iRestore Just Released a Super-Advanced LED Mask, So We Had to Try It

“Lasers have some advantages — such as the light being used is only that specific frequency — and theoretically are more powerful and penetrate deeper than an LED,” says Anil Shah, MD, a double board–certified facial plastic surgeon with practices in Chicago and New York City.

The iRestore Laser Face Mask Pro offers eight wavelengths and five smart modes. The modes are pre-sets that are designed to address different skin goals, including anti-aging, clear, brighten, and restore. There’s also an “all” smart mode, which lets you use all eight wavelengths simultaneously for a more-holistic treatment session. However, the dermatologists and skin experts we spoke with advised caution with using that mode, as it’s not necessarily the best option for every skin type.

“Darker skin types in general don’t do as well with blue light, so the all-wavelength mode doesn’t appear to be the best option for patients with darker skin or melasma,” says Dr. Shah. People with skin conditions or those taking photosensitizing medications should speak with their doctor before trying the all-on mode, Dr. Czernik suggests. “Using several wavelengths at once is not automatically harmful to the skin. However, more light is not necessarily better for every person or every concern,” she says.

Baker, the group VP of Everyday Health Commerce, is no stranger to using LED light therapy masks. She owns two, so she was already familiar with the format and technology (at least the LED part). She appreciated the iRestore mask’s comfortable fit and how easy it was to wear.

“I like that the face mask hovers and does not sit directly against my skin,” she says. “The straps have silicone bumps on one side to keep them from slipping, maintaining placement during the treatment.” This comfort is by design, as the ergonomic mask is meant to provide full-face coverage for a variety of face shapes and sizes. It also has silicone eye shields to help protect your eyes from the LED and laser light. Plus, its “open-mouth design lets you talk, sip, and breathe without discomfort.”

The mask is cordless, so Baker wasn’t tethered to an outlet during her 10-minute sessions. What’s more, you can pause mid-treatment if you need to remove the mask. (Baker did this to avoid scaring her niece during a FaceTime call.) Then you can pick up right where you left off when you’re ready.

Baker started testing the mask the day before her period began, when her hormonal acne is “at its peak.” She noticed the acne had completely cleared up within a week. Most mornings, she wore the mask after washing her face, mostly in all-wavelength mode, and then she followed up with her usual skin-care routine. After only a week, she noticed that her fine lines were starting to fade, her smile lines had improved, and her skin was generally “more radiant.” Users tend to see results in 8 to 12 weeks with consistent use, but this does vary for each person and skin concern.

Overall, the mask was a hit, and Baker plans to continue using it as part of her regular skin-care routine. She says the results were “10 times better” than what she saw with other LED masks she’s used. She attributes this to the number and variety of LED and laser diodes in iRestore’s mask.

It’s worth noting that compared with similar LED masks, this one is on the pricier end. But it’s currently on sale for $799, which definitely helps. Baker thinks the results that she noticed in such a short time frame more than justified the cost. “It is like having your own derm at home,” she says.