BeautyBeauty Breakdown: Everything You Need To Know About At-Home Facial Tools
Author: Alexandra EnglerMay 22, 2023mbg Beauty DirectorBy Alexandra Englermbg Beauty DirectorAlexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.The 101 on at-home facial tools4 things we're getting wrong6 types of tools3 extra tips4 best productsThe beauty breakdownImage by mbg creative x AtolasMay 22, 2023Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.Welcome to the Beauty Breakdown, our series that dives into today's buzziest beauty topics. In each, we focus on a different theme and highlight all the need-to-know basics, common mistakes, and the best products to get your hands on.
Over the last several years, we've seen skyrocketing interest in at-home facial tools. From LED masks and microcurrent devices to handheld facial massagers, it seems everyone is curious about bringing professional-level technology to the comfort of their own bathroom.
As it tends to happen when anything "new" explodes into the zeitgeist, folks have a lot of questions about the topic—as well as a few misconceptions that need clearing up.
So, in an attempt to cut through the noise, we decided to break down the buzzy world of at-home facial tools.
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The 101 on at-home facial tools
The facial tool category is one that could technically include a wide range of products—from rollers and ice globes you can find on Amazon to splashy masks and handhelds that come with price tags in the thousands.
Here, at mindbodygreen and in this article, we've used the term "at-home facial tools" to mean any device that is typically found in a professional or spa setting (i.e., a facial), that is also available to the masses.
The point of these tools is to mimic treatment normally received via an aesthetician or facialist. The potential benefits of these tools typically revolve around addressing aging concerns, such as fine lines, sagging, sallowness, dark spots, puffiness, and dullness. But there are technologies that can also help with blemishes. In a lot of cases, these tools are used as a preventive measure—meaning they're used in the hopes of keeping skin looking younger for longer rather than correcting a specific concern.
We go over the various types of tools, and who they are best suited for, in an upcoming section—but here's an overview.
- Facial massagers
- LED tools
- Microcurrent
- Microneedling
- Dermaplaning
- Facial steamers
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The 4 things we're getting wrong about at-home facial tools
There's actually a lot of bad advice out there about these tools—here, some things to keep in mind:
- Not learning how to use them from the pros. If you're getting your usage tips from random influencers on TikTok that come with no credentials, please stop. Social media can be a great learning platform for skin care—but it's also filled with people who really don't know what they're talking about. At best, you'll get duped into trying something that doesn't work. At worst, you can seriously damage your skin. When you're learning how to use these tools, only take advice from trusted, professionally trained experts. For example, if you're learning how to use a gua sha stone, listen to someone credentialed in traditional Chinese medicine (look for LAc, MSTCM, or DAOM).
- Being inconsistent or following instructions. Each tool is going to come with specific instructions unique to the brand. It'll also come with recommended usage, such as daily, twice weekly, or so on. Follow these instructions to ensure you're setting yourself up for success! You're not going to see results if you're not using the tool correctly or sticking with it.
- Using the wrong topicals with them. Most facial tools should be accompanied by a topical product to improve efficacy. For example, facial rollers and gua sha should be used with oil. Microcurrent devices need a water-based serum. Be sure to educate yourself on the right products, as so many people skip this step.
- Not investing in high-quality options. These are professional tools that come with a professional price tag. Getting knock-off versions may sound appealing so you can save money, but in the long run, it'll mean you're not actually benefiting the skin.
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The 6 types of facial tools you need to know about
Here, we get into the various types you can try. We do an overview of how they work and their benefits, but there is certainly more to delve into. (If we included everything about these tools, this article would be never-ending.) Throughout, we link out to our other guides and resources on the subjects so you can get the full scope.
Facial massagers and sculptors
I'm using "facial massagers" as a catchall term for a few types of tools for the sake of this article, but each one of these really warrants its own deep dive—several of these modalities come with a fascinating history of use, research to back their benefits, and more. (Again, I've linked out to other resources so you can learn more!)
Facial massages in general are incredibly beneficial for the skin: Studies show us that regular facial massages can truly help improve skin quality. For example, in one study patients saw feeling tighter, more lifted skin1 after regular massages.
This is likely because of the effects on circulation: One study showed that facial rolling for only five minutes a day improved blood flow to the face1. This is notable, as blood brings with it nutrients and resources to the skin—so, theoretically, improved circulation contributes to improved skin quality.
"So often in beauty we talk about collagen, elastin, skin cell turnover, and those are all important things to talk about because they are part of the skin function and structure. But what Chinese medicine also says is that we need to talk about circulation—because circulation is what feeds all of that," says Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac., MSTCM. "In fact, it goes back to the very basic principle in Chinese medicine, which is that circulation is everything."
