Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device review: a luxury device that lives up to its high-end price tag

Like most tech lovers, I love a reasonably priced dupe of some super swanky device I can’t really afford. However, during my years of testing the best LED face masks, I’ve come to realise (very annoyingly) that splashing more cash almost always guarantees greater comfort, usability and efficacy.

Case in point? The Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device on test here costs £465 and is the most expensive LED mask I’ve tested to date. For the price alone, I wanted to knock a point off in protest.

However, after testing it exclusively for the last six weeks and experiencing how it treats acne, redness, fine lines and wrinkles in just three minutes a day, I have to give it the full five stars because it’s SO. DAMN. GOOD. Read on to find out why.

DR DENNIS GROSS DRX SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device is now available to buy in the UK for a recommended retail price of £465 from Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, and Selfridges.

In the US, you can buy it directly from Dr Dennis Gross for $455.

DR DENNIS GROSS DRX SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO REVIEW: DESIGN

Launched in 2020 by renowned dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, this futuristic-looking LED mask is beautifully designed and remains a stand-out device in a now-crowded market, probably because not one detail was overlooked during its creation.

Comprised of a hard-shell exterior and a cushioning layer of silicone on the inside, this mask fits like a dream, gently hugs every contour of my face, and even manages to somehow accommodate my prominent nose. This serves two purposes; one, it’s incredibly comfortable to wear, and two, it allows for maximum light penetration for greater efficacy.

Thin and streamlined, it’s also lightweight, which is surprising considering this device is wireless. Back when I tested the similarly designed Lustre ClearSkin Renew Pro Facewear, my biggest gripe with it was that the battery pack in the forehead area weighed the mask down and placed uncomfortable pressure on my nose and forehead.

But not so with the Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask. Indeed, if it wasn’t for the fact that you have to press a button on the forehead to turn it on and change the LED setting, you could almost imagine you were wearing a regular venetian mask.

With glamourous rose gold panels perfectly positioned over shiny white plastic, this mask screams hi-end luxury rather than Hannibal Lecter, and the luxe vibes are only enhanced by the matching accessories, including a detachable head strap, branded storage bag, USB charging cord and user manual (a fully charged device delivers 8 to 10 treatments).

I thought the silicone head strap might diminish the mask’s wearability initially, as it appeared rather flimsy on first inspection. But I love the Velcro-free design with buckles on either side for added adjustability.

Helped by raised bumps on the silicone, the buckles stay in place and hold firm for a snug fit. However, the strap is also fairly stretchy, so I prefer to simply pull it over my head to fix the mask in place (bonus alert, the strap never snags your hair either).

DR DENNIS GROSS DRX SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO REVIEW: FEATURES

Suitable for all skin types, this FDA-cleared mask offers three treatments modes via 100 red-mode LEDs and 62 blue ones, so you can treat acne with blue light, fight the signs of ageing with red light, or use a combination of blue and red light to prevent breakouts, reduce wrinkles and build collagen in one hit. And the best bit is you can achieve all that in just three minutes a day.

To get going, press and hold the power button for two seconds to turn on the red light, or keep pressing to switch modes and turn the mask off. It honestly couldn’t be simpler, and once you’ve found your preferred mode, you can relax knowing the mask will automatically shut off after 3 minutes for an efficient, effective treatment.

Dr Dennis Gross has previously stated that the thing that sets this mask apart from other devices is you only need to use it for, '3 minutes per day, while others can be upwards of 20 minutes. This is because of the mask’s power – you are able to get the same energy in less time.’

The key to this power might be down to the fact that the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device emits way more than just Red light at 630nm wavelengths in red light mode; it also emits Amber light wavelengths at 605nm, Deep Red at 660nm, and Near Infrared at 880nm, the latter of which penetrates the skin deeply.

It also has an irradiance level of 60 nW/cm² – irradiance being the strength of the LED lights and the power output of the mask – which is impressive in comparison to other popular masks on the market, such as the new CurrentBody LED Blue Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2, with a power density of 30 mW/cm² - because lower outputs (under 20 mW/cm²) are not strong enough to penetrate the skin effectively.

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DR DENNIS GROSS DRX SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO REVIEW: PERFORMANCE

I’ve been mightily impressed by the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device. As far as I’m concerned, the fit and comfort factor is unsurpassable, which is surprising because I’ve not been the biggest fan of inflexible LED masks before. This one, however, sits perfectly across the contours of the face to deliver full coverage and maximum light penetration.

I was a little concerned at first that the device doesn’t feature any eye protection in the form of goggles or eye cups, but it fits so well, I think there’s less chance of light escaping. I definitely haven’t felt blinded by the lights in any case, as I’ve experience with a few other masks.

Thanks to its lightweight design, the wireless tech, and the excellent head band that keeps the mask snugly in place, this mask is unbelievably wearable and usable. There are no wires to get tangled up in, and no battery pack to carry around, so it’s easy to pop on while doing chores around the house.

What chore you’ll get done in just three minutes is debatable, of course, but you can certainly wear it while boiling a kettle for your morning cuppa or nighttime cocoa and then get on with your AM or PM skincare regime. Oh, and being able to combine red light and blue light at the same time is even more of a time saver.

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The brand says there’s no point in wearing the mask for more than three minutes at a time, because skin cells become fully saturated after a three-minute session and can’t absorb any additional LED energy. Therefore, you can be confident in the fact that wearing it for longer won’t deliver enhanced results.

Talking of results, the brand also advises you should use the mask every day for optimal results, which they say you can start seeing in four to six weeks. In a clinical and consumer perception study, 97% showed an improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tone after 10 weeks, and 97% showed an improvement in acne after 2 weeks.

I would say these results reflect my own experiences of wearing the mask daily for six weeks. Bearing in mind that I test LED masks all year round, my hormonal acne stayed under control using the Dr Dennis Gross LED mask, thanks to the mask’s blue light wavelengths of 435nm that destroy acne-causing bacteria to clear breakouts fast.

After six weeks, I also noticed my skin felt firmer, smoother, and plumper, and that my complexion looked more even after some early-spring sun exposure sans SPF exacerbated my hyperpigmentation.

Overall, the Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device certainly delivers on its promise of healthier, younger-looking skin. And the best bit is it does it quickly, painlessly and effectively in just three minutes, which goes a long way to justifying the high price point.

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DR DENNIS GROSS DRX SPECTRALITE FACEWARE PRO REVIEW: VERDICT

The Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro LED Device might not be new to the market, but it boasts an abundance of high-tech, thoughtful design features that explain why this mask remains a favourite with skincare experts and consumers today.

Powerful, wireless, and lightweight, this highly wearable design fits the face beautifully for maximum comfort and maximum light penetration. Providing excellent results in just three minutes a day, it will fit effortlessly into your skincare regime and busy lifestyle. Pricey, but worth every penny.