When Therabody’s TheraFace Mask launched just over two years ago in September 2023, we were instantly impressed. The device paired red light therapy, a well-studied modality that was at the time just starting to make waves for at-home use, with the massage technique the brand is best known for—delivering this dual technology in a futuristic, hard-shell mask designed to treat nearly all aesthetic skin concerns in just a few minutes of wear. From boosting collagen production to smoothing fine lines, the pros are many—the only con is the cost. Priced at $599, the mask is certainly an investment; which got Therabody thinking: “What if we made something more accessible?” And so, the TheraFace Mask Glo was born.
Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo
.jpg)
- Why We Love It: Think of this as the more affordable alternative to Therabody’s TheraFace Mask. Great for entry users, per Therabody vice president of science and innovation Tim Roberts, this offers a “lighter fit, easier comfort/breathability, cordless wear, and a single, guided 12-minute program—all designed to remove friction and make daily consistency realistic.” Powered by red, infrared, and blue light wavelengths, plus a unique vibration massage technology, this seeks to address skin tone, texture, fine lines, breakouts, and dullness in a single treatment.
- Device Type: Rigid polycarbonate mask
- Target Treatment Area: Entire face, partial neck
- Treatment Time: 12 minutes
- Specs: FDA-cleared, protective eye shields, vibration therapy, three light wavelengths
“We saw a gap for people who wanted proven LED results but at a more attainable entry point,” Roberts tells Vogue—the idea being to allow more people to build LED into daily life. “Mask Glo is more attainable in price ($380), lighter in weight, and uses slightly fewer LEDs balanced by a slightly longer treatment duration to maintain efficacy with the same clinically proven dose of light—so results remain strong while still creating a seamless experience for everyday users.” With such impressive benefits in both its offerings, its no surprise Therabody masks have garnered so much acclaim—from skin-care enthusiasts and experts to celebrities like Kendall Jenner who fronts the new device’s campaign.
About the TheraFace Mask Glo
While the original utilized 648 medical-grade lights, this one draws upon 504, each emitting red, blue, and infrared wavelengths with skin improvement and recovery in mind. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD notes that, at a cellular level, LED therapy uses light energy to activate skin cells like fibroblasts to make collagen, where different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at various depths to target specific concerns. The longer the wavelength, the deeper it goes into the skin.
“Red light (630-660nm) penetrates into the mid-dermal layers targeting fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and elastin),” she says; studies show it can help with fine lines, improve firmness and overall tone. “Infrared (810-880nm) light penetrates even deeper, reaching the deep dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin. It helps with circulation and tissue repair, which supports long-term rejuvenation and healing. Blue light (405-470nm) targets the uppermost layer of the skin targeting surface bacteria and oil glands. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s most beneficial for acne-prone skin types.” By offering all three wavelengths, Dr. Shirazi says that Mask Glo is in line with what she’d expect from consistent professional-grade treatments. “In my practice, patients who commit to a regular LED routine often see improvements in texture, tone, and radiance within a few weeks.”
If these benefits aren’t enough, the device also has a compelling vibration massage—called the VibraWave—unlike any other mask on the market. As Roberts puts it, this applies gentle rhythmic vibration at the crown—an area that commonly holds tension. “Pairing LED with relaxation supports routine adherence and adds a calming, wellness benefit to a results-driven skin-care step.” Board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD bolsters this point: “More data is needed, but gentle vibration can potentially improve circulation, lymphatic flow, and muscle relaxation, which may enhance the skin’s glow and support healthy scalp function,” she says (though we do know that relaxation and stress relief are critical to skin health).
How to Use the TheraFace Mask Glo
To ensure the device delivers the results anticipated from its predecessor, Mask Glo utilizes an extended application time—via a 12-minute guided program. “Our vision was to deliver clinically validated wavelengths and dosing in a frictionless, feel-good ritual people can actually stick with—so the science translates into visible change,” Roberts explains.
As with any gadget or modality, experts emphasize consistency for best results. To use, place the device onto clean, dry skin and adjust the velcro straps accordingly to your desired fit. No need to secure it super tight: Once set, it shouldn’t move too much throughout wear. Press and hold the LED power button to begin the 12-minute treatment as it toggles between red, red and infrared, then blue light sessions. At any time, press the vibration power button to adjust or turn off the massage feature. Once complete, continue with your skin-care routine as usual.
My Experience With the TheraFace Mask Glo
True to design, I found my tests of the TheraFace Mask Glo as seamless as Robert insists. Weighing in at 18.13 oz (which is 514 grams or 1.14 pounds), this is lighter than one would anticipate for a hard-shell mask powered by such dynamic technologies. That said, while it may not offer the same multitasking conveniences as a silicone mask (that might sit more flush on the skin and feature a mouth hole for eating and drinking), it is still quite comfortable. Once situated on my head, I only had to adjust it a handful of times—mostly because I got impatient and tried to do some household chores simultaneously. Twelve minutes is a good length of time—I’d recommend relaxing; maybe read a book or watch a movie, though if you’re unable to sit still like me, you can get a little more active without worry.
Generally, one of my biggest qualms with light therapy devices is choosing the light wavelength that best suits your needs. As someone looking to address both signs of aging and acne, I find myself toggling between blue and red light occasionally, so I like that this one takes out the guesswork by combining three wavelengths in one session. The device offers impressive full-face coverage, meaning that, because of its design, the light extends to the neck and décolletage, too—a nice bonus for those interested in below-the-chin care.
Is TheraFace Mask Glo FDA Cleared?
While I’ve only been testing it for a week and it’s too early to tell on the results-front, the fact that I had such a great experience with the original gives me confidence. Plus, this version is FDA-cleared and backed by the largest clinical study for an LED mask. “FDA clearance ensures the device meets strict safety and efficacy standards,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says. “Being backed by the largest clinical LED mask study adds credibility, confirming real, measurable improvements rather than relying on marketing claims. It helps patients and consumers trust that the technology delivers what it promises.”
Meet the Experts
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD is an award-winning cosmetic and medical dermatologist in Newport Beach, California, and New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell Medical Center.
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California.
- Tim Roberts is the vice president of science and innovation at Therabody.
