Can red light heal my acne scars?

As an LED mask made by vacuum-makers Shark promises to help reduce blemishes, Cally Brooks trials it for 30 days

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When it comes to skincare, I've always been cautious about big promises — especially from gadgets that look like they belong in a sci-fi film.

But after struggling with scarring from acne caused by PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and seeing influencers and dermatologists rave about LED light therapy, I decided to give it a go.

For the past month, I've been using the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask by SharkNinja, a company best known for its vacuums and kitchen gadgets. Yet since 2024 it's been making waves with this futuristic face mask.

COMFORTABLE

The CryoGlow combines blue, red, and infrared LED light therapy plus cooling cryo-technology, with the promise of transforming tired, blemish-prone skin into something brighter, smoother, and youthful.

"LED masks can help with blemishes and redness - blue light kills acne bacteria, while red and near-infrared lights calm inflammation and promote healing," says specialised skincare nurse Claire Catterall, also the founder of the skincare brand, APS.

But if you're about to invest in this, there are a few factors to consider. "A good LED mask offers clinically proven light wavelengths, even light distribution, eye protection, a snug yet comfortable fit, and ideally, FDA clearance or is dermatologist approved," she says.