Red light therapy comes in various forms. A face mask, panel, belt, mat, or scalp helmet can all have a different use case. Therefore, the right device depends less on what is most frequently mentioned online and more on what you want to use red light therapy for, how you want to fit it into your routine, and which surface you want to treat.
Start with your goal
Do you primarily want a fixed routine for your face? Then an LED mask is an obvious choice. Do you want to illuminate a larger area, for example, your face and body? Then a panel might be more practical. For a portable routine, a belt can be interesting. For the scalp, a specially designed helmet is more logical than a general device.
Mask, panel, belt, mat, or helmet
LED mask
A mask is compact and designed for use around the face. The main advantage is convenience: you don't have to set up a large device. For example, check out the 4-in-1 LED Red Light Therapy Mask Face & Neck.
Red light panel
A panel is interesting when you want to reach a larger area. With a panel, factors such as wavelength, distance, irradiance, and treatment time play a role. See also our explanation of irradiance, dose, and fluence.
Red light therapy belt
A belt is portable and can be useful when you want to specifically treat a body area. The most important thing is that the shape fits your routine and that you follow the usage instructions.
Scalp helmet
For use around the scalp, a device designed for that purpose is more logical. Kenza offers a red light therapy scalp helmet with 660nm and 830nm for this.
What technical aspects should you look for?
Don't just look at the number of lights or the wattage. Pay attention to wavelengths, recommended distance, treatment time, light intensity, and how the device is intended to be used. More power does not automatically mean that a device is better suited for your situation.
A simple decision aid
- Face: first look at an LED mask.
- Larger surface area: compare panels.
- Portable body routine: check out a belt.
- Scalp: choose a device specifically designed for that purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Is one type of device always better?
No. The practical choice depends on the goal, body area, routine, specifications, and ease of use.
Can I only look at nm?
Not wise. Wavelength is important, but dose, distance, treatment time, and device design also play a role.
Do you want to understand the basics first? Then read what red light therapy is and what to look for, and then check out the Red Light Therapy collection.