The best LED face masks have taken the beauty world by storm over the past year, and now that the best-sellers have established themselves with their first-gen launches, we’re starting to see a new wave of second-generation upgrades. Silk’n is one of those brands, and after the success of its original LED Face Mask 100, it’s back with a next-level model.
The new Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask is being labelled as the first LED mask to combine traditional light therapy with EMS technology. If EMS is new to you, don’t worry – I’ll explain what it does in a moment.
As someone who’s always up for trying anything that promises to improve my skin, I was quick to put it to the test. I’ve been using it for about six weeks now, and I’m genuinely impressed.
Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask review: price and availability
The Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask is priced at £299 (around $400) and can be purchased from a number of selected retailers, including Boots, LOOKFANTASTIC and the Silk’n online store.
Yes, it’s nearly double the price of the original Silk’n LED Mask, but there’s a very good reason for that.
Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask review: design and features
At first glance, it looks like your average LED face mask – but once you dive into the features, things get interesting very quickly. Not only does this mask offer the classic LED light therapy for skin rejuvenation, but it’s also the first-ever LED mask to combine LED with EMS technology. This means you can give your face a workout and a spa-level massage each and every time you use it.
Silk’n has actually patented its EMS tech, which includes 16 EMS electrodes that help train your facial muscles to create a unique synergy that boosts collagen, enhances skin elasticity, smooths out wrinkles and evens out skin tone. If you already know how game-changing LED therapy can be, just imagine pairing that with EMS – the results are next-level.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
When it comes to LED, the mask doesn’t just rely on different light colours like the original. Instead, it features four targeted treatment modes, each designed for specific skin concerns:
Mode 1 (red, dark red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared): fine lines and wrinkle reduction, lifting action by energising facial musculature.
Mode 2 (amber, dark red, near-infrared and deep near-infrared): fine lines and wrinkle reduction, pigmentation (both deep and surface-level), redness, and uneven skin tone, promoting a more balanced and youthful appearance.
Mode 3 (red and dark red): fine lines and wrinkle reduction, deep pigmentation spots and redness.
Mode 4 (blue): the blue LED is integrated into the remote and enables precise and targeted acne-related redness for optimal results.
With the first three LED modes, you can activate the EMS with eight intensity levels to choose from. The blue light mode is used on its own to maximise its acne-fighting power.
(Image credit: Lizzie Wilmot / T3)
The mask also features AI-powered skin mapping, meaning it reads six key skin parameters and recommends the best treatment mode for your unique skin. You just have to pop your concerns and skin type into the app, and let the AI guide you to the perfect routine. I didn’t find myself using this very much, but it’s great to know that it’s there.
Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask review: performance
Over the past few weeks, I’ve mainly found myself reaching for the amber and red LED light settings, but it’s the EMS that’s really stood out. It comes with eight different intensity levels and I’d recommend starting low – especially if you’re new to EMS.
It took me about four uses to increase to level two, and a few more to get to level three, which is where I’ve comfortably stayed. It’s not painful by any means, but there is a prickly, pulsing sensation that moves across the different EMS pads.
Each LED session runs for 10 minutes, and if you’ve switched EMS on, it runs alongside your light therapy. You can turn EMS on or off at any point during the treatment, so you can build up to the full 10 minutes if needed.
(Image credit: Silk’n)
I started noticing a difference in my skin within three weeks. Any redness calmed down, and my skin tone and texture felt more even and noticeably smoother. Compared to other LED masks I’ve tried, the results with this one showed up much quicker, which I think is down to the EMS element.
If you’re someone who struggles with the patience LED treatments usually demand, this is a great option. The EMS makes it feel like something’s actively happening, which not only gives that instant satisfaction but seems to kickstart visible results faster as well.
(Image credit: Silk’n)
I also found the mask comfortable to wear, especially as time went on. It’s got a flexible design that moulds nicely to the face, making it more wearable than some of the more rigid masks out there.
That said, the trade-off is that it doesn’t feel quite as luxe or sturdy. For the price point, I’d have loved to see slightly better quality in the materials – especially the straps, which feel a bit flimsy.
Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask review: verdict
The Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask is a solid upgrade in the world of LED skincare, combining light therapy with EMS technology to deliver faster, more noticeable results. The EMS feature adds a unique, active element that makes the treatment feel effective, though it takes some getting used to. The mask itself is comfortable thanks to its flexible design, but the build quality could be better for the price.
Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask review: alternatives to consider
The Silk’n LED EMS Face Mask is already in the top-tier league of beauty tech, but if you’re loving the innovation, I also have to shout out the Shark CryoGlow. Its under-eye cooling is on another level and also marks a clever move beyond the basic LED routine.
That said, if you’re on a budget or just dipping your toes into the world of LED masks, the Silk’n LED 100 Mask is a fab alternative. It’s almost half the price, making it a great entry-level option that still delivers impressive results.
