If you’re starting to notice wrinkles around your forehead or deep-set areas you’d like to soften, we recommend this red-light therapy face mask. It helps boost collagen with 66 LED bulbs (a standard required for FDA approval), which penetrate the skin to add bounce and calm discoloration. It also features a gentle silicone that shapes to fit comfortably on your face, whether you’re lounging at home or traveling.
Glamour contributor Twine says:
“I’m very happy with the HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy Mask after using it for a few days. I had to practice putting it on, since the three straps are strappy, but I found the mask in general to be more comfortable with better placed slots for eyes, nose and mouth than other masks. My skin looks radiant after wearing it, with long-term effects of firmer skin with a very smooth texture. It is pricey, but the mask does what it promises to do, and I appreciate that HigherDOSE also provides multiple travel plug adapters, eye shades, and a canvas bag.”—C.T
“I tested the HigherDose red light therapy face mask, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s lightweight and bendable, and has three straps (many other brands have only two) for a more secure fit. The comfort of a face mask is very important, because if you don’t like wearing it, you might skip it, and it’ll end up collecting dust in your beauty cabinet. After only a few weeks of using the HigherDose mask, I noticed that my skin felt a lot smoother and softer, but the biggest result was that the hormonal acne around my chin and jawline during my period significantly improved.” —J.C.
- Device Type: LED face mask
- How to use: 10-20 minutes; 3-5 times per week
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective at-home skin-tightening device?
According to the dermatologist we spoke with, the most effective at-home skin-tightening devices feature both LED red light therapy and vibration in the form of low-level electrical currents like radio frequency. “LED light therapy masks, particularly those that utilize red and near-infrared wavelengths, can help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health and collagen production,” says Dr. Engelman. Radio frequency and electrical stimulation can increase muscle thickness in the large muscle that runs along your cheek, says Maryam Safaee, MD, FAAD, an LA board-certified dermatologist and founder of ManeRx. “This creates a lifted, more youthful appearance,” she says.
At what age does your face age the most?
Aging is a gradual process, rather than one single event, so there is no specific age when the face suddenly ages the most, says Dr. Engelman. “Collagen production begins to decline in our 20s, typically at a rate of about one percent per year, but many of the visible changes become more noticeable in our 40s and 50s,” she says. It’s during this time that you might see a combination of collagen and elastin loss, shifts in fat facial pads, and a decrease in skin hydration. “Environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can also accelerate these changes, which is why some individuals may appear to age faster than others,” Dr. Engelman adds.
Are there any skincare habits you can incorporate into your routine to tighten skin?
In addition to consistent use of anti-aging devices, the best habit to maintain younger-looking skin is using a face sunscreen every day. Dr. Engelman also says that incorporating a retinoid into your routine, as well as antioxidants, like Vitamin C, can also stimulate new cell turnover and help protect skin from stressors that contribute to skin aging. “Consistency is key; daily habits can have a meaningful impact on maintaining collagen and firmness over time,” she says.
Glamour editors and contributors between the ages of 30 and 50 tested best-selling anti-aging devices with this criteria in mind: product format, ease of use, and efficacy in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best devices came in the form of powerful LED light therapy or microcurrent, and most were a combination of both. All the devices we recommend were intuitive to use and weren’t super bulky. They also didn’t irritate our skin or cause redness. The skin care tools we ultimately landed on helped soften areas of wrinkles, did a good job of brightening dull skin, and gave us a youthful glow post-application.
