Top Picks: Best Skincare Tools for Different Skin Needs
Top Picks: Best Skincare Tools for Different Skin Needs
Today's skincare tools bring advanced technology, previously only available to estheticians, into the comfort of your own home. Facial massagers, microcurrent devices, dermal rollers, and at-home light therapy tools allow you to maintain results in between facials longer than just using products alone. As a self-proclaimed science nerd, I can't get enough of the latest advancements in beauty tech. I'm now able to recommend a tool for any skin condition, whether your goal is to lift and tone, smooth wrinkles, reduce acne, or calm irritation.
Queue up your Netflix because you'll want to add these gadgets to your evening routine ASAP. Here are the best skincare tools for different skin needs
Facial Massagers
The first skincare tool I recommend to every client starts with the basics. Massage is a vital step in any skincare routine, and I've seen for myself that with consistency, you'll see great results. It stimulates blood flow and brings oxygen to the tissue, resulting in brighter, healthier skin.
Our Facial Massager is the closest you’ll get to manual massage. It grips and lifts the muscle around the cheekbones, jawline, lips, eye area, and brows. This method sculpts the muscle and tissue rather than compressing the top of it (like a typical face roller would do).
Benefits of facial massage:
- Speeds up circulation
- Brightens skin by bringing more oxygen to the tissue
- Sculpts and emphasizes the jawline and cheekbones
- Lifts and tones facial muscles over time
- Reduces puffiness
- Relaxes and relieves tension
The Facial Massager can be used directly on the skin or over a face mask. To wake up your complexion or depuff, keep it in your fridge or on ice - the cold creates a cryogenic treatment that refreshes and reduces inflammation. I recommend doing a minimum of 5-7 minutes 1x per day for maximum results. Here's my tutorial for more detailed instructions on my massage, drainage, and product push protocols.
Microcurrent Devices
Just like going to the gym, your facial muscles also need a workout to stay toned and lifted. I have always used microcurrent paired with regular face massage to sculpt facial muscles and create a 'natural' facelift. Microcurrent therapies utilize low-level electrical currents on targeted muscles to mimic those in the body. They stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, lift and tone the muscles, and repair damaged tissue. NuFACE is the leader in at-home microcurrent technologies, with devices that provide overall sculpting, targeted wrinkle-smoothing, and body toning.
Benefits of microcurrent:
- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
- Lifts and tones muscles
- Improved circulation
- Smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
I recommend using the NuFACE Toning Device once a day for 5-20 minutes. After 60 days, you can decrease to 2-3 times per week to maintain results. Always apply a thick layer of the NuFACE water-based gel primer, which acts as the conductor. Then follow the included manual for detailed instructions, where you'll glide and hold the device over problem areas.
The NuFACE FIX device, combined with theNuFACE FIX Serum, uses a 'feathering' technique, a quick erasing motion, to smooth away the look of fine lines and wrinkles around eyes, mouth, forehead, and nasolabial folds. Treat each area for 3 minutes up to 2 times per day.
At Home Light Therapy
My favorite LED Panel for the face and body, the Celluma PRO, brings professional-grade light therapy to your home. The science-backed 3-mode LED panel treats acne, wrinkles, and pain by boosting cellular energy. The elongated flexible panel is lightweight and versatile, so users can dome it over the face, wrap it around extremities, or lay it flat over the body.
Not only do we use the Celluma in treatment, but it's also considered a Class II medical device, featuring professional grade LED with three treatment modes: The Wrinkles setting uses red LED, Acne uses blue LED, and Aches & Pains uses infrared LED.
Benefits of Celluma Pro LED panel:
- Increases elasticity
- Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces bacteria associated with acne
- Reduces inflammation and aches and pains
I recommend using the Celluma PRO four times per week for 30 minutes for the best results. First, cleanse and tone the skin, then place the Celluma PRO over the treatment area and select the desired program. Avoid creams or oils before use, as they will block the light. When using over the face, always be sure to wear the included protective goggles. After treatment, mist the skin with a hydrating toner and continue with the rest of your routine.
