Beauty Gadgets

These days there’s a gadget for everything, including almost all skin concerns. With so much choice, and many with high price tags, what are the beauty gadgets that you actually need? And what ones are maybe not worth your money? In this post, I’ve compiled research on each of the most popular types of beauty gadgets on the market today to help you decide.

What are facial massage tools?

Facial massage tools are best known for their ability to tone the face, aid lymphatic drainage and help skincare products to be absorbed better by the skin. There is a wide range of massage tools from jade rollers (see my blog post about why I love jade rollers HERE) and gua shas to more high tech electrical microcurrent devices. 

Although the idea of facial massage certainly seems to be having a moment thanks to companies such as The Facel Gym making it more mainstream, traditional tools such as jade rollers were used in ancient Eastern medicine. So you can rest assured this is not another new beauty fad. Facial massage has been around far longer than Sephora!

Nowadays more and more facial massage tools are on the market. And the question I have is, do I need them all, and are the more advanced options worth the price?

What do the experts say?

Healthline has a great article that summarises research conducted on the benefits of these beauty gadgets and all evidence suggests they are a great addition to your beauty routine. 

When it comes to the more advanced devices, at-home use will be the obvious cheaper option. On the other hand, visiting a licensed aesthetician might get you faster, better results. I suggest at least starting with a jade roller and decide then if you wish to invest in something more advanced. 

Do you NEED one?

I have used a jade roller for a couple of years now and honestly, couldn’t be without it. It’s hard not to love the cool, soothing effect it has on the skin. I really notice a difference in the contour of my face after using it in the morning and I love that it helps my skincare sink into my skin faster. So yes I think everyone could benefit and enjoy facial massage. However, the jury’s still out whether or not you need the more pricey, high tech tools. 

What are the best rated facial massage tools?

The NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device seems to be the most popular device on the market right now.

Amirce Massage tool is a much cheaper version than NuFace and has good reviews on Amazon.

What are light-therapy tools?

LED (light-emitting diode) is a “lower energy form,” that allows light to be absorbed by the molecules in the skin promoting healthy activity in skin cells. The benefits appear to be endless, helping with skin rejuvenation, increasing radiance, reducing inflammation, rosacea, sun damage, acne, eczema, dermatitis, and helping with sensitive skin and scarring. So basically every skin concern that’s ever existed. 

What do the experts say?

In a great article by Allure, many experts weigh in on the pros and cons of light therapy devices. As it turns out there are many pros and few cons. They explain there are two main types of LED lights. Blue light has “mild benefits for certain types of acne”. Red light “can mildly help with fine lines or areas of discolouration, but changes tend to be subtle”.

Overall, dermatologists seem to agree that these tools are safe for at-home use but more research could be done on the true results they achieve. 

Do you NEED one?

With high price tags, I don’t know about the need. But yes, I do want one and I can see myself splurging on one eventually. Best results from LED light therapy come after continuous use so at home devices would be a far more affordable option in the long term. 

What are the best-rated light-therapy tools?

DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro by Dr. Dennis Gross. This would absolutely be my choice if money was no object. I’m a major fan of Dr. Dennis Gross and love many of his skincare products. I hope to eventually splurge on one.

There are many cheaper dupes on Amazon. I would be wary of most of them however, I did manage to find one with over 800 reviews with an average star rating of 4.5. Check it out HERE.

What are facial steamers?

Facial steamers have been around a long time so you have probably already heard the claims about clearer pores and hydrated skin. The steam works to increase the temperature of your skin, heating the dirt making it easier to unclog your pores. You can then lock in the moisture from the steam by applying a face oil or moisturiser within one minute of finishing your session. 

What do the experts say?

The benefits of using facial steamers are apparent. However diving into the research I have realised it is not suited to every skin type, including my own. 

“Sensitive skin or those with Rosacea should steer clear to avoid more irritation,” explains Perfect Image founder David Petrillo in his article, “To Steam or Not to Steam. That Is The Question”. “The steam dilates blood vessels which only adds to the flushed, red look these skin types try to avoid. The extra heat can be particularly irritating and drying to these skin types”.

Do you NEED one?

Need? Probably not. But if you suffer from clogged pores and don’t have sensitive skin then you might really enjoy using a steamer. They are often used during professional facials so clearly have many benefits for the right people. With so many well-priced options, you’ve got little to lose if you do want to give one a try. 

What are the best rated facial steamers?

There are many facial steamers on the market and I don’t believe you need to pay a lot for a good one. This option I found on Amazon would be perfect. Find it HERE.

What are ultrasonic pore-extraction tools? 

Ultrasonic spatula-like devices use vibrations to loosen the built-up oil and sebum in your pores. Thanks to Tiktok, the videos of these “Skin Spatulas” have been going viral. The videos show disgusting yet mesmerizing close-ups of de-gunking pores. Watching video after video I had to wonder if these tools were too good to be true? Well, a quick Google of the topic showed many experts suggest that yes, they are. 

What do the experts say?

Many derms warn against the potential damage to your skin caused by the squeezing and scraping of these tools. They also say that because the tools only clear pores and do nothing to help reduce pore size, they will fill back up immediately. Similar to the way they do when you squeeze pores with your fingers. 

Do you NEED one?

It looks like this one is a no. The risk of damaging your skin seems too great for what experts suggest would be very short term effects. Opting for salicylic and glycolic acids or retinoids would return more gentle, long term results. 

What are the best-rated pore-extraction tools?

Dermapore by Dermaflash (as seen in photo).

Another well reviewed option which can be bought on Amazon HERE.

What are high-frequency facial tools?

High-frequency tools are used to treat skin concerns such as wrinkles, inflammation, acne and enlarged pores. The tools cause small currents to oxygenate the skin, killing bacteria suggesting it to be a great acne treatment. There are two types of high-frequency electrodes, argon gas which is used for acne and oily skin and neon gas used for anti-ageing. 

What do the experts say?

In an article by Byrdie, Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology is quoted as saying “there are no specific studies that would suggest using [high frequency] to treat acne.” However, the article shows impressive before and after photos of people who have used high-frequency for 12 weeks. The growing popularity of these tools used by estheticians suggests exciting results. Experts stress the importance of taking precautions when using these tools at home. A clean face, serum and facial gauze are required. 

Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City says potential side effects include tingling, redness and swelling for up to a few days. However, she says in general it’s a pretty well-tolerated procedure.

Do you NEED one?

As you can expect, high-frequency facial devices at home will typically use a lower amount of energy and therefore, provide less dramatic results than that of a dermatologist treatment. In terms of price, on average the high-frequency tools sold for at-home use cost about the same as one facial. From my research, I think a professional facial is worth the money if you have bad acne. However, if your issues are less severe trying at-home treatments could be enough, with a much lower price tag in the long term, 

What are the best rated high-frequency facial tools?

Skin Gym High Frequency Wand or find a more budget-friendly option HERE.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of the gadgets mentioned in this post, and how have they worked for you?