The Smartest Technology to Supercharge Your Skincare Routine

Word by Jennifer George

There are many brilliant skincare tools out there, from traditional gua sha and jade rollers to sculpting wands and cooling globes – and let’s not forget the tools available literally at your fingertips, your hands. All brilliant, yes, but by harnessing today’s technology, skincare devices have gone techy, offering skin solutions beyond what a little manual massage can achieve.

Using the most up-to-date technology, scientists and skincare brands have delivered safe and easy devices you can use at home that have the power to produce results close, if not equal to, those you’d get from an aesthetic clinic. It’s time to level up your skincare routine.

Skin Tech for Your Cleansing Step

Still using a flannel to cleanse your skin? Why not try something a little better? “Using a gentle but effective silicon-based device can ensure that you’re removing dirt, oil and grime effectively from your face,” says Dr Raj Arora, a GP, skin expert and Foreo Ambassador. “This prevents dirt and bacteria from clogging pores and potentially causing breakouts.” Silicone brushes are gentle and effective thanks to its mild vibrating technology to cleanse unwanted grime away “while preserving your skin's barrier”. Dr Arora suggests keeping yours in the shower so you remember to use it. All you need is to steer the device "in gentle circular motions with very little pressure, which is enough to get squeaky clean skin!” She also advises downloading the Foreo app to guide you through personalised cleansing programmes to suit your skin type, depending on if you have oily, sensitive or dry skin.

For an even deeper cleanse, using an at-home facial steamer can help to open up the pores allowing access to the dirt within them. Sarah Chapman’s Pro Hydro Mist Steamer is safe but effective as it deeply cleanses with an ultra-fine mist.

The Best Skin Tech Using Microcurrents

Why not try buzzing your way to your best skin by incorporating a microcurrent device into your tool kit? “Microcurrent devices are designed to be simple, effective and user-friendly for home use,” says Dr Arora. “They deliver low-level electrical stimulation to ‘work out’ the muscles you are targeting and increase Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) – a molecule that acts as cellular energy to increase collagen and elastin production.” The result, with regular use, is lifted and tighter skin and a more sculpted appearance. But consistency is key here, says Dr Arora. “The idea behind microcurrent devices is that they will tone the underlying muscles and therefore tighten your skin. To achieve this, most devices will recommend daily use for the first 5-6 weeks. The Foreo BEAR2 device, for example, should be used for a couple of minutes daily for the first five weeks.” It might sound like an effort, but try keeping the device near you when watching TV or scrolling on social media. Two minutes will fly by, and your jawline will thank you.

FAQ

FAQ 103 Professional Facial Rejuvenation Set

£1,199.00

Nuface

Mini+ Starter Kit

£244.00

THERABODY

TheraFace PRO All-in-One Facial Health Device

£375.00Now £275.00

Foreo

BEAR 2 Body Toning Device

£279.00

FAQ

FAQ™ 102 Clinical-Grade RF, EMS & LED Anti-Ageing Professional

£559.00

The Best Tech Harnessing the Power of Laser and LED

You might have seen pictures of some fairly creepy-looking LED (light emitting diode) masks on your social feeds, but what do they actually do other than look funny for a picture? Well, brilliant things for your skin as it turns out. The red LED stimulates fibroblast cells in your skin, which play a key role in collagen production, to keep your skin firm, bouncy and smooth. It can also help to heal inflammation, blemishes and even scarring. The brilliant part is, it’s truly suitable for all skin types and is completely non-invasive.

An even more powerful version of non-invasive, skin-boosting technology is laser, and the most effective one currently available for at-home use is the LYMA Laser Pro, which “closes the gap between in-clinic treatment and skin gadgets,” says founder Lucy Goff. “With the LYMA Laser, we engineered the first at-home laser possessing all the power of a clinic device, safe enough to be used in the home. Now, with the Laser PRO we have tripled that power with not one, but three powerful laser beams.” The new device’s unique features mean that the laser light can travel deep into your skin’s lower levels, “delivering lasting and measurable benefits to skin at a deep cellular level,” says Goff. This includes ‘scaffolding the skin’ by boosting collagen and elastin levels and treating a “full spectrum of skin concerns” with regenerating powers, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, redness and pigmentation. What’s more, the device’s increased surface area means you can treat larger areas beyond the face, if you so wish. This is a true example of the future of skin tech: using devices that achieve in-clinic results from the comfort of your own home.