When I was pitched the idea that a 10-minute ‘facial’ would transform my skin from the inside out, I was hooked.
I was equally sceptical, considering the TikTok frenzy surrounding LED masks, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to test out Skin Krush’s latest innovation in the beauty tech market.
This was for two reasons; the first was the price point.
As a self-confessed skincare nerd, I’d always coveted these LED masks that lit up #SkinTok around 2018. While dermatologists have been using light-emitting diode therapy to treat skin concerns for much longer, CurrentBody’s LED mask is credited with creating an at-home demand.
Whereas Current Body’s Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 that is loved by celebrities for its skin brightening and tightening effects, Skin Krush’s counterpart is nearly 30 per cent cheaper.
While there are other affordable alternatives to this bit of kit today – starting for as low as £90 – they’re not always safe to use, with people complaining about uncomfortable, poorly-designed white masks that spark when plugged in.
Which brings me to the second reason I was excited to try the Rejuvenating LED mask from the Irish beauty company – its founders’ credits.
Skin Krush was established in Dublin in 2021 by two skincare nurses, who met at St Vincent’s University Hospital and went on to set up one of the country’s most successful aesthetic clinics.
The ‘before’ selfe: While I’ve never suffered from acne, apart from the occasional PMS zit, I was taken aback by how tired my skin looked – especially around the eyes
For this review, I was sent the Rejuventing LED Mask that uses the industry standard 630nm red light and 830nm infra-red light to stimulate collagen production and reduce redness, while giving the user a more youthful, glowing appearance
It was through their work at Renew Skin Clinic that Sinead Gallagher and Jeanette Dunne realised there was a lack of affordable – yet safe – at-home devices that worked as advertised.
‘We set up a Renew Skin Clinic 19 years ago to offer non-surgical aesthetic treatments and now have three clinics around Ireland,’ Sinead explained. ‘Over the course of our work, we discovered that while people wanted quick and easy fixes,l they were often time or cash poor.’
They launched Skin Krush with a microdermabrasion exfoliating tool before rolling out the LED masks last November.
These silicone LED masks ‘contour to the shape of your face’, have a built-in timer, and only need to be worn for 10 minutes a day to see results – but does Skin Krush live up to the hype?
For this review, I was sent the Rejuventing LED Mask that uses the industry standard 630nm red light and 830nm infra-red light to stimulate collagen production and reduce redness, while giving the user a more youthful, glowing appearance.
Skin Krush’s second LED offering – the Clear and Calming Mask – uses a combination of blue and red light therapy
In addition to the white mask, I received eye shields, an adjustable strap, a manual controller, USB charging cable, linen storage bag, and the instruction manual.
After six weeks, my skin was visibly bouncier and my complexion had cleared up dramatically. The dark spots around my mouth and on my cheeks basically vanished, some of the fine lines had definitely disappeared and, after the six weeks were up, I woke up to more even-looking skin than I could remember having in a long time
While I was poring over this document, I realised you’re supposed to wear the mask for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, for six weeks – and I found myself questioning whether I could stick to this schedule.
Between late nights at work, pub trips, and life admin, 10 minutes a day over and above my morning and nighttime skincare routines seemed like a stretch but I’d cross that bridge when I came to it.
I took my ‘before’ selfie and this photograph became the third reason I promised myself I’d try and stick to the recommended usage guidelines.
While I’ve never suffered from acne, apart from the occasional PMS zit, I was taken aback by how tired my skin looked – especially around the eyes. Despite committing to a pretty extensive skincare regime in my 30s, I couldn’t help feeling frustrated at how dull my complexion looked in this picture.
When I told Sinead my goal at the end of the six-week testing period was ditching concealer as far as possible, and doing away with full-coverage makeup entirely, she told me ‘consistency is key’
‘We recommend using it three to five times per week for 10 minutes, you could use it every day or night if you desire but no less than three times to see results,’ she said.
The device’s controller needs to be charged for 180 minutes before its first use, and then you’re ready to go.
Whereas Current Body’s Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 that is loved by celebrities for its skin brightening and tightening effects, Skin Krush’s counterpart is nearly 30 per cent cheaper
Since I finished testing the mask, it has remained part of my skincare routine – although I use it once or twice a week now – but I’ve very happily given up wearing heavy makeup.
So, I wrapped the mask around my face every weekend, and squeezed in a 10-minute session once or twice after work, for the next six weeks.
My favourite thing about the mask is the timer meant I could close my eyes and give myself a short window to do nothing but relax without worrying about overexposure or fretting about how much of the treatment was left.
The corded remote is easy to use as it just has one button – which turns it off and on.
I’ve seen women reading magazines or doing chores with the face mask in TikToks that might give those less clued into the world of skincare a fright – but I found the red light disorienting despite the eye protectors.
Over time, I found myself looking forward to the 10-minute pause every evening and started combining the treatment with a guided meditation.
Before I knew it, six weeks were up – and I couldn’t quite believe the results. Not only was I sleeping better after swapping doomscrolling for deep breathing, my skin was visibly bouncier and my complexion had cleared up dramatically.
The dark spots around my mouth and on my cheeks basically vanished, some of the fine lines had definitely disappeared and, after the six weeks were up, I woke up to more even-looking skin than I could remember.
Overall, Skin Krush’s lightweight mask is about £100 cheaper than Current Body’s buzzy creation – with many of the same benefits.
And customer reviews for the Irish skincare brand are overwhelmingly positive as well – with one person also finding it aided her meditation practice.
Since I finished testing the mask, it has remained part of my skincare routine – although I use it once or twice a week now – but I’ve very happily given up wearing heavy makeup.
