Facial massagers are a great treatment for promoting healthy skin and overall rejuvenation. There are many massaging tools available such as gemstone rollers, double drainage rollers, ice rollers, beauty bars, gua sha, and cupping.
How it works. The device is usually rolled or glided from the center of the face to the side in a slightly upward motion. The massage stimulates the skin to tighten and tone facial muscles and improves the overall appearance of the skin. Face massagers are among some of the best at-home anti-aging devices.
Benefits: As numerous studies have shown, massaging your face for five minutes a day can stimulate blood flow, increase lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, induce structural changes in the skin, provide a mild toning effect, and improve the overall appearance of wrinkles. Also, face massage aids in deeper penetration of skincare products and helps to amplify the effect of anti-aging serums and creams.
Microcurrents are toning or contouring that is effective in lifting the skin and toning facial muscles. These use low electrical current stimulating facial muscles to help tighten, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive and painless procedure that requires no downtime for recovery. It is an effective treatment and a safe alternative to other more aggressive and invasive medical procedures, and plastic surgeries.
How it works: A microcurrent device is designed to produce a low-frequency pulsating current of electricity. Apply gel to your face and the device is glided in an upward motion on the skin. Use at least 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes.
Benefits: Microcurrents increase blood circulation, reduce swelling, help with cellular rejuvenation, and increase the production of collagen and elastin thereby improving the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
Precautions: Even though microcurrent devices are generally very safe, they should NOT be used if you have one of the following conditions:
- Pacemaker
- Cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Severe acne
- Electronic implant devices
- Botox or fillers (wait 10 days after injections before starting microcurrent treatment)
Electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) uses electrical impulses that stimulate the nerves and engage muscle fibers to expand and contract. Over time, consistent use of EMS can provide a more lean, contoured shape and reduced the appearance of cellulite.
How it works: uses electric impulses to stimulate facial nerves. When the nerves are engaged, they send a message to the brain. The brain returns the message to the surrounding muscle fibers, causing them to expand and contract. Similarly to microcurrent but penetrates more deeply into the skin giving your face a mini-workout.
Benefits: boosts blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and cellular metabolism and aids fat loss as a result. EMS also promotes skin integrity and youthful structure by influencing the production of skin collagen and elastin. EMS is commonly used on larger body parts, such as your thighs and abdomen, but it can also be used on the face. When applied to facial muscles, EMS lifts, firms, and contours muscles resulting in a visibly lifted, contoured firm skin.
LED devices (light-emitting diodes) treat a variety of medical and esthetic conditions that help with tissue repair and healing without skin damage or irritation. LED devices use non-thermal light that doesn’t produce thermal injury and helps with tissue repair, reducing acne, fine lines, and wrinkles leaving the skin even tone and smooth. LED devices are safe and an excellent option for at-home use.
How it works: LEDs use light that stimulates the photo biomodulation process in the skin, which results in collagen synthesis, production of growth factors, and enhanced blood flow. Different light colors represent different wavelength ranges that are used to address certain skin concerns. Blue light (400–470 nm) is used for treating acne, green light (500–570 nm) helps to calm the skin and lighten hyperpigmentation, and red/infrared light (700–1200 nm) is great for skin rejuvenation as it speeds up the healing process in the skin, stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and reveals brighter skin.
Benefits: Overall, LEDs offer noninvasive, painless anti-aging treatment that doesn’t cause skin damage or irritation. Even though the benefits depend on the light color, LED devices rejuvenate skin by producing lifting, firming, and tightening results, softening wrinkles, and improving skin tone and texture. However, keep in mind that it might not be suitable for photosensitive skin.
Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive skin tightening, contouring, and rejuvenation treatment. A typical RF device uses an electric current to produce heat.
How it works: This heat is being delivered to a certain depth level of the skin causing thermal injury. As a result of thermal injury, the body triggers the healing process, which results in collagen contraction and skin tightening.
