The Shark CryoGlow is the first LED light therapy face mask in the UK that comes with under-eye cooling technology.
Light therapy face masks can help with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, fine wrinkles and sun damage. In addition to these, the Shark CryoGlow offers InstaChill technology that depuffs and soothes the area under your eyes.
Read on for our full review.
Shark CryoGlow LED Light Therapy Face Mask Review
What Are You Buying?
1. LED Light Therapy Face Mask
The inside of the Shark CryoGlow mask is filled with LED lights that cover most of your face. Each of these lights is a tri-colour LED, meaning it emits three types of light: blue, red and infrared.
Unlike most light therapy masks that cycle through one colour at a time, the Shark CryoGlow mask produces different combinations depending on the mode you’ve selected (more on that shortly).
This ensures you get the benefits of different types of lights without having to switch between colours.
But the big question a lot of people have is whether light therapy works. Yes, it does. It requires consistent use and may not be effective for some skin conditions, but it works.
There is scientific evidence that LED light therapy helps with wound healing, mild to moderate acne, psoriasis, fine wrinkles, sun spots, dull skin and other skin problems.
Shark also cites successful clinical studies that were done with the CryoGlow.
So it’s not a gimmick. Over time, the Shark CryoGlow can make your skin appear more vibrant, provide anti-aging treatment and help manage common skin problems.
2. Under-eye Cooling Technology
This is where the Shark CryoGlow is different from other light therapy face masks. Under the eyes, the mask has two built-in metal pads.
These offer InstaChill technology that depuffs your eyes, reduces strain and reduces any pain and swelling.
As many customers have noted, the pads get really cold even on the lowest level. It takes some time to get used to them. But they are highly effective at tightening and smoothing the area under your eyes.
Good to know: If you are wondering how the chilling pads work, they use the Peltier effect. There’s a fan that comes on when you are using them, but it’s not too loud.
3. Four Modes To Choose From
The Shark CryoGlow has four modes:
- Better ageing — a combination of red LEDs and infrared to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Takes 6 minutes.
- Blemish repair — combines blue, red and infrared LEDs to repair blemishes on the skin. Takes 8 minutes.
- Skin sustain — combines blue, red and infrared LEDs to brighten skin and maintain results. Takes 4 minutes.
- Under-Eye Revive — Turns on the InstaChill pads to reduce eye bags, provide eye relief and firm up your under-eye area. You can cycle between three temperature levels and three timer options (5, 10 and 15 minutes).
Note that you can use the Under-Eye Revive mode on its own or in combination with any of the other modes.
4. Easy to Use Remote Control
The Shark CryoGlow comes with an easy to use wired remote control. It’s attached to the mask, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing it.
It has a small colour display and a selector wheel that makes it easy to cycle through options in various menus.
Use the remote control to select your preferred mode, check how much time is remaining, adjust the temperature of the cooling pads and more.
One feature I wish they’d included is the ability to set up user profiles. Most people who buy the Shark CryoGlow share it with at least one other person, usually their spouses.
That means each person has to re-adjust the mask settings every time they use it. User profiles with preset settings would make sharing a lot easier.
How Easy Is It To Use?
The mask itself is comfortable to wear. It’s essentially a rigid shell that straps over your face. It is lightweight and does not put any pressure on your face. For a perfect fit, you can adjust the strap.
Some people don’t like the feel of the clip-on chill pads under their eyes. If they feel uncomfortable, you can remove them when you are not using the Under-Eye Revive mode.
For those concerned about feeling claustrophobic, the mask has holes for the eyes, face and mouth. So you can breathe normally and even watch TV during your session.
The remote control is easy to use. I especially love the selector wheel — it’s so much better than pressing buttons to navigate through a menu.
Another thoughtful addition to the Shark CryoGlow mask is the auto dimming feature. Most light therapy masks blast your eyes with the bright LEDs as you put on and take off the mask.
To avoid this, the Shark CryoGlow has a feature that keeps the light dim until it senses you’ve put on the mask. Then the LEDs turn up to full brightness. They then dim again when you take off the mask.
What Accessories Are Included?
The package includes the Shark CryoGlow face mask, clip-on chill pads, a USB-C cable for charging the mask (along with a plug) and a storage bag.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Comfortable.
- Includes light and cold therapy.
- Offers four types of treatment.
Cons
- No user profiles in settings.
- Takes time to see results.
Anything Else You Should Know?
A few notes about the safety of LED light therapy.
It’s different from UV therapy, which can be harmful. The Shark CryoGlow uses LED light, which is harmless on the skin. It is also safe to use on all types of skin tones.
That said, you should not use the CryoGlow (or any LED light therapy mask) if you are taking medications that make you sensitive to light.
It’s also not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing, have implants in the face, have cold hypersensitivity and any other condition that may be affected by exposure to cold or bright light.
Conclusion
If you want an LED light therapy face mask that also provides under-eye cold therapy, the Shark CryoGlow is the best choice. It’s pricier than other LED face masks, but it’s worth it. It’s well made, easy to use and provides different types of therapy modes.
