Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Review

Spending this amount of money on an LED face mask is not something I would do without expecting quite a lot from it.

The Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro appealed to me because it combines red and blue LED treatments in one device, but the biggest selling point is actually much simpler. Each treatment takes just three minutes.

That matters more than I initially thought. An LED mask can have impressive technology behind it, but if using it becomes a 20 minute commitment every evening, consistency is much harder.

With FaceWare Pro, three minutes is easy enough to fit into my skincare routine.

The question is whether those three minutes make enough difference to justify such a substantial price.

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What the FaceWare Pro actually does

The FaceWare Pro contains 100 red lights and 60 blue lights.

The red treatment actually combines several wavelengths: amber at 605nm, red at 630nm, deep red at 660nm and infrared at 880nm. The blue light operates at 415nm.

You do not need to remember all of those numbers to use it.

The important part is that there are three treatment options.

I can use the red light mode when my focus is fine lines, skin tone and general skin appearance, the blue mode when blemishes are more of a concern, or the combined red and blue setting when I want both.

That versatility is one of the main differences between FaceWare Pro and simpler red light masks.

Dr Dennis Gross also markets the device as FDA cleared.

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Three minutes is probably its biggest advantage

This is genuinely one of the easiest beauty devices I have used consistently.

Once the mask is on, I select the treatment mode and it runs for three minutes before switching itself off automatically.

There is no timer to watch and no temptation to leave it running longer because the session is already programmed.

I think that is important when judging a device like this.

LED results depend on repeated use over time rather than one dramatic treatment, so the easier a device is to fit into everyday life, the more likely I am to actually keep using it.

Three minutes feels realistic.

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How I use the FaceWare Pro

I always start with completely clean, dry skin.

I cleanse my face, dry it properly and use the FaceWare Pro before applying serum, moisturiser or any other skincare.

That order matters.

Dr Dennis Gross specifically recommends using the device on clean, completely dry skin so there is nothing sitting between the LEDs and the skin.

I then choose red, blue or combined mode and let the three minute treatment run.

Once it switches off, I continue with the rest of my skincare as normal.

So my routine is essentially:

Cleanse, dry my skin completely, use FaceWare Pro, then apply serum and moisturiser. If I am using it in the morning, SPF comes at the end of my routine.

I would not apply retinol or vitamin C first in the hope that the LED somehow makes them work harder.

Those products come afterwards.

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What I noticed with consistent use

This is not a device where I finish one three minute treatment and suddenly think my face looks completely different.

The changes are much more gradual.

With consistent use, I find my skin looks calmer and more even overall, and the improvements become easier to notice when I look at my skin over time rather than immediately after individual sessions.

Fine lines can look softer when the skin is in better condition, but I would not describe the mask as erasing wrinkles.

Dr Dennis Gross publishes its own clinical and consumer perception testing for the FaceWare Pro. The brand reports that 97% of participants showed an improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and skin tone after ten weeks, while 97% showed improvement in acne after two weeks.

Those figures refer to the percentage of participants who showed an improvement. They do not mean wrinkles or acne were reduced by 97%.

I think that distinction is important.

I prefer looking at those figures as supporting information rather than assuming my own skin should follow an exact timetable.

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What about the blue light mode and breakouts?

The blue light mode is one of the reasons FaceWare Pro is more versatile than a red light only device.

Dr Dennis Gross positions the 415nm blue light for blemish prone skin and mild to moderate acne.

I use it when breakouts are more of a concern, or use the combined red and blue mode when I want to address both blemishes and the overall appearance of my skin.

I would not treat an LED mask as a replacement for medical care for persistent or severe acne.

It is a beauty device that can form part of a skincare routine, not something I would expect to deal with every possible reason someone is experiencing breakouts.

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Is the FaceWare Pro comfortable to wear?

Mostly, yes, although the design will not suit every face equally.

This is a rigid mask rather than a soft silicone one, so it sits over the face rather than moulding perfectly to every contour.

Some areas touch my skin while others sit slightly away from it, which is normal for the design.

The strap works, but I personally find the mask more comfortable when I am sitting back or lying down rather than walking around trying to do other things.

For a three minute treatment, that does not bother me.

If I had to keep the rigid mask on for 20 minutes at a time, I would probably feel very differently.

The lights are also extremely bright when you first switch it on.

I quickly became used to that, but it is something worth knowing before the first treatment.

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Do you need goggles with it?

Dr Dennis Gross says FaceWare Pro is FDA cleared for use without protective goggles and can be used with the eyes open or closed.

I personally find closing my eyes more comfortable because the LEDs are very bright.

