LED Light Therapy at Home: Choosing Between Masks and Panels

Looking to bring your clients’ radiance to new heights? By maintaining results between appointments, at-home LED light therapy can answer the call. But as you strive for consistency in your clients’ routines, which type of device deserves your stamp of approval: masks or panels?

We consulted with Omnilux’s Director of Product Development, Dhaval Waghela, to dive deeper into LED light therapy masks and panels. From key fundamentals to detailed insights on selecting the best LED light therapy devices for your clients, Omnilux is here to help elevate your practice.

LED Light Therapy 101

First, the basics. Here’s how LED light therapy works alongside other in-clinic treatments to promote brighter, clearer, and healthier-looking skin.

What is LED light therapy and how does it work?

LED light therapy is a non-invasive, science-backed treatment to address skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne. It works by penetrating the skin’s surface to stimulate specific responses, like increased collagen production, blood circulation, and tissue repair.

Dhaval: LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are bulbs that deliver a narrow band of light - most commonly red (~633 nm), and near-infrared (~830 nm, ~1072 nm) - that the skin’s cells absorb. This process, often called photobiomodulation, can boost cellular energy (Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP), modulate inflammation, and support collagen production without heating or injuring tissue. Think of it like a gentle workout class for your skin cells: repeated, low-effort sessions build better function over time.

Light has been known to influence biology - from psychology (mental health) to biochemistry (vitamin D production) - and the skin is no exception. While ultraviolet (UV) in sunlight can damage skin, specific non-UV wavelengths can nudge cells toward repair.

What skin concerns does LED light therapy treat? 

Dhaval: LED light therapy has been scientifically and clinically shown to treat: 

• Acne
• Wrinkles
• Anti-aging
• Pigmentation
• Skin brightening
• Moisture retention
• Skin plumpness
• Contact dermatitis
• Pain

Each product is different. Always check the FDA-cleared device indication and clinical studies. Not all products work for all skin concerns and skin types.

Omnilux tip: Omnilux LED’s collection of FDA-cleared devices makes it easy to find the right device for specific skin concerns. The Contour collection uses red and near-infrared light to address fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness; Omnilux Clear uses blue and red light to target acne, blemishes, redness, and inflammation; and Omnilux Men uses red light and the deepest-penetrating wavelength of near-infrared light to penetrate men’s thicker skin and tackle fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation, redness, and signs of fatigue.

Is LED therapy safe and effective for at-home use?

LED therapy is safe and effective for at-home use if the device is properly designed and FDA-cleared.

Dhaval: In the US, FDA-cleared home devices are evaluated for safety and performance, and reputable manufacturers (like Omnilux) test the device to medical-electrical safety standards (for example, the IEC 60601). Effectiveness still varies by product, wavelength, and dose, so look for devices with clinical studies. Beware of unknown brands, non-FDA-cleared devices that haven’t been through safety and performance checks.

Comparing LED Light Therapy Devices: Masks vs. Panels

LED light therapy masks and panels both have their place. But while masks are ideal for home skincare routines, panels can be used on larger areas of the body during in-clinic treatment sessions.

What’s the difference between panel-style and mask-style LED devices?

LED light therapy masks are tailor-made to address signs of aging on the face, while panels can target larger areas of the body.

Dhaval: Functionally, both can deliver the same therapeutic wavelengths and doses. The biggest difference is the use case:

• Masks rest directly on the skin, are hands-free, and are built for sessions at home.
  
  
• Panels are great when you’re at a clinic or spa, or if you’re treating larger body areas.

Because panels sit off the skin, the light dosage that is absorbed by the skin can significantly reduce with distance, so many panels require higher device output, longer treatment times, or both. For non-professional-use panels, manufacturers often limit intensity for eye safety and comfort, which is why panel treatment protocols can be longer than mask treatment times.

Which delivers better results: a mask or a panel?

Whether a mask or panel will provide better results depends on which format lends itself to more consistent use, considering your client’s routine and preferences. 

Dhaval: LED light therapy masks and panels can deliver the same exact results. Results depend on wavelength, dose, schedule, and adherence. If both are FDA-cleared for the same indication and used as directed, outcomes can be comparable.

Ask yourself whether you would like to sit under the hood for 30 minutes, or would you like to walk around and do your daily activities while wearing a mask for 10 minutes. Choose the format you’ll actually use regularly.

Do panel LED devices offer stronger light intensity?

At-home panel LED devices often don’t offer stronger light intensity than masks, but instead recommend longer treatment sessions. 

Dhaval: In theory, panels should have stronger light to compensate for the distance between skin and light. In reality, many home-use panels often run at conservative intensities to meet safety standards and eye-exposure limits, so they extend treatment time instead.

When you look at a medical unit in a doctor’s office (like Omnilux Medical^TM), they have very high intensity. For these units, you need trained medical professionals to ensure safety. These also need cooling fans, and are much larger than standard panels, with LEDs tightly packed to increase the output.

Are at-home LED masks as effective as in-clinic treatments?

In-clinic treatments typically offer greater light intensity than at-home LED masks, but must be paired with consistent use for effective results.

Dhaval: Clinic visits can be an excellent boost, but the biology of LED responds to consistency. Hence the LED masks like Omnilux Contour Face or Omnilux Men make it easy to keep a routine - short, regular sessions - so you accumulate the dosage your skin needs. Think of in-clinic treatment as the deep cleaning and your mask as the daily brushing of your teeth that keeps teeth healthy between appointments.

