What Does A $400 LED Face Mask Actually Do?

The gadget you are about to see is not a time-traveling device from the future but is, in fact, the Priori Skincare UnveiLED Mask featuring light emitting diode (LED) technology. Priced at $395, this silicone mask is meant to use the power of red LED light to reduce facial lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and improve texture in 10 minutes a day. Since that all sounds fairly amazing and I had some time on my hands during lockdown, I figured I’d offer up my face as a guinea pig for the mask that the brand sent over to try. Here’s what happened after a few weeks of use.

The Potential Magic of LED

First, a bit of background on LED light therapy. I knew that, in theory, it really could make a difference in my skin. Studies have shown LED light to have various benefits ranging from lessening acne and rejuvenating aging skin to assisting in wound healing after surgical and resurfacing procedures. I reached out to New York-based board certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, (who I’ve seen as a patient myself over the years) to find out a bit more about it. She explains that LED light works by “emitting infrared lights — causing heat — in different wavelengths and spectrums, which have different skincare benefits.”

If you’ve seen other LED devices, you might have noticed an array of colors ranging from yellow and green to red and blue. The Priori mask employs red light, which she says is most commonly used to promote circulation as well as “building, strengthening, and maximizing cellular structure.”

As is the case with most at-home offerings of in-office treatments, the DIY versions tend to be less effective, though she insists at-home masks will get you noticeable results with continued use. And, most importantly, she assured me that it’s safe. “The light doesn’t cause any burns or skin damage,” Dr. Engelman explains. “It’s virtually painless, and, for some, the colors are very relaxing.” But, as always, tell your doctor about any and all your conditions (like photosensitivity) just in case.

Going for Silicone

There are several LED masks on the market these days, but the Priori model caught my attention because it’s made of a flexible silicone. That means it can mold more effectively to the face than the hard-shell styles out there. I’ve got a small mug and a Roman nose, so I need something that bends to hug my contours. It also claims to help super-charge skincare ingredients, which is why I smeared the Priori Skincare DNA fx221 Recovery Serum on before every session.

A look at the outside and inside of the Priori Skincare UnveiLED Mask

As for the experience of using the mask itself, well, there’s not much to report — and I mean that in a good way. It stays on via a Velcro strap around your head and isn’t hot to the touch or uncomfortable to wear. It has a built-in timer, so it shuts itself off after 10 minutes. The lights don’t hurt my eyes at all. The most I can say about them is that they’re distracting, so I gave up quickly on trying to get anything done while wearing it. It’s for the best, since the Priori folks had suggested I relax with my eyes closed while wearing it to get the most benefit on my eyelid lines anyway. Sometimes I combined it with a guided meditation session because who doesn’t love multitasking?

The Results

Before we get into the before and after, I want to be upfront with the fact that I got a fresh round of Botox® about half-way into my trial, which softened the lines on my forehead. All the rest of my skin changes, however, were thanks to the mask. In fact, the only thing I’ve got on my skin in the before-and-after pictures below is moisturizer (Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, if you’re curious).

A before-and-after look at the writer's skin after four weeks of use

The first benefit I noticed? About two weeks into my month-long trial, my skin looked glowier. Like, a lot glowier. But it wasn’t until I did a side-by-side comparison at four weeks that I realized how much it’s improved my skin tone. The ruddiness on and around my nose has softened significantly, and my pores are less noticeable.

The writer's complexion after using the LED mask for a month

I can’t say that I’ve noticed any line softening yet. But, with having to discount my forehead because of the Botox®, I’m obviously not the best example of what it can do in that category. I plan to continue using it to see if it eventually helps my marionette lines. Even if it doesn’t, the glow and skin tone changes are enough to keep me going.

So, beam me up, Priori. I’m now an LED believer.

All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.