‘I've used this LED face mask for four months and it's the best thing to happen to my skin'
LED masks aren't a new phenomenon in the beauty industry but new developments set some masks apart from others. How many LEDs the mask has, for instance, can make a difference, as can the frequency at which they emit their near-infrared light.
According to aesthetics specialist Dr Edel Woods, 'the number of LEDs isn't the only factor, the spacing and placement of the LEDs matter, too.' The 'more LEDs will usually equal better coverage, so the light can reach more areas,' but 'a mask that has evenly spaced lights will usually produce better results' also.
These technical differences separate a £40 mask from a £400 one. Silk'n's face and neck iteration (£399, Boots.com), for example, has four modes of operation for targeting different skin concerns: anti-ageing, skin brightening and smoothing, oil balancing and acne fighting. You can also buy just the face mask version (£160, Boots.com).
With numerous LED masks on the market – think Currentbody, Dr Dennis Gross and Omnilux – Silk'n's offering is, on paper, a cut above some of its competitors, but how does it perform in reality? I've been using the Silk'n dual LED mask for almost four months, so I can bring you my honest thoughts and let you know whether or not the device is worth your hard-earned cash. Scroll on for my full granular review and verdict.
How I tested
I began testing the Silk'n dual LED mask at the start of October 2024, continuing to use it until 20 January 2025. I documented my testing through all stages of use, including during the Christmas period, which brought with it some bad skin habits (increased alcohol, sugar and fat intake). I noted any breakouts, plumping effects or irritation and recorded how the mask felt and held charge.
For context, I'm 27 years old and have oily skin that's prone to blackheads and whiteheads and, while I don't generally suffer with pimples, those same blackheads and excess sebum leave the texture of my skin very rough and bumpy. Of course, having an oily complexion does mean my skin is less likely to show immediate signs of ageing but, again, I'm only 27 and haven't yet seen any big developments in the fine lines and wrinkles department. The areas in which I did anticipate improvements included the crow's feet developing around my eyes, the two deep creases in my neck (thanks to my 'tech neck' posture) and the concentration of blackheads.
Why you can trust us
As The Independent' s beauty writer, I am not only well-versed on the benefits of LED masks – having met with beauty tech experts such as Dr Alexis Granite and Dr Ahmed El Muntasar – I have also written about various devices for IndyBest (such as Currentbody's) already. I'm currently in the process of testing more than 10 different LED devices for a wider review, so my opinion of the Silk'n mask is largely informed by my experiences with similar devices from other brands. I've been working in the beauty sphere for more than five years and, in terms of cosmetics tech, I've covered everything from microcurrent tools to cryo globes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
These are the best gradual tans for a faux summer glow - from xx to xx
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Speak to any dermatologist and they'll tell you that there's no such thing as a safe natural tan so, if you're craving a sunkissed golden glow without the UV damage then fake tan is the way to go. If you're worried about orange streaks, missing patches or would rather avoid sleeping in your tan and ruining your white cotton bed sheets, then gradual tanners are the easiest way to fake a glow. Buildable formulas let you control the intensity of your tan and double up as hydrating body lotion, making them ideal for both first-timers and tanning pros. Unlike instant tans, which can be unpredictable and messy, gradual tanners are a more forgiving way of getting streak-free application. More Trending They allow you to build up colour over a few days, giving you a more natural-looking glow and plenty of room to correct if needed. Because even a light tan from the sun is a sign of skin damage, and increasing your risk of premature ageing and skin cancer. Whether you want a subtle warmth or a deeper bronze, we've rounded up the best gradual tanners that leave you glowing for all the right reasons. Aussie brand Three Warriors is known for creating brilliant tans and their Natural Gradual Tan gets top marks from us. Packed with skin-nourishing aloe vera, olive oil and avocado oil, it leaves skin soft, nourished and bronzed without stickiness or a weird smell. BUY NOW FOR £34.99 A cult-classic for a reason, Dove's Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Lotion For Face & Body gives you a natural, buildable glow while keeping skin soft and hydrated. Fast-absorbing and streak-free, it works for both face and body, with no dryness or patchiness. BUY NOW FOR £4.19 Allies of Skin's Sunless Tan SPF50 is a brilliant 3-in-1 formula. Skincare first and foremost, it also gives you a gradual, natural tan, and protects with broad spectrum SPF50. Lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with antioxidants, it hydrates as it tans. BUY NOW FOR £56 Packed with exfoliating acids and a gradual tan formula, the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner For Face give your skin a natural, even glow while smoothing and brightening. Quick and easy to use, they're perfect for a sun-kissed look that's streak-free and fuss-free. BUY NOW FOR £49 This lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast while hydrating and giving skin a natural glow. With SPF30 for sun protection and a blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening, antioxidant-rich mushroom complex it brightens your skin and keeps it sunkissed. BUY NOW FOR £20 Suitable for all skin tones, the Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion develops into a natural-looking glow while leaving skin soft, supple, and smooth. The tinted formula helps instantly blur imperfections, making it perfect for last-minute tanners or anyone wanting a bit of coverage. BUY NOW FOR £13.99 There's no need to bake in the sun for hours, with this range of brilliant gradual tanners, you can be bronzed all season. MORE: Readers say transport spending should finally focus outside the capital MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables MORE: Could these viral Pulse Oils be the key to a restful sleep and balanced hormones? Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Bukayo Saka details injury fears & 'horrible' truth about Arsenal star's surgery
Arsenal talisman believes he is back in great shape after the frustration of missing three months of last season with a hamstring problem that required surgery Bukayo Saka has opened up on the physical AND mental strain of dealing with the first serious injury of his stellar career. The 23-year-old Arsenal talisman missed just over three months of last season after going under the knife for a hamstring problem on Christmas Eve. And the England attacker admitted he had brief doubts about whether he would be as thrillingly effective following the surgery. Saka explained: 'The first two days were the toughest - that realisation that I've got what I've got and I need an operation. You start to think … am I going to be the same? "Players have come back from this injury and weren't the same. But after two days, the surgery was done and successful and you just look forward. "I was really positive and put in all the work I needed with my diet, in the gym, on the pitch. I feel I've come back in a good place. It is about how much you want it - and I wanted it a lot. I knew the games I was coming back to and wanted to be in the best shape possible which is why I did everything.' And that included taking the decision to have the operation in the middle of the festive period. He recalled: 'It was horrible. Normally, you get more time to make a decision. "But it was going to be Christmas, the surgeons want to be with their families, so I decided on the spot that we were doing the surgery. It was about deciding whether I was going to be there on Christmas Day and, obviously, that was the last thing I wanted. 'So I had to do it at 5am on Christmas Eve. Credit to the surgeon - he got up early to do it. I was out of the hospital at about 3 or 4pm and home. Christmas Day, I went to my cousin's house but I was in a big brace and had crutches.' And Saka, who had a new cockapoo puppy named Tucker that he struggled to play with, turned to a motivational book to help him through the tough rehabilitation process, explaining: 'One of the books I was given was called The Power of Now. It's about not thinking about the past, not thinking about the future - just being in the moment and always asking yourself what's necessary right now. "Sometimes I can think … am I going to come back in the best shape?' Or … what could I have done to prevent injury? But all that is not necessary. "It's only going to bring bad energy, negativity to your body. One of the best things I took from the book is to always ask yourself what's necessary in this moment and try to live that way.' Saka returned at the start of April for the later stages of Arsenal's Champions League campaign, which ended in defeat to eventual winners Paris Saint Germain at the semi-final stage. He has already got over the disappointment of that loss. 'There was no time to ease in, it was straight into big games,' he said. 'I had to do my best, the team did their best and we fell short. It is what it is now but there is no point looking back now, we look forward and know what we have to do next year.' And, in the immediate future, Saka is looking forward to winning his 44th England cap in the friendly against Senegal at the City Ground. It will be his first appearance under Thomas Tuchel and Saka is impressed with the new manager. Saka said: 'Since I've come into the camp, he's been quite demanding, quite intense on the pitch. Off the pitch, he's more relaxed, a nice guy. He lets us enjoy ourselves and has created a nice environment.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Guardian
14 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Covid booster warning as Covid NB.1.8.1 cases on the rise
The message comes after health experts also warned of a new COVID-19 variant, with cases of the strain are on the rise around the world. Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. Ifti Khan, superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, urged those eligible to book as soon as possible and get the booster while it is still available. He said: 'Covid will most likely rise coming into the end of spring and into summer as people mix with friends and family more often. 'We know from previous boosters that they are effective in making sure that patients' symptoms are not as severe as they might have been without so I would urge patients to pop into their local Well Pharmacy store and get their jab. 'Patients have just over two weeks as the spring booster programme ends on June 17 so it would be my hope that those who can get a jab, opt to do so before enjoying socialising during summer.' Mr Khan warned that at this time of year, some people may believe they have hay fever as early symptoms of Covid include a runny or blocked nose or a sore throat. Covid tests can be obtained at any Well Pharmacy. The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added.
