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Skin health can be complex. After all, your skin is exposed to all of the elements, from changes in weather and exposure to environmental pollutants to makeup and UV damage caused by the sun. Put simply: It’s hard to protect your skin from all of the outside interference that can lead to a myriad of skincare concerns, such as breakouts, hyperpigmentation, premature lines and wrinkles, dull skin tone, oiliness, dryness and more.
While regularly scheduled spa facial treatments are a wonderful way to ensure that your skin is well cared for, they can also cost you several hundred dollars each session. Luckily, more and more skin care tools that promise to help address your top skin concerns are now on the market. From LED light and cryotherapy to deep pore cleaners and microcurrent wands, we’re sharing some of the best skin care tools to hit the beauty market as well as what you need to know to use each to the best of its ability.
How to choose the best skin care tools
Before we dig into the best skin care tools in the beauty market, here’s what you should bear in mind as you consider which tools are best for you.
Factor in your skin type and concerns
Everyone’s skin falls into a certain type, namely one of the following: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive. It’s important to choose a skin care tool that caters to your specific skin type so that you don’t exacerbate certain skin issues you might be having.
You also want to consider your specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation (brown spots and discoloration), premature aging (early lines and wrinkles), dullness (lack of vibrancy), or breakouts (acne) in order to steer toward a tool targeted to your needs.
Read reviews
Be sure to comb through customer experiences, and try to find before and after photos so you can confirm a given skin care tool has been proven, by other consumers, to do all of the wonderful things it claims to do.
Stay within your budget
Skin care tools can range from affordable to expensive. In fact, some can cost as low as $10 while others can cost as high as $500. Make sure you’re staying within whatever price range feels reasonable to you and factor in all of the details to help you make your decision including how long you’ll plan on using it and whether or not it comes with a customer warranty.
Our top skin care tools picks
Best for multitasking: NuFace Trinity Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
Pricey? Yes. But the reviews speak for itself in terms of this skin care tool’s worthiness in claiming a spot in your regular skin care regimen. This small, yet mighty, handheld device utilizes microcurrent technology, which sends low-level electrical pulses through the facial muscles to help lift, tone, and contour the face as well as improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s not only clinically proven to improve facial contouring, but it’s also FDA-cleared, which means the FDA’s given their stamp of approval in terms of its value, worth, and abilities.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 9.2 inches x 5.6 inches x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Special features: Comes with gel applicator
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Best for: Toning the skin
- Price: $350
NuFACE Trinity® Starter Kit - Facial Toning Device
Read our NuFace Mini Review: NuFace Mini Review: A Beauty Expert Puts the Microcurrent Device to the Test
Best for lifting: ReFa Carat Ray Face
This face roller also uses microcurrent technology to lift, tone, and improve the appearance of your skin. It’s two-pronged, each with platinum-coated balls made of stainless steel and with a multi-angular shape that gives the skin a rejuvenated look when it's applied to the facial muscles. This device also promises to help boost blood circulation, which can help give the skin a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
Specifications:
- Type: Solar-powered
- Size: 2.64 inches x 5.87 inches x 1.65 inches
- Weight: 3.07 ounces
- Special features: Mimic’s facial massage; waterproof
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Toning and firming the skin
ReFa CARAT RAY
Best for cleansing: Beautybio Glofacial Hydro-Infusion Deep Pore Cleansing Tool
No matter how diligently you wash your face, deep cleansing can be hard to do on your own at home without the help of a device like this one, which uses a vortex vacuum system to actually extract impurities within the pores, including blackheads, sebum, and makeup. Once it’s done with the extraction process, the tool boosts the skin’s health with acne-fighting salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. As a final touch, it emits a blue light to further prevent breakouts by killing the bacteria that causes acne (p.acnes).
