Skincare Devices to use at home

Skincare can be a frustrating journey from time to time. Depending on what stage you are in with your journey those results can vary. Remember this: skincare is healthcare and it should be an on-going commitment to achieve healthy, confident skin. Whether you are in a preventative stage or corrective stage of your skincare for age management or because you are acne prone but you need more options to get to your results…let’s talk about some advanced options to incorporate at home.

Perhaps you’ve seen some interesting looking gadgets online meant to lift and tone. A tool for depuffing or even a light to increase collagen. The beauty industry is packed with machines and tools and gizmos to promise the discovery of the fountain of youth. And companies do a great job marketing those promises, but buyer beware. I do love machines and technology in skincare. I love science and methods of proven results.  I don’t, however like to be tricked into false promises. I am happy to see companies making devices that are available for home-use because it creates a convenient, no excuses reason to reach your skincare goals. Now with that said I don’t I mean I encourage going out and buying every home device available - you will certainly become overwhelmed and discontinue using them and then be back to the drawing board. Here are some that I do recommend that are worth considering. 

Lights:

Home use of LED lights can prove amazing results especially for the frequency required of this kind of therapy. In my practice I use LED or light emitting diodes to promote cellular health, heal acne, stimulate collagen and even for pain management. It’s recommend to use 3 - 4 treatments per week for an extended period of time; so you can see how it might benefit having a small handheld device or panel at home. However, a billion light devices are available to consumers on marketplaces like Amazon. A few reputable names I trust are: Lighstim, Celluma,  My Skin Buddy, and Omnilux. (I have no affiliates to any of these brands). They all offer appropriate light frequencies that don't contain ultraviolet rays and are readily absorbed into the skin. While LED is safe and effective, I would still recommend talking to a skin therapist before using one and to help create a routine. 

Toning & Lifting

We all desire toned and lifted skin especially as signs of aging become more noticeable. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve some lifting and toning for the face without a face lift. Several modalities exist for this treatment, in combination with topical products and healthy lifestyle choices. 

Microcurrent is one of my favorite technologies that provides a “workout” for the face. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses low level electrical impulses to signal ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) to our cells. It should be gentle and relaxing. I always recommend microcurrent in-clinic when someone is concerned with aging which is a great preventative and correction therapy. Consistency is key here just like working out at the gym. Therefore, home devices can be beneficial. A few brands I have used and trust are: 7e Wellness, NuFace, and Saian.  I’ve heard great things about ZIIP but I have not personally tried it. I have also tried PureLift and did not love the feeling of this device as it can be uncomfortable and my research has led me to believe true microcurrent shouldn't cause intense muscle twitching.

High Frequency is another toning type of treatment that uses ultrasound waves that passes through a gas filled electrode of either neon or argon (or even both).. An amazing non-invasive method that also treats skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles and hair loss.

During high frequency treatment oxygen molecules are produced to create an anti-bacterial and thermal warming action. This action helps blood vessels to push away toxins, create volume, increase blood circulation that supports collagen and elastin levels. In my practice I use high frequency to heal acne, after waxing and extractions, and during scalp treatments. It's very therapeutic but should only be used with complete understanding of the technology. This is an electric current so it can burn your skin if not properly used. High frequency wands are available online, one very popular brand being NuDerma by Pure Daily Care, but I would encourage trained services before using one.

Radio Frequency is similar to high frequency, this type of treatment uses energy or radiofrequency waves to heat the skin’s deeper layers to stimulate collagen. While both High Frequency and Radio Frequency sound similar they actually do use different technologies to heat up the deep skin tissues. While I'm only scratching the surface here these treatments both help to deliver firmer, softer and luminous skin and should probably be done under a professional practice. You will find RF devices online and can sound appealing especially when trying to treat certain things like cellulite but be cautious on your investment with these machines. This would be an area I’ll say you get what you pay for. Instead consider a professional treatment for these types of body treatments. I also prefer microcurrent over this for facial toning.

Dermaplaning blades: These are wildly popular and can be found in almost every box store and online. However, what you seeing are actually razors being marketed as dermaplaning blades. Also known as pixie razors to remove facial hair or shape eyebrows. Dermaplaning is actually done with a surgical steel blade and when done correctly its primary purpose is to exfoliate. I, like many professional estheticians, have been properly trained and earned certifications on safety techniques and efficiency. I do not recommend using a pixie razor on your face. I have seen many unsatisfactory results including fissures and cuts causing an impaired skin barrier, leading to irritation and redness. If you need to use one of these to simple shave your upper lip or chin then proceed with caution but I highly discourage using these across your entire face. Instead seek out a professional dermaplaning facial.

