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Using tech to treat acne

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5 years ago

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When it comes to your skin, the future is bright.

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Every product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work.

By TEAM COMMERCE

, adult acne is on the rise, affecting up to 15 percent of women. (As if adulting wasn’t already stressful enough!) 

Though topical creams may get the job done for some, there’s a new kind of acne treatment that’s becoming increasingly popular: acne light therapy. Basically, this high-tech solution aims to kill the bacteria that causes acne and prolongs the vicious breakout cycle. It also targets age spots, acne scars, discoloration, and other blemishes. Light treatments work by shining different types of LED light (either red or blue light) onto your skin at a close distance. The red light treatment takes aim at inflammation while the blue light treatment targets the acne-causing bacteria at the source.

And with the invention of the light therapy acne mask, we now have access to the same family of photodynamic therapy to target their patient’s sebaceous glands for years. (Yes, we are truly living in the future, people.) 

Typically made of plastic, these light masks for acne are worn on your face like any old face mask, with peepholes for your eyes. While donning an LED mask around your home may look a little silly, these home treatments might make your traditional skincare routine feel super passé.

For those who have sensitive skin that responds poorly to the harsh chemicals used in creams or gels, a light therapy acne mask might be a particularly appealing option. They’re also super convenient if you’re trying to fight acne in a way that fits into your busy lifestyle. No need to worry about heading off to work with a crusty cream smeared on your pimple. Using any one of these light masks to treat acne, you can just head out of the house when you’re finished — residue-free. 

In order to help you choose the right fit, we read through hundreds of online reviews for light masks to find the most trusted options on the market.


Inexpensive • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Need to purchase a new activator after 30 treatments • Light is too bright for some users

The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask is a low-commitment option for someone thinking of dipping their toe into the world of light therapy masks but is unsure of how much they want to commit.

Meant to be used daily for just 10-minute increments, the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask is among the most popular options on the market. Brand loyalists will be psyched to try this new form of acne treatment from a company they’ve come to trust. In a clinical trial, over 90% of sensitive skin subjects were in agreement that this light therapy acne mask was gentle on their skin. In addition to handling hormonal acne, some users say they were pleasantly surprised to find it work for even more intense breakouts.
It’s super easy to use — although you’ll need to probably lay down and take a break while it works its magic. Sorry, no multitasking here. Powered by two AA batteries, simply flip the switch and the mask will shine a combination of blue and red light.
Amazon reviewer Kendra had this to say:

“It even helped to make a huge cystic spot go away that even a cortisone shot from the dermo didn’t help.”


Intended to be used for 15 minutes three times a week • Nose and mouth holes offers easy-breathing comfort • Doesn’t require additional batteries

Best used while lying down due to weight • Expensive

This pricier mask is best for someone for whom acne is only one of many skin conditions they’re looking to address. The other settings, aimed at reducing wrinkles, brightening skin, and shrinking pores, contribute to the padded price tag.

Reviewers on Amazon rave about how easy this light therapy mask by Lacomri is to use and how dramatic its results have been for them. As Nicole Huebner, “My skin hasn’t been the same since I had a baby.” Many remarked on how they’re not the only ones who have noticed results, getting compliments from friends and family who have notice a marked difference. 
Adjustable sizing is also a noted plus among users who share it within their household — because its various setting options mean it can be used just as easily for treating acne in teens and young adults as it can be for treating their parents’ wrinkles. Another positive note among its biggest fans has been the customer service for product defects. 
The recommended use for this light therapy mask is 15 minutes per day, three days a week. Choose from seven different LED color treatments that have been designed to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, remove rashes, and more, making this one of the more comprehensive light therapy masks on the market.

Comfortable • Travel-friendly

Some experienced dryness after treatment • Opaque gogggles make it harder to do anything else while receiving treatment

Comparable to the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask, this is a good lower-cost alternative for people who don’t want to bother with having to regularly purchase a replacement.

Having received the “Amazon’s Choice” seal of approval for light therapy masks, the Hangsun Light Therapy Acne Treatment LED Mask FT330 brings a little more to the table than simply blue and red LEDs. There’s also an orange option intended to brighten dull-looking skin. With an automatic shut off and glasses included, the Hangsun model is surprisingly advanced for its low cost.
The most lightweight of the group, reviewers report that it’s surprisingly comfortable (though the opaque goggles that come with it make it difficult to do anything else while receiving the treatment). This also makes it more travel-friendly than some of the other models.
Most comparable to the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask, this is a good lower-cost alternative. Plus, since the Hangsun features an unlimited amount of treatments, it’s a good option for people who don’t want to bother with having to regularly purchase a replacement.

60-day money back guarantee

Translated instructions not easy to read • Heavy

If you’re looking for a more professional-style treatment that targets multiple issues and don’t mind doing a little extra homework watching instructional videos, the NEWKEY may be worth it.

