Authors:
Therabody Science Team – Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, LDN; Tim Roberts, MSc; Rachelle Reed, PhD, MS, ACSM-EP
Professional LED light therapy was once only available at high-end wellness spas. Today, this science-backed treatment can be experienced at home, especially with devices such as the TheraFace Mask and TheraFace Mask Glo.
These full-face devices combine red light, red and infrared light, blue light, and vibration therapy for the face and head. Clinical research shows that these therapies may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm sagging skin, brighten dark spots, and improve overall skin texture. With consistent use, the condition and appearance of the skin may improve significantly.
As LED masks continue to grow in popularity, many questions have emerged—from how the technology works to how it can be integrated into a daily skincare routine.
Below, Therabody’s science and innovation experts answer some of the most frequently asked questions about LED masks, including the TheraFace Mask, and provide guidance on how to get the most from the device.
The Science and Technology Behind the TheraFace Mask
What Types of LED Light Therapy Are Available and What Do They Do?
The TheraFace Mask provides three types of LED light therapy:
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light uses a shorter wavelength that works on the surface of the skin to target acne-causing bacteria. The light is absorbed by the bacteria, helping to destroy them. This therapy can help reduce mild to moderate inflammatory acne without relying on harsh active ingredients.
Red Light Therapy
Red light uses a longer wavelength that can penetrate deeper into the skin and increase cellular energy production. This therapy supports tissue repair and collagen production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, even out skin tone, and support the rejuvenation process.
Red and Infrared Light Therapy
This therapy combines red light with infrared light, which has the longest wavelength and can penetrate deeper into muscles and connective tissue. It helps support healing, reduce inflammation, and promote skin rejuvenation.
The combination also creates a gentle warming sensation and works at different tissue depths to deliver more comprehensive benefits.
Why Does the Treatment Begin with Red Light, Followed by Red and Infrared Light, and End with Blue Light?
The TheraFace Mask uses a preset nine-minute session, with three minutes dedicated to each type of light. This sequence is designed to deliver a precise and clinically optimized dose of light.
The treatment begins with red light to stimulate collagen production, followed by red and infrared light for deeper penetration and improved circulation, and ends with blue light to target bacteria on the surface of the skin.
The TheraFace Mask Glo contains fewer LEDs, so it requires a 12-minute session, with four minutes for each type of light, to achieve the same effective therapeutic dose.
Users can also skip certain modes or end a session early by pressing the LED button.
How Does Vibration Therapy Work?
The TheraFace Mask combines LED light therapy with vibration therapy to provide a massage-like effect that helps relieve tension around the temples, forehead, and scalp.
The vibrations help improve blood circulation, allowing nutrients to be delivered to the skin more efficiently and helping create a fresher, more revitalized appearance.
The TheraFace Mask Glo features a dedicated vibration motor in the head strap to stimulate the scalp. The vibration feature can be used separately or turned off when the user prefers LED therapy only.
Key Specifications of the TheraFace Mask
Number of LEDs
TheraFace Mask: 648 lights, consisting of 216 tri-wick LEDs for red, blue, and infrared light.
TheraFace Mask Glo: 504 lights, consisting of 168 tri-wick LEDs.
The high number of LEDs helps ensure even facial coverage and a consistent dose of light.
Peak Wavelength
Blue light: 415 ± 5 nm
Red light: 630 ± 5 nm
Infrared light: 830 ± 5 nm
Penetration Depth
Blue light: 0.7–1 mm
Red light: 1–2 mm
Infrared light: up to several centimeters
Safety and Power Density
The TheraFace Mask is designed to deliver an effective therapeutic dose without exceeding scientifically recommended safety limits.
Benefits and How to Use the TheraFace Mask
When Should It Be Used in a Skincare Routine?
Use the TheraFace Mask on clean, dry skin.
The recommended order is to cleanse your face, use the TheraFace Mask, and then continue with serum, moisturizer, or other skincare treatments.
Avoid applying retinol before using the LED mask, as it may increase the skin’s sensitivity to light.
Is It Safe to Use After Botox or Fillers?
If you have recently undergone facial treatments such as Botox, fillers, laser treatment, microneedling, or a chemical peel, wait until the skin has fully recovered and consult a medical professional before using an LED mask.
Should It Be Used in the Morning or at Night?
The TheraFace Mask can be used at any time of day.
However, some studies suggest that morning use may be more suitable, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to light exposure before bedtime.
How Often Should It Be Used?
The device is recommended for use once per day.
The benefits of LED light therapy have been clinically demonstrated through regular use for at least 12 weeks.
Using it more than once per day is not recommended, as the light dose has already been optimized for a single daily session.
TheraFace Mask Clinical Trial Results
In a 12-week clinical study, the TheraFace Mask was shown to help:
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Improve facial firmness and contour.
Brighten dark spots.
Improve skin texture and radiance.
Most participants reported that their skin appeared healthier, more radiant, firmer, and more even in tone.
These results were also validated in a 2025 clinical study of the TheraFace Mask Glo.
Discover a new standard in science-backed facial care at PrimaFit Store. Experience premium wellness technology firsthand and choose the device that best suits your needs.
The same experience is now also available through PrimaFit Online Store, anytime and anywhere.
