I’m A Beauty Editor And This LED Mask Has Changed My Skincare Routine

These days, LED therapy in a skincare routine is about as ubiquitous as a cleanser. And with so many options out there, ranging in benefits and budgets, there’s a mask to suit everyone. Although I’ve tried (and liked) many LED masks, including the CurrentBody Series 2.0 and MZ Skin’s 2.0 LightMax Supercharged LED Mask, after trying the Shark CryoGlow Mask, I think I’ve found my forever favourite.

The reason that this particular mask has got my seal of approval? Actually, too many to count, but here goes: not only is it lightweight and very comfortable to use, it’s relatively affordable compared with lots of other options. It’s also customisable to your skin goals, is easy to use and includes bonus cooling technology, which has been a game-changer for me. What’s more, because it is so easy and encouraging, I actually look forward to using it every morning. Given that results from LED rely on regular usage, I’d say that’s half the battle won.

• Why it’s Vogue-approved: To say this is just an LED mask would be doing it a disservice, which is why it comes so highly rated by several members of the Vogue team. Yes, it does contain state-of-the-art LED technology to help stimulate collagen, reduce blemishes and promote a smoother, more even tone, but it does much more besides, including the oh-so-welcome InstaChill cold technology, which helps firm, tighten and brighten the eye area. It’s this particular tech that really makes the mask feel like a mini treatment you’d get in a professional clinic, and truly, there’s nothing quite as nice as notching the cooling up to the maximum level when you’re tired after a long day.
• The other key point to note is the presence of set LED skincare routines, which you can choose between based on what your skin needs. Unlike most LED masks out there, it delivers a more personal touch and feels like you’re being guided through rather than left to your own devices. The treatment choice was a big pull for long-time LED user Ellie Davis, Vogue’s Senior Beauty Shopping Writer. “As a long-standing fan of CurrentBody’s Skin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask, it was going to take a lot for me to switch up my LED device, but the addition of the blue light Blemish Repair treatment was a very tempting proposition. I like how it got me into a routine of usage (as I can often forget or get too busy), but the icing on the cake was the cooling tips around the eyes. After a day of heavy screen time or post a late night out, the Insta Chill technology used on the chill pads under the eyes is a total game-changer”.
• Key specs
• Light Modes: Blue (415nm), red and infrared (630-830nm)
• Device type: Face mask
• Target area: Face
• Treatment Time: From 4 minutes
• Best for: A bit of everything, including blemish repair, firming, brightening and cooling
• Wireless: Yes
• Good to know: The remote control keeps track of your sessions, helping you to meet your skin goals and assess your progress.

About the Shark CryoGlow Mask

• What it is: A clinically-proven red light therapy device that combines InstaChill cold technology with four iQLED technology and anti-ageing treatment programmes.
• Device type: Face mask
• Target treatment area: The face
• Treatment time: From 4 minutes
• Treatment modes: 4
• Light modes: Blue (415nm), red and infrared (630-830nm)
• Mask type: Moulded
• Wireless: Yes

How does the Shark CryoGlow Mask work?

The main element of the mask is its iQLED technology, which uses tri-wick LED beams to pass energy through the layers of the skin. This ensures seamless coverage and the most effective way of penetrating the skin to produce results. As for those results, depending on which treatment mode you choose, you can opt to use the blue wavelength to work on blemish repair and a more even tone and texture, or the red and infrared wavelengths to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plump skin and boost brightness.

As with every kind of device like this, consistency is key, so you will need to ensure regular use if you want to see results. Shark recommends using the mask once a day for a minimum of eight weeks, using one mode only.

How to use the Shark CryoGlow Mask

One of the major plus points about this mask is just how comfortable it is to wear. Unlike others of both the flexible and moulded varieties, this mask is secured via a sturdy dual strap system, with one strap fitting around the back of your head and one fitting over the top of your head. Both straps meet in the middle at the back of your head and are fully adjustable so that you can find the most comfortable fit for your face. Although moulded, the mask sits slightly away from your face, resting instead on the cooling pads that deliver the InstChill technology to your eye area. Not only does this mean you get to feel the full force of that cold technology, but it also means that the mask doesn’t dig into your face and leave unsightly marks once you remove it. There are also optional clip-on chill pads included if you need to improve the comfort of those.

To use, pop it onto clean, dry skin and select the routine you want using the remote control. Routines start from as little as four minutes, and you can choose from three levels of chill for the eye pads. The treatment can be paused or turned off at any point. Once done, you’ll be notified on the remote and told to turn off your mask.

How I tested the Shark CryoGlow Mask

I’ve used plenty of LED masks in my time and know that they can make a genuine difference to my skin when I’m consistent with usage. Although I usually have the same goal, which is to firm and brighten my skin, I get the occasional spot and congestion, so I was pleased to know that this is a mask that can tackle both sets of concerns. On top of that, my sleep is not great at the best of times, which means I often wake with dark circles or puffy under-eyes. Because the CryoGlow Mask includes the InstaChill technology, I’ve found myself using this every morning instead of every evening, and I’m so happy I did. The cooling takes down any puffiness and helps me to look much fresher than I feel, while the mask itself preps my skin perfectly for my skincare routine that follows.