When Neutrogena released their Light Therapy Acne Mask and 30-Day Treatment a couple of years back, I think most people were sceptical. Lights? To cure spots? But it’s more likely than you think.
I’ve always struggled with my skin, ever since I was in high school. When I was twelve, people used to tell me, ‘oh, you’ll grow out of your spots! I did!’. I’m nineteen now, and I’ve still not grown out of them, so I’m still sporting that ‘spotty teenager who never left high school’ look.
I didn’t try the mask when it first came out, I wasn’t a fan of the £60 price tag – but when I saw the price had dropped to £30 on Groupon, I decided I’d give it a go.
The mask claims to target acne right from the source by using red and blue lights. Ultimately, this is supposed to kill the bacteria that cause breakouts, and reduce inflammation. This treatment doesn’t even touch the skin, so it’s perfect for those who suffer with sensitive skin who can’t use the majority of acne products due to the harsh chemicals in them. The mask comes with an activator that is loaded with 30 treatments. For it to work, you simply plug the mask into the activator, which must be replace each month for it to continue working. Each individual activator is priced at around £15.
When I first put the mask on, I had to sit and contemplate my life for a second. Was I really willing to let myself look like a knock-off Daft Punk member for ten minutes a day, when and where any of my housemates could walk in and see me like this? After a few treatments, I decided that the answer was definitely yes.
It was working, and helping! Only a few days in my skin looked better – less redness and smaller spots. In conjunction with doing regular facemasks and using Mario Badescu products such as the Aloe Vera Toner and Drying Lotion, I noticed a marked improvement. By the end of the 30 days, I was much happier with my skin. It was far better than it had been in a long time, and I didn’t cry about it half as much. The only time I had seen results this good was when I was using cream prescribed to me from my GP.
I can only see a couple of drawbacks with this mask: buying an activator every month is expensive, and do you really want to look like Hannibal Lecter every time you put it on? But honestly, I am down for it. I’d wash my face in acid every night if it would give me clear skin, so a mask with cool colours is a small sacrifice for me.