Here, some of the best facial massage modalities to look into:
- Facial gua sha: Gua sha involves a small stone scraping tool, or board, to improve circulation, move chi around the body, and contributes to lymphatic drainage. The term broadly refers to the overall bodywork practice, but gua sha facials are much more gentle. Check out three moves to try from Chiu in a quick tutorial here.
- Rollers: Rollers are a bit more beginner friendly and, generally speaking, do exactly as the name implies: They massage your face by rolling along the skin. They come in many varieties—some are dual-pronged or double-sided, others use skin-stimulating vibrations, and they all include a spectrum of materials. Learn more about how to use them here.
- Kansa Wand: Kansa wands are a dome-shaped massager used in Ayurvedic practices. These also target circulation in the skin, release muscle tension, and improve lymphatic flow. It's named after its material, Kansa (a mix of copper and tin), a sacred metal that has been beloved for over 5,000 years due to its skin-healing abilities.
- Percussive or vibrating tools: Newer options on the market are powered to gently vibrate, which aids in the massage and improves circulation. These have become more and more popular lately—and some even come with additional technologies, like LED or microcurrent.
mbg pro tip:
Gua shas, kansa wands, and rollers all work best with a slippery topical product that can help glide them over the skin. Always pair your tool with a facial oil compatible with your skin type.
LED & microcurrent
While very different technologies and pathways, LED and microcurrent technologies improve the skin's appearance by reducing inflammation, stimulating the skin's fibroblasts, and improving ATP production. Essentially, these tools help your skin rejuvenate more effectively.
We'll start with LED therapy. "[Light therapy] works via a phenomenon called photobiomodulation. This is where different components of our cells are activated or respond to different wavelengths of light," board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas, M.D., MBE, FAAD, tells mbg about the modality.
The gist of it is that by exposing the skin to various wavelengths of visible light (i.e., red LED, blue LED, green, and so forth), it will stimulate certain activities in the skin cells—resulting in better skin health overall. The benefits that you can come to expect from LED tools are highly dependent on the color, and blue and red tend to be used and studied:
- Red: Red light therapy is the most popular and best studied. It's known best for its healthy aging benefits. One study found that patients receiving red light therapy on their face twice a week for 30 total sessions experienced improved skin complexion2, skin tone, skin smoothness, and collagen density (as measured with an ultrasonographic test). It's also known to reduce inflammation in the skin3, which can help prevent future damage.
- Blue: Blue light therapy is best known for its role in managing acne4. It can also be combined with red light therapy for improved efficacy. In one 2017 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology5, low-level blue and red light therapy was shown to be both well tolerated and effective at reducing the total count of acne lesions6 over the 12-week study compared with the baseline.
Now onto microcurrent devices, which are tools that emit low (micro) levels of electrical currents to the skin.
"Microcurrent is a very tiny electrical current that mimics your body's own natural pulses. What that means is our brains use currents to communicate through our neurological pathways, where it's constantly sending signals. What we're doing with this technology is mimicking those currents and delivering them to our facial muscles," says biomedical engineer and holistic skin care expert Pooja Johari, M.S., founder of 7E Wellness. These pulses, she notes, stimulate our muscles to act younger. "The thing is, the facial muscles can't tell whether the signal is coming from the brain or this device."
This very cool technology works on a cellular level, powering up your skin's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a molecule that's naturally produced in the body and acts as an energy currency—your body (skin and muscles included) uses it as part of its regenerative process, creating more collagen, elastin, and so on. It also works by strengthening the muscles, improving product penetration, sculpting the complexion, and can help ease inflammation.
mbg pro tip:
Microcurrents need a "conductor gel" to work. These are aqueous-based serums that help the current travel into the skin. Since microcurrents can actually aid in product penetration, it's very important to use nonirritating, safe ingredients. We recommend looking for options that use aloe vera and soothing antioxidants.
Microneedling & dermaplanning
Microneedling (or dermarolling is the term used when done at home) is a practice we tend to advise against doing yourself. The practice involves using a roller that has small spikes in it that create tiny puncture wounds that allow for deeper product penetration and stimulates collagen production as a wound response.
While it can certainly be beneficial when performed by a professional, it comes with too many risks at home and is likely not as effective. You can learn more about the tool here, should you want to do more research.
Dermaplaning is a form of manual exfoliation that removes peach fuzz and the top layer of your epidermis (called the stratum corneum). It's become popular in the last several years because it gives your skin a very smooth, filter-like finish and allows for seamless makeup application.
However, there are definitely better ways to exfoliate, and I'd like to emphasize that peach fuzz is a totally normal thing to have. If you are curious about this, your best bet is to visit a professional who will know how many passes for each area of the face.
