Beauty gadgets: what are the best home use devices?

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You've been asking for a proper round-up of home-use devices – the ones I have, the ones I use, the ones I mean to use but don’t – so here it is, from top to toe. You can watch the video I made about these devices for the full detail on why I like them, or get the gist from the text below.

Cleansing:

FOREO LUNA 3: £99 l love this cleansing brush with its silicone bristles. It’s effective, gentle on the skin, and the sonic vibrations help get the skin really clean.

BEGLOW TIA: £199 I also love this sonic device, one part of it is a cleansing brush, while the smooth part of it pushes serums deeper into the skin.

I do still like the Clarisonic cleansing brush but don’t use it very often as it can be quite rough on the skin.

Microcurrent muscle-tightening:

NUFACE TRINITY facial trainer kit: £315 – I love this and use it a lot. With the Trinity, you can swap attachment heads eg the Trinity ELE attachment: though that’s another £142

If you don’t want the attachments, go for the Nuface Mini: £167

One I didn’t include because I’ve lent it to a friend is the little NuFACE FIX Line Smoothing Device: £150 – it’s brilliant for fine lines around eyes and lips and also great for dispersing bruises which was why I lent it to her.

Before you ask - the FaceGym PRO is similar (it’s electrical-muscle-stimulating technology, rather than microcurrent). I used to have one but didn’t use it so much so passed it on.

Radiofrequency skin tightening:

These devices heat the skin to tighten the collagen a tad and stimulate the growth of new collagen. I haven’t used any of them properly but they all look promising, other people tell me they love them which is why I’m including them:

SENSICA SENSILIFT Skin Tightening System: £279

NEWA – £349

TRIPOLLAR STOP Facial Skin Renewal Device: £249.

Peach-fuzz removal:

DERMAFLASH Luxe Facial Exfoliation and Peach Fuzz Removal Device: £179 Like home dermaplaning – and strangely addictive.

Microneedling:

If you have to do it, please do it carefully – I’m not a massive fan, because it is easy to get careless with it and scratch up the surface of the skin. Skin experts tell me they see so many people who have caused trauma to the surface of the skin like this. Also, most skincare products are designed to be used on the surface of the skin, not to be dropped through holes into its lower layers. Get professional advice on which products are ok to work with needling rollers, and avoid anything with fragrance, which is an irritant. Also, be scrupulous about hygiene and sanitising the roller.

GLOPRO Microneedling Regeneration Tool + Body attachment: £254

Light therapy devices:

It’s almost cheating, putting this in here, as it’s a clinic-standard piece of technology – ie a powerful piece of kit – so it blows other home-use LED devices out of the water, but the DERMALUX Flex MD: £1,895 is available to use at home. I was lent one during lockdown and I loved it. At the cheaper end of the market, you also have the LIGHTSTIM device: £349, which has clinical trials to show how it reduces wrinkle depth.

bodesi' supply professional and honest service.

(And before you ask, I haven’t tried the Deese mask which is the other nearly-£2k mask which can be bought for home use. Nor have I seen the data on the precision of its wavelengths etc. But I know many clinic owners rate it.)

Hair removal:

Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Hair Remover: £350 – Just fab, works a treat. As do most home-use Intense Pulsed Light devices. You shave, then zap the target area, and repeat this every fortnight until you get results. Most people see a massive reduction in hair growth after eight weeks. This cleared my armpits in a couple of months. IPL doesn’t promise permanent removal of hair, just a permanent reduction in growth, but I have found the results last well.

Braun Silk-épil Epilator: from £100 – this is an old favourite, still going strong. It wrenches hairs out from the root, so it is easiest to shave, then work on the hairs as they reappear, rather than diving into a thicket of hairs on your shins.

Pelvic floor strengthening:

Elvie Personal Trainer: £169 – makes doing pelvic floor exercises almost enjoyable.

Electric foot file:

Scholl Velvet Smooth Electric Foot File: £39.99 (but often cheaper online) Just brilliant.

Let me know what you think!

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NB all of these devices have been given or loaned to me as press samples over the years. None of these are required mentions or collaborations.

Maintaining the health and radiance of your skin is essential to looking your best. A facial is one of the best ways to improve the condition of your skin. After a spa facial, you will feel revitalized, calm, and invigorated. This is because facials are a fantastic way to treat your skin and improve blood circulation. However, with a wide range of facial treatments available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your specific skin type. It is important to choose the right option for your particular skin texture. Understanding the specific needs of your skin will help you choose wisely and get the best results from your facial. (Also read: Prejuvenation is the next big skincare trend: Everything you need to know about this viral beauty technique)

Tips to choose the right facial for your skin type and needs

"Before going for a medifacial, your dermatologist will do a proper skin analysis. For oily or acne-prone skin, your dermatologist would recommend exfoliation, oil reduction peels, IPL-based lasers or pore reduction lasers. Opt for a moisturizing mask or a hydrating serum to finish off. For normal skin, choose a facial that includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, de-tanning lasers, infusion for hydration and rejuvenating peels," says Dr. Jyoti Gupta, MD dermatology based in New Delhi.

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She further shared with HT Lifestyle, "For sensitive skin, avoid facials that exfoliate or use mild non-suction based exfoliation with IPL based calming lasers and infusion of serums. Less exfoliation and more infusion of serums is preferred in dehydrated skin, mico infusion and a vampire facial if patient is ready for downtime after the procedure. For Tanned or uneven-pigmented skin, choose a facial that provides brightness, such as laser toning, peels, or hydrating masks. And for aging skin, radio frequency based facials such as HIFU and Endymed RF are best to reduce sagging and provide a youthful radiance."

Here are various types of facials recommended for different skin types by Dr. Jyoti:

1. Classic medifacial

Microdermabrasion and a scrubber are used to exfoliate dead skin cells, while ultrasound is employed for skin tightening. Additionally, serums are infused for hydration and a radiant glow. A hydrating sheet mask, accompanied by LED light therapy, is then applied for supple and relaxed skin. This comprehensive treatment is generally suitable for all skin types.

2. Hydrafacial

This treatment simultaneously vacuums out pores while infusing potent actives to moisturize, brighten, plump, and protect the skin. However, it is specifically recommended for individuals with normal skin types.

3. Laser toning

This treatment provides brightness to the face and is ideal for patients with pigment irregularities, uneven tone, or tanned skin.

4. Photofacial

This therapy utilizes various devices emitting light to address issues such as discoloration, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, pores, rosacea, and blemishes. However, it is specifically recommended for individuals with sensitive skin types.

5. Anti-clock Facial/ Endymed RF

It is a range of 3DEEP radio frequency treatments that lift, tighten and contour the face with no downtime after the treatment. Most suitable for aging and sagging skin.

6. Vampire facial

Your dermatologist injects the blood drawn from you that contains the high concentration of platelets into your face using a syringe or microneedling (a device that looks like a lint roller with tiny needles sticking out of it). This helps to reduce wrinkles, plump up sagging skin, get rid of deep creases, improve one's complexion and diminish acne scars. It is most suitable for aging or dehydrated skin.

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Dr. Jyoti suggested the following points to keep in mind while going for facials:

• Exfoliation, especially dermabrasion, can cause capillaries to break and can cause an increase in redness in sensitive skin.
• Facial massages can clog pores and increase acne.
• Too many bleaching agents can irritate skin, especially dry ones, and can cause pigmentation.
• It's important to note that medical facials differ from salon facials. Always consult your dermatologist about potential downtime and suitability for your skin type before undergoing any facial treatment.