A $650 Red Light Mask (So You Don’t Have To) (But You Might Want To)

Not all heroes wear capes…some wear red light masks in public.

On a serious note, out of all my insecurities, my skin by far is the source of the biggest. My skin is super dry, sensitive, and prone to breakouts. I’ve struggled with eczema since birth, eventually coupled with acne and enlarged pores. It’s something that has definitely taken a toll on my mental health—flare-ups generally make me want to hide under makeup or avoid leaving the house altogether. As I’ve aged out of my early twenties, I’ve made more of an effort to research and understand a skincare regimen that works for me, from acids to serums and the order in which they should be applied. I’ve worked on restoring my skin barrier and have seen such a difference in my skin in the last two years or so, but still struggle with pesky hormonal breakouts, discoloration from steroid creams (to help eczema), and scarring.

Okay, so we got to know my skin a little—let’s get to the product. Red light therapy masks have basically taken over my social media feeds. Promises of youthful, glowing skin and acne being zapped away overnight have certainly piqued my interest, and if your algorithm is at all catered to the beauty space, I’m sure you’ve seen this, too. As someone who grew up in the OG era of “beauty vloggers,” I’m no stranger to trying out a viral product or trendy skincare fad—and trust me, I’ve been let down in the past—so of course I was a little wary going into this.

Enter: The TheraFace Mask. Now, I know what you’re thinking…$650?! I hear you. Let me do a bit of girl math for you, though: most professional facials will run you anywhere from $75-$200, and to add on red light therapy, it’s usually an extra cost. If you’re someone who gets a facial, say, once a month, you’re already getting your money’s worth in the first week of using this daily device. And, if you’re on the fence about Botox or get injections regularly, the TheraFace costs about 1-2 injections, give or take. I’m also a believer in budgeting small luxuries into your lifestyle where it makes sense to! With its 648 powerful, medical-grade lights, it helps to deliver the most results possible in a short amount of time, so you can give yourself a few minutes of self care every day, right at home…or at work…or during your commute.

Side note: Please don’t drive while wearing your mask.

Let’s talk about how to use it: first, you want to start with clean, dry skin. I’ve read some threads to see if you should apply any toner or serum beforehand to help soak up the product better, but it seems like the safest option is to avoid any actives prior (AHAs, BHAs, acids, etc.) and to let this thing work it’s magic on your completely bare face. I like to use my go-to gentle cleanser, but use whatever works for you.

Now, the interesting thing about the TheraFace is that there are actually a few settings:

Red Light Therapy: Helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Red and Infrared Light Therapy: Boosts natural collagen production to help firm and reduce wrinkles.

Blue Light Therapy: Fights acne-causing bacteria and prevents new bacteria from growing.

Vibration Therapy: Eases facial tension and boosts circulation for a calming experience.

It’s basically a “choose your own adventure” in terms of the type of results you’re looking for, but I would recommend the 9-minute treatment that incorporates all of the above into one. Another thing I really love is that it’s a cordless design that comes with an eye shield, so you can safely multitask while giving your skin all of the benefits of the mask. And yes, you might spook your partner or roommate when it’s on your face.

After you’re all set with your timed treatment, go ahead and follow your normal skincare routine. For me, that involves a glycolic acid toner (eczema pals with acne-prone skin, I’ve found this is the gentlest chemical exfoliant!), hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, and SPF if it’s during the day. I think the main thing I’ve come to notice is how plump and glass-like my skin feels after doing this, and makeup has never gone on so smoothly.