Red, blue, and infrared each work best within specific wavelength ranges: 630–635nm for red, 405–450nm for blue, and 800–850nm for infrared. “Those are the sweet spots that effectively penetrate the skin, stimulate collagen, and reduce inflammation,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
The TheraFace Mask Glo cycles through all three wavelengths in four-minute intervals, or you can stick with just one if you want to target a specific concern. So whether you’re trying to soften fine lines, keep the occasional breakout in check, or just brighten up dull skin, it’s basically a one-and-done device.
How the TheraFace Mask Glo Stands Out
The LED mask category has grown crowded, but the Glo stands apart in a few ways:
It’s a more contoured fit.
The TheraFace Mask Glo has a more sculpted, face-hugging shape than many LED masks on the market, thanks to its cushioned eye surrounds and adjustable Velcro strap that help it sit securely without slipping. One big difference: There’s no mouth hole, which makes the fit feel more enclosed but also allows the LEDs to treat the fine lines around the mouth more evenly than masks that leave that area uncovered.
It has three clinically proven wavelengths.
Some LED masks stick to just red light, while others toss in blue light but skip infrared altogether. The Glo, like the original TheraFace Mask, covers all three, bringing it much closer to the treatment combinations seen in actual clinical studies. And because LED results depend entirely on using the right wavelengths, Dr. Karcher notes that the Glo hits the sweet spot across the board: red light around 630nm to help soften fine lines and brighten dark spots, red and infrared at roughly 630nm and 830nm to dive deeper and support collagen, and blue light at 415nm to target acne-causing bacteria.
It’s lighter than the OG.
Yes, the original TheraFace Mask has more LEDs, but it’s also heavier and less practical. The Glo pares things down slightly (504 LEDs instead of 648) to make it more comfortable, which makes it more realistic to commit to using it multiple times a week.
It’s completely cordless.
Many LED masks require a wired controller or plug-in pack, which doesn’t encourage movement. The Glo is completely cordless, so yes, you could putter around the house while wearing it, but I found it much comfier just to stay still and enjoy the moment (more on that later).
It’s FDA-cleared.
FDA clearance means the device has undergone a specific review process and been deemed substantially equivalent to existing medical-grade LED technology—a level of scrutiny that no-name versions you might stumble across from third-party retailers don’t usually undergo. “It’s important to consider the certification, as only some LED devices are certified for medical purposes,” says Dr. Karcher.
My Skin Goals
At 38, my biggest skin-care complaints are probably pretty relatable for anyone with mature skin: dullness, fine lines settling in around my eyes, and the occasional stress-induced breakout. I have melasma, and the only thing that’s ever made a real dent in it has been prescription tretinoin, which I only use in the winter because of the sun sensitivity. The idea that an LED mask could support my skin year-round without those same limitations feels promising.
As a first-time full-face LED mask user, I didn’t know what to expect, but Dr. Karcher says LED masks can help with most of my skin concerns above—as long as you stick to them. “Most studies show the effect is modest and depends heavily on at least three to five treatments per week for at least four to 10 weeks,” she says. TheraFace actually recommends using the mask daily for 12 weeks, and since I barely deal with acne and often skipped the blue-light cycle, my sessions were more like eight minutes, which made the routine feel much more manageable.
How It Works
The TheraFace Mask Glo has a snug, face-hugging fit. The soft suction cups around the eyes help block light and keep the mask from sliding, and the adjustable Velcro strap lets you tighten or loosen it, depending on how cozy you want it to feel. There’s no mouth opening, which makes the mask feel a little more enclosed—and for me, that sometimes meant my breathing felt slightly restricted. But it also means the LEDs actually reach the fine line-prone area around your mouth, something many other masks miss. It may be a couple of ounces lighter than the original TheraFace Mask, but I still found it the most comfortable to use while lying down or reclining. While it’s cordless, the mask is thick enough that your peripheral vision disappears, so wandering around the house felt a bit risky.