Celluma
Celluma Pro At-Home Light Therapy Device
LYMA Laser
The LYMA laser warrants its own category because it is the first and only at-home skin rejuvenation cold laser. I've been wary of lasers in the past because I've seen many of them permanently damage the skin due to heat-induced hypopigmentation. But the medical-grade LYMA Laser is different because it builds up the skin rather than breaking it down. The photons from the 808nm near-infrared laser reach your deepest tissue layers, giving your cells an energy boost that accelerates collagen and elastin production.
The LYMA Laser was born from medical industry technology called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which has been used for decades to rebuild damaged cartilage and tissue. The laser is one hundred times more powerful than LED, combining four high-powered antibacterial blue LED lights that kill surface-level bacteria and a laser beam that regenerates skin at the cellular level, encouraging longer-term results.
Benefits of LYMA Laser:
- Brightens hyperpigmentation
- Plumps skin and improves elasticity
- Increases product penetration
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces and prevents acne
- Works with any skin tone
To be able to use a tool this powerful while watching your Netflix shows is astounding. The LYMA Laser is very simple to use. Simply spray the LYMA Active Mist to activate the skin and a thin layer of the Priming Serum to flood it with oxygen so the laser can reach the base layer of your skin. You can use a moisturizer or a serum to help the device glide over your skin. After the treatment, follow with your usual skincare routine. I recommend daily use for optimum results.
LYMA
LYMA Laser
Dermal Rolling (aka micro-needling):
Cosmetic micro-needling, which we do in our studio and you can do at home, uses short, ultra-fine needles (0.1-0.2mm) to create micro-channels in the epidermis, allowing products, such as serums, to penetrate 80-90% more than they would on unbroken skin. The technique is painless and does not cause bleeding. On the other hand, medical micro-needling, or Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), uses longer needles (0.5-1.0mm), which penetrate through the epidermis to the dermis, to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Benefits of micro-needling:
- Enhances the effectiveness of the ingredients in topical products
- Restores skin tightness
- Speeds up the reduction of uneven skin tone and texture
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Since micro-needling dramatically increases the effects of skincare products, it's best to do it before applying your nighttime skincare products. Start once a week and slowly work up to needling every night to see the best results. After cleansing and toning, gently roll in an asterisk pattern over each area - vertical, horizontal, and both diagonals 2-3 times. And remember to use a proper sanitizing solution on your needling tool once per week.
After micro-needling, sensitive skin types should be wary of introducing new serums into your routine. Instead, just stick with your usual products. Lastly, do not microneedle over any patches of active acne, as it will spread the bacteria. Also, avoid any areas with rosacea or eczema, as needling will cause extra irritation.
Environ, one of the pioneers of skin needling, is my go-to brand for micro-needling devices.
Electro-Sonic Technology
Environ’s DF Mobile is another professional facial device now available for at home use. The handheld device uses low frequency Sonophoresis (ultrasound waves) and Iontophoresis (electrical current) to stimulate and temporarily disrupt the outer layer of the skin to improve the penetration of skincare. After several weeks of consistent use you’ll see noticeably improved texture and skin radiance.
Benefits of Electro-Sonic DF Mobile:
- Targets fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces the appearance of pigmentation
- Enhances the effects of hydrating products
- Improves texture and dull skin.
If you’re already using Environ skincare, the DF Mobile will complete your routine, making a lasting difference in your skin. First, cleanse your skin thoroughly and apply the water-based gel to the areas on your face you want to target to ensure good conduction. Next, dampen the conduction cloth and wrap it around the sides of the device. Place the device on one area at a time and move it when you hear the beep. Once completed, massage excess product into your skin.
Integrating Skincare Tools into Your Daily Routine
These skincare tools were created for simple, at-home use. But there are a few tips and tricks to amplify their benefits. First, all tools or devices should be used AFTER the skin is cleansed and toned. And, anytime tap water touches your face, it is time to tone again to balance the pH in your skin.
All of the tools we discussed are excellent to incorporate into your nighttime routine because most of them improve product penetration. Our skin cells rebuild while we sleep, and products can help enhance these natural processes. Facial massage and the NuFace device are also great tools to use before an event when you want to look sculpted and glowing.
But there is one caveat to these innovative devices: Even the best skincare tools won't work unless you are consistent. Thankfully, our favorite gadgets are Netflix-friendly, so staying motivated should be easy.
