now and already seeing amazing results. I have noticed a huge difference in the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes and mouth. My skin also has a radiant glow and looks so much healthier." —Vickileeh

Medicube Age-R Booster Pro

Bazaar Associate Beauty Editor Katie Intner has an "endless amount of beauty tools," but says this 6-in-1 device has become a favorite.

"While the red light mode helps with the production of collagen and elastin and skin elasticity, the device employs electroporation (a series of electrical pulses) to boost the efficacy of any serum or cream you apply before using," she explains. "The tool not only boasts red light, but also four other types of LED light–including blue for oil control and killing bacteria, orange for brightening, and green for plumping."

Customer Review:

"This device is worth the hype! I was able to get it on sale and so happy I did! I love how high-tech it is. It has its own app, you can make your own routine, customize the device and so much more! Can’t wait to see how much my skin improved with extended use." —Lindsay

TheraFace Pro - Black

Not only does the TheraFace have red and blue light attachments, but you can use them while you use the tool to massage your face, deep clean, or for microcurrent. It's worth the investment.

Customer Review:

"I love that this device is LED, microcurrent, a cleanser and a massager all in the same place. It's super compact and easy to use. The massage with LED is my favorite setting but each attachment works well. " —Hannah

TRINITY+ Wrinkle Reducer Attachment

If you already have a NuFace Trinity+ in your toolkit, you can simply swap in this attachment for the microcurrent. We love that it has an automatic sensor, so it turns on as soon as it touches your skin.

Customer Review:

"This device really works. Very relaxing when using at night." —PU

Fastaid Red-Light-Therapy-for-Face and Neck

A fraction of the price of other red light wands, this tool offers different light wavelengths to address different concerns, plus a warming sensation and gentle vibrations.

Customer Review:

"I’ve been using for three months now and if used consistently you can see noticeable difference. The vibrating and the heat is just a bonus, makes my skin feel great!" —Jenna

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do You Need to Do Red Light Therapy to See Results?

"The key with red light therapy is consistency," says Dr. Mian. "Most lights require three to five days of use for 15 minutes, and results can be noticeable after eight weeks." The derm also adds that the specific device plays a role in how quickly you'll see results.

What's the Difference Between Using a Red Light Wand and a Red Light Mask?

Of course, the first difference is that one is hands-free, while the other is handheld. But that's not all: "Both offer the same capabilities, with a mask offering more broad treatment, and a wand more targeted treatment," says Dr. Kobets. "Results vary based on the device wavelength and size, as well as the number of bulbs within the device."

What Are the Risks of Using a Red Light Wand?

"The risks of red light devices are possible over-use and use of inappropriate devices not properly tested that would emit more heat and not at the specific wavelengths that are listed on the devices," explains Dr. Kobets. Red light does not actually emit heat, so heat therapy is an add-on in many wands; therefore if it ever feels too hot, you should stop use immediately. In addition, "Heat could worsen conditions like melasma," says Dr. Mian.

Meet the Experts

Dr Kiran Mian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York.

Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, is the director of Cosmetic Dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, NY.

Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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