This New Pink Light Acne Mask Is Going to Change Your Whole Life

Neutrogena's Light Therapy Acne Mask is completely revolutionizing how we treat acne at home.
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One thing has always remained absolutely true about getting rid of acne: It's not just about how you treat it, rather, it's about how you prevent it. But look, nobody wants to hear this particular piece of information, myself included. The honest truth is, none of the "cleanse, tone, spot treat" stuff really ever happens with any compliance...unless you're one of those people who has their act together and actually follows the rules. If you're anything like me, the only time you're really worried about acne is when it's reared its ugly, irritated, pus-filled head smack dab in the center of your face. Then, all of a sudden, you follow the rules until it's popped, deflated, and disappeared. (And, alas, the vicious cycle repeats itself after you've forgotten to take off your makeup before bed one too many times.) Prevention is just about the hardest concept to grasp — it's no fun. But with their latest launch — the Light Therapy Acne Mask you see Olivia Holt rocking in the image up there — Neutrogena seems to have solved all of that.

We all know and love sheet masks because they're effective, for one, but also they're hilarious to use. Well, the Light Therapy Mask basically takes that same, made-for-selfies Jason Voorhees aesthetic and kicks it up a notch with a bright magenta light. (Think of it kind of like Friday the 13th meets Xenon...in the best way possible.) The idea is that you slip the plastic mask onto your freshly-cleansed face once a day for 10 minutes, and mild to moderate breakouts will virtually be destroyed before they ever reach the surface — the brand claims that in initial trials, 80% of test subjects showed fewer breakouts in just one week of use, while almost 100% showed fewer breakouts at three months' time. In other words, wearing a slightly scary neon pink mask a few times a week could potentially mean no more pimples — there's no real scenario in which you lose here.

The technology behind the mask — known as Light Therapy — is actually pretty simple, and it's already widely touted by some of the industry's most prominent aestheticians. "It treats the two major causes of acne: the proliferation of P. Acnes bacteria, and inflammation," explains Naomi Furgiuele, the Senior Director of R&D, Global Beauty Face Care at Johnson & Johnson. "Blue light has been shown to reduce and eliminate P. Acnes bacteria, which can help stop breakouts from forming. Inflammation, on the other hand, acts as the match that lights the fire of acne. We need red light to interrupt the breakout cycle by reducing inflammation." (And when blue and red light act in tandem, like they do here — voila! You get a very on-trend shade of pink.) It should be noted, however, that both red and blue light are known as "visible light" sources, so the American Academy of Dermatology stresses that they're more effective in clearing pimples, but less so (if at all) when it comes to cysts or blackheads.

To be clear, Light Therapy has been a tried and tested form of acne treatment for the better part of a decade in the beauty industry, but up until recently, it's been relegated to the dermatologist's office or a MediSpa, where sessions can be hundreds of dollars for a single appointment. (This is especially frustrating, since most research recommends a series of treatments in order to see effective results.) In the past few years, the technology has moved to handheld devices and similar LED Masks — all of which sell for over $100 (and some up to $300). The fact that Neutrogena is producing such a product is, in short, a huge deal for the entire beauty industry — this new product will retail for a much more palatable $40.

Still — don't get caught up in all of the lights. (Sorry for the Kanye reference.) Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist here in New York, says it's important we don't forget those other, less exciting things like washing our face and using toner. "Use a gentle skin cleanser and pat the skin dry before putting on the mask," he says "And after, follow with an oil-free moisturizer and your normal topical acne treatment."

If you think about the immense technological strides we've made in the past few years — just look at the camera resolution on the iPhone 7 as the only real proof you'll need — it's kind of insane that we've been told pretty much the same thing (and, more or less, have had the same kinds of products) for treating acne since Teen Vogue launched 14 years ago. But putting on a pair of goggles and clicking a remote to activate some bright pink neon light that kills acne before it starts? That sounds like a much more modern type of skin care. In fact, as I write this very sentence, it's exactly what I'm doing...and I fully plan on sending all of my friends selfies before my 10 minutes is up.

The Light Therapy Acne Mask is on sale here starting 10/03.