The 8 Best At-Home Facial Gadgets the Pros Swear By
Top aestheticians and dermatologists weigh in on the at-home skin-care tools that are really worth the investment.
While we all have favorite new skin-care products in the form of serums, scrubs, or mists, these days, some are also plugging in our at-home facial treatments. While topical ingredients are great, it’s medical-grade gadgets that can make noticeable differences almost immediately with regard to wrinkles, acne, fine lines, and the like. Check out the expert-approved at-home facial gadgets that’ll give you smoother, clearer, plumper, and brighter skin, all without having to leave the house. (Bonus points that they fit neatly into your suitcase.)
Dr. Shari Marchbein, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone
“The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask{: rel=nofollow} is an over-the-counter wearable blue and red light-emitting diode (LED) mask, which when used for 10 minutes daily, is indicated to treat mild to moderate acne. What I love about it is that blue light is an effective antibacterial treatment, and is able to kill the bacteria that causes acne. On the other hand, red light is effective at reducing inflammation and redness and can help improve overall skin texture and appearance.”
Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, Founder of DDF Skincare{: rel=nofollow}
“I swear by my DDF Revolve Professional 500X Micro Derma Daily Cleansing System{: rel=nofollow}. It’s powerful and has two speeds for regular and sensitive skin. Plus, the variety of brush sizes accommodate a slew of different concerns”—like clogged pores, uneven tone, and fine lines. It’s kind of like getting a daily microdermabrasion treatment every morning.
Joanna Vargas, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection{: rel=nofollow}
“I love the Baby QuasarPLUS{: rel=nofollow}. It’s been around for a long time and professionals and people at home can use it which is great. I don’t use it on myself because I have an LED Light Bed in my office, but I do if I’m traveling for my clients and if I’m in their homes/outside of the office to bring down any inflammation.” In addition, the Baby QuasarPLUS is lauded for its collagen-building abilities, which plump skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University
“I love the Foreo Iris{: rel=nofollow}, a device made specifically for your eye area. It uses little vibratory massages to help decrease puffiness. And it works. I hold it the the same position as one would hold a magnifying glass to their eye, or maybe just a bit under so that the top of the Iris is aligned with the lower lid. The vibratory motion stimulates fluid flow out of the eye puff into surround tissues and lymphatics.” Translation: You’ll look way more awake, instantly.
Tammy Fender, Holistic Esthetician and Founder of Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care & Spa{: rel=nofollow}
“In the summer months, or in warm climates, I love to chill a small marble bowl in the fridge, using it to hold a clay-based treatment masque, such as my Purifying Luculent Masque{: rel=nofollow}. The coolness of the stone absorbs into the clay and it is so soothing on the skin. I think taking the extra time with these small touches also sets an intention, one of giving yourself over to renewal, even if it’s for a luxurious 15 minutes.”
Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, Founder and Director of Capital Laser & Skin Care{: rel=nofollow} and Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center
“My pick is the Tria SmoothBeauty{: rel=nofollow} rejuvenating laser device. It’s a hand-held device that, when used on a regular basis, can help stimulate a little collagen. However, more importantly, it’s been shown to help skin care products (like vitamin C serums) penetrate more deeply into the skin.”
Ildi Pekar{: rel=nofollow}, Celebrity Facialist and Esthetician
“Dermarollers (aka microneedlers) are genius. As a skin therapist, we are always looking for ways to communicate to the skin. That is exactly what microneedling is, a collagen-induction technique to create tiny ‘injuries’ to the skin. Think as if you have a small cut, the skin starts to heal itself right away—that’s the science behind microneedling. Using a microneedler such as the ones in my collection (available soon online{: rel=nofollow}), I have been able to heal acne, pigmentation on the skin, and help clients tighten and plump their skin for overall skin nourishment and restoration.” Make sure to see an esthetician first, though, to get the right size of needle.
Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy, MD, Dermatologist and CEO and Founder of Miami Skin Institute{: rel=nofollow}
“The Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X{: rel=nofollow} does actually work, and is a great complementary at-home treatment to professional in-office laser hair removal. It’s safe, effective, and easy to use. There’s also a skin color sensor to let users know if their skin tone is appropriate for the device and which settings are most safe and effective for their individual needs.”
Check out how to give yourself a seriously luxurious DIY facial at-home:
