In a recent post, I talked about different skin care products and how they address a variety of skin care issues. There are so many products available for all sorts of skin care needs. And, we now have skin care technology tools and devices to address a variety of skin care needs.
Today, I’m going to talk about 4 different devices that are available to address different skin care concerns but there many more available devices. These four are readily available and address some common skin care issues.
Of the four products mentioned here I have and use one of them. I am interested in others but I will admit that I am afraid to use some of the devices because my skin can sometimes be sensitive. However, these products are available for use to the general public and are not considered to be professional strength.
NuFace Toning Device
The objective of this device is to tone, lift and contour the face. It works by emitting low level currents that send gentle waves to skin underneath. It addresses a variety of skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the issues with all skin care ingredients is that they generally lie on top of the skin. To achieve results, the goal is to have the skin care ingredients reach the layers underneath the skin.
This is one reason you should exfoliate skin before applying skin care products. Exfoliation takes off the top layer of dead skin allowing products to reach lower layers. If you exfoliate properly, you’ll find that you use less product because your skin is absorbing the products better.
Foreo Smart Mask UFO
This device uses heating therapy to open pores and infuse skin care ingredients to the deepest layers of the skin. The cooling therapy shrinks the appearance of pores and provides a firmer looking complexion.
I have this device and love it. You use specialized masks on the device. It has a companion app that guides you through the application process and it is very soothing. It is a 90 second treatment but I usually use the mask twice (at the same time). It starts out with the heat therapy and then changes to the cooling setting. Honestly, I need to use it more often because my skin really does look and feel better after using it.
The left photo is the front of the device and the photo on the right is the back. The mask goes on the back side. It is USB charged and connecting the device with the app allows the app to control the timing of the application process including the length of the heating and cooling therapies. The music playing during the application process along with the verbal instruction is very soothing.
GloPro MicroNeedling Tool
I am less familiar with this device but find that it is a popular treatment both professionally and at home. There are several devices on the market in differing price ranges. The goal of microneedling is to maximize absorption of skin care products, refine uneven texture and to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
I will admit that while I like the description of the goals, the term “microneedling” itself sounds like it hurts! There is nothing indicating that this treatment is painful, it’s just my fear. In fact, I touched the device when I took the above photo at Sephora and I couldn’t even feel anything prickly.
This is a treatment that is professionally done with dermatologists and aestheticians and apparently the results when done professionally are exceptional. So while you can do at home treatments, the results are likely less impressive. I would imagine that you can have microneedling done professionally and then maintain the results with an at home practice.
Light Therapy Masks
These are all the rage currently and are rather expensive but apparently effective. Again, this is a treatment that can be done professionally for excellent results. The mask is good for maintenance in between professional appointments.
The different colored lights target provide different benefits.
Amber: stimulate collagen and firm skins elastin
Red: reduces inflammation & promotes blood circulation
Blue: kills acne causing bacteria
This article talks about the benefits of LED (light emitting diode) masks.
What you use for skin care be it products or technology, the one constant with everything is that consistency is the name of the game. You cannot do things sometimes and get “all the time” results. Also, sometimes the results are not always easily visible. Use what makes your skin feel and look good. Skin care is a twice daily ritual that is necessary to take care of our skin but some of the extra treatments like steaming, masks, light therapy, etc…can be done as a form of self care.
There are of course many other skin care technologies that are more basic but also work well and don’t generally cost a ton of money. Those include items like jade rollers, gua sha tools, and eye patches. You can spend a lot if you want but you can usually find tools and products in a variety of ranges.
Taking time to care for yourself in ways that are special but also functional is a form of excellent self care.
Do you know of or use any other skin care technologies? Share in the comments!
