I’ve personally tested countless gadgets. So, here are a few of my top at-home skincare device picks – all of which I’ve vetted for efficacy and safety.
Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask – LED Light Therapy for Acne & Aging:
This remains one of my holy grails. I use it to keep breakouts in check and brighten my skin. It delivers both red and blue light therapy to the entire face, and its hands-free!
Why it’s effective: Medical research shows LED can reduce acne (blue light zaps acne bacteria) and boost collagen to smooth fine lines (red light)! This employs the same LED technology used in clinics for facials; t’s just scaled down for home.
Just remember that consistent results require consistent use. I aim to use it at least 3-5 times a week. The payoff is clearer, calmer skin with a serious glow. (Bonus: No pain or downtime at all).
Ulike Sapphire Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Device – Laser Smooth Skin at Home
I was so tired of shaving so I invested in the Ulike Air 10, an IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal handset. This device uses broad-spectrum light to permanently reduce hair growth. It basically “zaps” hair follicles so they stop growing new hairs. As a pale person with dark hair (ideal contrast for IPL), I saw a massive difference after just 2–3 weeks of use. Plus, my hair growth slowed dramatically.
Another feature I also adore is the built-in cooling technology. Ulike is the only IPL brand I know of that has a cooling tip. This keeps the skin comfy and prevents burns! I even use it on sensitive areas like my bikini line, underarms, and face, and it never overheats my skin.
And if done properly on the right skin/hair type, dermatologists even confirm that IPL can keep you hairless for 5+ years.
Things to consider:IPL works best on light-to-medium skin with dark hairs. And yes, this is an esthetician-tested alternative to shaving, but just remember to shave first before doing IPL for the first time. Also, remember to wear the eye-safety goggles it comes with!
Pure Daily Care NuDerma High-Frequency Wand – Acne Zapper
Click Here for Pure Daily Care Amazon Storefront
Personally, this is a tried-and-true, at-home esthetics tool for acne. This is a high-frequency (HF) skin therapy device, and when you gently tap the glass electrode on a blemish, it emits a tiny electrical current that generates a bit of ozone. But, wait — ozone?
“Ozone is a gas that is naturally present in our atmosphere. Each ozone molecule contains three atoms of oxygen and is denoted chemically as O3” (NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory).
Bacteria can’t survive in an oxygen-rich environment. So technically, high-frequency works by killing acne-causing bacteria (c. acnes) and many claim that it speeds up healing
Estheticians have used HF for over 50 years. Even Renée Rouleau says she’s “been a fan of this technology ever since she saw the results on her clients back in the day.”
I use the NuDerma wand whenever an intense pimple pops up, and it truly shrinks the life span of the zit. It basically creates a tingling sensation and then a little spark. The next day, the pimple is less red and inflamed. I’ve also used HF on my scalp in an attempt to stimulate hair growth.
One thing to note: High-frequency wands are for acne and skin rejuvenation, not hair growth. (There’s a myth they regrow hair by stimulating the scalp, but I didn’t find that effective compared to real laser therapy or the iRestore helmet).
Do’s: Stick to using NuDerma as a targeted blemish zapper. You can even glide it over skin to stimulate circulation and collagen. Price wise, it is more accessible than some other skincare devices, and it has become a staple in my routine for keeping breakouts at bay. Plus, zapping pimples with a neon-glowing wand just feels oddly satisfying!
Myolift Mini Microcurrent Device – Tone and Lift Facial Muscles
Microcurrent facials are like a gym workout for your face, using tiny electrical currents to stimulate your facial muscles. The Myolift Mini is my pick for a pro-grade microcurrent tool at home. I love it because I can control every aspect of the microcurrent – time, intensity, and I can even target specific muscles with its dual probes
Basically, I can do a mini face-lift session customized to my esthetic concerns (jawline sculpting, brow lifting, etc). There’s solid science behind microcurrent. It increases ATP energy in cells and boosts circulation too, which can give a tightening and even manual depuffing effect
Things to consider: While the Myolit is not a miracle for deep wrinkles, it excels at improving facial contour and reducing puffiness. I use it to chisel my cheekbones and drain excess fluid (peace out morning puffiness)! Furthermore, please note that the Myolift is an advanced device.
I even had to brush up on facial anatomy to use it correctly), and it’s “not for beginners.” But if you’re a skincare nerd like me, you’ll appreciate that it’s “wonderful for toning” the face with professional-level precision.
Cover photo cred: Skin Gym