The Wirecutter Show – Episode: Are Red Light Masks Worth It?

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host/Authors: Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell, Rosie Guerin
Producer: Rosie Guerin
Guest: Rory Evans, Wirecutter’s Skincare Supervising Editor

Introduction to Red Light Masks

In this episode of The Wirecutter Show, hosts Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell, and Rosie Guerin delve into the burgeoning trend of red light therapy masks. Sparked by a scene from the Netflix show Sirens, where Julianne Moore’s character dons a red light mask, the conversation quickly broadens to explore the efficacy, usability, and value of these skincare devices.

Rosie Guerin (01:10):
"I was reminded about this weekend... Julianne Moore... wearing one of those red light masks."

Understanding Red Light Therapy

Rory Evans, Wirecutter’s Skincare Supervising Editor, joins the discussion to shed light on how red light therapy works and its origins. She explains that red light therapy was initially developed by NASA to aid in plant growth experiments. An accidental discovery revealed its potential benefits for skin care, leading to its adoption in dermatological practices and, more recently, home-use devices.

Rory Evans (05:15):
"The light penetrates into different layers of your skin and it boosts the production of collagen and elastin... making your skin look firmer and reducing the appearance of wrinkles."

Usage and User Experience

The hosts discuss the practical aspects of using red light devices, contrasting masks and wands. Masks are depicted as a passive experience—similar to wearing a facial mask—whereas wands require active movement across the skin, comparable to using an electric toothbrush.

Rory Evans (07:09):
"If you get a wand, you're literally going to move it around your face the way you would like... or using an electric toothbrush."

Christine Cyrclassette (07:30):
"I can barely brush my teeth for two minutes."

Effectiveness and Testing

Rory elaborates on the self-reported benefits from Wirecutter’s testing panel, noting improvements in skin firmness and a reduction in fine lines and nasolabial folds.

Rory Evans (09:52):
"Our testers were like, I feel better or I feel like my skin looks less wrinkly... my nasolabial folds are less pronounced."

The efficacy timeframe varied, with some users noticing benefits after a month of consistent use, following recommended guidelines (e.g., twice daily or several times a week).

Safety and Considerations

Safety is paramount when using red light devices. Rory emphasizes that red light therapy does not emit UV rays, making it safe for skin as long as users follow guidelines and consult with dermatologists, especially those with conditions like lupus or hyperpigmentation concerns.

Rory Evans (12:33):
"There are lots of considerations and contraindications... you want to talk to your dermatologist or your doctor before you try it."

Product Recommendations

Rory presents Wirecutter’s top picks for red light devices, recommending one wand and two masks based on their performance, design, and user-friendliness.

1. Lightstem for Wrinkles (Wand) – $200
   Appreciated for its high LED density (72 LEDs) and ease of use, the Lightstem wand allows users to cover significant facial areas without constant movement.

   Rory Evans (19:31):
   "It met our criteria for the red light... 72 LEDs. More densely packed than any of the wands we tested."

2. Shark Cryoglow (Hard Mask) – $350
   Praised for its comfortable design and effective light delivery, the Shark Cryoglow offers a hands-free experience, making it ideal for users seeking a relaxing skincare routine.

   Rory Evans (25:31):
   "When you try a product and feel like someone thought this through... like they were fixing everything before I tried it."

3. Omnilux Men (Soft Mask) – $400
   Designed with male users in mind, featuring a deeper penetration wavelength (1072 nanometers) to accommodate thicker male skin.

   Rory Evans (25:46):
   "It has a 1072 nanometers. That's the wavelength that is going to penetrate a little bit deeper."

Choosing Between Masks and Wands

The decision between a mask and a wand hinges on user preference and specific skincare needs. Masks offer a more passive, comprehensive facial treatment, while wands provide flexibility for targeting various body parts beyond the face.

Rory Evans (22:42):
"The wands are more affordable... if you're gonna spend $200 on a wand, just spend $350 on the mask."

Kyra Blackwell (23:03):
"If you want a device that's easy to use for different parts of your body, you don't mind a little manual labor... but if you want to just sit and zone out for 10 minutes, go for a mask."

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The hosts underscore the importance of consulting with a dermatologist before investing in red light therapy devices, especially for individuals with specific skin conditions or concerns. They highlight the necessity of verifying FDA clearance and considering return policies due to the significant investment these devices represent.

Christine Cyrclassette (30:52):
"Very intrigued. I want a mask... But I will be going to my dermatologist first because I do have some sun damage."

Rosie Guerin (31:48):
"Whoever is going to pursue purchasing one of these, you probably should get some consult from someone you trust besides us."

Conclusion

Red light therapy masks and wands present a promising addition to at-home skincare routines, backed by rigorous testing and positive user feedback. While the initial investment may be substantial, the potential benefits of improved skin firmness and reduced wrinkles make them worthy considerations for those seeking proactive skincare solutions. As always, professional consultation ensures safe and effective use tailored to individual skin needs.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rosie Guerin (01:10): "I was reminded about this weekend... Julianne Moore... wearing one of those red light masks."

• Rory Evans (05:15): "The light penetrates into different layers of your skin and it boosts the production of collagen and elastin... making your skin look firmer and reducing the appearance of wrinkles."

• Rory Evans (09:52): "Our testers were like, I feel better or I feel like my skin looks less wrinkly... my nasolabial folds are less pronounced."

• Rory Evans (19:31): "It met our criteria for the red light... 72 LEDs. More densely packed than any of the wands we tested."

• Rory Evans (25:31): "When you try a product and feel like someone thought this through... like they were fixing everything before I tried it."

• Christine Cyrclassette (30:52): "Very intrigued. I want a mask... But I will be going to my dermatologist first because I do have some sun damage."

For more in-depth reviews and recommendations, visit Wirecutter’s website.