The most sought-after skin-care product these days isn’t a potent face serum or a collagen face mask, but rather the Omnilux Contour Face Mask. Because while topical formulas can offer a lot for skin, LED face masks like the Omnilux are thought to penetrate even deeper, working on a cellular level to help firm, brighten, and even plump skin.

Not surprisingly, there are quite a few of these facial tools to choose from, be it the Currentbody LED Face Mask or the TheraBody TheraFace. But the Omnilux Contour Face in particular gets quite a lot of love from dermatologists, and for good reason. While no at-home red light therapy device can compete with in-office procedures, this one really can deliver the smoother, more radiant skin it promises—with consistent and long-term use, of course. With that in mind, here’s what you should know.

About the Omnilux Contour Face Mask

The Omnilux Contour Face Mask is a flexible, silicone mask that’s equipped with 132 medical-grade lights, which emit light in two wavelengths—one red and another near-infrared. The brand has a very strong foundation for its technology, since it initially offered medical devices to dermatologists and other providers before branching out into at-home tools.

For those unfamiliar with the tech, “red light therapy uses specific wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate mitochondrial activity, which boosts ATP production—essentially giving skin cells more energy to repair and regenerate,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut.

In doing so, red light therapy can boost collagen formation, quell inflammation, and improve circulation, which together can deliver smoother skin texture and more even tone. Better yet, there’s also research to back it up. “The mechanism is well-studied, though individual results can vary based on skin type and condition,” she says.

Keep in mind, though, that red light therapy isn’t for everyone. “People with photosensitive conditions or on light-sensitive medications should consult a professional before use,” says Dr. Gohara; that includes melasma, which red light therapy can inadvertently worsen.

• What It Is: The Omnilux Contour Face is a light therapy tool powered by red and near-infrared lights to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade the appearance of discoloration and redness, and target other signs of aging. After four weeks, all 25 participants thought their skin felt brighter, plumper, and more hydrated.
• Device Type: Flexible silicone mask
• Target Treatment Area: Entire face
• Red Light Wavelength: Red 633nm, near-infrared 830nm
• Treatment Time: 10 minutes
• Specs: 132 LEDs, rechargeable battery controller, power supply and plug adaptors, USB-cords, head straps, storage bag

How to Use the Omnilux Contour Face Mask

The Omnilux Contour Face is easy to use. First, use the included charging cable to charge the remote controller. (I did this overnight.) Then, plug the silicone mask into the remote controller and slip it over your head, making sure your face is clean. Adjust the head straps to your comfort level. Begin the treatment by pressing the button on the remote controller. After 10 minutes, it shuts off automatically.

My Experience With the Omnilux Contour Face Mask

My skin is very demanding: As I near my late-30s, I have the luxury (I suppose) of having both signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark spots, as well as hormonal breakouts and the requisite scarring. My goal was for the Omnilux to dispatch both, which Dr. Gohara believes it can. “Red light therapy has been shown to support collagen production and reduce inflammation, which can explain firmer, brighter skin and less redness,” she says of the brand’s claims. “The plumping effect is often related to hydration and barrier support.”