Proceed with caution for both dermaplaning and dermarolling. Also, anyone with active acne lesions, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, rash, or any open wound should avoid them altogether.
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The 3 extra tips
Take your results to the next level with these tips:
- Visit a professional first. I almost always recommend visiting an aesthetician to get tailored advice for your skin concerns and goals—but it's especially true of tools. Since these are usually on the pricier side of the spectrum, you'll want to make sure your investment is worthy. Aestheticians can help guide you on which tool is best suited for you. Not only that, but most facialists use these technologies in their services, so you can test them out first!
- Get a multitasking tool. If several of these technologies sound appealing, don't worry: There are several options on the market that utilize multiple modalities! This way you can get well-rounded results in one go.
- Support from the inside out. Lots of these tools work by encouraging circulation (which will then bring nutrients to the skin) and stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. It's important to fuel your skin by eating a well-balanced, robust diet so your body has the nutritional building blocks it needs for the skin. You can also further support your skin with beauty supplements like these.
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The 4 best products to try
Here, the best products to get you started:
Best tool: TheraFace Pro
Features
- Massage
- Red, blue, and pink LED
- Microcurrent
- Silicone cleansing brush
- Hot/cold therapy (as an add-on)
From the makers of TheraGun, comes this ingenious tool that covers all the bases. The base level is a facial massager (that can relieve tension in the face, relax muscles, and boost circulation), but then it has several attachments for different modalities. There are three different LED colors, microcurrent, a cleansing brush for a deep clean, and 3 different heads for targeted messaging. Plus, you can add on a hot-and-cold ring that targets swelling and inflammation. With regular use it can improve the appearance of fine lines, reduce inflammation, tone and sculpt the skin, target breakouts, and ease muscle tension.
From the makers of TheraGun, comes this ingenious tool that covers all the bases. The base level is a facial massager (that can relieve tension in the face, relax muscles, and boost circulation), but then it has several attachments for different modalities. There are three different LED colors, microcurrent, a cleansing brush for a deep clean, and 3 different heads for targeted messaging. Plus, you can add on a hot-and-cold ring that targets swelling and inflammation. With regular use it can improve the appearance of fine lines, reduce inflammation, tone and sculpt the skin, target breakouts, and ease muscle tension.
Best stone: Lanshin Pro Gua Sha Tool
Features
- Hand crafted from natural nephrite jade, which is a rarer form of jade that’s more sturdy and less prone to breakage
- Designed by a gua sha expert
This patented tool, crafted by pro Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac., M.S.T.C.M., is made from nephrite jade. The unique shape means you can effortlessly use it on the face, including being able to target small, delicate areas.
This patented tool, crafted by pro Sandra Lanshin Chiu, L.Ac., M.S.T.C.M., is made from nephrite jade. The unique shape means you can effortlessly use it on the face, including being able to target small, delicate areas.
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Best oil: Supernal Cosmic Glow Oil
Features
- Uses organic and wild harvested botanical oils in the formula
- Contains plants naturally high in vitamin C
- Also includes a blend of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids
This stunning oil can create a nice base to glide facial rollers, gua sha stones, and other tools across. The formula features a blend of organic and wild harvest botanicals like baobab, marula, amla fruit, and squalane oils. The combination delivers omega fatty acids, vitamin C, and other antioxidants to the skin.
This stunning oil can create a nice base to glide facial rollers, gua sha stones, and other tools across. The formula features a blend of organic and wild harvest botanicals like baobab, marula, amla fruit, and squalane oils. The combination delivers omega fatty acids, vitamin C, and other antioxidants to the skin.
Best serum: Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate
Features
- Uses organic and wild harvested botanicals in the formula
- The base is aloe and green tea water, meaning your getting hydration alongside antioxidant power
- Features vitamin C for collagen production
For tools that need a water based topical, this plush concentrate floods the skin with water. It uses green tea water, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and several other botanicals to fortify the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and support collagen production.
For tools that need a water based topical, this plush concentrate floods the skin with water. It uses green tea water, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and several other botanicals to fortify the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and support collagen production.
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The beauty breakdown
At-home facial tools can help you bring the spa to your own bathroom. But before you make a purchase or start using one, be sure to do your research: You want to pick a technology that will be beneficial for your specific needs—and make sure you're using it correctly. And we do have to reinforce the message that these are pro-grade tools, so you need to adhere to professional advice. (And if you ever have any specific questions about these tools, I highly recommend speaking to an aesthetician.) Once you've got your tool, you might want to learn about how to use it before a big event.
Meet The Experts
Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
6 Sources
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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923954/
- https://www.jaad.org/
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30784-3/fulltext#relatedArticles
