Acne is an annoying skin issue. If you’ve ever had a sudden breakout you’ve probably wished that you could just zap it away.
While we are still waiting for instant acne cure, dermatologists are using an effective treatment called light therapy. Luckily this form of acne treatment has just become intensity for in home use.
There are now several different devices called acne light masks, and they are great at getting rid of acne. We had the chance to test out a few brands, to find out which is the best light therapy acne mask.
But first, how does this method of acne treatment work?
How Does A Light Therapy Acne Mask Work?
A light therapy acne mask may look plain from the outside, but the inside has an array of LED lights. LED lights are effective because they can gently penetrate the skin to effect change without causing damage.
The most common types of LEDs used in acne treatment are blue lights, and red lights. Blue light are most effective at destroying bacteria that causes acne. Red LED lights reduce redness and inflammation around acne breakouts.
The light therapy acne mask was designed as a one step treatment to reduce mild to moderate facial acne. The mask allows the LED lights to easily cover your face, so it is perfect using at home- even while you watch TV. To find out which one performs the best, check out the contenders for best acne light mask.
Contenders for Best Light Therapy Acne Mask
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask
What is the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask?
This light therapy acne mask from Neutrogena is one of the most popular brands on the market currently. The set includes the LED light mask, as well as an activator to control the device, and batteries.
It’s meant for a daily treatment, and last for 30 uses. The mask has a slit for the eyes, and it sits over your ears like a pair of glasses. Set up is simple, plug the activator into the mask, put it on, and press start on the activator.
From there the mask will begin to work, for an entire 10 minute treatment. It has an automatic timer that will stop the device so you won’t have to watch the clock. This mask uses both red and blue LED lights to treat your skin.
Using The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask
I used this mask over the course of a week, once a day before bed. The mask was comfortable, but it took a second to get used to watching TV through the slit.
After the first treatment, the area around breakouts were less red. By day four some of the smaller breakout around my cheeks has cleared up significantly. By day seven my skin was looking certainly looking better, but most of the improvement was in reduction of redness. I noticed that my pores looked smaller at the end of the week as well.
Overall I would say this device certainly improved my skin, but those wanting to try it out should be aware that it only last 30 uses. After that, you are required to available an purchase activator to continue to use this additional light therapy acne mask. While that may not deter some users, it is something to be aware of before purchasing.
This device is probably best suited for those with very mild acne, and who don’t mind purchasing new activators every month.
LED Photon Therapy Treatment Mask by Project E Beauty
What is the LED Photon Therapy Treatment Mask by Project E Beauty?
This light therapy acne mask is unique because in addition to the blue and light LED options, it also has a green light function. The green LED lights are used to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This set comes with the LED light mask with strap, remote control, USB Cable, power cord and a user manual.
This mask has openings for each eye, as well as one for the nose and mouth. Set up is easy, first attach the cord to the wall and then plug it into the mask. From the remote, you power on the mask.
You can set the strength anywhere from level 1-5, five being the strongest. You then set the color, and finally the time, which automatically shuts off when finished. Next you simply set it on your face and you are ready to go.
Using The LED Photon Therapy Treatment Mask by Project E Beauty
To keep it consistant I followed this method: 5 minutes of the blue light on level three, followed by five minutes of the red light on level three. I opted not to use the green light at all during the test.
The during the first treatment I made some adjustments because I discovered the strap was a little too tight for me. Instead I just let the mask sit on my face while I lounged on the couch watching TV. This was not a problem since I needed to be near an outlet anyway.
After the first treatment my skin felt a bit tighter and by day four, I noticed an improvement in my acne. The redness around my chin and forehead areas had been reduced and a few small bumps started to go away. By day seven a few acne spots along my hairline had healed completely.
Overall this light therapy acne mask from Project E. Beauty really improved my skin. I think that because this mask has more LED lights around the edges of my face, it really made improvements there. purchase I liked the added nose and mouth holes, and the mask felt much more comfortable than the one from Neutrogena.
I also would much rather have a mask that is good for more than 30 uses, since it is not an issue for me to sit next to an outlet while using it.
LED Photon Therapy Light Treatment Facial Skin Care Mask
What is the LED Photon Therapy Light Treatment Facial Skin Care Mask?
This light therapy acne mask by You Glow is another popular choice for many trying to clear their skin. This set comes with Includes 1 Mask, 1 Controller, 1 Adjustable Head Band, AC Adapter, and a Color User Manual.
This one also has the red, blue, and green LED lights functions. It is very similar to set up and use as the Project E. Beauty mask. To use, you plug in, adjust the light color, strength, and timer.
I followed the same program as with the Project E. Beauty mask, doing 5 minutes of blue light, followed by 5 minutes of red light, both at level 3 intensity.
Using the LED Photon Therapy Light Treatment Facial Skin Care Mask
My results were very similar to the Project E. Beauty mask, with one exception. On day two of treatment I could tell I was starting to get one of those painful cystic zits that take forever to go away.
Luckily this mask by You Glow helped and by day five, I couldn’t see any bump or raised area on my skin where the acne was forming. This mask did a good job of controlling my breakouts around the edges of my face, and reduced redness in those areas.
By day seven, my skin was the clearest it has been in a long time. This mask did a great job of keeping my acne at bay, and I liked the cool gold color that makes it feel higher end.
Acne Light Therapy by illuMask
What is the Acne Light Therapy by illuMask?
The light therapy acne mask by illuMask was one of the first on the market, and has lots of loyal users. The set somes with the Mask, an activator, and batteries to power the mask.
It is very similar in look and feel to the Neutrogena mask, and also lasts for 30 treatments. It also uses a mixture of red/blue lights to combat acne, and each treatment session lasts for 10 minutes.
Using the Acne Light Therapy by illuMask
I expected this device to perform exactly like the Neutrogena mask since they are very similar. On the first day of treatment I had some breakout around my cheeks, so I was happy to see the redness go down by day two.
On day four I noticed that the acne on my cheeks was clearing up, but that my skin seemed to be drying out on that area. The dryness cleared up quickly with use of moisturiser. By day seven my skin was very clear, and my face was firmer and softer than it had before starting treatment.
Overall my skin looked great after using this light mask, however I am still not crazy about the fact that you have to buy new activators after 30 uses.
Winner: Best Light Therapy Acne Mask
The winner was the mask that improved my skin the most, and was the easiest to use. It was a close race, but in the end the winner is:
LED Photon Therapy Light Treatment Facial Skin Care Mask
This mask was the clear winner for several reasons. The mask was easy to use, and was comfortable to wear. I like that the blue and red LED lights are used at separately and not mixed together.
This is what seemed to really improved my acne. I also liked that this brand of mask is good for long term use, and I won’t have to replace the activators down the road. Best of all I think the cool gold color is really nice, and makes the mask look higher end.
Conclusion
Overall I think that light therapy acne masks are a great device to add to your regular beauty routine. They are very affordable compared to dermatologist visits, and with regular use, they really do improve the look and feel of your skin.
A few tips for those about to test them out:
- Do not share your device with anyone else. Bacteria transfers easily that way, so it is best to not share your mask.
- Start with lower times/moisturizer if you have an adjustable device, you can always increase if you are not seeing results but it is better to use the lowest intensities and time needed
- These masks work best for people with mild or moderate acne. Those with severe acne need to consult their dermatologist before trying this product.
- Make sure you store them in a cool, dry place. I would keep them out of the bathroom area which can be humid and could cause issues with the charging components.
That concludes our guide of the best light therapy acne mask. We hope you enjoyed, and good luck masking!
