People swear by red light therapy masks. I finally tried one, and here’s my honest take.

I’ve been seeing posts pop up everywhere—on Instagram, in newsletter roundups, and even from my favorite YouTuber—about this fancy device that beams red light onto your face. It felt like everyone was suddenly swearing by a glowing mask, promising better skin, boosted mood, and a more youthful look.

Naturally, my curiosity got the best of me. I like to keep up with trends, especially when they claim to make a busy entrepreneur’s life a tad easier. So, I decided to give this trending gadget a whirl.

After spending several weeks wearing what looks like a futuristic shield, I have some thoughts to share. Spoiler alert: it’s a blend of awe and mild skepticism, with a dash of humor thrown in.

Whether you’re someone who invests heavily in self-care tech or you’re just curious about the latest fad, I hope my first-hand experience gives you a better idea of what these devices are all about—and helps you decide if they’re worth trying for yourself.

Where the buzz started

I first caught wind of this trend on social media. In my feed, I’d see entrepreneurs, lifestyle influencers, and even the occasional startup founder posing with a mask that glowed red.

As someone who’s had her fair share of late nights (and a few worry lines to show for it), the promise of improved skin and relaxation felt tempting. What really sealed the deal for me, though, was hearing my own friends chime in.

One friend, who’s a consultant and practically lives on planes, claimed it transformed her dull, tired skin after just a few uses. Another friend, a yoga instructor, loved the calming effect.

It wasn’t just everyday folks either: a few big names in the wellness space were hinting at their new secret weapon. That hype built quickly, and it reminded me of how trends can sweep our feeds in a matter of days.

Sometimes we see them fade just as fast, but this one seemed to be gaining momentum. When two of my circle independently raved about it, I figured that was my cue to see if all this talk held any real weight.

Understanding the science

Red light therapy isn’t brand new. It’s been studied in medical contexts for quite a while, typically related to wound healing and skin rejuvenation.

In simple terms, the device uses low-level wavelengths of red (and sometimes near-infrared) light to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. According to some sources, these wavelengths can stimulate cellular activity, potentially boosting collagen production, improving circulation, and aiding overall skin health.

I’ll admit, I’m no scientist, but I do have an interest in how technology intersects with self-improvement. And there’s a noticeable chunk of research backing the idea that certain light wavelengths can be beneficial.

Psychology Today has featured articles that suggest red light can positively impact mood, especially during darker winter months.

Still, it’s important to point out that while the theory is solid, individual results vary. I know plenty of people who expect overnight miracles—especially if they’re used to quick fixes in our instant-gratification world.

But this kind of therapy usually requires consistency, much like going to the gym or maintaining a balanced diet. Patience is part of the deal.

My personal routine

When my shiny new mask arrived, I felt equal parts anticipation and mild amusement. I couldn’t help but laugh at my reflection in the mirror: the mask looked like something a sci-fi hero would wear.

But I was committed. For about three weeks, I used it five nights a week. The recommended usage was around 10 to 20 minutes per session, so I aimed for the middle and did 15 minutes each time.

Because my schedule is often packed with consulting calls, research, and writing, I slotted my sessions into my evening routine. After I finished tucking in my two kids and loading the dishwasher, I’d settle onto the couch or sit quietly in my home office with the lights dimmed.

The mask felt surprisingly comfortable—once I got used to it. The red glow itself was gentle on my eyes, but I definitely had to resist the urge to scroll through my phone. I decided this could be my moment of forced downtime: no phone, no laptop. Just me, a bit of peace, and a faint sci-fi ambiance.

Honestly, that alone was worth something. We live in a hyperconnected age, and it’s increasingly tough to find moments to unplug. Although the device was initially marketed for skincare benefits, I found the biggest plus in those early days was the calming routine it created.

By the time my 15 minutes were up, I felt more relaxed, and my mind had a chance to decompress. It reminded me of advice from Cal Newport, who emphasizes the power of quiet time in a world that keeps us perpetually busy.

The changes I noticed

Here’s what happened after a few consistent sessions: first, my skin did seem slightly more radiant. My complexion was a bit brighter, and a couple of fine lines near my eyes appeared less pronounced.

Whether it was the red light specifically or the fact that I was finally taking 15 minutes to sit still and not stare at any screen, I can’t say for certain. But I liked the effect, and it gave me a small boost of confidence on hectic mornings.

Second, I felt calmer during that window of “me time.” Rather than rushing from one task to another, I had this new habit that forced me to pause. There’s a quote from Adam Grant about how meaningful breaks can boost our long-term productivity, and I can see why. This forced break felt restorative, even if it was short.

Third, I realized that once the novelty wore off, it took a bit of discipline to continue every day. I had to consciously keep the device in plain sight and put an evening reminder on my phone.

That’s probably the biggest piece of advice I’d give someone thinking about investing in one of these: if you don’t use it consistently, you won’t see results, and it ends up as another pricey gadget collecting dust.

The downsides and considerations

No skincare tool is perfect, and these light therapy masks can be expensive. Some cost well over a couple hundred dollars. That’s a serious investment, so if you’re on a tight budget, it may not be the best immediate purchase.

There are also handheld red light devices and cheaper panels, so if you’re curious but hesitant, you could try a less expensive version first.

Another point is the time commitment. While 10 to 20 minutes might not sound like much, it can feel longer when you’re juggling deadlines, children’s homework, cooking, and a million other responsibilities.

I managed to carve out those minutes by pairing them with a relaxing activity—like listening to soft music or practicing slow, meditative breathing. But if your schedule is already packed, you’ll want to think carefully about how (and when) you’ll fit it in.

Finally, there’s still plenty of debate among experts about how effective at-home versions really are. Professional devices used in dermatology clinics often have higher intensity or specific calibration.

So if you’re looking for targeted treatment for deeper skin issues, you might want to talk to a professional first. For my moderate goals—maintaining a healthy glow and enjoying a few minutes of calm—the at-home option seemed sufficient.

Real talk on results

I won’t claim this device is a magical, one-size-fits-all solution. After my three-week test, my skin felt a bit smoother, and there was a slight improvement in texture. I also noticed fewer breakouts during my usual monthly hormonal cycle, which was definitely a pleasant surprise.

Could that be purely thanks to the light therapy? Maybe, or maybe it’s partly because I was drinking more water and sleeping better.

It also added a soft mental break to my day. Running a business—and sometimes multiple projects at once—can be stressful. Any moment to just breathe and unplug is precious. This turned out to be a sneaky but welcome benefit. And for me, that’s a winning combination: a little bit of skin improvement paired with a calm mind.

I’d say if you’re intrigued, try it. But manage your expectations. Like so many wellness trends, it might help you, or you may just enjoy the relaxing routine. At the very least, you’ll get a quiet time-out from constant notifications.

Wrapping up

Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised by how this little gadget fit into my life. Beyond skin-deep results, the nightly ritual gave me space to unwind and reflect—a rare commodity in a fast-paced world.

If you’re an entrepreneur or anyone juggling multiple roles, setting aside time for self-care can make a real difference in how you show up in your business and personal life.

Is it worth it? If you can afford the investment and are willing to use it regularly, I think it’s a nice addition to your self-care toolkit. If not, there are plenty of other ways to get quality downtime—like meditation, reading, or even going for a quick walk.

Ultimately, whether you choose a red light mask or a different practice, the essential thing is to carve out moments where you can recharge. Consistency is what leads to genuine, lasting benefits. So if you find a routine that works for you, lean into it and let it lighten your load, literally and figuratively.