I have been a bit obsessed with the research behind red and Near-infrared (NIR) LED masks since early 2021 (See a roundup of close to 60 LED masks here).
This review of Omnilux LED masks reflects 4 years using Omnilux LED masks (1 year using the Contour in 2021) and 3 years using the Men’s Mask (since Nov 2022). In this post, I break down wavelengths (633/830 nm plus targeted 1072 nm), diode placement, and what actually changed (and what didn’t). Both my husband and I use the Men’s mask and love it.
Short answer on why I prefer the Men’s Mask: Both deliver excellent results, but think the added bonus of the 1072nm wavelength tips the scale in favor of the Men’s mask. Here’s why:
- Early trials and device studies show improvements in wrinkles/spots in both men and women. In theory, the 1072nm supports deeper penetration in darker or thicker skin because >1000 nm is minimally absorbed by melanin, while 830 nm is partially absorbed (Stirling 2005; Mineroff 2023; Penberthy & Vorwaller 2021). The evidence-based workhorses of 633/830 nm remain the predominant wavelength.
TL;DR
- What’s the same? Mask size/dimensions, irradiance (aka power density), session length (10 min), price ($395), and 2-year warranty.
My results: Over 3 years with the Men’s, I consistently see quicker improvements in redness and bruising vs Contour; both support long-term skin rejuvenation.
- Bottom line: If you already own Contour, you still have a great mask and I wouldn’t have FOMO. But if you’re buying today, I’d pick the Men’s LED mask for the added 1072nm where it matters.
What's the Best Deal on Omnilux Masks?
Wavelengths and Why They Matter
The Contour LED Mask has an even mix of 633 nm (red) + 830 nm (near-infrared).
- The Men’s Mask adds 1072 nm near-infrared to the evidence-based 633 nm red and 830 nm NIR used in Contour.
- Placement: 1072 nm diodes are clustered at the forehead, crow’s feet, and nasolabial folds; the rest remain 633/830nm.
Why it’s good both models keep 633 nm + 830 nm
In studies focused on skin rejuvenation 633nm and 830nm have been used most frequently in clinical trials on human skin (rather than just in cells in petri dishes) and have the most evidence to back them up
Over 30 years of low-level light therapy research points to Red (~633 nm) and NIR (~830 nm) as the best-studied duo for skin:
Skin rejuvenation: fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, and tone improve with regular use.
Wound healing: supports faster recovery post-procedure, helps with bruise/burn healing, and may reduce scarring risk.
Inflammation & redness: consistent reductions reported across studies.
Photoaging repair: supports cellular and DNA-damage repair pathways relevant to sun exposure.
Additional benefits of red and NIR include:
- Oil and inflamed pimples: red light may reduce sebum/oil activity (Hernández-Bule et al., 2024) and reduce inflamed lesions (Im Na et al 2007; Ngoc et al., 2022).
Translation: The Contour already has the workhorse pairing (633/830), and the Men’s keeps that while adding selective 1072 nm where deeper targets may benefit.
Benefits of 1072 nm: What Does the Evidence Say?
Longer wavelengths travel deeper. That may let more light reach deeper cellular targets involved in inflammation and tissue repair. In the Men’s Mask, only a handful of LEDs are 1072 nm; most remain 633/830, which is important since those are the most studied for skin rejuvenation
- Early RCT (2005): A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of 1072 nm (6–8 weeks; mostly women 40–65) found self-reported improvements: 52% noted better complexion vs 20% control, and 46% reported reduced under-eye bags/puffiness vs 4% control (Stirling et al., 2005). Results are promising but rely on subjective outcomes.
- Darker Skintones and 1072nm: As light passes through skin, energy is lost via reflection, scattering, and absorption (including by eumelanin). Evidence suggests 830 nm is absorbed by eumelanin, while wavelengths >1000 nm show negligible absorption, meaning more energy can reach deeper targets in darker skin (Penberthy & Vorwaller, 2021).
- Device study (2023): Mineroff et al. (2023) studied 7 men using the Omnilux Men’s Mask 3–5×/week for 10 minutes over 6 weeks. Participants self-reported noticeable gains in wrinkles, skin texture, and overall “youthful appearance.” Photographic digital analysis found statistically significant improvements in wrinkles, brown spots, and porphyrins; pores and UV spots improved but not significantly. Because this is a small sample, and a disclosed advisory-board affiliation, I would consider this promising, but preliminary evidence; interpret with caution.
The images below come from on of my Instagram posts
Bottom line: 1072 nm is a promising bonus added to the evidence-based 633/830 mix. It isn’t a requirement for beneficial results, but it could be a smart upgrade.
