LED masks range from thirty dollars to well over a thousand, and the marketing rarely explains the difference. Four specifications do most of the work when you compare them.
Wavelengths
The wavelength decides how deep the light goes and what it can do. Red at around 630 to 660 nm and near-infrared at around 830 nm are the two with the most research behind them. Blue at around 415 nm is useful if blemishes are your concern. A mask with only one wavelength does one job. SilkSkin carries four: 415, 635, 830 and 1072 nm.
Number of LEDs and coverage
More LEDs means more even coverage across the face, with fewer gaps around the nose, jaw and temples. Rigid plastic masks lose contact on the curves of the face. A flexible silicone mask sits against the skin everywhere, which is why we chose it. SilkSkin has 93 LEDs across a full-face silicone shell.
Irradiance
Irradiance is the amount of light energy arriving at the skin, measured in milliwatts per square centimetre. Too low and a ten-minute session delivers very little. Many cheap masks do not publish this number at all. SilkSkin delivers 35 mW/cm² at the skin.
Eye protection
Your eyes need proper protection from the bright LEDs in the mask. Each box contains black silicone eye shields that fit snugly inside the cut-outs for the eyes. Check that they are in the box, and use them. This will help reduce risk of eye strain, and enable you to go about your day undisturbed.
Then the practical things
A rechargeable power pack/controller rather than being plugged into the wall. A controller that is intuitive and simple to use. A warranty in writing, and a return window if it is not for you. SilkSkin ships with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns on unused masks.
SilkSkin is a general wellness product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.