Skin Scrubbers: These can be anything from a blade-like hand held to rotating brushes to silicone cleansing devices. I will say this…they are fun, period. I don’t believe they will administer game changing results but they can enhance your products efficacy. They can support a deeper, more thorough cleanse and simply feel nice. Be more cautious with brushes as to not over stimulate your skin in a form of physical exfoliation, even when “sensitive” brush heads are used. Some blade-like devices can be packed with impressive technology and in the clinic I personally love using one that incorporates ultrasonic technology by Bio Therapeutic and they do offer a couple of fun hand held devices for consumers. Saian also offers similar devices as well as My Skin Buddy which is a multi-function device.

Tools: beautiful and dainty tools like gua sha stones and rollers -  rose quartz or jade can be so fun and beneficial. Not only do they look pretty on your vanity but if kept in a refrigerator they feel amazing. Used with some facial oil you can provide yourself a relaxing lymphatic massage or help with under eye depuffing or jawline sculpting. Consistency is key to truly see a result otherwise these are just great therapeutic tools.

Some additional tools I absolutely love and are worth having at home are ice globes. I use ice globes during facials as a way to calm down reactive skin or over a mask, they feel amazing. I also can’t say enough how using icing a breakout will greatly reduce its inflammation and duration. An ice globe would work just as well as an ice cube here.

This one can be controversial but I do advocate the use of derma rollers; only when someone fully understands how to use them. Some professionals are against it but I repeat: with proper understanding, derma rolling is amazing; it’s like the baby of microneedling. Derma rolling is a handheld device featuring a roller with row upon row of tiny needles. You won’t receive the same results as microneedling but I like to use derma rolling to compliment the microneedling with proper timing and instructions. This method allows products to penetrate deeper and provides your skin a lovely glow. I love AnteAge derma rollers and serums. Since this treatment is very superficial there are more options in applying serums/ingredients afterwards.

Extractor tools are used to express blackheads or congestion. Extracting certain types of blemishes requires special technique and understanding. That’s why you always hear this, “don't pick your skin”. Because if extractions are done improperly it can cause scarring known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as well as overall skin damage. I do not recommend using these at home.

Devices are not meant to replace professional skin services but simply compliment them to enhance your results. Homecare topicals are crucial and while I always recommend products and lifestyle changes to obtain goals, machines are another optional way to escalate your goals. 

If devices are not quite your bag of tea then here are:

5 easy device-free and product-free ways to manage your

skin and health

1.exercise: the benefits of exercise are endless. When we exercise we increase blood flow which carries oxygen and nutrients to our cells and skin. Releasing endorphins and detoxing is an excellent way to achieve a healthy appearance. However, working out can also trap dirt and debris, cause chaffing or rashing so be sure to cleanse and moisturize immediately after a sweat session. Go ahead and get that post-gym glow!

2. relax/sleep: getting quality sleep is important to your organs - especially the skin. Proper rest aids in our nightly restoration of our skin. That includes repairing, rejuvenating and regulating. Ever wake up with dark, puffy under eye circles - it’s often due to sleeplessness. When you aren't getting enough sleep stress begins to increase and we know that is a trigger for skin conditions including acne and pigmentation and aging. So go ahead and get some zzz’s!

3. Water consumption: Yes drinking water helps your skin look smooth and healthy. It helps to not only keep our skin hydrated but flush out toxins that can otherwise disrupt a clear complexion. But what if you drink a ton of water and still feel dry? Enter skincare: sometimes our skin just has a higher rate of transepidermal water loss where water from the dermis passes through the epidermis and evaporates into the air. It’s a natural way our skin regulates water content. If you are losing a lot of moisture it could be a sign of skin barrier damage. But keep drinking your water and consider adding electrolytes.

4. Limit sugar intake: while enjoying the occasion cookie or cake is not the worst thing in the world, excess helpings and hidden sugars is where we get into trouble and this does affect our skin. Sugar is linked to causing inflammation and glycation which have negative impacts on the skin including making your skin look older. So say goodbye to sugar, or at least reduce your consumption.

5. Limit sun exposure: It is not necessary to soak in the sun to get your vitamin D. While we need vitamin D to absorb calcium there are plenty of ways to get it including supplements and food sources. Yes our skin does have vitamin d receptor cells, however the risk of unprotected sun exposure for a period of time is too risky for me. Sun exposure breaks down DNA causing cells to die, become damaged or even mutate into skin cancer. Prolonged and accumulated sun exposure also leads to skin looking prematurely aged causing wrinkles, dark spots and other skin issues that are a lot harder to treat than simply preventing them to begin with. So lather on your SPF (broad spectrum) everyday and stay out of direct sunlight for extended lengths of time.

I’m always happy to discuss a machine or skincare product or practice. What machines have you tried and loved or hated? If you live in the Phoenix, Az area schedule a complimentary consultation. Or email me at hello@moonvalleyfaciallounge.com

Thanks for reading. The above content has no affilation to any brand or products and all information is my professional opinion. Always seek a Dr’s advice if you have special health conditions.