If you've been scrolling through TikTok lately, there's a good chance you've stumbled upon one of the millions of DIY videos surrounding red light therapy. From affordable face masks to splurge-worthy hats, at-home LED light therapy devices have quickly become a staple in many individuals' skin care regime. Whether you have mature skin or simply seeking preventative measures, red light neck products provide numerous anti-aging benefits.
According to Dr. Akshay Sanan, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Sanan Facial Plastic Surgery, the face and neck are often the first areas to reveal signs of aging, including sun damage, fine lines, loss of elasticity and “tech-neck” creases. If you are tired of dealing with saggy skin or pesky wrinkles, red light neck products can assist in treating your skin woes.
Along with Sanan, we also spoke with Dr. Rebecca Small, a board-certified physician specializing in advanced skin rejuvenation techniques and founder of RSMD Medical Aesthetics, to share the many advantages of using red light therapy products on the neck.
Scroll down to shop the best expert-recommended and editor-tested red light therapy neck devices from HigherDOSE, Omnilux, NuFace and more. We also rounded out the list with more affordable skin care products for the neck, including an editor favorite.
What is red light therapy?
Before you invest in a quality red light therapy neck device, it's imperative to fully understand the process first.
"Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive skin care treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red light to stimulate your skin at the cellular level," explains Small. "This therapy is also called red LED therapy, as light is produced by light-emitting diodes (LEDs)," she adds.
Red light therapy has been studied for its ability to promote collagen and elastin products, accelerate healing and improve overall skin tone and texture, according to Sanan. "It’s an adjunctive treatment I often recommend to support both facial and neck skin health," he notes.
How do red light neck products benefit the skin?
Red light therapy has a plethora of benefits on the skin and can help with anti-aging.
"Red light therapy rejuvenates the skin by boosting collagen production, increasing circulation and supporting natural repair processes," explains Small. "With consistent use, it can improve fine lines, even skin tone, increase firmness, enhance hydration and improve elasticity so that skin looks smoother and more youthful overall. These treatments can be performed on the neck, face and other areas to help reverse the signs of aging," she mentions.
Sanan provides additional skin benefits for using red light therapy on the neck:
- "Enhancing skin texture and radiance which gives the face and neck a healthier appearance," he says.
- "Decreasing redness and inflammation to softens lines and improves overall tone," Sanan adds.
- "Supporting circulation and repair, helping the skin look refreshed," he continues.
- "Addressing neglected zones: most patients are diligent about facial care but overlook the neck, which is thinner and more vulnerable to early aging. Treating both together ensures harmony and consistency," explains Sanan.
Also, Small advises users to follow manufacturer instructions and consult their healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding red light products, treatments or procedures.
The best expert-recommended and editor-tested red light therapy neck devices
Commerce editor Vivien Moon loves this NuFace Trinity+ Wrinkle Reducer Attachment which she uses regularly on both her face and neck. “I have had this attachment for a few years and love how I’m able to save on space when I’m traveling but still want to do my skin care on the go,” explains Moon. She says it's easy to use on the neck while watching TV and loves that she can travel with it due to its long-lasting battery.
"I’m able to just have it with me within reach. It’s small, portable and powerful, what more can you ask for?" she raves.
Editor’s note: You will need the NuFace Trinity+ deviceto utilize this attachment.
"I found the Solawave to work, but you’ll need to be patient and use it consistently to see results," notes associate editor Shannon Garlin. "Since I started using the facial wand, I noticed that my skin looks overall smoother and if I do get blemishes, it helps fade the dark spots quickly. I will say that I don’t notice the fine lines fading completely, but after using it, my face looks less tired and more plump, which makes them less noticeable in my opinion. And in my experience, the more I use it, the faster I notice my results."
While Garlin has used this for her face, the brand notes that it is also approved for use on the neck.
Small recommends this handheld LightStim device that is designed for the neck. "Clinically tested, it combines red (630 nm) and near-infrared (880 nm) light with 150 LEDs for collagen stimulation and improved skin tone," she explains.
"My mom always warns me that your neck is the first sign of aging, and I get a lot of sun on my neck, so I decided to try this red light therapy neck mask," says social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "I used this HigherDose mask this summer when I was getting a lot of sun and noticed my skin felt smoother and tighter," she mentions.
Both Small and Sanan recommend this luxe Contour Neck & Décolleté from Omnilux. This wearable LED device, specifically for the neck and chest, uses red and near-infrared light across to boost collagen, improve elasticity and smooth fine lines, according to Small.
