TheraFace Mask: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

TheraFace Mask: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

Authors: Therabody Scientists: Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, LDN; Tim Roberts, MSc; Rachelle Reed, PhD, MS, ACSM-EP 

Professional LED-light therapy was once a treatment reserved for elite wellness spas — until recently. Now, getting clinically proven light treatments at home is more feasible than ever, especially with devices like TheraFace Mask.  

This full-face treatment provides red light, red and infrared light, blue light, and vibration therapy to the face. Clinical research shows these treatments help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lift and firm sagging skin, lighten dark spots, and improve overall skin texture. Consistent use of the device can help transform your skin.  

As LED masks enter the market, you may have questions about how they work — from the science behind their features, to how they integrate into your daily beauty routine.  

Here, Therabody’s science and innovation experts answer your most commonly asked questions about LED masks, including the TheraFace Mask, giving insider tips to help you get the most out of your device.  

 

The science & technology behind the TheraFace Mask   

 First, we’ll cover the science and technology in the TheraFace Mask.  

What are the different light therapy options, and what does each one do?  

 

The TheraFace Mask includes three forms of light therapy: blue light, red light, and red + infrared light.  

  • Blue light therapy:This is a short wavelength of light that works on the skin’s surface to target acne-causing bacteria. Blue light gets absorbed by bacteria, helping to kill them. This helps reduce inflammatory acne and promote healing without harsh ingredients. [1]
  • Red light therapy: Red light therapy uses a longer wavelength of light that can penetrate beneath the skin and boost cellular energy production, which supports tissue repair. Red light also supports collagen production. Collagen helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and elasticity, and support overall skin rejuvenation. [2, 3] 
  • Red + Infrared light therapy: The final light therapy type in the TheraFace Mask combines red and infrared light therapy. Infrared light is the longest of the three wavelengths. It penetrates deep into the skin — reaching muscles and connective tissue to help boost healing, reduce inflammation, and support skin rejuvenation. It creates a slight warming sensation on the skin. Because red and infrared light have different wavelengths, they work at different depths, so they’re often combined in treatments to provide comprehensive benefits. [4, 5] 

Check out this article for a more in-depth breakdown of the science behind these treatments. 

 

 

Why does the treatment follow the order of red light, red + infrared light, and then blue light?  

The TheraFace Mask guides you through a preset nine-minute session, spending three minutes in each of the three light modes. This order is carefully designed to deliver the exact doses of light your skin needs for the best results.  

It starts with red light to boost collagen production, then combines red and infrared light to penetrate deeper and increase circulation with gentle warmth and finishes with blue light to target surface bacteria. You can also skip a light mode or end your session early by pressing the LED button (more details on this below). 

  

How does the included vibration therapy work?  

The TheraFace Mask combines LED light therapy with targeted vibration therapy for tension-relieving massage benefits. Vibrating massage promotes relaxation and helps relieve tension on key pressure points around the temples, brow, and scalp. Plus, it helps boost circulation around the eye area for a more refreshed look. 

 Vibration works by increasing blood flow to the area. Improving blood flow to the face helps deliver nutrients to the skin's surface to support healthy, glowing skin. [6] 

 You can use vibration therapy as a standalone treatment by turning off the LED light. You can also turn off the vibration therapy for an LED light-only treatment. 

 

What are TheraFace Mask’s specs, at a glance? What do they mean?  

Here’s a quick look at the key technical details of the TheraFace Mask, so you know exactly what makes the treatment effective and safe. [7, 8] 

Number of lights: 648.  

  • The TheraFace Mask contains the highest number of light sources on the market. This ensures full, even coverage — so your full face receives the exact intended dose of light. The device has 216 LEDs or “multi-chips.” Each multi-chip is “tri-wick,” meaning each has three lights: one red, one infrared, and one blue light, totaling up to 648 lights. 

 

Wavelength  

The wavelengths included in your LED mask determine the benefit you'll receive. Different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at different depths. For example, blue light is a shorter wavelength of light with a lower penetration depth than red light. So, blue light can target the skin's surface while red light can penetrate beneath the skin for benefits at the cellular level. 

Peak wavelength: This describes the peak wavelength of light each therapy uses to target different layers of your skin. Longer wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin, while shorter ones work closer to the surface. 

  • Blue light: 415 ± 5 nm 
  • Red light: 630 ± 5 nm 
  • Infrared light: 830 ± 5 nm 

 

Wavelength Range: This describes the range of wavelengths used to calculate the amount of energy of each light therapy that is actively reaching the skin and providing a benefit. LED’s produce a distinct peak wavelength but will have a large range and it is important to ensure the majority of the energy is coming from a narrow enough range for you to see benefits. 

  • Blue light: 415 ± 10%
  • Red light: 630 ± 10% 
  • Infrared light: 830 ± 10% 

 

Penetration depth: This refers to the depth a wavelength of light can reach. Remember, longer wavelengths of light can penetrate more deeply than shorter wavelengths. 

