As a beauty editor, I’ve tested countless LED masks. And I’ve also tested several microcurrent devices. But, I’ve never found a skincare tool or device that combines both the glow-boosting benefits of LED therapy with microcurrent technology, a buzzy treatment modality that helps to temporarily lift and sculpt the skin. That was until I found Silk’n’s LED EMS Face Mask (£299), and I just knew I had to try the facial sculpting device out for myself.
Aside from the Shark Cyrotherapy LED Mask, it’s the very first LED mask I’ve come across that combines two treatments into one. And whilst Shark’s uses cooling under-eye cryotherapy, Silk’n’s LED mask pairs LED electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) electrodes, which deliver an electrical current into the skin to boost microcirculation and provide subtle sculpting. I’ve been putting the Silk’n LED EMS mask to the test over the past month to see if it’s truly worth a spot in your skincare routine. Scroll on for the things I think you need to know.
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Pros4 LED treatment settings, helping with collagen, skin elasticity, breakouts and rednessOptional EMS treatment, which helps to lift and sculptsEasy, 10-minute treatmentsGood value for range of techComfortable fit and easy to useConsBlue light setting is on the end of the remote, so only offers targetted treatmentsEMS treatment offers temporary results, and can take some getting used to
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Let’s get into it—what does this LED mask do, exactly? Not only does this LED mask feature four different LED wavelength treatments, but it also has EMS technology. Inside the mask are small silver diodes that produce a current to deliver an electrical current into the skin and muscles, helping to boost skin circulation, plump fine lines and give some temporary lift, too. Each treatment lasts for 10 minutes, and you can use the EMS simultaneously alongside most of the LED treatments, or you can do the LED on its own if you’d prefer not to use the EMS for a treatment. Below is a breakdown of each treatment.
Red LED light (633nm) + Dark Red LED light (660nm) + Near-Infrared (830nm) + Deep Near-Infrared (1072nm): This treatment setting helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen and elastine fibresand improves microcirculation for firmer and tighter skin.
Amber LED light (605nm) + Dark Red LED light (660nm) + Near-Infrared (830nm) + Deep Near-Infrared (1072nm): The second treatment setting helps with pigmentation and redness, helping to calm the skin and boost collagen production of collagen.
Red LED light (633nm) + Dark Red LED light (660nm): This setting helps to balance oil secretion whilst soothing sensitive skin, and also helps to reduce skin redness.
Blue LED light (405nm): Lastly, there is a blue LED treatment. This isn’t on the mask, however. On the remote control, you’ll find targeted blue light bulbs that you can hold over targeted areas to help clear breakouts and scarring.
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For each LED setting (aside from the blue light one), you have the option to turn on the EMS setting for the duration of your 10-minute treatment. There are eight different intensities, so you can work your way up from level one and increase as you get used to it. If you’ve not used any microcurrent device or EMS treatment (such as the Ziip Halo or NuFace) before, this may feel a bit strange at first! So start low and adjust as you acclimatise to the sensations.
There are 16 diodes across the mask that span the lower jaw, mouth, cheeks and outer-eye area. They pulse one area at a time, helping to stimulate the muscles and skin to plump fine lines, boost circulation, and even give a temporary lift.
After putting the mask to the test over the past month, I have a lot of thoughts on it. Firstly, I love having the option of different LED treatments, and I definitely saw an improvement in my skin quality after consistent use. Most masks only offer one or two treatments at most, and it’s only the more expensive models that usually offer more. For £299, having four LED modes and the EMS makes it a very reasonable investment, considering you could easily spend that on two separate devices.
As for the EMS treatments, I found them surprisingly strong, despite being a confident user of microcurrent devices. It took me about a month to work my way up to the highest setting, so I appreciated having the option to start at a lower level and work my way up as I got used to the EMS sensations (expect lots of involuntary muscle-twitching—my lips were moving in crazy ways). However, if you’re a microcurrent fiend, then you can always jump straight into level eight.
What’s great about this device is that whilst it does take consistency and time to see the full benefits of the LED, the EMS results feel instantaneous. The electrical pulses definitely helped to de-puff and give me some subtle sculpting, making it a great way to give your skin a face-snatching boost before a big event. Plus, this mask fits perfectly. Some feel uncomfortable during wear, don’t sit close to the skin or slide off, but not this one. It has a semi-moulded but flexible shape that secures with two adjustable Velcro straps. I could get up and move around whilst using it, so it’s a 10/10 on the fit from me.
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Overall, I’m impressed by this LED mask. The price is still an investment, of course. But, for the range of LED treatments and the addition of EMS, it feels worthwhile. If you already own an LED mask and a microcurrent or EMS device, then it’s probably worth saving your money. That being said, if you want a range of LED treatments and the option to do your EMS at the same time, then this is a great time-saver to stack your treatments. A lot of microcurrent devices require you to follow along on your phone with an app, so I liked that this Silk’n’s method is more passive—I can get the same results while watching Netflix.
Results-wise, my skin definitely looks glowier, feels plumper and even seems a little more sculpted after adding the EMS treatments in. I’ve been unlucky with some breakouts this past month, but the LED has helped speed up recovery and shorten their lifespan. I do wish that blue light were built into the mask, but the targeted controller treatment is useful if you only need to treat one area. Overall, I definitely think it’s a worthwhile investment. LED takes both consistency and time to work, so if you’re using it daily, you can expect to see great results.
I put the Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask to the test each day for a month, rotating between the four different LED treatment settings, as well as the EMS treatments. I observed how my skin improved over time, and rated the mask on its ease of use and efficacy, as well as considering the value for money.
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