9 Skin Care Tools to Make Every Day an At-Home Spa Day
You’ve already got your cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and who knows what else. For many, the idea of adding yet another step to their skin care regimen is daunting and seemingly unnecessary, let alone one that needs a charger.
But what if we told you that there are skin care tools that can actually amplify the efficacy of all those products you invested in to begin with. Facial gizmos and gadgets — ones that go beyond the popular Clarisonic cleansing brushes — are rapidly taking hold of the beauty industry. In addition to promoting the absorption of skin care treatments, many of these tools have added benefits — from helping to contour the face by promoting lymphatic drainage to stimulating collagen to depuff undereyes. So, should you use one?
It’s no surprise that many dermatologists are skeptical of such tools, and with good reason — devices made for at-home use work at a far lower power level than those aestheticians in clinics rely on. “Tools to improve absorption of products are a double-edged sword,” says Gerald Imber, the founder of the Youth Corridor Clinic. “Anything that works would be considered a medical device and regulated by the FDA. Anything that doesn’t work isn’t worth bothering with.” The strength factor is why Imber suggests leaving such things to aestheticians. “We actively combine micro-needling or dermaplaning with a variety of other treatments, like PRP, IPL, or laser, to maximize results. These professional skin care treatments only help encourage skin to absorb the product you are using at home. A benefit of opting for a professional treatment at a medical clinic,” he says.
Of course, there’s a case to be made in favor of such instruments too: First of all, if you don’t have access to a medical clinic, be it due to proximity or financial limitations, such devices can certainly improve the quality of your skin’s appearance and its absorption of products. “One benefit of at-home devices is that they keep the lymphatic system healthier in the skin. They do stimulate lymphatic drainage, just not as much as a professional treatment. Using them regularly will help,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas.
“All skin types benefit from facial massage. Boosting microcirculation can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as dry patches and discoloration,” says Victoria Tsai, the founder and CEO of the Japanese geisha-inspired line Tatcha. “Massage overall has been shown to promote stress reduction — taking a few moments to focus on yourself, take care of your skin, and massage away tension will always be of benefit to mind and body alike.” Dermatologic surgeon and skin care creator Dennis Gross echoes the benefits of at-home facial massage, noting that it is best done in a seated position, “so gravity can assist with drainage of lymphatic system as opposed to lying down when fluid accumulate rather than drain.”
Whether it’s an ancient jade roller, which hasn’t changed much since its use in ancient China, or a newfangled tech device, here are nine to consider adding to your own skin care routine.
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