While you’re bound to get your best results when under the care of a professional, whether that be a dermatologist or an aesthetician, some at-home devices can provide a pretty powerful payoff. Devices have come a long way, with new innovations constantly popping up in the industry. While stuck at home, at-home devices experienced a boom in popularity, and it seems they’re continuing in this stride. We heard from experts on which devices are actually worth your time and money. These devices will really make a difference in your skin.
LED light therapy products
Delray Beach, FL plastic surgeon Miguel Mascaró, MD says low-level laser light therapy with red LED works very well to improve blood flow to the skin, enhance overall appearance and boost skin health. It “can improve the skin without needing any sort of mechanical treatment such as microneedling, etc.,” he adds. Robin Ashley, also known as the Dallas Facialist, notes that LED light therapy is “backed by NASA, literally, so you know it works.” She explains that “the skin uses the LED light as a source of energy to fuel and repair damaged cells and restore optimal cellular function to increase collagen production.” When it comes to a specific device, we heard a few recommendations.
LYMA Laser ($2,695)
The only device celebrity aesthetician Amy Peterson recommends is the LYMA Laser. She loves that you can use it anywhere without the help of a mirror. “It’s the ease of use that makes me feel like people will actually use it and why people are seeing significant results,” she explains. “At-home beauty devices need to be simple to use because life gets in the way, and it becomes too easy to be distracted by other everyday tasks. This is what the LYMA Laser is doing right.”
(This is the very device Sofia Richie Grainge says “transformed” her skin “within a week.”)
LightStim for Wrinkles ($249) or LightStim for Acne ($169)
Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden suggests LightStim for Wrinkles, which “features 72 LEDs in amber, light red, dark red, and infrared to boost collagen in the skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles for more youthful, glowing skin.” LightStim for Acne ($169) uses a combination of both red and blue LED lights to calm breakouts and reduce inflammation.
SolaWave Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy & Serum Kit ($201)
Celebrity makeup artist and aesthetician D’Andre Michael recommends SolaWave. Michael says the SolaWave can address wrinkles, fine lines, wound healing and more.
MZ Skin LED 2.0 LightMax Supercharged LED Mask ($950)
Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD says this FDA-cleared LED mask “rises above some others because it features two modes: red and infrared for anti-aging benefits and blue light, which has antibacterial properties to help clarify acne-prone skin.” He adds that it’s also very comfortable since it’s made of a patented silicone that wraps around facial contours for maximum light absorption and ease of use.
Omnilux Contour FACE ($395)
In Ashley’s opinion this mask is “the best device for comfort and results.” It boasts clinically proven anti-aging and skin rejuvenation benefits.
HairMax LaserBand 82 ComfortFlex ($799)
“This FDA-cleared device uses 82 medical-grade, safe laser lights with a wavelength of 655nm to energize follicles and extend the growth phase of the hair cycle,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “It’s clinically proven to regrow hair and only requires three-minute treatments, three times a week.” He recommends it to both male and female patients looking for fuller, thicker-looking hair.
UVB Devices
Eagan, MN dermatologist Charles Crutchfield III, MD says at-home UVB devices, a form of ultraviolet light therapy, can be “life-changing” for people living in remote areas with vitiligo, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Microcurrent devices
NuFACE Trinity + PRO Complete Set ($595)
“The NuFACE Trinity + PRO Complete Set is one of my favorites because it includes the lip and eye attachment for easier use around those small, delicate areas,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Plus, it includes the wrinkle attachment for fine lines and the activating gels that are very important for proper and safe microcurrent treatment.”
Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD says the NuFACE Trinity’s “innovative use of microcurrent technology to stimulate facial muscles, promoting a firmer and more lifted appearance” sets it apart from other devices. “The NuFACE Trinity is particularly special because it allows users to achieve professional-grade results from the comfort of their own home. Its ease of use and customizable settings make it suitable for a wide range of individuals seeking to improve the tone and contour of their skin. With regular use, patients have reported visible improvements in skin firmness and overall complexion.”
