Does strapping on a mask and bathing your face in red light look a little scary? Perhaps. But skin is a wondrous thing, and so, too, is LED light. Red light can penetrate skin to reduce oil and inflammation, as well as to stimulate collagen and elastin production — which makes skin look plumper and firmer and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Our experts put nearly a dozen red-light devices through their paces, and found several great options. One of their favorites (which just so happens to be on sale right now): This soft, flexible mask — a tough bigger than a piece of printer paper — directs light where signs of aging are especially noticeable, on the forehead, crow’s-feet, and nasolabial folds. Head of newsletters Sofia Sokolove says, “My skin is already noticeably more even and just looks, well, healthier. Also? I’m finding it extremely relaxing. I swear I’m sleeping better after 15 minutes bathing under that sweet, sweet LED each night.” Plus, an on-sale hard mask we love, too→ We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›
A shine-free hydrator good for oily skin: This moisturizer goes on shiny and reflective but dries down quickly — blurring the appearance of pores and leaving skin soft and impressively matte. We think it’s an ideal choice for humidity (hello, mid-August) or anyone prone to midday shine. Our favorite moisturizers, including this one …. which is $19 right now→ Exfoliating pads that punch above their weight: Exfoliants have come a long way from the irritating apricot pits of the ’90s — today’s options gently break up dead cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. One of our favorites, these exfoliating pads not only let you apply the exfoliant all over your face, but can also help you spot-treat especially dull areas. They are smooth on one side and slightly rippled on the other to help remove flaky skin and grime. Our guide to exfoliants, including this on-sale jar→ An effective retinol that absorbs beautifully and smells great: This creamy formula contains the most effective form of vitamin A sold without a prescription. Every one of our testers specifically praised how nicely it spreads into skin: Fresh out of the pump, it looks like lotion, but then it massages into a sheer, silky layer. All the retinols we love, including this $16-off one→
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