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 8.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Special features: Works like a vacuum to gently pull out dirt, makeup and sebum from your pores
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Cleansing the skin and minimizing the appearance of pores
- Price: $149.5
Beautybio Glofacial Hydro-Infusion Deep Pore Cleansing Tool
Best for brightening and anti aging: Shani Darden by Desse Pro LED Light Mask
From one of the most trusted estheticians in Hollywood comes one of the most impressive skin care tools on the market today: a re-engineered take on LED light therapy that’s FDA-cleared, medical-grade and has the ability to ward off breakouts and slow down signs of premature aging. In addition to the main piece, which provides LED light to the face, the tool comes with an attachment that’s designed specifically for one of the hardest-to-treat, yet aging-prone areas: the neck and decollage. While it’s definitely pricey, consider this a major investment in your skin’s health.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric/LED light
- Size: 14.2 inches x 7.1 inches x 9.4 inches
- Weight: Not listed
- Special features: FDA cleared; utilizes red, blue and near-infrared light therapy
- Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
- Best for: Evening out skin tone and improving the appearance of fine lines
- Price: $1,900
Shani Darden Skin Care Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask
Related: the full list of best led face masks
Best for acne: LightStim for Acne LED Light Therapy
There’s a growing body of evidence to support the use of red and blue LED light in the treatment mild-to-moderate acne. This device combines both colors to help destroy acne-causing bacteria before it turns into blemishes and breakouts. It’s super easy to use:First, cleanse your skin, plug the product to an electrical outlet, turn it on, and it will immediately begin the 3-minute timed treatment. Hold the light close to your skin in one area until the timer goes off. Switch to another desired area for another 3 minutes.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 9.25 inches x 6.38 inches x 2.69 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Special features: Has built-in timer that starts automatically when plugged in
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Targeting and treating breakouts
- Price: $169
LightStim for Acne (1 Kit)
Best for exfoliating: PMD Personal Microderm Pro
Microdermabrasion is a skin care technique that uses controlled blasts of teeny tiny crystals to exfoliate, or gently slough off dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Exfoliation is an integral step in your skin care routine, as it helps keep your skin smooth, fresh and ideally acne-free. When you exfoliate, you’re sloughing off dead skin cells on top and revealing healthier and younger-looking skin underneath. While microdermabrasion treatments at a spa can cost several hundred dollars per session, this tiny device can offer results for a much smaller investment. It utilizes spinning-disc technology to achieve the same results and comes in nine colors.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 6.88 inches x 2.63 inches x 7.81 inches
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Special features: Comes in 9 different colors and four discs that vary in sensitivity
- Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
- Best for: Improving skin tone and texture
- Price: $199
PMD Personal Microderm Pro - Microdermabrasion Tool
Best for pore retexturizing: Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor and Serum Infuser
If you’re looking to redefine the appearance of your skin’s texture as well as minimize the look of pores, this device can come in handy. It uses ultrasonic technology and has two modes — one that extracts impurities and one that helps prep the skin for the infusion of active ingredients that you’re using in your serums and/or moisturizers. It not only helps keep the skin looking clear and smooth, fresh and clean, but also helps prevent future breakouts by cleansing the skin from impurities.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 0.86 inches x 1.85 inches x 6.22 inches
- Weight: 6.56 ounces
- Special features: Has two modes: extract and infuse; comes with protective cap, charging cable and base
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Best for: Cleanses pores, enhances skin’s ability to absorb topical skincare products
- Price: $99
DERMAFLASH DERMAPORE+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser
Best for puffiness: Odacitè Cryo-Tech Facial Tool
Not all skin care tools have to be plugged in—or utilize fancy and advanced technologies in order to yield impressive results. This sculpting skincare tool by Odacitè combines traditional Japanese beauty techniques with cryotherapy to help depuff, soothe, revitalize, and boost the overall appearance of skin. To use: Submerge the tool in a glass of icy cold water for a minimum of 10 seconds before applying to the face in upward motions following the Gua Sha technique.
Specifications:
- Type: Manual
- Size: Not listed
- Weight: Not listed
- Special features: Plastic free and unbreakable; doesn’t require an electrical outlet
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Depuffing the skin
- Price: $75
CRYO-TECH FACIAL TOOL
Best for sculpting: Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
Invented by celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey, this 24-carat gold plated T-shaped bar is used to contour and sculpt the skin. It’s battery operated, delivering small vibrations that help relax the facial muscles, relieve tension, and improve skin tone. It’s best used after applying a pea-sized amount of your favorite serum or moisturizer. Just remember not to use it in the bath or shower, as exposure to water can break the device.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: .75 inches x .75 inches x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Special features: Made with a 24K gold; vibrates at 6,000 rotations per minute
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Improving blood flow and contouring the face
- Price: $195
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
Best for inflammation: Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand
Skin inflammation can manifest as swelling,redness, pain, and itching, and it can be attributed to a wide range of causes, including allergies, infections, external irritants, and skin conditions such as eczema.This skin care tool uses high-frequency electrical currents that move through your skin to help keep inflammation at bay.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 2.5 inches × 11.75 inches × 8.5 inches
- Weight: 24 ounces
- Special features: Comes with three different attachments for varied use
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Reducing breakouts and inflammation
- Price: $95
Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand
Best for toning: Silkn Titan ALLWays
If toning and anti-aging are at the top of your skin care agenda, this product helps you achieve some pretty impressive results. It uses their HT™ (Home Tightening) technology, which combines three energy sources, including Bipolar radiofrequency, LED light energy, and infrared heat energy. The technology has been clinically proven to help minimize wrinkles, restore collagen, and help tone and contour the skin.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 2.54 inches x 8.64 inches x 7.92 inches
- Weight: 1.43 pounds
- Special features: Clinically proven, uses HT™ technology; cordless
- Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
- Best for: Tightening and toning the skin
- Price: $329
Titan AllWays - Wrinkle Reduction & Skin Tightening Cordless Device
Best facial steamer: Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer
Dr. Dennis Gross is one of the most acclaimed dermatologists in the industry with an impressive skin care line and now a facial steamer that works the magic of an in-spa treatment. It helps hydrate and plump the skin and can be excellent skin prep just before extractions or a face mask since it opens the pores and allows products to penetrate more powerfully.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Size: 10.3 inches x 7.7 inches x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Special features: Small size; easy to use
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Opening up pores and enhancing absorption of products
- Price: $159
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
Best beauty roller: grace stella ice roller
For a fraction of the price of most skin care tools, this roller offers some impressive results, helping to alleviate puffiness and bloating while improving circulation and reducing redness. The roller is made of stainless steel, so it stays cold while you’re using it for a recommended 10-15 minutes at a time.
