I Put a £1400 LED Facial Device to the Test—These Are My Honest Thoughts

If there is one beauty category that has totally boomed in the past couple of years, it is the rise of at-home beauty devices. However, I'm pretty sceptical about the majority of at-home skincare devices, particularly their effectiveness and the claims that they make. For example, micro-needling in a clinic versus an at-home "micro-needling" rollers are worlds apart. Although, the latter are often marketed to lead to you to believe that you'll achieve similar results. Effective in-clinic treatments deliver potent results and can therefore only be delivered by highly qualified therapists. In my mind's eye, you just can't achieve the same results at home—for the most part.

Many at-home LED masks have been springing up on the market, and I became curious if they could really be worth it. And when I heard that acclaimed facialist Shani Darden (whose clients include Emily Ratajkowski and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) had partnered with Déesse to launch her own at-home LED mask, I was instantly intrigued and especially curious about what could command an £1400 price tag.

What is LED?

LED (or light-emitting diode) is often used at the end of facials, or even as a standalone or course of treatment, to treat a number of skin concerns. It uses different coloured lights (which have different waveforms). Red light typically addresses fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging collagen production, whereas blue light kills P.acnes bacteria, which can be the root cause of acne. 

Putting the Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask to the test.

"LED light therapy has always been one of my absolute favourite treatments in my facials for a next-level glow and firmer and clearer skin," says Darden. Her new mask has 238 LED lights to target fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone and treat minor to moderate acne. It also has a neck attachment, which sets it apart from most at-home LED masks.

The LED device comes with face and neck attachments and has three 10-minute treatment modes.

This particular mask by Déesse features three treatment modes. Mode one uses red light to address fine lines and wrinkles, mode two treats acne with blue light, and mode three targets pigmentation and dark spots with infrared light. The treatments last 10 minutes each, making them easy to slot into your week.

Does the Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask really work?

My skin before using Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask.

I've had LED treatments as part of a facial previously and was impressed with the results, so I decided to put the LED device to the test to see how it fares. My skin can be quite reactive, so I tend to get hormonal breakouts around my chin, and I often experience sensitivity and eczema. Right on cue, my skin coordinated all three symptoms just in time for me to begin testing the device. 

Testing the red light to address fine lines.

Shani Darden recommends using the device four to five times a week to see the best results (anything more won't necessarily equal better results). So I tried all three light modes on rotation throughout the week.

The mask is easy to operate, and both the neck and face mask pieces are connected to the main remote with two wires. In order for the light to fully absorb into your skin, it's important that you do treatments on bare skin, without any makeup or skincare on. However, these can be applied afterwards.

It comes with adjustable straps that secure behind the head and neck, which I'll admit I didn't find the most comfortable to wear around the neck whilst sitting up. Instead, I preferred to lie down and place the device over my face and neck. Plus, it's a great excuse to take 10 minutes out—even if it does mean you look a bit like Iron Man partaking in some self-care. All in the name of skincare, right?

Trying the blue-light setting to address breakouts.

I have to say that I wasn't expecting the results to be so immediate (full results can be expected at around six weeks), but even after my first treatment with the red-light setting for fine lines and wrinkles, my skin was glowing. After a couple of rounds of the blue-light setting to address breakouts, I noticed that lifespan of my spots was reduced. While it hasn't stopped me from getting breakouts entirely (as my acne is hormonally driven, a device will never eliminate it entirely), it certainly hurries them out much quicker when they do strike. Similarly, with the setting to address pigmentation, I noticed that my skin tone looked more even and less red over the two weeks of testing, and it gave me almost an instant glow—the kind of healthy radiance after a really good night's sleep.

Is the Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED Light Mask worth it?

My skin two weeks after using the LED mask.

It's not lost on me that £1800 is a lot of money to spend on a skincare device. For that amount, it could buy you numerous courses of LED treatments in a clinic or salon. However, if you are looking to invest in an at-home LED device, or perhaps have LED treatments that you love already and are considering prolonging the effects at home, then I would recommend this particular device. Even after just two weeks of testing, I've seen an improvement in my skin, and I love that the treatments are just 10 minutes, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. And the fact that Shani Darden herself gives it her stamp of approval speaks volumes. LED devices can vary between models and price points, so it's worth doing your research on which is the best fit for you. Ahead, you can shop the best LED face devices on the market right now.

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