Consider the different types of devices
At-home red-light therapy is available in a mix of options depending on your ~vibes~. Want to get stuff done around your apartment while you do your red-light therapy? Try an LED light mask. Or perhaps you prefer to take the three minutes out of your day to chill out and massage your face, which means you might like a double-duty handheld red-light device. If you want to get the red-light benefits on your face and body though, definitely check out a panel you can prop up and use on your legs, chest, and stomach.
Take wavelength and color into consideration
Every red-light therapy device features different red and infrared wavelengths. So, you should consider which type of light you want depending on your goals, as well as how strong you want the light to be. The most effective wavelengths, according to Dr. Henry, are in the mid-600 nanometer range (which every tool on this list meets, btw).
Similarly, figure out if you want a device that only features red lights, or one that incorporates a mix of different colors. For example, some masks offer modes for red light, as well as blue light to help kill acne-causing bacteria, green light to reportedly even out your skin tone, and amber light to possibly help reduce some inflammation.
Think about your budget
You don’t have to purchase the most expensive device on the market to reap results. Dr. Gohara compares it to purchasing a car: “If you get the base model, it may not have all the bells and whistles,” she says. So, check in with yourself on the features you actually do prioritize, like multiple wavelengths for a more rounded treatment, or an auto shut-off if you just want to pop on your red-light therapy mask and forget about it.