Alan Rubio via Getty Images
LED masks look vaguely like something Iron Man would wear from the outside, and shine multicolored lights onto the skin that claim to clear acne, prevent wrinkles and repair sun damage. Kourtney Kardashian uses one (or at least sells a device on her website), so if it’s good enough for a Kardashian, why not for the rest of us?
But it’s not quite that simple. At-home LED devices can range in price dramatically. There’s an under-$40 Neutrogena LED mask for acne (which only lasts for a month before the activator light needs to be replaced). Or you can step it up a bit and try the Kardashian-approved DMH Aesthetics device for $190. If you’re up for a bigger investment, there’s a $435 Dennis Gross mask or other devices that go for thousands of dollars.
Stocksy
I ll be the first person to tell you that I m v hesitant when it comes to slathering oil all over my face. But it wasn t until I started using sweet almond oil (a lightweight, vitamin-rich superhero in the skincare world) that I realized my face straight-up
needed one and looked waaaay better for it. I m talking dewier, smoother, and softer skin no clogged pores or breakouts included, thank you very much. Because unlike heavier oils (looking at you, coconut),
almond oil is known for its lightweight texture, meaning it s even safe for folks with sensitive or combination skin like me.
Art by Michael Stillwell
When it comes to taking care of one s skin, there are a lot of rules, particularly when it comes to slowing down the aging process. First and foremost, wear an SPF. Probably slather on vitamin C from time to time. Hyaluronic acid is great for keeping your skin hydrated and plump. But when it comes to using active ingredients that slough, exfoliate, and cause skin cell regeneration, things can get a bit more confusing.
Case in point: a lot of people don t know whether they should be using something like a glycolic acid versus a retinoid. We reached out to Dr. Corey L. Hartman Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, Dr. Michele Koo, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and founder of Private Practice by Dr. Koo, and Dr. Elyse Love, Board Certified dermatologist to get the answers.