My thoughts after testing the mask for over three months
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The beauty industry is always looking for the latest innovations, this time lending science originally used by NASA. NASA first started using red light therapy (RLT) — also known as laser light therapy — to grow plants in space and subsequently assist in healing astronauts’ wounds.
JOVS, founded in Silicon Valley in 2018, is a technology-driven skincare company. We were first introduced to JOVS with the brand’s intense pulsed light (IPL) home hair removal device. In 2023, JOVS launched the 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask. The mask is designed to help decrease fine lines, improve skin tone and texture, brighten complexion and reduce redness. We’ve tested other red light masks, like the Currentbody, and really liked the results. Would JOVS live up to the same standard?
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Over the past few months, I’ve tried the mask to see how it works and feels. It’s a financial and time investment, as it’s over $800 and requires daily use. Overall, it’s super convenient and easy to use. It’s comfortable to wear and charge, making it simple to stay consistent with wear. The results are up in the air. I didn’t have any major skin issues that I wanted it to address, so can’t speak specifically to its efficacy, but below I go over the science of RLT and my thoughts on the device.
What: JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask
Price: Originally $1,192, on sale for $869 (fluctuates with sales)
Where to buy: JOVS
What is red light therapy
Red light therapy is the process where red light is used to add energy to mitochondria, cells’ energy sources. By adding energy, it’s thought that your body’s cells can be more efficient. This could lead to sped-up cell repair or production.
What can JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy help with?
JOVS’ website says that the 4D laser can:
- Reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production
- Improve skin texture and tone by encouraging cellular turnover
- Soothes skin inflammation and redness
- Brightening complexion
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According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, RLT is an effective way to accomplish the above through non-invasive light-based treatment. There aren’t too many studies that have randomized, placebo-controlled trials, which could better indicate the efficacy of RLT. The science community is not conclusive about the technology’s effectiveness, but there are indications that RLT can be effective for cellular turnover and collagen production. Throughout my trial period, I fell and scraped my knee. My research convinced me that perhaps RLT could help speed up the healing process and though I don’t have a controlled scrape (falling on both knees would have been scientifically more convenient) I’m happy with how my knee is coming along after using RLT.
My review of the JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy
Summary: I can’t speak to the efficacy of the mask because I didn’t see a significant change. That being said, I went into testing with, if I may so myself, pretty good skin (I’m also in my mid-thirties, with minimal signs of aging). I don’t have any skin issues, so was testing this mask more for comfort and overall use. However, I will continue to use the mask to prolong my “good skin.” The mask is easy to use and comfortable to wear. Considering the mask needs to be worn consistently, these are important factors.
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Pros: Ease of use. It’s so easy to charge. The mask comes with a USB-C charger that I connect to my computer. I use the mask daily and need to recharge every few weeks. It’s cordless, so I can continue my day while wearing it — aside from speaking clearly — that’s muffled. It’s simple to put on and comfortable to wear. The controller has an on and off button and an intensity button. It’s simple to select your preferred setting. It’s also a cinch to clean, you just need to wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Cons: It’s expensive and not sold in CAD. I prefer when shopping experiences are Canadian-centric and I don’t need to convert currency in the checkout process. Also, results are going to vary, so it’s a big investment with an unknown outcome. There isn’t any eye coverage, so another unknown is how it could work on the under-eyes. It’s not a con, but a note: make sure you don’t fasten too tight so you can breathe easily while using the mask.
How it feels: It feels like it looks — like you’re paying homage to Jim Carrey in The Mask. It’s a full mask that lights up bright red — it’s not subtle. It’s comfortable enough to wear for 20 minutes or so. It’s soft and I haven’t had any issues with it or my skin while testing it. Always try the device for a minute before committing to the full duration of the setting you’re opting for.
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How to use: There a nine variations to use the mask based on the three different settings of both the light strength and time duration. You can opt for the soothing, standard or deep mode light intensity and 10, 15 or 20-minute timed duration. The JOVS website provides the following guide on how to use the different combinations of settings:
Tip 1: M1 10 min + M3 10 min: Reduce redness, anti-aging (dry/oily sensitive skin)
Tip 2: M2 10 min + M3 10 min: Reduce dark circles, lightening of lines
Tip 3: M2 15-20 min: Improved skin complexion and darkening
Tip 4: M3 15-20 mi: Deep tightening, anti-aging and wrinkle reduction
What: JOVS 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask
Price: Originally $1,192, on sale for $869 (fluctuates with sales)
Where to buy: JOVS
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rmann@postmedia.com
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