  • Blue light: 0.7-1mm 
  • Red light: (630 nm) - 1-2mm 
  • Infrared light: (830 nm) - Up to several centimeters 

 

Power  

The power of your LED mask determines the intensity of your treatment. Think of power like a light dimmer. The lower the intensity, the lower the power of the light. You want to choose a device that has a strong power so that you receive therapeutic benefits without reaching a dangerous level. 

 

Radiation flux (whole device): This measures how much total energy (the power) a light therapy device is emitting from its surface. It’s carefully controlled to be safe and comfortable for daily use. 

  • Blue light: 829 mW/second 
  • Red light: 946 mW/second
  • Infrared light: 712 mW/second 

 

Power density target: Light therapy devices are designed to deliver the optimal fluence via a precisely controlled power density for a specific treatment duration in therapeutic and safe dosages. The power density should be high enough to make the treatment efficient (a 3-minute treatment, rather than a 30-minute treatment) but not too high that it causes harm, becomes uncomfortable, or causes the device to overheat or malfunction.  

  • TheraFace Mask LED light: A power density target of 55-87 mW/cm2 gets you the optimal fluence in 3 minutes 

 

Power density: Power density (oftentimes referred to as irradiance) is the amount of light energy emitted per unit (square centimeter).   

  • Blue Light: 64 +/- 10% mW/cm2 
  • Red Light: 73 +/- 10% mW/cm2
  • Red + Infrared Light: 73+/- 10; 55 +/- 10% mW/cm2 

 

Power density safety limit: Light therapy devices are designed to deliver the optimal fluence without exceeding safety limits. The scientific safety standards are: 

  • Blue light: <100 mW/cm2 
  • Red light: <300 mW/cm2 
  • Red & Infrared light: <300 / <750 mW/cm2 

 

Dose 

The dose of light refers to the amount of light you need to see a treatment benefit. Think about it like a dietary supplement; you want to take a high enough dosage to get the treatment benefit.  

Dose (Fluence): Dose refers to the total amount of light energy the skin absorbs during each session. The dose of each light treatment is aligned with what the research shows to be effective (depending on the device’s power density) and safe (within the power density safety limit). 

  • Fluence target in one session: 10-15 J/cm2
  • Blue light: 11.52 ± 10% J/cm² 
  • Red light: 13.14 ± 10% J/cm² 
  • Red & Infrared light: 11.52 ± 10% J/cm²   

 

Total energy produced by the device: This refers to the strength and effectiveness of the light therapy the LED mask provides in the treatment time. 

  • Blue light: 149 ± 10% J in a 3-minute treatment 
  • Red light: 170 ± 10% J in a 3-minute treatment  
  • Infrared light: 128 ± 10% J in a 3-minute treatment 

 

Why does the preset treatment spend 3 minutes at each wavelength of light? 

Each 3-minute light therapy segment is carefully timed to deliver the exact, science-backed dose your skin needs for real results

The therapeutic dosage can be calculated using the following formula: Dose (Fluence) = Power Density (mW/cm2) x Time (s) x 0.001 

This means that in the 3-minute treatment time, at the device's power density of 55-87 mW/cm2, it can deliver an optimal dose of light, within 10-15 J/cm2.  

 

 

Benefits & how to use the TheraFace Mask  

Here are the most common questions about incorporating the TheraFace Mask into your daily skincare routine, and the clinically proven benefits of using the device consistently.  

 

At what point in a skincare routine should you use the Mask?   

Always use the TheraFace Mask on clean, dry skin. That may include cleansing and washing your skin without applying any products. This ensures your skin is free of dirt, oil, sunscreen, or makeup that may block the mask’s light from fully reaching your skin. It also minimizes the likelihood of irritation from mixing treatments. 

So, the ideal order should be: Cleanse and dry your skin, use the TheraFace Mask, and then complete the rest of your skincare routine, like applying serums, moisturizers, or other treatments. 

Always avoid applying retinol to the skin before using TheraFace Mask, as this can make your skin sensitive to light. 

 

Can I use the TheraFace Mask if I have Botox or fillers? 

Take precautions before using light therapy or vibration therapy if you’ve had recent facial treatment such as neurotoxin (Botox), dermal filler, microneedling, laser, and/or chemical peel until skin has fully healed. Always seek the guidance of your medical provider, who can advise on your specific case and treatments. 

 

Should I use the TheraFace Mask in the morning or at night?   

The TheraFace Mask can be used at any point in the day. Some studies show that using light therapy in the morning is better than at night, as light can interfere with sleep quality by promoting wakefulness. That said, use the TheraFace Mask at a time of day that works best for you, whether that’s in the morning, or as a part of your wind-down routine at night. [9, 10] 

 

How often should I use the TheraFace Mask?  

The TheraFace Mask delivers science-backed treatments designed to be used once daily. This consistency really matters. For example, many of the benefits of red light therapy, like improved skin tone and reduced signs of aging, have been shown in studies using daily treatments over three months. [11] 

Incorporate TheraFace Mask into your daily routine for the best outcomes. 

