5 Skin-Care Devices Dermatologists Actually Use at Home
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From red light masks to microcurrent tools, skin care devices that amplify your serums and infuse some extra self-care into your routine are popping off right now. But it can be hard to decide which ones are worth spending the money on, especially if the only people you’ve seen vouching for it are strangers on Reddit.
That’s why we asked dermatologists to spill which skin care devices they actually use and who they’d recommend them to. A dermatologist’s recommendation definitely inspires confidence—just scope out their skin-care routines for inspiration—and that’s how you want to feel scooping up a pricey LED mask or cleansing brush. Thanks to their glowing reviews, we feel positive recommending you give these complexion-improving devices a try.
Best At-Home Device Overall: NuFace Trinity Starter Kit, $395
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device: Nood Flasher Pro + 2 Nood Serums, $399
Best Red Light Mask: Omnilux Contour Face, $395
Best for Depuffing: Therabody Depuffing Wand, $180
Best Cleansing Brush: Foreo Luna 3, $219
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NuFace
Why we love it: In addition to being an Allure Beauty of Beauty Award winner and longtime editor favorite, the NuFace Trinity—a microcurrent device that emits low levels of electrical current—is also a staple in several dermatologists' skin care routines. "Even though the level of energy is barely perceptible, meaning it's completely painless, it does help enhance collagen stimulation and improves absorption of topical products," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. “Plus, the physical movement of the roller on the skin can also help instantly contour.” Although it's easy to use, it must be used consistently to maintain results. "This device is your 'homework' between your in-office treatments for lifting and tightening," says Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. “Using this is like wearing your SPF after a laser treatment.”
Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says the device can be used five times per week, but she personally aims for two to three sessions a week. “I love that the NuFace offers an immediate lifting effect while also helping to improve the contour around my cheekbones and jawline,” she adds.
Not ready to invest in the whole kit? Dr. Garshick also recommends the NuFace Mini, a smaller (and more affordable) version. "It's easy to use, with a recommendation of five minutes per day, five days per week," she says. Both models come with a Gel Primer that you apply before gliding the gadget across different areas of your face.
Nood
Why we love it: Facial and body hair is no match for Nood’s Flasher Pro—and neither are wrinkles. It has two modes: “Hairless Lens,” which reduces hair growth and has a cooling effect to keep the zingy effect some laser tools have to a minimum, and “Ageless Lens,” which uses red light to minimize wrinkles and dark spots. “I’m ethnically Egyptian and, like many of us, I was basically born with a mustache—we’re a gloriously hairy people! Sprinkle in a little menopause, and you’ve got yourself a full-time maintenance plan,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hampden, Connecticut, says. “That’s where at-home hair removal becomes a true best friend, especially in between in-office laser sessions. I love this device because it works well on all skin types, it’s user-friendly, and the design helps minimize mishaps.”
This kit comes with two Nood Serums, which are post-laser treatments that are designed to soothe skin and slow hair regrowth. If you deal with razor burn or ingrown hairs—or you just hate shaving—you need the Flasher Pro in your life.
Omnilux
Why we love it: Red light therapy is having a moment. It can reduce fine lines, dark spots, and discoloration, and give your skin an overall glowier, more youthful appearance. But it’s important to use red light therapy consistently to see results, so you need to find a tool that’s comfortable to wear and easy to use. For Caroline Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, IL, that’s where the Omnilux Contour Face comes in. It’s flexible, so it can stretch around your face to fit it perfectly, and has two adjustable straps to help it fit snugly.
“[The mask] uses LED light in the 633 nanometers (red) and 830 nanometers (near infrared) range, which has been studied for stimulating collagen and improving skin elasticity over time,” Dr. Robinson says. “This device can be a great option for those experiencing mild-to-moderate signs of skin aging or dullness.” She uses it on clean, dry skin three to five times per week and likes that each session lasts around 10 minutes—not a big time constraint, right?
Therabody
Why we love it: Another favorite of Dr. Robinson is Therabody’s Depuffing Wand, which has a cool, steel tip that temporarily reduces swelling in your skin. “The cool temperature helps temporarily reduce puffiness and mild swelling. It also offers a soothing sensation, especially if you have had a late night or if you’re dealing with seasonal allergies,” Dr. Robinson says. “While it doesn’t directly alter collagen or treat acne, it’s often a feel-good addition to a self-care routine.”She likes to use the cold setting first thing in the morning after cleansing, and recommends you gently glide it over any areas that tend to retain fluid, like under your eyes, or on your cheeks or jawline.
But there’s more to this tool than just its icy-cold feel: “This popular wand has a variety of settings–cooling to combat swelling, heating to improve circulation, and a contoured applicator to get in areas that other wands cannot reach,” Sara Hogan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C, previously told Allure. “It is portable, lightweight, and easy to handle. It is no surprise that this is a wildly popular device.”
Foreo
Why we love it: Have you ever patted your freshly washed face dry and realized there’s still makeup and sunscreen coming off onto the towel? Sometimes, your hands and cleanser just aren’t cutting it. "When I'm looking for a deeper cleanse, I love using the Foreo Luna 3, which contains silicone bristles in addition to a gentle massage to help eliminate buildup and impurities, providing a clean surface to ensure proper penetration of subsequent skin-care steps," says Dr. Garshick. She appreciates that her skin is left feeling cleansed without looking or feeling stripped, as well as the added benefit of a quick lifting effect from the waterproof gadget's low-frequency pulsations.
Dr. Mraz is also a fan. "Unlike some harsher brush-based cleansing devices that can strip the skin, the Foreo Luna 3 combines gentle vibration to loosen debris and stimulate blood flow and lymph movement while cleansing," she says, noting that there's a special setting for more delicate skin, like in the eye area and on the neck. If you're concerned that all of your skin is delicate, consider the Best of Beauty Award-winning version designed for sensitive skin.
Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY
Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut
Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY
Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hampden, Connecticut
Caroline Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, IL
Sara Hogan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.
Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Discover more of our favorite skin-care finds for every skin type and concern:
These Are the Only 4 Microcurrent Devices Our Editors Use
The 9 Best LED Face Masks to Address Acne, Fine Lines, and More
9 Skin-Care Devices Dermatologists Actually Use at Home
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