How does treatment time differ between a panel and a mask?

LED panels require longer treatment times than masks.

Dhaval: As panels are a few inches away from the skin compared to masks, the duration of treatment or the intensity of light must increase. Masks sit on the skin - touching the skin, so they can deliver a target dose in shorter, more convenient sessions. Panels have to balance distance, intensity, and time to achieve similar doses.

What to Expect: Ease of Use and Real-World Results

As with any cosmetic treatment, it’s crucial to manage clients’ expectations and offer clear guidance to ensure the best possible results. From consistency to treatment timelines, here’s what to expect.

Which type of LED device is easier to use consistently?

Dhaval: The device that’s easier to use consistently is the one that is user-friendly and convenient. For most busy people, hands-free masks win: Pop it on while you’re doing dishes or watching a show, and you’re far more likely to stick with the schedule that drives results.

We design our devices with a user focus around that reality - simple controls, short sessions, and comfortable fit - to support adherence. Consistency is the key to perfection in photobiology.

Does lying under a panel give the same results as a hands-free mask?

Dhaval: Yes, if you compare like-for-like: same indication, similar wavelengths, and a properly matched total dose over a full treatment course. Always verify that the products are FDA-cleared and clinically proven. Non-FDA cleared products that do not have clinical studies and safety certifications will not deliver the same results as they are not optimized for effectiveness.

Each product is different; follow the user guide for expected results. The duration of each treatment and the frequency of treatment with the panel may be different compared to masks to achieve the results.

What should I expect after 4 weeks of LED therapy?

After 4 weeks of consistent LED therapy with a reputable device, you can expect a noticeable improvement in your skin.

Dhaval: With Omnilux masks, some users may see early changes by 2 weeks, with most seeing noticeable improvements by 4 to 6 weeks. It’s important to take before and after pictures. Since we see our faces all the time, day-to-day changes can be subtle. Take well-lit photos as the baseline and every 2 weeks. Keep expectations healthy: LED won’t make anyone 20 years younger, but it can help skin function better and look healthier over time - smoother lines, improved tone, and a more even look as collagen and elastin production add up.

Is there clinical evidence behind mask-style LED devices?

Yes, there’s absolutely clinical evidence behind mask-style LED devices from Omnilux.

Dhaval: Omnilux devices have been studied in peer-reviewed work on photoaging and acne, among other topics. Omnilux has more than 40 clinical studies performed – you can find them on our Clinical Bibliography page.

Look for trials using red (633 nm), near-infrared (830 nm, 1072 nm), and blue (415 nm) light in the relevant indications. Many companies claim their LED devices are effective and reference clinical studies to support those claims. However, those studies often involve general LED technology or different brands - not their specific devices. The most reliable proof of effectiveness comes from clinical studies conducted on the brand’s own mask, demonstrating its results directly.

How to Choose the Right LED Light Therapy Device

Help your clients discover the best LED light therapy device for their needs. Omnilux LED is widely viewed as the leading name in LED light therapy, with FDA-cleared devices to address an expansive range of common skin concerns.

What should I consider before buying an LED light therapy device?

Dhaval: Keep these considerations in mind when buying an LED light therapy device:

1. Is it FDA-cleared for your intended use?

2. Does it have product-specific clinical studies?

If you like to go deeper and do your research, consider quality certifications like ISO, MDSAP, CA/UK certification, or CE marking. These certifications indicate that the brand goes through yearly quality audits, and the quality of the product can be trusted.

Lastly, do not solely depend on paid endorsements (on social media) from doctors, scientists, or experts that declare a “best mask” without showing any scientific evidence behind it.

Why do prices vary so much between different LED devices?

Prices vary significantly between LED devices because of differences in FDA clearance, supporting clinical and safety data, LED bulb quality, wavelength intensity, and output consistency.

Dhaval: Prices for LED masks can fall under these categories:

• Low-Cost Devices (less than $150): Typically, unpopular brands, non-FDA cleared, and without any clinical data. Devices often use broadband LEDs, inconsistent output, or minimal safety testing, which can reduce effectiveness and reliability.
  
  
• Mid-Range Medical Grade Devices ($150 to $500): Typically reflects costs of clinical testing, regulatory compliance, high-quality LEDs with narrow and stringent wavelength tolerances, and durable construction. High quality - narrow band LEDs are critical for effectiveness.
  
  
• Ultra-High Prices (more than $500): Typically, these do not always add value for masks. If you compare other devices, like panels, or devices with additional modalities (e.g., cooling), they naturally cost more due to size and features.

Is it worth investing in a premium at-home LED mask?

Dhaval: It’s worth investing in a premium at-home LED mask that you’ll use as a daily self-care treatment. An LED mask turns professional-grade wavelengths into short, repeatable at-home sessions, keeping your skin on a healthy cadence between clinic visits. For most Omnilux routine users, cost per session typically drops very low ($1 to $1.50) - lower than a cup of coffee!

How do I know if an LED device is FDA-cleared?

Dhaval: Simply search online for “brand – device name and FDA 510k number”. You should get a K-number for the product. Example: Omnilux Clear is listed under K210948. If you cannot find a number, reach out to the sales or customer service team to ask for this information.

Ready to welcome LED light therapy into your practice? The Omnilux Provider Partnership can expand your practice’s earning potential while helping your clients maintain their results between in-clinic professional treatments. Apply today!