Are DIY Beauty Gadgets as Effective as in-Salon Treatments?

Beauty tools are having a moment right now, especially since we’re spending more and more time at home (thanks, COVID). There’s seemingly no end of gadgets promising to buff, shine, tighten, brighten and exfoliate. But do they live up to the hype? It turns out some of them might. “Many at-home devices provide a fraction of the effect you’ll get in a clinic, but that doesn’t mean no benefits,” says dermal therapist Dr Giulia D’Anna. “Less effective means it may take longer and require more sessions, but results are still possible.” Read on to discover the products that are worth your money and those that are best left to the professionals.

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Beauty Gadget 1: Led Light Therapy Mask

WHAT IS IT?

These futuristic-looking masks cover the face and emit different light wavelengths that penetrate the skin to target specific concerns. Red LED is for anti-ageing and helps promote collagen and elastin, blue reduces bacteria and breakouts, yellow decreases redness and green tackles pigmentation.

IS IT WORTH IT? YES.

While a mask isn’t comparable to the strength of in-clinic light therapy, it’ll still make your skin look brighter after just a few sessions.“The great thing about at-home LED masks is that they have a cumulative effect,” says Dr D’Anna.“You can apply most LED masks many times a week, with no downtime and virtually no risk. It’ll definitely add value to your skincare regimen and your skin overall.” An added bonus? Lying down under the lights is relaxing, and anything that reduces stress is in your skin’s best interests, too.

Beauty Gadget 2: Facial Toning Device

WHAT IS IT?

An electronic facial massager that uses microcurrents to energise the facial muscles, the idea being this will lift and tone your skin, accelerate collagen production and smooth out lines and wrinkles.

IS IT WORTH IT? NO.

The idea of a face massage is a relaxing one, but Dr D’Anna suggests facial toning is best left to the professionals. “Sagging skin is definitely one of the most common complaints I encounter in my practice,”she says.“The cells responsible for manufacturing collagen and hyaluronic acid sit at least 3–6mm under the skin. In clinic, we might use microneedling, laser, radio frequency and similar treatments that are capable of penetrating deep.The at-home devices can’t reach the cells that produce tighter, firmer skin.”

Beauty Gadget 3: Microneedle Roller

WHAT IS IT?

This roller, covered in tiny needles, may look like a mini torture device, but if used correctly, the needles, when rolled over your face, create controlled microscopic punctures in skin that induce new collagen to form. This can improve skin texture and tone and can also enhance the penetration of your skincare.

IS IT WORTH IT? YES AND NO.

The short needles in DIY devices make them generally safe to use at home, but that also means you should have realistic expectations about what can be achieved: yes to generally improving texture and tone; no to reducing scars, capillaries and increasing elasticity. Only a professional treatment with deeper needling can get those results for you. At home, don’t use anything longer than 0.25mm- length needles.To avoid injury, stay well away from your eyelids and don’t forget to go over your nose.“It’s the most sun-exposed area on the face, so the more collagen there the better,” says Dr D’Anna.“You might also notice reduced pigmentation.”

TRY: Aesthetics Rx Derma Roller

Beauty Gadget 4: Motorised Face Cleansing Brushes

WHAT IS IT?

Soft silicone bristles and sonic vibration come together in
a handheld device that cleanses, massages and boosts circulation all at once.

IS IT WORTH IT? YES

Not only does a pulsating, vibrating face cleanser feel good on the skin (giving you a few minutes of precious self-care), it also does an exceptional clean, loosening oil, dirt and make-up with ease.
Dr D’Anna agrees that this one is a good investment.“It’s important to use gentle pressure and make sure you also cleanse your neck,” she says.“You’ll be shocked by the grime that comes off your skin here.”

TRY: PMD Beauty Clean Pro with Rose Quartz

Beauty Gadget 5: Microdermabrasion Wand

WHAT IS IT?

Microdermabrasion wands generally use exfoliating discs and vacuum suction to buff off the thick and often uneven top layer of skin, exposing the soft, new, smoother skin beneath.

IS IT WORTH IT? YES, but use with caution.

If you don’t have the technique right, or if you go too hard, you can do your face more harm than good.“The top layer of skin is only a few cells deep, so less is more,” says Dr D’Anna. Start by using it once a month, and then every second week, and eventually no more than once a week.“Always follow microdermabrasion with hydrating serums, such as hyaluronic acid and moisturiser, and sun protection is a must. Retinol can help speed up your cell cycle so that your skin responds more effectively, too.” A word of warning: if you suffer from any skin conditions, including sensitivity, eczema or psoriasis, stay away from any microdermabrasion wands.

TRY: PMD Beauty Personal Microderm Classic