Like the Lacomri model, the NEWKEY light therapy mask boasts seven light color options intended for targeting different problem areas. The purple light is the suggested choice for addressing acne and acne scars. Many users also state in their reviews that it’s a good approach to toning down their rosacea and other issues with redness. With this added bonus, some feel the high cost is justified. 
Because you’re shelling out a lot for this model, the NEWKEY comes with a 60-day money back guarantee. That’s plenty of time to make sure it was worth the investment.
Some users state that the translated instructions (it’s a Korean product) aren’t necessarily easy to understand, and instead recommend watching videos for instructions. It’s also reportedly a bit on the heavy side, though it does come with a plastic holder attachment to help support the weight.
Here’s what : 

“I have very light, oily, sensitive skin at 46. Mostly Rosacea where its blood vessel issues and some plain acne. I have been using this every day since Christmas or about 3 weeks. I have definitely notice that the red blotches are clearing up and my face is dryer. In the past the breakouts would have been productive, but this really does seem to be getting rid of the bacteria and drying my skin up in a “good way”. I can say it seems to be bringin things up to the surface, but nothing is erupting…they just seem to dry up. Until my skin is free of blemishes I will be using the Blue light, after that I can work on anti aging. At $149 I was expecting a lot and so far, this product is delivering. None of the problems I saw on other posts. I will continue to update you on my journey. It’s April now and I haven’t had a single breakout since I first started using it. Amazing.”


Less expensive than some over-the-counter treatments • Built-in goggles

If you’re looking for a more professional-style treatment that also targets wrinkles and other aging properties without shelling out the big bucks, IlluMask hits that sweet spot.

5. IlluMask

Also targets wrinkles and other aging properties in addition to acne.

  • Power:
    Requires 4 AA batteries
While the IlluMask is billed primarily as an anti-aging treatment, a look at the user reviews shows that many suffering from cystic acne have found it to be a huge help. “I have had a problem with cystic acne for as long as I can remember in my adulthood,” . “I have tried supplements, clay masks, charcoal masks, etc. I have used this mask faithfully every night for a solid week and the majority of my acne problem is cleared up.” 
Others added that using the mask at the first sign of cystic acne seemed to ward off their usual breakouts. 
The IlluMask is most likely less expensive than anything else you’d think to try when you run out of over-the-counter treatments to experiment with. It also has goggles built-in, if you’re worried about light sensitivity. That said, it doesn’t have eye holes, so it’s definitely not a good choice for the claustrophobic.
If you’re looking for a more professional-style treatment that also targets wrinkles and other aging properties without shelling out the big bucks, IlluMask hits that sweet spot.

Cordless • Neck mask enables you to firm, fight acne, and rejuvenate at the same time

If you’re looking for a more professional-style treatment and willing to shell out the big bucks, it’s worth checking out how Project E Beauty is changing the game.

Like the Lacomri and NEWKEY, Project E Beauty aims to sweeten the deal with seven different types of LED light options. This model aims to improve on Project E Beauty’s earlier version. Now with an added neck rejuvenation component (the real selling point of this product), Project E Beauty is shooting for more of an all-over at-home spa experience than just a mask. Another fantastic upgrade is that it’s wireless, meaning you aren’t tethered to one spot while you use it.
Being that this model is cordless, the mobility options for use are far beyond any of its competitors. said they were even able to walk on their treadmill while wearing it. Plus, the neck mask enables you to firm, fight acne, and rejuvenate at the same time.
Yes, the price is incredibly steep, but if you’re looking for a more professional-style treatment and are willing to shell out the big bucks, it’s worth checking out how Project E Beauty is changing the game. 

Can target various skin issues • Can control frequency and duration • 2-year warranty

Expensive • Mask doesn’t fit some people • Can cause discomfort • May leave marks around the eyes

Of all the more high-end options with various functions, reviewers frequently noted how great this worked for their acne specifically.

Like other high-end options, the Dermashine Pro 7 LED Face Mask comes with seven different light color options (the blue being intended for targeting bacteria). Several reviewers have noted seeing improvement in their acne in as little in 48 hours, or two uses. And the other benefits are particularly impressive, with that “not only are my pimples disappearing, my face feels softer and smoother. Bonus!”
If you’re looking to target various skin issues, this model lets you switch in between light types during your treatment. Plus, the ability to choose the power level (there are five setting options) gives you more choices in how frequently and for how long you use it.
It’s not cheap, and a couple users noted that the fit of the mask didn’t work well for them, causing discomfort and leaving marks around the eyes. But of all the more high-end options with various functions, reviewers frequently noted how great this worked for their acne specifically. Plus, the two-year manufacturer’s warranty makes Dermashine a relatively safe investment.

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