As a beauty editor, LED face masks are the gadgets I am asked most about by curious family and friends - do they work? Which one should they buy? How often should they use it?
No doubt the popularity of the devices comes from the odd-looking design. The futuristic exterior feels like you’re incorporating some seriously advanced tech - and with the right brand, you are. The combination of LED lights is chosen to encourage biochemical reactions in the cells of the skin where different colours (and so wavelengths) are selected to combat different concerns. Red light is known for calming inflammation and promoting collagen production, while blue is favoured by the acne-prone to bust blemishes.
It’s a non-invasive treatment that you can do at home with no downtime while you’re sitting in front of the TV - and consistent use yields serious results. So, it’s no surprise that they have been dubbed essential kit by those in the know. But the market is awash with options and the challenge is finding the one that works without blowing your budget.
That decision may have become a whole lot easier. Shark has entered the LED face mask space and the result is the CryoGlow - an anti-ageing, spot-fighting mask complete with under-eye cooling.
I’ve strapped the Shark's Robocop-gone-wrong CryoGlow on in the name of journalism, find out what I thought below.
Tech Specs
Design
My housemates have become accustomed to the many, varied gizmos I’m trialling but this one made them jump out of their skin. Unlike the typical flexible silicone, the LED face mask has a hard shell that shields a wealth of features that make the on/off functions of its competitors feel rudimentary.
Features
The CryoGlow mimics that of a professional treatment with four personalised programs. The 160 LEDs flit between three wavelengths - blue and the dermis-reaching red and infrared light - depending on the routine selected, addressing concerns from busting blemishes to brightening lacklustre skin to combatting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But where it stands out is its use of Insta Chill Technology.
Under the eyes are chill pads that are immediately cooling on dark circles - even without turning on the device. Yet, once up and running, they feel as cold as ice to depuff bags with three levels of intensity (the most powerful is positively Arctic). These can be used independently or during a routine.
The results are immediate, especially in the periorbital area, but consistency is key with the brand suggesting daily use for a minimum of eight weeks. Each one is up to eight minutes long. To combat an unruly hormonal breakout, I tested the Blemish Repair, a three-phase routine that shines blue, red and purple. My skin felt cleaner, clearer and smoother. Then it's a case of maintenance; Skin Sustain cuts the program down to just four minutes to boost the complexion. Everything is controlled through the included remote complete with tracking to stay accountable. There is also Better Ageing which takes six minutes and runs through red LED and infrared to minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
In user trials, the brand saw its participants see visible improvements in four weeks. In Blemish Repair mode, the results revealed more even skin, an improvement in the appearance of pores, smoother skin and an improvement in the appearance of blemishes by 21 per cent. Better Ageing led to more radiance, firmness and a reduction in wrinkles.
Verdict
Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask
As a beauty editor, my housemates have become accustomed to the various face adornments I’m typically trialling — but Shark’s Robocop-gone-wrong CryoGlow made them jump out of their skin. Unlike the typical flexible silicone, the LED face mask has a hard shell that shields a wealth of features.
The CryoGlow mimics a professional treatment with four personalised programs. The 160 LEDs flit between three wavelengths — blue and the dermis-reaching red and infrared light — depending on the routine. But where it stands out is its use of Insta Chill Technology. Under the eyes are chill pads that are immediately cooling on dark circles — even without turning on the device. Once up and running, they feel as cold as ice to depuff bags with three levels of intensity.
The results are immediate, but consistency is key, with the brand suggesting daily use for a minimum of eight weeks. Each treatment in the program is up to eight minutes long. I tested the Blemish Repair. My skin felt cleaner, clearer and smoother. Then it’s a case of maintenance; Skin Sustain cuts the program down to just four minutes to boost the complexion.
Buy now £269.99, John Lewis
