TheraFace LED Skincare Mask review: is it worth the major price tag?

As an LED mask superfan, I was very eager to write this TheraFace LED Skincare Mask review. Red light therapy technology is becoming more and more advanced, and I was curious to see how this all-singing-all-dancing mask compared to other, older options I’ve tried.

I’ve become a bit of an LED bore, happy to monologue to friends, relatives and even strangers to explain what red light therapy is, and gushing about all the red light therapy benefits they’ll notice if they decide to invest. I’m like a cult leader - just with better skin.

TheraBody is better known for its massage guns, but when I heard that they’d incorporated their years of research into post-workout recovery with some powerful LED technology, I was curious. Would it overcomplicate things? Would it feel like a headache, or would it revolutionise my LED routine? Let's find out.

Our senior beauty editor's full TheraFace LED Skincare Mask review

Our first impressions of the TheraFace LED Skincare Mask

Straight out of the box, TheraFace LED Skincare Mask looks very imposing - sleek and weighty with an understated design. It comes with a quite chunky manual, which has an easy-to-follow instructions guide as well as the slightly less interesting techy bits. If you want to skip the manual (guilty), the instructions for immediate use are right there on the box, so you can switch on and go if you’re itching to get started.

It comes with a USB to USBC charging cable and a stand for display, which is quite useful compared to the flimsy drawstring bags or cumbersome boxes many other masks are designed to be stored in.

The adjustable straps almost form a hat structure, so you can pop it on top of your head rather than strapping yourself in from the back with velcro or clasps. This means you can wear it while walking around or carry on with tasks quite easily. However, it’s worth noting that the mask is quite heavy - 576g to be precise. The main treatment setting takes 9 minutes, so it can feel a bit weighty by the end of a session.

The removable eye shields are really clever - they protect your eyes while still allowing you to see, so it means you’re not stuck under a pair of goggles for the whole session - my LED pet peeve. The trick to using skincare tools like these daily is convenience as well as time - you're unlikely to find a spare 20 minutes to lie in darkness daily, but a quick 10 minutes while you can watch TV, scroll Instagram or put away laundry? That's much more doable.

How does it perform?

During my weeks of testing, I tried all of the settings (including the various 3-minute options, with or without the vibrations) but found the pre-set 9-minute treatment to be the most beneficial. It cycles through the three treatments starting with red light, then a combination of red and infrared, before finishing on blue light. It beeps as the settings change, so there's no mystery as to how much longer there is to go. It’s an incredibly efficient routine that targets so many skin concerns, including improving wrinkles, elasticity and firmness of skin, while also targeting blemishes and uneven tone.

Now onto the vibrations - the main USP of this mask. To begin with, it felt quite jarring - I wrote the word ‘MAD’ in capital letters on my phone notes for my first test. However, you do get used to it and eventually enjoy the massage sensation. I found that leaning into the relaxation mode helped - I once used it while replying to some emails and it was a serious sensory overload. It’s not loud or too intense - you can still watch TV while it’s on and it’s eventually become quite a relaxing evening ritual. The vibration also has benefits - it helps boost circulation. My skin felt invigorated after each session with a healthy pink flush.

How does it compare?

Having tried a lot of other LED masks, this definitely feels more impressive. The TheraFace LED Mask is big and weighty - it feels sturdier and more imposing, especially when you compare it to the flexible CurrentBody or the Omnilux Contour Face masks. The TheraFace LED mask also has more intensive programme settings, as well as more LED bulbs than all of the others I’ve tried.

It harnesses both red and blue light settings (many on the high street just use red), but TheraBody also has the impressive third Infrared setting. The vibrations are the other obvious difference - it gives the sometimes clinical treatment a pampering edge and has the bonus benefit of boosting circulation.

TheraFace LED Skincare Mask : Our verdict

I am thoroughly impressed with the Theraface LED mask. In my opinion, it’s the closest you can get to an in-salon LED therapy treatment, with the added bonus of the facial and head massage. After a few weeks of testing, I found that my skin looked more even and firmer, with barely a blemish in sight. As an already daily regular user of light therapy, I was surprised to have still seen a difference from using it, and I imagine any LED newbies will be wowed by the results.

As someone who’s quite devoted to my Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware Pro, I was surprised by how much I felt swayed to Camp TheraFace. For me, it’s about the simplicity and ease of use - the Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware Pro has a treatment time of three minutes, which is why I find it so easy to slot into my routine. The TheraFace is still impressively speedy at 9 minutes, with potentially better benefits.

The main obvious downfall is the cost - with an RRP of £549, it’s a huge investment, especially when compared to the more high street options which retail closer to £300. I believe that if you’re already spending hundreds of pounds, you want to ensure you’re getting the absolute best red light therapy device, so if that means spending a hundred or so more, it may be worth it for the ease of use and the bonus benefits. Personally, I think it’s worth the cost, if it's in your price range. It will make a noticeable difference to your skin while feeling like quite a delight to use.