"Omnilux has strong clinical data and FDA clearance," adds Sanan. "Their devices are lightweight, comfortable and specifically tailored for the face, neck and chest, allowing patients to treat all aging-prone zones together," he suggests.
"I got to try out this innovative red light and loved how portable and easy it was to use," shares Garlin. "I like that you can prop it up while you read, watch TV or take a bath, while enhancing your skin care routine," she adds.
This hands-free device is also dermatologist-approved and FDA cleared.
Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously recommended this LED light panel which she said is great for targeting acne. This durable light therapy panel be used on the face, neck and chest and reduces inflammation, according to the brand.
Neck-related skin care products to shop
“I love this anti-ager because it’s dual acting: It’s an oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer, plus it’s a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but doesn’t leave your skin looking pasty and chalky,” Dr. Sonia Badreshia, clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, previously told Shop TODAY. “It’s a must-wear for your face, neck, décolleté and hands. I recommend it to treat and prevent dark marks and it’s my secret weapon for fighting rough knees and elbows,” she adds.
Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in Greenwich, Connecticut, previously recommended this anti-aging night cream to Shop TODAY for hydration and to help with skin elasticity. This non-greasy formula is enriched with glycerin and reduces signs of aging in only four weeks, according to the brand.
Shop TODAY mom Jude Bender (mother of deputy managing editor Jess Bender) is a big fan of this hydrating cream from Neutrogena. "I’ve used a lot of neck creams over the years and I really like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair!" she raves. "It has retinol, which works well against the fine lines around my neck area, and the results I’ve seen thus far compare to the $100 jars I’ve used in the past."
Help target saggy skin with this lightweight tightening cream, which was a Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Awards winner for Best Splurge Neck Cream. This soft and creamy formula helps firm and even skin tone while reducing the appearance of discoloration, says the brand.
Commerce writer Emma Stessman uses this Outset cream to help combat her dry skin. “It’s ultra-rich and moisturizing and you really only need a little to feel the effects," she explains. "I also have sensitive skin, so I love how gentle the formula is."
Frequently asked questions
Both Small and Sanan agree that red light therapy is safe. "Red light therapy is non-invasive, painless and generally safe for all skin types," explain Small. However, she recommends avoiding looking directly at high-intensity lights without protective eyewear.
Sanan also advises red light therapy users to only use devices as directed.
Both Small and Sanan suggest consistency is key when using a red light therapy device.
"Most at-home devices recommend 3–5 times per week for 10–20 minutes," notes Sanan.
When it comes to using a red light device for your neck, it's important to consider a few factors. "Look for devices with 630–660 nm for red light and 810–850 nm for near-infrared light (penetrates deeper), as these are most effective for collagen stimulation and anti-aging," suggests Small.
"Make sure the device covers the entire neck, front and sides. Flexible panels or wearable pads make application easier. Devices with more LEDs generally provide more uniform coverage and faster results," she continues.
Small also recommends looking for FDA-cleared or clinically tested devices to help provide peace of mind.
It is important to note that results will vary from person to person. "Patients may notice improved glow and hydration within weeks, while firmer skin and softened lines typically take 8–12 weeks," suggests Sanan.
The short answer is yes. "You can combine red light therapy with most skin care products," explains Small. "Avoid applying retinoids beforehand, as light can reduce their effectiveness. For sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea or eczema, consult your physician before combining treatments," she advises.
In addition to red light therapy, there is also blue and yellow light therapy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, blue light targets the uppermost layer of skin whereas yellow light pierces deeper.
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How we chose
Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY who has been reviewing and testing products since 2022. She specializes in mature skin care and has covered a variety of topics from retinol products to foundations for mature skin.
Wise also spoke with a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and board-certified physician who provided multiple product recommendations for red light therapy neck devices. To round out the list, she also asked her fellow editors to share their tried-and-true red light therapy devices as well.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on red light therapy neck products. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Akshay Sanan, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Sanan Facial Plastic Surgery.
- Dr. Rebecca Small, MD, FAAFP, is a board-certified physician specializing in advanced skin rejuvenation techniques and founder of RSMD Medical Aesthetics. She is also a Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and Director of Medical Aesthetic Training at Dominican Hospital.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She’s currently the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at Mount Sinai Dermatology.
- Dr. Sonia Badreshia is a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco.
- Dr. Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is the founding director of NicholsMD of Greenwich, a boutique dermatology practice.
