Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro Looks Cool—But Does It Work?

The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro looks like something out of a next-gen Catwoman film, which is fitting, considering it promises results that sound like CGI skin. I don’t opt for theatrics in my beauty routine, but the prospect of building collagen and reducing fine lines simply by wearing a mask proved all too appealing for someone on the cusp of their mature-skin era. 

To combat the increasingly varied (and deep) lines around my eyes, I tried everything an eczema-plagued face would allow at home before turning to red light therapy. To be clear, it’s not a lot: Popular ingredients like vitamin C, tretinoin, and retinol are way too harsh on my skin. And though I’m starved for hydration, I can’t use eye creams without, at best, milia rearing ugly whiteheads or, at worst, risking eyelid dermatitis. There’s far more to controlling eczema than topical treatments, of course, but LED light therapy has been clinically proved to be something of a salve for inflamed skin. Perhaps that’s what made me the perfect tester for this souped-up eye mask, which is the latest to debut in Dr. Dennis Gross’s line of light therapy devices.

Arguably, I’m also the perfect test subject, because after four weeks of dedicated use, I’m convinced this luxury skin care device is making a difference. Do I look younger? No. Does my skin appear smoother? This is said with the slightest upspeak, but: yes. If this sentiment is familiar, it’s because we were convinced that the original Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask also made a noticeable difference in our skin. Both are FDA-cleared products, though the larger face mask uses a combination of blue and red light, while the SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro focuses on red. It’s for good reason, and I spoke with the man himself—Dennis Gross, MD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon—to understand why. 

“The eye area is one of the first places to show signs of aging,” says Dr. Gross. And through a combination of amber, red, deep red, and infrared wavelengths, the EyeCare Max Pro can treat common eye area woes, including crow’s-feet, the brow bone, elevens (a.k.a. “TF?” of wrinkles), and undereye area. It’s also great if you’re looking to target “crinkles” (the crepey skin that precursors a winkle) or want to extend the benefits of in-office treatments like Botox. He explains that amber wavelengths help repair visible signs of sun aging at the surface level of the skin, red and deep red lights increase cellular energy to boost collagen, and two infrared wavelengths penetrate the deepest into the skin, stimulating circulation to promote wound healing and cellular repair.  

Something else red light can do for your skin? Assuage eczema. Dr. Gross confirmed my research: “Due to its healing properties and ability to reduce redness and inflammation, red LED is a great treatment for those with eczema.” However, he did stress to check with one's dermatologist before starting any new treatment. I was lucky enough to not have had any flare-ups while testing, despite the unhinged weather in Los Angeles and traveling to Las Vegas for a weekend (which incidentally made for the kind of photo shoot that this product deserves). 

I'm more interested in the well-aging benefits of red light, and after hearing all that, it was Stoplight City for me. And though the EyeCare Max Pro isn't specifically designed to squash acne (you'll want a device that uses blue light, which is thought to kill off bacteria-causing acne, for that), it can help with the hyperpigmentation acne leaves behind. “Preceding hyperpigmentation is actually inflammation,” says Dr. Gross. “The red light reduces inflammation and dramatically decreases the possibility of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.” 

Are you thinking that this sounds all too easy? It kind of is. Like every other Dr. Dennis Gross product I’ve tried, this offers a truly foolproof treatment, with simple, clear instructions that make consistent use a breeze. There’s one button on the product; you press it once for the suggested three-minute period, and it automatically shuts off when finished. The interior of the eye mask feels bouncy and soft, not unlike the skin I'm hoping it gives me.

To get the most out of the device, Dr. Gross says it should be worn over clean, dry skin. If you really want to prep, he adds that step one should be to “incorporate a daily two-step chemical peel into your skin routine; this will eliminate dead skin cells, dirt, and debris on skin’s surface that could potentially block the LED light from penetrating.” I just use a milky cleanser that doesn't leave my face feeling tight, then apply moisturizer on my cheeks, chin, and forehead so they don't have to suffer while my crow's-feet are getting blasted. All you need to do is wear the mask once a day and, according to Dr. Gross, “you will begin to see preliminary results in about two weeks with a reduction in crepiness and smoother texture. You will achieve full results at 10 weeks.” 

Now, if the efficacy of light therapy has been proved, why wouldn’t you go full-face? For me, the DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro's $450 price tag is too high for my needs. I attribute part of the steep cost to the inclusion of blue light, which isn't a must for me. They’re both a one-size-fits-all situation. The face mask can be a bit unwieldy for someone with a smaller face; the EyeCare Max Pro, on the other hand, fits me like a glove and is perfectly contoured to the ins and out of my orbital area.

At more than half the cost, the EyeCare Max Pro is also a great intro product for anyone new to the world of at-home LED products. If you want to spend even less and are considering getting the V1 eye mask from Dr. Gross, respectfully, don’t. Save your coin until you can justify purchasing the Pro—it’s about $50 more expensive. Not only does the Pro cover a larger surface area of your face, but the technology is more advanced. “This updated device is also more powerful and delivers improved results than the original design,” says Dr. Gross. 

The EyeCare Max Pro also happens to be the best-looking skin care device on the market. (I’m sorry, but this is a conversation on optics, isn’t it?) My toddler isn’t afraid of it, and I previously wore it every morning while we brushed our teeth together. Though you can keep your eyes open, I shut mine since I’m paranoid about the echo of trace lights. That’s the biggest downside for me: I wish there were an optional eye mask add-on to put over your peepers while wearing. I’ve since changed up my routine, and now wear the mask at night before bed. It’s proved to be a great opportunity for box breathing too. 

Reducing wrinkles, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and inadvertently my anxiety? Meow.