NeurotriS PICO Toner ($595)
Ashley feelw one of the most advanced at-home device is the NeurotriS PICO Toner, which comes with several attachments and sculpting facial gloves.
Facial massaging tools
Joanna Czech Facial Massager ($189)
Celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech tells us she created this device “to replace manual massage and make it easy for anyone to massage their muscles.” She adds that when used properly, “it increases blood flow bringing more oxygen to the tissue and stimulates collagen production. It also helps to lift and sculpt cheekbones and jawline.” It’s super easy to use, Czech even refers to it as “Netflix friendly,” and it only requires five to seven minutes a day to see results.
Ranavant Kansa Wand ($70)
“A Kansa wand is a handheld wooden, Ayurvedic tool whose rounded tip is made of copper and tin,” explains Ashley. The benefits include balancing pH levels, purification of toxins to improve the health of your skin, lymphatic drainage, reduced puffiness, decreased muscle tension and increased oxygen in the blood, which helps provide a natural, healthy glow.
Gua Sha
Gua sha helps those that aren’t masters in facial massages achieve a soothing, result-driven massage at home. “Gua sha offers flexibility so you can be precise with your own facial massage in harder-to-reach areas,” says celebrity aesthetician Nerida Joy. “The gua sha’s smooth texture and particular shape make it well suited for toning the jaw and neck areas, making it easier to get behind the ears in those long swooping moves down the neck for healthy lymphatic movement.” She recommends popping the tool in the freezer for an anti-inflammatory boost.
The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller ($95)
According to Ashley, reducing inflammation is key to anti-aging and skin health. Using an ice roller sends fresh blood to the area. “Think of blood flow as the nutrient-rich river that supplies our cells with the proper fuel to function optimally,” says Ashley. “This, in turn, will aid in lymphatic drainage, which detoxifies your skin and flushes away toxins and reduces water retention. Ice rolling sculpts and tones the muscles and also has a (temporary) tightening effect; a soothing, refreshing sensation.”
Cryo sticks
Cryo sticks help combat skin inflammation and irritation. Joy says the smooth, cold surface is especially great for “relieving inflamed, painful acneic skin that suffers from hormonal pimples.” If kept in the freezer, as they should be, cryo sticks stay cold for long periods of time. Joy says she loves implementing cryo sticks into her facial treatments and uses them about 80-percent of the time.
Other skin devices experts love
Environ Gold Roll-CIT Microneedling Face Roller ($298)
“When done properly, cosmetic microneedling increases penetration of products by about 70 percent,” says Czech. What makes this product especially great is its gold plate, which is antibacterial. Czech notes that before using any device, it’s “important to read directions and consult with a professional, so you get the best results and avoid damaging the skin in any way.”
Foreo Peach 2 ($390)
Dr. Schlessinger says this IPL device is an excellent choice for at-home hair removal. “It uses 120 flashes of light per minute and only activates when in full contact with skin for enhanced safety,” he explains. “The flashes work by targeting the hair follicle, stimulating it into a resting phase and disabling its ability to grow back.” It’s inspired by in-office professional IPL treatments as it also blows cool air onto the skin during use to improve comfort.
Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand ($285)
As its name suggests, this device is magical. With four settings—hot, hot massage, cold and cold massage—the Magic Glow Wand is super versatile. Joy says it helps “soothe inflammation, de-puff and create a glowing complexion.” If you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea or dermatitis, Joy recommends the cool gentle massage setting.
Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand ($399)
Darden says she’s been using vibration therapy in her facials for over 15 years, and it’s one of her favorite treatments that delivers worthwhile results, which is why she’s excited to offer an at-home option. It uses acoustic sound waves to provide deep muscle stimulation, beyond what hands can achieve, which “targets crow’s feet, eyebrow furrows and nasolabial lines at their origin under the skin’s surface, rather than on a superficial level.”
The vibrations also help stimulate circulation to improve skin oxygen uptake and help fight aging. “Skin appears firmer, more contoured and radiant with regular use,” she adds.