Specifications:
- Type: Manual
- Size: 2.56 inches x 1.38 inches x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 4.16 ounces
- Special features: Stainless steel; stays cold
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Debloating and cooling puffy skin
- Price: $30
Grace & Stella, Facial Ice Roller, 0.23 lbs Pack of 2
Best ice therapy tool: Baby Frioz Icy Globes
This patent-pending product features cooling glass orbs that help relieve puffiness, stimulate blood flow, cut down on breakouts, and even minimize the appearance of pores. The tool is also relaxing once you get used to cold therapy. It’s much more affordable than most skincare tools on the market and is pint-sized, so you can easily travel with it or take it with you on the go. To use, apply serum or moisturizer just before rolling the device under your eye area, across your temples and anywhere else where you’re looking to reduce puffiness.
Specifications:
- Type: Manual
- Size: 3.5 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch each
- Weight: Not listed
- Special features: Travel-friendly; doesn’t require outlet
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for: Increasing blood flow and contouring the face
- Price: $54
BABY FRIOZ MINI ICY GLOBES
Best LED light therapy: Nushape Therapy Wrap
Red light therapy can be useful for more than just treating age spots, fine lines, and acne. In fact, you can use it all over your body to help reduce inflammation, help relax your muscles, and even stimulate hair growth. This device uses an impressive 600 LEDS in red light in the 660 nm wavelength and near-infrared in the 850 nm wavelength and is easy to use: Simply wrap it around the area of choice for 10-12 minutes of time. It helps promote healthier skin by increasing blood circulation and helps reduce muscle pain.
Specifications:
Versatile light therapy device can be used for muscle relaxation, hair growth, skin toning and more
- Type: Electric
- Size: 20 inches x 5 inches
- Weight: Not listed
- Special features: Easy to use and wrap around any target area
- Warranty: N/A
- Best for (what he do the best, ex: Building collagen to plump the skin)
- Price: $499
Nushape Lipo Wrap
How we tested and select the best skin care tools
To create this list, we dug deep into customer reviews to learn which products were most effective and stayed true to their promise to treat the skin in the way it was marketed. We tested several of these products firsthand to get an understanding of how they worked, their ease of use, and their effectiveness.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the 5 basics of skin care?
To take care of your skin in the most optimal way, it can be helpful to follow the five basic principles of skin care, which includes cleansing twice daily, exfoliating 2-3 times a week, moisturizing your skin regularly, applying SPF and eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
Do facial wands really work?
Clinical trials have shown that facial wands do hold some promise when it comes to improving the texture of the skin, fighting acne and fine lines, and boosting circulation. Many facial wands use innovative technologies like red light, high-frequency, microcurrent and ultrasound therapy to achieve these results.
Are vibrating tools good for your face?
Vibrating tools help mimic an actual facial massage, improving circulation, reducing puffiness and bloating and helping facilitate the absorption of the active ingredients in your skin care products, like your best eye cream or night creams.
Is it OK to use a face massager everyday?
In general, it should be safe to use a face massager every day, but it’s a good idea to run your regimen by a board-certified dermatologist who can better advise you based on your skin type, any chronic conditions as well as your skin needs.
Skin care tools can be wonderful additions to your skin care regimen, however, it’s important to choose your products wisely, as you would any skin care purchase. Also, be sure to read the manufacturer guidelines so that you know you’re using the product the way it’s intended and so that you don’t overdo it and wind up with undesirable results.
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