Frequently Asked Questions

Does LED light help with acne?

LED light therapy masks can be an effective way to treat acne, especially when they combine blue, red, and near-infrared wavelengths. “Blue light penetrates the upper layers of skin and kills P. acnes bacteria—think of it like a bouncer at a club, kicking out the troublemakers before they cause chaos,” says Dr. Gohara. “Red light goes deeper to calm inflammation and promote healing by boosting collagen and circulation. Near-infrared light reaches even further to support long-term skin repair and soothing.”

According to Dr. Levy, these devices are particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne, including cystic and hormonal breakouts. “Blue light helps by reducing inflammation and targeting Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that contribute to acne formation,” she says. “Red light is particularly effective for calming redness and reducing post-inflammatory erythema—the lingering red marks that can stick around long after a pimple is gone.” However, she notes that light therapy is generally not effective for comedonal acne, like blackheads and whiteheads.

Together, these light wavelengths target both the root causes and visible aftereffects of breakouts, making LED masks a smart option for managing mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

How often do people need to use an LED mask to see results?

To see the best results from an LED mask, “consistent use is key,” says Dr. Gohara. “Most people need to use LED devices 3–5 times a week for several weeks to see improvement — think of it like going to the gym for your skin.” While results can last, she notes that maintenance is essential to keep breakouts at bay. “Once-daily short sessions usually suffice; this isn’t a ‘more is better’ situation.” If you’re hoping for long-term benefits, stick to a regular routine.

What are the downsides to LED therapy?

Results often take weeks of consistent use, and the devices can be pricey. Mild side effects like temporary redness or dryness can occur, especially if you overdo it, so make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer. “Before starting any LED treatment, it’s always wise to consult your dermatologist,” Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, previously told Allure. Those who might avoid LED acne treatments “include people with deeper skin tones, certain conditions like melasma, sensitive skin, or those taking Accutane for acne,” he says.

Meet the experts

• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology based in New York City
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut
• Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY
• Lauren L. Levy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Lewis Dermatology Associates based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best LED masks for acne, we considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, product wear, and value. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Wellness lovers, rejoice. In Aug. 2025, fashion and beauty giant Dior opened its first spa in the U.S. in New York City.

Known as Dior Spa New York, the newly opened luxury oasis can be found on the top floor of the House of Dior flagship store on Madison Avenue and 57th Street. Offering everything from microdermabrasion to lymphatic drainage, every treatment at the spa was crafted by master estheticians and is aligned with Dior’s “Haute Wellness Science” philosophy—a concept which the brand describes as “the epitome of skincare.” A session here will make you feel worlds away from its Midtown location.

The wellness retreat was designed by New York-based architect Peter Marino, who dreamed up other high-fashion hubs such as Giorgio Armani New York and Chanel Ginza Tower in Tokyo. Stepping into the spa, guests will find themselves in a minimalist space bathed in calming neutral tones and peppered with tasteful wood and gold accents. Take a sniff when you visit, too—Francis Kurkdijian, Dior’s perfume creation director, formulated a custom fragrance that’s intended to set the mind and body at ease.

There are just four treatment rooms at Dior Spa, including one two-bed “Rose Room,” intended for couples. Each session begins with an in-depth skin analysis via a device known as “Dior Measurements,” which can analyze things like collagen, pH, elasticity, and sebum levels in about 30 minutes. Using that data, treatments are then tailored to individual needs.

One of the spa’s signature treatments is its Haute Couture Facial, co-created by master esthetician Sarah Akram. The overall aim of the facial is to make your skin look revitalized, rejuvenated, and glowy, but the exact techniques used will depend on the results of your Dior Measurements. Ultrasonic exfoliation, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy, and cold lasers are all in the Dior toolbox.

If you’re looking for something more head-to-toe, the spa has four body treatments, including a lymphatic drainage option, which is designed to promote circulation, firm skin, and stimulate collagen production. But perhaps the most unique options on the menu are Dior’s light therapy treatments, specifically its Happiness regimen, which was crafted by sleep expert François Duforez. The 90-minute session is only available at Dior Spa’s New York location and is intended to rebalance sleep cycles and stimulate dopamine and serotonin production—perfect for travelers looking to feel recharged while they’re on the go.

End your spa experience with a personalized makeup session in the beauty room. Before you head back downstairs and enter the real world, take a moment to browse the lobby boutique, replete with Dior perfumes and high-end beauty products.