Skincare Tools: What's Worth Buying?
The Must Buy's and The Ones to Skip
Incorporating skincare tools into your at-home routine can elevate your results and create your own spa-like service. Some tools can aid in product absorption, stimulate skin cells, and even treat various skin concerns like redness, puffiness, and acne.
Just in time for the holiday, I created this list of the must-haves, their benefits, and how to best use them. There are so many tools out there that look promising, so I even included a few that I just don’t think are worth the space in your medicine cabinet.
1. Jade/Rose Quartz Rollers and Gua Sha
What Does It Do? Regular use of gua sha (that smaller, flat tool!) is known to sculpt the face! It boosts circulation, reduces puffiness, relaxes facial muscles, and promotes lymphatic drainage.
How to Use: When using, always pair it with a facial oil or serum so it glides easily over the skin! Roll upward and outward for lifting and draining. (Is there a real difference between using jade or quartz? Not really. It all boils down to personal preferences.)
Clean thoroughly after each use and store in the fridge for an extra soothing effect.
Verdict: ✓ Worthy purchase.
2. LED Light Therapy Masks
What Does It Do? Regular use reduces the visibility of fine lines, treats inflammation and acne, and stimulates collagen production.
How to Use: Use consistently - a minimum of 3 to 5 times per week and on clean, dry skin. It’s perfect as the last step in your regimen.
Very effective in minimizing bruising and swelling post-surgery or aesthetic treatment. To try the LED Mask or other accessories, shop my link for 15% off.
Verdict: ✓ Worthy purchase.
3. Facial Cleansing Brushes
What Does It Do? Mechanical cleansing brushes gently exfoliate and provide a more thorough clean to remove skin impurities.
How to Use: Do not use daily! If the bristles are too strong on the brush, they can cause some serious damage to the skin barrier (resulting in dryness and sensitivity). Silicone-based bristles are recommended, as they’re not harsh and much easier to keep clean.
Verdict: ❌ Not recommended.
4. Handheld Microcurrent Device
What Does It Do? Low-level electrical currents stimulate the facial muscles to lift and contour. Improves skin elasticity as quickly as the first use!
How to Use: Admittedly, this was not a favorite in esthetician school! It does take some getting used to as you’ll feel those currents. Always use a conductive gel (ultrasound gel is easy to find and recommended) for a smooth glide, but this also aids in a more precise, deeper target of the muscle. Use with upward and outward motions for 5 to 10 minutes per area.
Verdict: ✓ Worthy purchase.
5. Dermaplaning Tools
What Does It Do? Enhance makeup and product absorption by removing vellus hair (that peach fuzz we all have) and dead skin. The ultimate exfoliation!
How to Use: Holding the tool at a 45-degree angle, gently sweep across clean, dry skin. Perform every 3 to 4 weeks and apply a soothing serum or mask post-treatment. Avoid areas with active breakouts or inflammation.
Verdict: ❌ Not recommended. I’ve seen too many mishaps from at-home use - everything from accidental cuts to spreading active breakouts. Best to leave it to the professionals, folks!
6. Facial Steamers
What Does It Do? Opens up pores for a deep clean, enhancing the effectiveness of products to follow. Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin. Relaxing step to add in some at-home pampering!
How to Use: Use a steamer for 5 to 15 minutes after cleansing the face, followed by a mask or serum to lock in moisture.
Verdict: ✓ Worthy purchase for those really invested in their skincare.
7. Ice Rollers
What Does It Do? Alleviate redness, tightens pores, and tackles puffiness.
How to Use: Roll across the face in upward motions after moisturizer or serum application. It is a great way to calm skin post-treatment! I highly recommend using it as part of your morning routine.
Verdict: ✓ Worthy purchase.
8. At-Home Microneedling Tools
What Does It Do? Encourage circulation and improve the overall texture of the skin.
How to Use: After applying a serum, move the tool vertically, horizontally, and diagonally in both directions. Take note: it’s very easy not only to overdo it with microneedling but also to use incorrect techniques that will create scarring and/or infection!
Using the handheld roller (pictured) is quite possibly one of the worst things you can do to your skin barrier. Any other at-home device in this realm should only be used by those who are licensed.
Verdict: ❌ NOT recommended! Another example of a treatment best left to providers. Not only is it not effective, it’s a major infection control hazard. Professional tools that come in contact with blood should always be used one-time only!
9. Silicone Face Scrubbers
What Does It Do? Similar to the mechanical ones with bristle brush heads, the silicone brushes gently exfoliate without irritating sensitive skin - Removing skin impurities and residual makeup with ease.
How to Use: Can be used daily with any gentle cleanser. Clean after use and replace regularly.
Verdict: ✓ Worthy purchase.
Perfecting Your Skincare Routine
The right tools can be a great addition to your skincare routine - whether your goal is to improve your at-home experience or treat specific concerns. The catch is that even the best at-home routine can leave your skin needing a professional’s touch. For some people, multi-step routines aren’t enough to combat genetic skin issues or conditions that require more aggressive treatments.
Are you not sure how you should tackle your own skincare and don’t want to start spending money on tools that may not help your specific issue?
I offer a low-cost, thorough online skin analysis to get you started on your journey to clean, healthy skin.