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Oct 25, 2024

Here's Why the Omnilux LED Red Light Therapy Mask Is Worth It

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. As much as we want to believe

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. As much as we want to believe that a singular anti-aging serum or face cream will turn back the clock, experts agree that the best way to tackle skin concerns like fine lines and dark spots is to stay loyal to a well-rounded skin care routine — and that’s not restricted to topicals. To up the ante in your wrinkle-fighting, radiance-boosting regimen, consider LED light therapy. Regular treatments are required for max benefits, but with at-home light therapy masks getting more high-tech by the minute, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg (and hours of your time) on a professional session. Instead, our WWD Shop editors reach for the dermatologist-recommended Omnilux red light therapy mask.

While there are plenty of light therapy treatments you can try, red light is your best bet for rejuvenating your skin and preventing future signs of aging. “Red light therapy works at the cellular level to stimulate new collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Houston-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez. “It has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and can help improve the appearance of sun damage and the visible signs of skin aging.”

It’s important to note that not all red light therapy masks are created equal. These skin care tools are more of an investment than a simple moisturizer, so you want to ensure that you’re spending on a high-quality device with hard evidence that supports its benefits rather than a bunch of hocus pocus. Dr. Suarez recommends Omnilux tools because they’re backed by over 40 peer-reviewed clinical studies, spanning about 20 years of research. “Their devices are not only research-backed, but are also rigorously tested to ensure safety, which for me is huge when recommending devices,” Dr. Suarez adds.

Our editors test skin care tools 365 days a year, so we jumped at the opportunity to try Omnilux’s LED face mask — a popular choice for celebrities like Mindy Kaling and Kim Kardashian to get radiant before a red carpet, and one of TikTok’s favorites with millions of views on the app. Read on for our testing review of the mask, then keep scrolling for tips on how to use it.

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Price upon publish date of this article: $395

Red light therapy devices might be trending right now, but they’ve been on my radar for ages as a beauty editor. I’ve tested all sorts of them, from marker-sized wands to visor-like apparatuses to LED light therapy patches that adhere to the skin like an oversized, souped-up pimple patch. I know that compliance is key to reaping the benefits of red light therapy, and for me, a strap-on face mask is what I’m most likely to use on a regular basis. They target my entire face at once and are foolproof to use — just get strapped in, power them on, and relax while your skin is rejuvenating.

But here’s the thing about red light therapy masks: Many are uncomfortable to wear. Combine this with lackluster, slow-to-show results, and I’ll usually end up sidelining these tools after a month or two of trialing them. That’s where Omnilux’s Contour Face Mask goes above and beyond similar options I’ve tried.

For starters, you don’t have to worry about being tethered to an outlet to use it. The device is entirely wireless, with a handheld remote you use to power it on. Omnilux’s Contour Face Mask is made with a silicone material that’s more malleable than similar red light therapy masks I’ve tried; it hugs the contours of my face for full coverage without squishing my nose or sliding down my face as I use it. It’s so comfortable, in fact, that I’ll often take care of some household chores while I’m wearing it — you’ll just want to give your eyes a few moments to adjust (those lights are bright).

The real draw to the Omnilux Contour Face Mask is how quickly I’ve noticed results. I’m in my early 30s, so I have just a few fine lines and wrinkles beginning to surface on my forehead and around my eyes. But I know that my collagen production is on the decline (you begin to lose about one percent of your collagen annually beginning in your 20s), so the time is nigh to maintain my skin quality. Omnilux’s face mask has been a key part in my routine for a full three months, and even after summer’s sun exposure that often brings about dark spots and more fine lines, my skin looks radiant and has impressive bounce to it. It’s given my skin the equivalent of a Paris filter effect, smoothing it out and brightening it in all the right places.

I followed the device’s suggested routine of using it four times a week for the first six weeks, after which I noticed an impressive boost in the overall brightness and texture of my skin. Now I use it once or twice a week to maintain my results. Yes, the Omnilux Contour Face Mask is an investment, but when you consider the cost of professional treatments (up to $200 for one session), this device pays for itself with just a few uses.

Price upon publish date of this article: $395

Yes. In a recent clinical study, 98 percent of Omnilux Contour Face Mask users reported firmer skin, 96 percent reported their fine lines to be less visible, and 95 percent of users noted that their skin was brighter and plumper after using the device three times a week for four weeks.

But as with all things related to our skin, patience is essential. “Generally speaking, staying consistent is key to getting results,” says Dr. Suarez. “You won’t see any changes if you only use them every now and then. For the Omnilux Contour device, I recommend using it three to five times a week for four to six weeks. After that, you can use it a little less frequently each week as maintenance.” Dr. Suarez notes that users of the Omnilux Contour can look forward to plumper, brighter, and more hydrated skin.

Dr. Suarez recommends starting with a clean face that’s free of makeup and sunscreen. Then simply secure the mask onto your face, making sure the Velcro straps are snug but not too tight. Press the remote’s button to activate the mask’s LED bulbs. Once your 10-minute session is up, you can proceed with your day or nighttime skin care routine.

In the morning, Dr. Suarez recommends an antioxidant serum and face sunscreen after using the mask. If you’re using the mask before bed, consider a hyaluronic acid serum, which helps keep skin supple in dry winter weather. Omnilux’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers the ingredient in a lightweight formulation that also contains niacinamide to boost the LED mask’s skin-brightening benefits.

Omnilux recommends cleaning your device before each use. To do so, simply sweep a water-based cleansing wipe, like a baby wipe, onto the LED side of the mask and let it air dry for a few minutes before strapping it on for your treatment.

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Dr. Andrea Suarez is a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas, well known as “Dr. Dray” on Youtube and Instagram. Her clinical interests are general dermatology and telehealth. Dr. Suarez has authored numerous publications in dermatology and has served as a mentor to medical students and Dermatology resident trainees. She is passionate about helping patients and the public understand skin problems and the importance of sun protection.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan regularly tests red light therapy skin care tools from brands like Omnilux.

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