The Illumask for acne treatment, $30, looks like a device that stepped right out of the space age, but if you've been battling inflamed skin, you're probably willing to try just about anything. Read on to find out how this gadget works and whether it might be a good fit for your acne concerns.


LED Therapy
It might be hard to believe, but certain wavelengths of blue light can actually destroy the bacteria that are involved in acne breakouts. Bacteria alone are not responsible for acne -- it's a whole mess of sebum production, blocked glands, and bacteria all interacting with one another. But if the bacteria take a hit, that will disrupt the acne-forming process.

Sounds great, right? In fact, if you add red LEDs to the mix, the treatment may be even more effective.

The drawback to LED light therapy lies not in its effectiveness (as many dermatologists swear by it), but in its price. If you don't have thousands of dollars to invest in acne treatment, professional LED therapy may not be feasible for you.

At-Home Help
There's a DIY option for LED treatment: at-home light therapy devices. These are often handheld gadgets that you hold close to your face or tabletop versions that you lean into. They are far cheaper than professional therapy, but most methods have not been convenient to use -- until now.

Enter Illumask acne light therapy. This wearable device straps to your face, so you can sit back comfortably and relax while the LED lights zap away acne. Plus, the Illumask acne-fighter uses both blue and red LEDs, so you get the benefits of both wavelengths.

Pros and Cons
The hands-free convenience is one of the device's biggest selling points. There's nothing to hold and no sitting perfectly still in a fixed position until the treatment is up.

You will need to set aside 15 minutes each day for the treatment. Think of it as 15 minutes of responsibility-free time for yourself.

The mask lasts for 30 uses, one per day for 30 days. After that time, you pitch it and purchase a new one. That's significantly cheaper than professional treatment but still not a one-and-done purchase.

One month is about how long it takes to see results. Just as acne develops over time, the problem takes time to clear up. This isn't an overnight treatment, but if you're consistent about using it daily, you may see improvement within about four weeks.

Just a few words of caution: The Illumask for acne works best on inflamed pustules. Other types of acne, such as blackheads and cysts, probably won't respond as well.

Also, the mask can be drying. Moisturize regularly while using it. People with sensitive skin should be extra careful.