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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.”
I’ve tried other red light therapy devices in the past, but nothing has really stuck with me long-term. What made the Omnilux Contour Face Mask different was the lightweight, flexible feel. It was far more comfortable than hard-shell devices like the TheraFace, and I really appreciated that I could even wear my glasses over it—allowing it to better fit into my evening routine. I used it directly after double-cleansing and before applying retinol and moisturizer.
I found different gadgets—power adapters, cords, the remote—a little overwhelming at first, but they proved to be easy enough to sort out: You have to charge the remote with the adapter and cable, then plug it into a different cord attached to the mask to actually use it. Once the remote was fully charged, it was no problem to use: Hook it to the mask, press the “on” button, and go on your way for 10 minutes. The cord is a few feet long, so I could tuck the controller into my pocket and walk around hands-free.
There were two drawbacks: It lacks the blue light that other models offer, which targets acne-causing bacteria, so I was a little disappointed on this front. It also doesn’t offer protection around the eyes, so I had a bit of red light in my peripheral vision as I went about my day. However, neither was bothersome enough to be a dealbreaker for me.
After two weeks of using the Omnilux Contour Face three times a week, I’ve noticed that my skin is less red and generally calmer than it typically is, and several dark spots (from former zits) have faded. The plumping is subtle but noticeable, in my opinion, and I can expect even better results with continued use, according to Dr. Gohara. “Four weeks is a realistic timeframe for some users to notice some very, subtle changes—especially with consistent use—but cumulative benefits usually build over eight to 12 weeks,” she told me.
Is the Omnilux Contour Face Mask FDA-approved?
Like some other red-light therapy masks, including the TheraFace, Dr. Dennis Gross SpectraLite, and Currentbody, the Omnilux Contour Face is not FDA-approved. Rather, it’s FDA-cleared, which means that the FDA has assessed it and determined that it’s “substantially equivalent” to other, FDA-approved LED devices—and therefore safe and effective for at-home use.
How often should you use the Omnilux Contour Face Mask?
The brand recommends using it three to five times a week, and each session is 10 minutes long. That can make or break your results: “Consistency is key—think of it like exercise for your skin,” says Dr. Gohara.
Is the Omnilux Contour Face Mask worth it?
The Omnilux Contour Face Mask can be a worthwhile supplement to your existing skin-care regimen—if you set your expectations accordingly. “Red light therapy is generally safe, but it’s not a miracle cure,” says Dr. Gohara. “Results are gradual, not dramatic, and it’s most effective as part of a broader skin-care routine.”