I don’t know about you, but I never get tired of using face masks. From sheet masks and peel-off varieties to high-tech options that rival in-office treatments, there’s something so satisfying about applying a mask and knowing the next 10 to 20 minutes are your time for self-care. This week I tried the latest innovation from science-driven skin-care brand PRIORI—UnveiLED Flexible LED Light Therapy Mask—during a virtual meeting with the brand, and I could not stop admiring my glowing complexion on the screen afterward. Here’s how it works.
You’ve probably seen red LED masks before—the concept itself isn’t new. What is new, however, is the use of flexible, medical-grade silicone instead of hard plastic, so the mask actually forms to your face and touches your skin rather than canopying above it. This means you get an even deeper delivery of red and infrared light, acting as the ultimate at-home anti-aging treatment for sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and dull skin.
“As we age, our skin becomes thinner and drier and begins to sag and wrinkle due to a loss of collagen and elastin tissue,” says Dawn Turner, sales director and partner at PRIORI. “The mask uses two proven wavelengths of light: 633 nanometers of red light and 830 nanometers of near infrared light, both of which have been shown in clinical studies to stimulate collagen and elastin production and trigger cell renewal. Most companies use the 633 in their red light products, but not the 830, which makes this product so unique and allows for deeper penetration and enhanced healing properties.” It also encourages blood flow and oxygenates the skin, which results in an instant glow.
I was instructed to apply the mask on clean skin and then apply a water-based serum, and in this case, I used PRIORI DNA Recovery Serum. Whatever serum you choose to use (you can also use the mask on bare skin), make sure it’s water-soluble so the red light can efficiently penetrate the skin.
The mask itself is very comfortable and has an adjustable band on the back so you can control how tight you want it. I was a little concerned about my eyes being exposed to the light—I’ve worn goggles during most LED light treatments—but Turner assured me the device would not hurt my eyes. In fact, she said it’s actually good for eye tissue because of its healing properties. The mouth hole didn’t fit over my mouth perfectly, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that no face mask will fit everyone’s face because that’d be impossible, and it was still comfortable nonetheless. As Turner warned me, “you might feel some warmth wearing the mask, but that’s your body touching the silicone, not the bulbs heating your skin. It doesn’t emit heat.” I actually didn’t feel warmth at all, but I assume some users will.
After 10 minutes, the mask automatically shuts off. Turner told me she likes to use it right before bed after she washes her face because it actually relaxes her, which I thought was a good idea. You can use the mask every day, but a minimum of three times per week is recommended. And, although you’re always applying it on clean skin, to clean the mask, spray some antibacterial sanitizer on a cloth and wipe down the mask—you shouldn’t get it wet.
Priori conducted four-week clinical trials using the mask alone on clean skin, and also the mask in tandem with its DNA Recovery Serum (both three times per week) and additional products, such as cleanser and barrier repair cream. In both cases, more than 95 percent of users experienced an improvement in skin tone and texture; brighter, plumper skin; firmer skin; and less visible fine lines. Though the mask is an investment ($395), the benefits are vast and I’m excited to see how my skin changes over the course of the month and beyond.
