This treatment, while more effective when done in a professional office or clinic, is booming in at-home usage. That being said, it’s important to know the science behind light therapy and what to expect when using a device, according to our experts.
I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin, so I was initially hesitant to try the mask. Prior to committing to a month-long trial period, I performed a patch test to ensure I’d be safe against flare-ups. The result? Nothing alarming or concerning popped up, meaning I was ready to get started.
Keeping my nighttime skin routine the same, I began incorporating this right after I cleansed my face so I had a clean and dry base. I strapped on the mask, making sure it was not too loose or too tight, which honestly, was the most difficult part..
I left the mask on my face for 10 minutes — which was also when the lights automatically shut off. I started using this three times a week on the blue light setting and slowly began increasing my usage to four times a week. After the treatment, I continued my regularly scheduled nighttime routine, which typically includes a serum, eye cream and facial moisturizer.
I’ll admit it: I’m always a bit skeptical when it comes to any facial tools and their efficacy. Unfortunately, that’s partly my fault because I’m consistently inconsistent. However, while using this one, I made sure to use it habitually and as directed.
Following the device’s instructions was easy and simple. They even offer a video if you don’t want to read the instructional booklet. Setting up the device involved attaching the device to the charger (it comes with the device), and once it has a green light, you’re ready to use it multiple times before needing to recharge.
As mentioned above, the hardest part was the mask’s fit on my face. After reading the booklet, I knew the mask couldn’t be too loose on my head, so I accidentally overcompensated and ended up leaving ash-like marks on my face. They luckily went away while I slept. Learning my lesson, I now keep the straps loose enough that the mask isn’t suffocating my face but also wasn’t moving around during the 10-minute treatment. I will say, if you have bigger lips, you may find the fit tight.
Along with eczema, my skin is also prone to the occasional cystic breakout. Because of this, I chose to use the blue light setting during my testing. Throughout the month, I watched a breakout that would’ve stayed inflamed for a long period of time, slowly begin diminishing in size. It didn’t completely prevent acne from occurring, as I tend to break out during specific times of the month, but it did seem to speed up the healing process.
Select editorial director, Lauren Swanson, also used the device over this month-long period on both the blue light and red light settings. While not noticing drastic improvements, there were subtle, positive shifts in her skin. “At the end of the day, even if my skin wasn’t transformed, it still felt wonderful to slap on this creepy mask,” says Swanson. “I was able to dedicate 10 minutes to self care and that in itself made a big difference.”
Overall, if you’re someone who wants a quick treatment that doesn’t require much maintenance or effort, this device is a great option to consider. It was user-friendly and didn’t require much effort on our part except for placing it on our face for 10 minutes a night.
While these treatments are becoming increasingly available, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if this is the right step for you in your skin care journey.
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter and has been covering beauty, including blackhead treatments, neck creams and body washes. For this piece, she received the brand’s newest launch, the Wrinkle & Bacteria Clearing Light Therapy Mask, and tried it out herself for a month along with other staff. (Solawave gifted masks to Select staff.) She used the product consistently, and both she and other members of the team experimented with different color settings, including both red and blue light.
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