I was super sceptical about the rise of LED face masks. I assumed it was just a money-making opportunity by brands that know many of us have our skincare routines, in terms of serums and creams, down, thanks to the many (!) experts we now have access to on social media. But, honestly, I was probably just reluctant to spend upwards of £250 on a skincare tool. But now I can admit that I’ve been proven wrong.
After six months of regular use of the Silk’n LED Face EMS Mask — we’re talking 10-minute sessions three times a week — I can say with conviction that it has transformed my skin. Pictures prove that it has tackled my irregular texture, minimised my post-teen acne scarring, and has left me looking plumped enough to justify delaying my upcoming Botox consultation.
Wondering how? It’s the first-ever LED mask to combine LED light therapy with EMS technology, the two technologies working in tandem to offer an at-home ‘facial workout’. Cosmetics developer & Silk’n skin technician, Selma van Asselt, says: “The Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask combines LED therapy and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) for a multi-dimensional skincare experience. The LED therapy enhances skin regeneration by boosting cellular functions like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. EMS stimulates facial muscles, improving muscle tone, skin elasticity, and overall skin structure, which helps in reducing sagging and fine lines.
“By combining LED and EMS, microcirculation is enhanced in the skin and underlying muscles. This is key for ensuring your skin gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs for optimal regeneration. The more oxygenated and nourished your cells are, the better they can repair themselves and produce the building blocks of healthy, youthful skin.”
Talking of the benefits of red light therapy and LED face masks in general, she continues: “LED therapy has been a game-changer in modern dermatology. It stimulates collagen production and skin regeneration, enhancing skin texture, tone, and elasticity. LED therapy improves skin health by increasing cellular energy, which helps with wrinkle reduction, hyperpigmentation, and acne treatment.”
Even better news: thanks to the return of Black Friday, you can now save up to 30% on the dual-action LED face mask. So, stay tuned for my thorough Silk’n LED Face EMS Mask review after six months of testing, as well as answers to all those common FAQs.
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Silk’n LED Face EMS Mask, at a glance:
- The first-ever LED mask to combine LED light therapy with EMS technology.
- EMS stimulates the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin.
- The remote control is intuitive to use, and also works to provide a targeted blemish treatment using blue (405nm) LED light.
- Super lightweight and comfortable to wear, plus the twin straps allow you to tailor the fit.
- Flexible design makes it easy to pack for trips away.
- The smart velcro straps don’t trap or rip your hair.
- Quick to charge via USB.
- The treatment time countdown is super useful.
- Fairly priced.
- It takes a couple of months of consistent use to see results — although that’s the case with all masks of its kind.
- While it’s technically wireless, the wire on the remote isn’t long enough to store in your hoodie or trouser pocket while moving about.
- The charging indicator is helpful, but I’d appreciate a low battery warning too.
How I tested the Silk’n LED Face EMS Mask:
I have dry, acne-prone skin and have struggled with blemishes across my T-zone, cheeks and chin since I was 13. Over the years, I have tried a host of different skincare routines, skincare tools and in-salon treatments — laser resurfacing, chemical peels and various facials — to fight breakouts, improve my skin texture and tackle scarring. And while most have helped, I still have some pigmentation and texture I’d like to tackle.
After checking with my dermatologist, I committed to wearing the LED face mask every other day for six months. This was always on clean skin and usually in the evening, after double-cleansing. During the 10-minute treatment sessions, I considered various aspects, including LED precision, coverage, comfort and fit. I also took progress pictures to track the changes in my skin. I did this at various times in my menstrual cycle to account for any hormonal changes, too.
I also spoke to Silk’n‘s skin technician, Selma van Asselt, in a bid to better understand the technology and the benefits of the mask from the brand’s perspective. Plus, I discussed my experience with other Glamour editors, who collectively have been reviewing the best LED face masks for the last five years.
Why you can trust me:
As a shopping writer, it’s been my job to test a host of wellness products for the last two years — that’s 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere. From sexual wellness products, including the best vibrators, to running trainers and menstrual products such as period pants, I’ve tried thousands of products across hundreds of brands before publicly declaring the best.
During my time at Glamour, I’ve attended countless press days, spoken to various dermatologists, sex therapists and health experts, plus regularly read up on the latest research across all the above categories. As a result, you could say I am more of an expert on the subject of wellness than the average online shopper.