I found that the TheraFace Mask was ready to use as soon as I unboxed it; I did charge it for about 15 minutes before I put it on, but then that charge lasted for days. (In fact, not once did it ever run out of battery. I did charge it preemptively and at random here and there, but its two-hour battery life is generous.)
The mask itself is surprisingly heavy—though not entirely in a good way—and it comes with adjustable straps that reach above and around the head so you can easily customize your fit. I pushed the button on the right side of the mask to start the preset treatment, which consists of three-minute sessions each of red light, near-infrared + red light, and blue light, as well as the facial massage.
I was able to glimpse my phone through the eye holes, which are flanked by washable silicone eye protectors so the LED lights don’t cause strain on the eyes. I appreciated that the mask was slightly away from my skin; it merely hovered over the lower half of my face. As someone who’s struggled with breakouts, I did not love the prospect of repeatedly pressing a mask against my skin, as is the design with many LED light therapy masks.
For over a week, I used the nine-minute treatment on a daily basis. I found that I preferred to use it without the built-in vibrations; they’re a nice option and perhaps I’ll revisit them at some point, but I found the motors to be a bit loud, and the vibrations gave me sensory overload. Maybe I’m just delicate—always a possibility—but it just wasn’t for me. Kiana Murden, Vogue’s senior beauty writer, however, had a more positive experience. “When testing the device, I found that, yes, with consistent use, my skin felt firmer and bouncier thanks to the LED treatment, but what I most enjoyed was the gentle massage it offered, alleviating my jaw tightness and boosting relaxation,” she previously wrote. Across the pond, British Vogue’s beauty commerce writer Tracy Achonwa has described the vibration mode as “nine minutes of utter bliss.”
Although eight weeks are recommended for the best results, I noticed that my skin was calmer and less congested after just a week. Even a newfound zit on my chin came and went in a day or so with the help of this mask. I have yet to see a sharper jawline, but my skin does look more supple and smooth than it did—possible proof that my skin is getting its collagen-formation in order.