LED Mask Layout & Fit
Mask size: Same between models. People with very tall foreheads may see edge cut-off. However, just because the light isn’t directly shining on the uncovered forehead, doesn’t mean that it isn’t receiving any benefits because LED impacts the skin at the cellular level.
Straps: One of the Men’s straps is slightly longer. I prefer it because I can keep the Velcro connected for faster on and off and then I just adjust the tightness on the bottom strap.
Irradiance & Session Time
- Irradiance: ~30–35 mW/cm² for both.
NOTE: If you’ve heard the Men’s is “more powerful,” that’s not accurate. The dose rate is the same. It isn’t that the 1072nm is more powerful, it just have different benefits in terms of depth of penetration. So I wouldn’t be concerned about the Men’s mask being “too strong” for you if you have sensitive skin. That is a common misconception that I have seen floating around.
- Session length: 10 minutes for both.
Price & Warranty
Price: $395 for both.
Warranty: 2 years; Omnilux customer service has been excellent in my experience.
Safety & Eye comfort
- Both conform to IEC/EN 62471 photobiological eye-safety standards and don’t require eye shields. That said, very light-sensitive eyes can feel uncomfortable with the brightness of the lights. For those folks, Omnilux sells eye guards (~$20) via info@omniluxled.com
Summary of Why the Men's Mask is my Pick over the Contour
If you are buying a new mask and you are choosing between the Men’s Mask and the Contour, I really don’t see any reason to go with the Contour.
If you have a small head, and you find that Men’s masks straps are too long, you can buy $6 straps on Amazon that are shorter.
If you already own the Contour and are satisfied with it, no FOMO necessary; it delivers with the most-studied wavelengths 633/830 nm.
While I think everyone can benefit from the Men’s mask, here are some scenarios that I think would especially benefit from picking the Men’s mask over the Contour:
You have thicker skin and/or facial hair.
You plan to treat body areas (bruises, scars, surgical sites) where skin is typically thicker than the face.
Inflammation and wound healing are top priorities; the added 1072 nm offers deeper reach in target zones.
You have a deeper skin tone and want to minimize melanin absorption losses; >1000 nm is minimally absorbed by melanin (note: this is a theoretical benefit that hasn’t been specifically tested).
Usage Notes & Expectations
- Consistency beats intensity: At these irradiance levels, benefits come from regular use, not chasing a “stronger” spec.
Photosensitivity: If you have a photosensitizing condition or take photosensitizing meds, check with your clinician.
Prep: Clean skin; remove makeup. Make sure you aren’t using the mask over sunscreen or strong actives. If targeting skin beneath a dense beard, consider trimming for better exposure.
References
Ablon, G. (2018). Phototherapy with light emitting diodes: treating a broad range of medical and aesthetic conditions in dermatology. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(2), 21.
Calderhead, R. G. (2007). The photobiological basics behind light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy. Laser Therapy, 16(2), 97-108.
Calderhead, R. G. (2018). Current Status of Light-Emitting Diode Phototherapy in Dermatological Practice. In Lasers in Dermatology and Medicine: Dermatologic Applications (pp. 285-337). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Calderhead, R. G., & Omi, T. (2014). Light-Emitting Diode Phototherapy. In Handbook of Lasers in Dermatology (pp. 307-327). Springer London.
Hernández-Bule, M. L., Naharro-Rodríguez, J., Bacci, S., & Fernández-Guarino, M. (2024). Unlocking the power of light on the skin: A comprehensive review on photobiomodulation. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(8), 4483.
Im Na, J., & Suh, D. H. (2007). Red light phototherapy alone is effective for acne vulgaris: randomized, single-blinded clinical trial. Dermatologic Surgery, 33(10), 1228-1233.
Kim, W. S., & Calderhead, R. G. (2011). Is light-emitting diode phototherapy (LED-LLLT) really effective?. Laser therapy, 20(3), 205-215.
Mineroff, J., Austin, E., Feit, E., Ho, A., Lowe, B., Marson, J., … & Jagdeo, J. (2023). Male facial rejuvenation using a combination 633, 830, and 1072 nm LED face mask. Archives of Dermatological Research, 1-7.
Ngoc, L. T. N., Moon, J. Y., & Lee, Y. C. (2022). Utilization of Light‐Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for Skin therapy: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine.
Penberthy, W. T., & Vorwaller, C. E. (2021). Utilization of the 1064 nm wavelength in photobiomodulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 12.
Stirling RJ, Haslam JD (2007) A self-reported clinical trial investigates the efficacy of 1072 nm light as an anti-ageing agent. J Cosmet Laser Ther, 9(4):226–230