Benefits: It stimulates collagen production, improves elasticity, tightens skin, and treats fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, radiofrequency devices are good for treating sagging skin, photoaging, and reducing cellulite. In addition, it is safe for all skin types and colors.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive, nonchemical resurfacing procedure that is considered a less aggressive alternative in comparison to dermabrasion and chemical peels. It is a form of mechanical exfoliation that involves abrasion of the skin. In addition to being an effective rejuvenating and anti-aging tool, microdermabrasion is also a great device for those with congested and acne-prone skin.
How it works: The device consists of a handheld vacuum system and tip with abrasive crystals, which gently exfoliate, and remove dead cells and the outer layer of the skin. In particular, the tip of the device is pressed against the skin and is glided across the skin area while the abrasive particles buff away the outer layer of the skin. At the same time, the vacuum suction clears pores, lifts impurities, and removes debris from the skin surface.
Benefits: All in all, microdermabrasion promotes skin rejuvenation, stimulates collagen production, reveals softer and more glowing skin, treats signs of photoaging, uneven skin tone, and texture, enlarged pores, reduces scars, stretch marks, and mild wrinkles. Moreover, it improves the absorption and delivery of topical treatments. But keep in mind that multiple treatments are needed to achieve visible results.
Facial steamer is also known as a facial sauna and is a great way to prepare your skin for exfoliation or to enhance the benefits of skincare products. This treatment is good for all skin types, especially those with dehydrated, aging, or congested skin, and enlarged or clogged pores.
How it works: Once you filled up your facial steamer with water, the device will start producing a consistent stream of steam. You should position your face about 5-10 inches away from the steam and let it run for 5 to 15 minutes. Ultimately, the warm temperature and mist help to soften the skin, loosen up debris and oils, purify pores, and replenish natural moisture within the skin.
Benefits: Face steaming provides relaxing deep hydration and deep cleansing, helps to decongest pores, clears the complexion, softens skin, promotes circulation, improves radiance, and prepares skin for further skin treatments (exfoliation, masks, etc.).
Microneedling is a minimally invasive resurfacing procedure, also known as collagen induction therapy, and can be done with three different types of devices: dermaroller, dermapen, or dermastamp. Microneedling treatment triggers your skin’s own healing and collagen renewal processes, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin over time.
How it works: Microneedling device is applied repetitively (rolled or pressed, depending on the type) on freshly cleaned skin, which creates microscopic puncture wounds in the skin. As a result, the skin’s natural inflammatory response gets triggered, which stimulates the release of growth factors, and leads to the activation of collagen and elastin production. Also, it is important to point out that microneedling devices come with different needle lengths (0.13mm – 3mm), which cause different penetration depths and address different skin concerns. However, keep in mind that microneedling with needles longer than 0.75 mm can be painful and numbing cream might be needed.
Benefits: Numerous anti-aging and rejuvenating benefits such as stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. Microneedling also helps to increase epidermal thickness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, soften scars, and stretch marks, reduce hyperpigmentation, improve skin texture and increase penetration of skincare products. The best part, it is safe for people with all skin types including dark skin.
Contraindications: It may not be the best option if you:
- Are pregnant
- Use or recently used Accutane for acne
- Still have active acne resulting in new scarring
- Have certain skin conditions, such as facial eczema or rosacea
- Scar easily
- Have a history of poor wound healing
- Have undergone skin radiation in the last 12 months
Post-procedure care:
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Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
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Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When exposed to the sun, always use sunscreen SPF 30 or above.
- You may clean your face with a gentle cleanser before bed.
Keep in mind: It is important to have realistic expectations and not anticipate an overnight miracle. In general, most at-home devices will yield noticeable results within 6-8 weeks of continuous use. So you can improve your skin and achieve good results if you are consistent and patient!
Don’t forget: To always use sunscreen SPF 30 or above and avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Always caution on the safe side, if your skin has an adverse reaction, stop using the device and consult with a professional health care provider.
