Beauty

Yes, The Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo Is Expensive — But I Think It’s Worth It

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The Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask on a wavy orange background.
(Best Buy)

I’m in my 30s, and over the past few years, my skincare routine has evolved. I’m less concerned with acne — though I still get the odd breakout now and again — and more focused on fighting signs of aging. I think of skincare as an ever-evolving ritual, and I love adding new devices and treatments whenever possible, especially when they promise firmer skin and smoother-looking wrinkles. So naturally, when LED masks started popping up everywhere, I was intrigued.

I think it’s fair to say that LED masks are really having a moment right now, and there’s no shortage of options on the market. Dr. Dennis Gross, Shark, Omnilux, and more have released models promising to address various skincare concerns; heck, even lesser-known Amazon retailers have gotten in on the action with more affordable, though potentially less effective, options. While I definitely see these gadgets as “nice-to-haves” rather than necessities, they’re worth looking into if you don’t mind splurging on skincare or are looking for a slightly less expensive alternative to monthly red light treatments with an aesthetician.

So, in the name of science, I surfed and I scrolled, looking for the right LED mask for me. After reading the reviews and digging into the specs, I landed on the Therabody TheraFace Glo LED Skincare Mask.

Now let’s dive into my thoughts.

Key Specs

  • Therapeutic Wavelengths: Red, Red + Infrared, and Blue LED Light
  • Number of LEDs: 504
  • Additional Features: Vibration
  • Battery Type: Cordless/Rechargeable
  • Battery Life: 60 Minutes
  • Weight: 514 Grams
  • Treatment Length: 4-12 Minutes
  • Warranty: 1-Year Limited Warranty

My review of the Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask

I’ve been using Therabody’s TheraFace Depuffing Wand for a while now, and I’m pretty obsessed. Since I trust the brand’s skincare gadget range, I figured this wouldn’t let me down.

Designed to slide over your face and stay in place with intersecting Velcro straps, the Therabody TheraFace Glo LED Skincare Mask offers a customized fit — though getting it positioned just right took a bit of trial and error. If it’s too loose or positioned incorrectly, you’ll get quite a bit of light leakage around your eyes, which is the opposite of relaxing. Once you get the fit right, though, it’s easy to scroll on your phone or read. You’ll still get a tiny bit of light coming through, but the cushioned eye pockets keep most of it out.

The front and back of the Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask.
Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask (Alice Prendergast)

Operation is pretty foolproof. Just hit the power button on the side, and a 12-minute cycle progresses through all three therapeutic wavelengths for a comprehensive treatment. Equipped with 504 red, infrared, and blue LED lights, it’s clinically proven to reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles and fine lines while boosting brightness and improving the appearance of aging skin.

It promises to deliver on these claims in as little as eight weeks. I’ve been using it for about that long now, and I’m starting to see more radiance, while the creases around my eyes have diminished slightly. I wasn’t expecting night-and-day results, but I do love what I’m seeing and think it could make an even bigger difference with continued use.

While I usually opt for the full cycle, a press of the button allows you to choose each wavelength independently if you want to target specific skin concerns. A little lesson in wavelengths: red targets fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots; blue targets acne-causing bacteria; and red and infrared light work to boost collagen and reduce the appearance of deeper wrinkles. Customization is key when you’re paying a pretty penny, and Therabody has done its job.

Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask red and blue light settings.
Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask Lights (Alice Prendergast)

Another selling point of the mask is its vibration technology, which offers a gentle scalp massage while it works its skincare magic. You can choose between low-level massage, high-level massage, a pulse, or no massage at all.

No tech product is without its flaws, and there are a few worth noting — though in my opinion, none are dealbreakers. The vibration settings are sadly a miss for me. Before it arrived, I assumed the massage would happen around the eye area, but the vibration actually comes from the sides and top of your head, around the straps. It’s not powerful enough to really feel like a massage, and I find it more irritating than relaxing. Luckily, you can switch it off with one of the side buttons.

While the mask is comfortable, it definitely takes some getting used to. I wouldn’t call it heavy, but it’s certainly not lightweight. You can feel it the entire time you’re wearing it, so you don’t exactly forget it’s there. And on that note, its size doesn’t make it particularly travel-friendly.

Is the Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask worth the hype?

Alice wearing the Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask.
Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask fit (Alice Prendergast)

All in all, I think most people looking to try an LED mask would be into this one. It offers a secure fit, cordless convenience, and, most importantly, results. While the vibration settings leave something to be desired, they’re not what makes this light mask shine (pun intended). I’ve noticed a significant difference in my skin with consistent use, and many reviewers agree. However, if you don’t have time to commit to 12-minute sessions almost daily, this may not be the skincare solution for you.

Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask Pros

  • Three types of LED light (red, infrared, and blue)
  • Delivers visible results
  • Cordless design
  • Treatment is quick and easy

Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Vibration settings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea
  • Bulkier and heavier than flexible models
  • Battery only lasts about five sessions

What are reviewers saying about the Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo LED Skincare Mask?

The Therabody TheraFace Glo LED Skincare Mask holds an average rating of 4.6 stars on Best Buy. With consistent use, reviewers reported visible improvements in their skin, including a smoother, brighter complexion, firmer skin, and fewer fine lines. Many also say it’s helped address acne and uneven skin tone. A few reviewers found the battery life to be subpar (I did not experience this!), while others didn’t enjoy the vibration settings. Still, the mask is largely praised as a great addition to any skincare routine.

Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.