I never thought I’d be writing this review. After battling severe acne since age 13, enduring multiple rounds of harsh medications, and spending thousands on treatments that promised but failed to deliver results, I’ve finally found something that works – the Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Mask.
Fifteen years of failed treatments – My road to nowhere
My acne journey has been exhausting and demoralising. I’ve been through two full courses of Roaccutane (isotretinoin) with brutal side effects that dried out my entire body. I’ve lost count of the antibiotic cycles including multiple lymecycline treatments that left my gut health in shambles.
I’ve invested in expensive carbon laser and salicylic acid peels that left my skin raw but unchanged, and endured four years on birth control that affected my mental health and eventually caused frightening ocular migraines, nearly costing me vision in one eye.
I’ve sat through consultations with dermatologists who suggested increasingly desperate measures, including Botox injections to reduce pore size. The lowest point came during a dermatologist appointment last year when I asked about new treatment options. Her response was blunt and disheartening. “Accutane/roaccutane was the only real breakthrough in acne medicine, and that was 20 years ago. Unfortunately, this is one of the most under-funded fields of medicine,” she said.
After that appointment, I almost gave up. But then I heard about red light therapy. I had already tried everything else, I thought, it wouldn’t hurt to try this although I was convinced it wouldn’t work.
The 30-day diary
Day 1: I unboxed the Bon Charge mask with extreme skepticism. The device looked intimidating – a rigid, sci-fi face covering that emitted an intense red glow. It felt restrictive and uncomfortable during my first 10-minute session on the lowest setting. The company’s instructions were minimal, forcing me to spend nearly an hour watching TikTok tutorials to figure out proper positioning (although there weren’t many).
Day 2: I realised I’d been wearing it incorrectly. After repositioning the strap to the front and top of my head, the fit improved dramatically. Though still anxious about the light’s proximity to my eyes, I increased to 12 minutes, switching between low and medium settings.
Day 4: The first moment of genuine surprise – my skin already looked noticeably calmer. The red, inflamed patches that typically covered my cheeks had subsided. Even more shocking, the texture felt smoother when I applied my morning moisturizer. For the first time in years, I felt a flicker of hope.
Day 5: After a 15-minute session, I examined my face in natural light and nearly gasped. The persistent breakout along my jawline had significantly reduced overnight. My complexion appeared more even, and areas of hyperpigmentation seemed lighter.
Day 6: I committed to both morning (10 minutes) and evening (5 minutes) sessions. Despite the mask still feeling uncomfortable around my eyes, the results were becoming impossible to ignore. My skin felt different – softer, clearer, more resilient.
Day 8: A milestone – I realised I hadn’t had a new breakout in a week. Typically, I would develop at least 2-3 new painful spots weekly, regardless of my skincare routine. My colleague asked if I’d changed my foundation, noticing my skin looked “really good lately.”
Day 10: The deep, pitted scars along my cheeks – remnants from cystic acne that even Roaccutane couldn’t fully address – appeared shallower. I experimented with using both the red light and near-infrared settings simultaneously for a full 15-minute session.
Day 12: For the first time since middle school, I ran a quick errand without applying concealer. My heart was racing with anxiety, but nobody stared or commented. This might sound trivial to someone who hasn’t lived with severe acne, but this moment represented a profound shift in my relationship with my skin.
Day 18: The real test came during my time of the month and a high-stress work deadline that would normally trigger a major flare-up. Instead, I developed just one small spot that disappeared within 24 hours after an extra 5-minute treatment session. The most remarkable improvement was in my T-zone – previously an oil slick by midday, now maintaining a balanced glow throughout the day.
Day 20: Taking comparison photos left me stunned. The transformation was dramatic enough that friends began asking what “new expensive treatment” I’d been getting. The persistent redness that had framed my nose for years had calmed significantly. My makeup applied smoothly without catching on rough patches or accentuating scars.
Day 30: I haven’t had a breakout in weeks – this has never happened before. I’m wearing considerably less makeup, and it seems to have tackled the issue head-on. Many of my stubborn scars are mostly gone, and the less stubborn ones on the surface of my skin have completely disappeared. I couldn’t be happier.
How the mask works
The Bon Charge mask delivers therapy through specific light wavelengths: red light (630nm) for surface skin concerns and near-infrared light (850nm) for deeper tissue treatment.
Unlike many treatments I’ve tried, this dual approach seems to address both active breakouts and lingering damage simultaneously.
What makes the experience truly workable is the cordless design, with just an attached remote that I can slip into my pocket. Previous treatments required dedicated “downtime” – laying under lamps or being attached to machines, completely avoiding the sun for days.
With this mask, I can answer emails, fold laundry, or watch TV during treatment. The adjustable straps and silicone construction make cleaning simple, an important consideration for acne-prone skin.
Yes, the price tag (AED1,168) would have initially made me hesitate – this isn’t an inexpensive device. But it’s nothing compared to what I’ve had to pay over the years for acne treatments that only offered temporary relief at best, but never solved the root cause of my skin problem.
While I started using the mask specifically for acne management, I’ve noticed several additional improvements. The fine lines around my eyes appear less pronounced, and my skin retains moisture significantly better than before. My makeup applies more evenly and lasts longer throughout the day. The previously frustrating oily/dry combination areas have balanced themselves out, and my rosacea-like redness has reduced by at least 60 per cent. These unexpected benefits have only added to my appreciation for this device.
The verdict – 1 month on
After 30 days of consistent use, the transformation has been remarkable.
- Acne scarring reduced by approximately 70 per cent
- Weekly breakout cycles completely disappeared
- Significantly improved skin texture and tone
- Enhanced overall complexion with little to no redness
- Dramatic decrease in visible pores
- Newfound confidence in my skin that medication never provided after all these years
For anyone who has exhausted traditional acne treatments, the Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Mask represents something precious: hope backed by results. While the company recommends as little as 10 minutes three times weekly, I’ve found short daily sessions provide optimal results for long-term, stubborn acne like mine.
The most remarkable aspect is how gentle this treatment is compared to the harsh medications and procedures I’ve endured. No dried, cracking skin. No monthly blood tests. No mood swings or vision problems. Just gradually improving skin that finally feels like my own and all it takes is 10 minutes a day (or every other day depending on your skin type).
After 15 years of being told there were no new solutions for people like me, I’ve found that sometimes the breakthrough isn’t a new pill or invasive procedure – it’s technology that allows our skin to heal itself, one wavelength at a time.
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