 

Can I use the TheraFace Mask more than once a day? 

We don’t recommend using the TheraFace Mask more than once a day. The dosage of light delivered in a single treatment is specifically designed to give you the exact treatment you need when used once a day.

 

What should I do if I want to skip a treatment?  

While the TheraFace Mask has a preset treatment that cycles through all three light therapies, it also allows you to toggle through LED wavelengths, shortening their treatment time or skipping altogether. If you want to skip one altogether (say you want to omit blue light as acne isn’t a pressing concern for you), you can press the LED button to end your treatment early, or skip to red light.   

 

What should I do if I experience hyperpigmentation from blue light?  

Blue light is gentle on the skin and is generally well tolerated. If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, you may want to skip the blue light treatment. Skip blue light therapy if you have melasma.  

When the LED treatment reaches blue light therapy, simply press the LED button to end your treatment. 

 

 

Can you describe the results of the TheraFace Mask clinical trial?   

In 2023, Therabody partnered with Media Lab Science to conduct a 12-week study to evaluate the efficacy of using the TheraFace Mask daily. 

 

A total of 31 individuals participated in the study and were instructed to complete a preset 9-minute LED light therapy treatment every day. Measures of skin health were evaluated at the start of the study, at 8 weeks, and after 12 weeks.  

 

At the end of the 12 weeks:  

 

TheraFace Mask was clinically proven to:  

  • Improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improve firmness, facial contour, and sagging/loose skin  
  • Improve appearance of skin tone evenness with visible dark spot lightening  
  • Improve skin radiance, luminosity, and the overall appearance of healthy skin
  • Improve skin texture and smoothness 

 

Participants reported:  

  • 93.5% felt their skin looked healthier overall 
  • 90.3% reported that their skin looked more radiant 
  • 87.1% noticed a more even skin tone 
  • 83.9% felt their skin was firmer 
  • 77.4% saw fewer dark spots and age spots
  • 74.2% reported less skin sagging

Read the full breakdown of the clinical study here.   

 

What are the key differences between the TheraFace Pro and the TheraFace Mask?  

The TheraFace PRO and TheraFace Mask are both designed to help you get healthier, more radiant skin. And while they offer some of the same treatments, they work in different ways.  

 

Treatment application:

  • The TheraFace PRO is a handheld device with interchangeable attachments that deliver a variety of treatments. You can actively apply each treatment where you want it on the face.
  • The TheraFace Mask is a wearable (hands-free) device. You can just sit back and relax during your treatments, or multi-task while you benefit.

 

Treatments offered:  

  • The TheraFace PRO has attachments that provide LED light therapy (red, blue, and infrared), cleansing support, percussive therapy, microcurrent, and heat and cold therapy (with additional attachments). The device comes with Bluetooth and access to aesthetician-designed routines, so you get the most out of each treatment. 
  • The TheraFace Mask provides red, blue, and infrared light therapy structured into a 9-minute treatment routine, paired with vibration therapy. 

 

Differences in massage: 

  • The TheraFace PRO allows you to target specific areas of your face with percussive therapy. It helps reduce tension in the face, jaw, and forehead.  
  • The TheraFace Mask provides a gentle massage to the temples and the head.

 

How do you choose? If you’re looking for a multifunctional device that can do it all and don’t mind taking a more hands-on approach to skin care, the TheraFace Pro may be a good fit for you. If you’re looking for a hands-off, spa-like treatment that targets signs of skin aging (while providing a gentle temple massage), the TheraFace Mask may be better suited for your needs.  

 

Key Takeaways 

  • The TheraFace Mask is designed to provide science-backed LED light therapy and massage treatments to improve fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and skin texture.  
  • For the best results, use it daily on clean, dry skin (preferably in the morning if you’re sensitive to light exposure before bed).
  • The treatment is just 9 minutes, providing 3 minutes of red, red and infrared, and blue LED light.
  • In a clinical trial, many participants saw improvements in their skin within 8 weeks of using the device daily, with even more profound improvements at 12 weeks.
  • If you’re looking for an all-in-one skincare device that includes microcurrent, facial massage, and cleansing (in addition to LED light therapy, consider the TheraFace PRO. 

 

References:

  1. Clinical Efficacy of Self-applied Blue Light Therapy for Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne
  2. A study to determine the efficacy of combination LED light therapy (633 nm and 830 nm) in facial skin rejuvenation
  3. A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light-emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin
  4. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase
  5. Comparative clinical study of light analgesic effect on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) using red and infrared led therapy
  6. The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects
  7. Intricacies of Dose in Laser Phototherapy for Tissue Repair and Pain Relief
  8. Review of light parameters and photobiomodulation efficacy: dive into complexity
  9. Light exposure during sleep impairs cardiometabolic function 
  10. Effects of red light on sleep and mood in healthy subjects and individuals with insomnia disorder 
  11. Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation 
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