Anyone with an underlying eye condition, light sensitivity or medication that causes photosensitivity should read the manufacturer's safety information carefully and speak with an appropriate medical professional before using an LED device.

The manual also recommends testing the device on the arm before facial use if light sensitivity is a concern.

I think those precautions are far more useful than simply describing LED as safe for everybody.

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FaceWare Pro vs SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro

Dr Dennis Gross also makes the smaller SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro, which is designed specifically for the eye area.

I have reviewed that separately in my Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro review.

The EyeCare Max Pro uses 96 LEDs and focuses on red spectrum light around the eye area. It also uses a three minute programmed treatment.

FaceWare Pro covers the entire face and adds the blue light blemish mode.

If my only concern was fine lines around my eyes and I had no interest in treating the rest of my face, the smaller EyeCare device would make more sense financially.

If I wanted LED treatment across my whole face, I would be much more inclined to buy FaceWare Pro rather than purchase several separate targeted devices.

I do not think everybody who already owns FaceWare Pro also needs the EyeCare Max Pro.

There is quite a lot of overlap around the eye area.

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Is it too much money for an LED face mask?

This is the hardest question.

It is a substantial amount of money for any home skincare device.

There are cheaper LED masks available, so I do not think the price can be justified simply by saying red light is good for the skin.

What I am paying for here is the combination of red and blue light, several wavelengths, the rigid cordless design, automatic three minute treatment and the fact that there are no replacement cartridges or ongoing consumables to buy.

The three minute session is probably the biggest part of the value for me because it makes regular use incredibly easy.

There are drawbacks.

The rigid design will not fit every face in exactly the same way, the strap may annoy some people, and no LED mask is worth £465 if it sits unused in a drawer.

You also need to consider whether you actually need both treatment modes.

If your only interest is red light and you never struggle with blemishes, a simpler device may make more financial sense.

For someone who wants both options and knows they will use it regularly, the FaceWare Pro becomes easier to justify.

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Where I compare the price

With a device this expensive, I would never buy it without comparing retailers first.

Lookfantastic stocks the FaceWare Pro, so I usually check where I can currently save on Dr Dennis Gross at Lookfantastic before ordering.

My usual code to try is LFTFNICOLAL, which gives 20% off eligible products when accepted at checkout.

I would never assume the code automatically applies to a £465 beauty device, though. Brand exclusions and retailer promotions can change, so I always check the final basket price before buying.

I also look at the Look Fantastic beauty tech savings I currently use because even a relatively small percentage saving makes a meaningful difference at this price.

Sephora UK also stocks the FaceWare Pro, so I compare the Sephora beauty device offers I check before ordering at the same time.

This is definitely a product where I would compare the actual checkout totals rather than being loyal to one retailer.

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Who do I think the FaceWare Pro suits best?

I think it makes the most sense for somebody who is genuinely interested in LED skincare and wants one device to cover both general skin ageing concerns and blemishes.

It also suits someone who knows they struggle to stick with longer beauty treatments.

Three minutes is incredibly easy to commit to.

I would be less likely to recommend it if you only want occasional LED treatments, if it is going to feel uncomfortable financially, or if you know you will not use it consistently.

I would also look at a more targeted device if your only concern is one small area of the face.

This is a premium full face device, and I think you need to make use of that versatility to get the best value from it.

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How often do I use FaceWare Pro?

I use it consistently rather than trying to compensate with longer sessions.

The device is programmed around a three minute treatment, so I follow that rather than extending the treatment time myself.

Can I put skincare on before using it?

I do not.

Dr Dennis Gross recommends using FaceWare Pro on clean, completely dry skin, then applying skincare afterwards.

Can I use red and blue light together?

Yes.

FaceWare Pro has separate red and blue modes as well as a combined treatment mode.

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Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is expensive, but it is one of the easiest LED devices I have fitted into my skincare routine.

The three minute treatment is the biggest reason.

I can cleanse my face, use the mask and move straight on with the rest of my skincare without feeling as though I have added another lengthy job to my evening.

I also like having both red and blue light available rather than needing separate devices for different concerns.

The rigid design is not perfect, and I find it more comfortable to sit back rather than walk around wearing it. At this price, I also think anyone considering it should be realistic about whether they will actually use it regularly.

LED skincare is about consistency.

If I were going to use a mask occasionally, I could not justify spending this much.

If I wanted a premium LED device that takes only three minutes and gives me both red and blue treatment options, the FaceWare Pro makes considerably more sense.

Final rating: 4.6/5

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Kisses,
Nicola xxx

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