Last year, Neutrogena revealed that they would be launching a revolutionary new way to treat acne, called the Light Therapy Acne Mask. The techy treatment was very well received, touted as an affordable and effective solution to many of the traditional treatment options available - and with zero side effects.

The mask uses blue light therapy to kill the bacteria that causes acne on the skin and red light therapy to help reduce inflammation and redness associated with breakouts. Initially, the mask did well and many users reported improvements to their skin after a relatively short period of time. However, the mask is no longer available to buy and the brand has voluntarily recalled the device after reports of eye-related problems.

Neutrogena release a statement on the 5th of July regarding the situation: "The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask is safe for use by the general population when used once per day as directed. Reports of visual effects associated with the use of the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask are rare, generally mild and transient. For a small subset of the population with certain underlying eye conditions, as well as for users taking medications which could enhance ocular photosensitivity, there is a theoretical risk of eye injury."

The Australian Department of Health released a statement on the 17th of July, echoing Neutrogena's previous comment, that the risk of eye injury was only applicable to a very small group of people, rather than the general public.

They said, "it has been identified that, for a small subset of potentially susceptible people (including people with certain eye-related disorders, e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism, other congenital retinal disorders), repeated exposure may cause varying degrees of retinal damage that could be irreversible and could accelerate peripheral vision impairment or loss."

"Other potential adverse events that may be associated with use of this device are eye pain, eye discomfort, eye irritation, tearing, blinding, blurring of vision, seeing spots/flashes and other changes in vision (for example vision colour)."

Although the statement suggests that issues are only related to those with underlying eye conditions, the brand have advised people to stop using the mask and to contact a healthcare professional if they experience any negative visual side effects and discomfort. The Australian Department of Health also suggests that people should stop using the mask.

We reached out to Neutrogena for a comment and they responded saying: "The NEUTROGENA® Light Therapy Acne Mask is safe for use by the general population when used as directed. For a small subset of the population with certain underlying eye conditions, as well as for users taking medications which could enhance ocular photosensitivity, there is a theoretical risk of eye injury."

"Our voluntary decision to recall this product from wholesalers and retail stores is being made out of an abundance of caution. Reports of visual effects associated with use of the NEUTROGENA® Light Therapy Acne Mask are rare, generally mild and transient. Our first priority is the health and safety of those who use our products. If consumers experience any visual discomfort, they should stop use and consult a health care professional."

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Gabrielle Dyer Senior Beauty Writer Gaby is the Senior Beauty Writer here at Cosmopolitan.com/UK.

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