West Cumbrian entrepreneur and Nurse Practitioner Gemma Hornsby-Lofthouse has launched NovuMask, a professional level LED light therapy mask designed to bring clinic-style skincare technology into homes and treatment rooms.

Born and bred in Maryport, with roots in Dearham, Gemma has spent her life in West Cumbria.

She began her career in paediatric nursing and has 20 years of experience across hospital and primary care settings.

After moving into a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner role within a GP practice, she undertook nurse prescribing and developed a growing interest in dermatological conditions.

Gemma founded her first aesthetics business in 2018 under the name Gemma Michelle Skin Aesthetics, driven by her own experience of losing confidence due to skin concerns and a desire to extend her nursing skills into aesthetics.

Gemma explained: “After turning 30 I began taking a keen interest in my own skin, probably as I was getting older and developing a few little wrinkles and age/sun spots.

“I have always suffered with acne and have spent a small fortune on various treatments over the years before finally finding Alumier that has given me skin confidence.”

In 2024, Gemma opened Essence Wellness Clinic at 109-111 Senhouse Street, offering personalised medical aesthetics and holistic therapies designed to help clients look refreshed and feel deeply restored.

At Essence, Gemma and her team provide professional aesthetic treatments and rejuvenating wellness therapies in Cumbria, with a focus on natural-looking results and exceptional care.

Gemma initially trained with Skin Viva, developing skills in anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, and continued to build her knowledge through further study days, workshops, conferences, and advanced training with well-renowned aesthetics doctors and nurses.

As a registered nurse, Gemma is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and is required to re-register every 12 months, providing evidence that she meets professional standards under the Code of Conduct.

“Did you know that anyone can practice aesthetics? Anyone can go on a one-day course to learn how to administer botox and fillers.”

Gemma added: “It is crazy. This is why I am proud to call myself a nurse and strive to provide you with the best possible care, professional standards and treatment outcomes.”

Developed through Essence Wellness in partnership with a manufacturer, NovuMask was first ordered in July 2025, with approximately 200 masks brought in and sold organically through Gemma’s clinic and professional networks, particularly around the Christmas period.

NovuMask is now available online via the BioNovu website, as well as in a select number of clinics.

The product ships to Europe, Australia, and the USA, with the primary focus on the UK market.

NovuMask is designed to support a range of skin goals, including signs of ageing, blemishes, sensitivity, and overall skin glow.

It features 488 medical-grade LEDs and four targeted wavelengths:

• 415nm (blue): Tackles acne-causing bacteria
• 590nm (yellow): Soothes sensitive or inflamed skin
• 660nm (red): Boosts collagen and circulation
• 850nm (near-infrared): Supports deep cellular repair

The mask includes six smart treatment modes: Repairing, Rejuvenation, Anti-Ageing, Morning Skincare, Anti-Blemish, and Skin Booster, and is made from flexible, medical-grade silicone for comfort.

It is cordless, lightweight, remote-controlled, and offers a three-hour battery life from a quick 1.5-hour charge.

NovuMask is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin.

For best results, it is recommended three to five times per week for 10–20 minutes per session, with many users noticing visible improvements within four to six weeks.

For safety and assurance, NovuMask is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, includes built-in eye protection, and comes with a 12-month warranty.

Alongside her clinical background, Gemma’s personal health journey also shaped her approach to wellbeing.

In 2021, she was diagnosed as menopausal at 37 after experiencing perimenopausal symptoms for years.

During her pursuit of improved health and wellbeing, she developed a passion for exercise, running, and the gym, which inspired her to incorporate a more holistic approach into her work.

“I had been so fatigued, had difficulty losing weight and struggled with PMT symptoms for so many years and after various investigations, seeing a number of different doctors starting HRT treatment was my saviour.” Gemma explains.

“Some days exercise feels easy, other days it’s a struggle, but the gym is usually my happy place.

“This is why I want to incorporate health and wellness into my business.”

Gemma is a mum to a teenage son, and she and her partner love travelling, frequently visiting the US with plans for more road trip adventures.

The NovuMask can be purchased here or to find out more about Essence Wellness here