NuFace Device / Dermaplaning Tool / Gua Sha / Tria Laser / Skin Spatula / Eye Depuffing Tool / Jade Roller / Ice Roller
Skincare Tools That Actually Work
Yes, between all of the gimmicks and too-good-to-be-true skincare tools, there are some good ones out there! When it comes to any type of tool or device, I'm one of those people who does a deep dive on the web before buying. Between customer reviews, published articles and keyword research, I usually have a pretty solid idea of what to expect when I do finally make that purchase.
Of course, our dermatologists are going to be equipped with top-of-the-line tools and devices which will undoubtedly be most effective in addressing our skincare concerns. That being said, at-home skincare technology has come leaps and bounds in the last decade.
While some skincare tools and devices are best left at your derm's office, I'm breaking down 8 at-home favorites that have my stamp of approval.
*DISCLAIMER: My skincare products, tools and recommendations are based on my own personal research and experience. Please always consult with your dermatologist before trying out new products and/or tools to see if they're right for your skin type!
See my product recommendations: My Skincare Order of Application + Favorite Products.
No1. NuFace Facial Toning Device
WHAT IT IS
NuFace is a microcurrent facial toning device that helps improve facial contour and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 5 minutes a day. Low-level microcurrent works to stimulate facial muscles so they tighten, contouring your jaw and chiseling your cheekbones. Long term, this daily stimulation helps boost the production of collagen.
HOW IT USE IT
When I first heard "microcurrent" I thought it was going to be delivering an electric shock to my face; but with just a little gel primer to activate the microcurrent, you feel nothing at all. Sometimes as I get close to my scalp, I can feel a subtle tingling sensation, but nothing that's going to make you jump or cause any pain whatsoever.
I use the NuFace app to follow the guidelines and run the device along my cheekbones, jawline and forehead. I see an immediate lifted and contoured result when I use this on my face BUT it is one of those devices that needs to be used consistently in order to see long-term results.
No2. Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool
WHAT IT IS
Dermaplaning is a method of exfoliation that safely removes dead skin cells and excess peach fuzz for a brighter, softer, younger-looking complexion. Other benefits of dermaplaning include a smoother makeup application, a diminished look of fine lines and a means for deeper product penetration.
At-home dermaplaning can seem a little intimidating at first; yes, you're taking a razor to your face. But with a little education on the right technique (YouTube is great for this), it's a piece of cake! Removing the peach fuzz on your face does not mean it will grow back darker or thicker like on other areas of your body. Instead, it will help release trapped dirt and oils, leaving babysoft skin.
HOW IT USE IT
After cleansing, I hold my skin taut and slide the tool back and forth over my skin at a 45-degree angle. Small, quick strokes are most effective. I work from my cheeks to my forehead and finish with my chin, and apply a hydrating moisturizer or serum when done.
Tip: Keep a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol handy to sterilize your dermaplaning tool after every use, and replace your blade according to package directions. Don't give that dirt and oil you're removing any opportunity to end up back on your skin!
No3. Gua Sha Facial Contouring Tool
WHAT IT IS
A Gua Sha is a tool that is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to promote lifting and smoothing of the skin. Moreover, its benefits include jaw tension relief, a brighter complexion, cell renewal, improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. I keep this little tool right on my nightstand and use it at night when I'm watching TV. Aside from it being really soothing, it also helps relax any built up facial tension.
HOW IT USE IT
Google and Pinterest have some great visual guides to help you learn exactly how to use a Gua Sha on different areas of your face. You can also visit TikTok for some video tutorials. I glide different sides of the tool across my face according to these guides as I work through each area of my face. My jawline has become more contoured from using this over time, and the stress tension I tend to hold in my jaw is significantly relieved.
No4. Tria Hair Removal Laser
WHAT IT IS
The Tria Laser is an FDA-cleared at-home hair removal device that uses high energy density, coupled with its precise laser wavelength selection to target the pigment in the hair follicle to permanently disable its ability to regrow hair.
HOW IT USE IT
I've had this device for a few years and can say that it definitely works. Although it did not completely remove hair altogether, my underarm area is 85% reduced (I shave 1-2x/month). For an at-home device, I'm very happy with that! The thicker and darker the hair, and the higher the setting, the more it hurts. It's a quick little zap, nothing too painful, but as the hair thins, it's easier to use the device on the higher settings.
No5. Essia "Skin Spatula" Ultrasonic Lifting & Exfoliating Wand
WHAT IT IS
The Essia Ultrasonic Wand helps to rid skin of fine lines and clogged pores by using a combination of high-frequency, ultrasonic oscillation technology and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to penetrate skin. The ultrasonic vibrations from the Exfoliate setting work to dislodge blackheads and clear pores. On the Moisturize setting, these vibrations help skin to attract and absorb your skincare products more effectively. The Lift setting gently stimulates facial muscles, tightening skin, lifting facial contours and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
HOW IT USE IT
Honestly speaking, I only use this product on one setting (Exfoliate), and feel that the NuFace is better-suited for lifting than this tool. This is not a magical product that's going to clear every single pore on your face. That being said, when I'm feeling like my skin needs refresh, I use the Exfoliate mode which glides over my skin like a spatula and vibrates to help dislodge clogged pores. I find it works best on and around my nose (my problem area) to dislodge blackheads and pores clogged with makeup.
Tip: Rinse your face with warm water prior to using the Exfoliate setting to help open your pores and allow for an easier removal of blackheads & don't forget to use a moisturizer or facial oil to protect your skin!
No6. Rose Quartz Eye Depuffing Tool
WHAT IT IS
This eye depuffing tool has very similar benefits to the Gua Sha or the Jade Roller, yet it's perfectly shaped for your eye area. Great for applying your eye cream, or for depuffing in the morning.
HOW IT USE IT
I glide this tool under my eyes from the inner corner of my nose to my temples and from my inner brow to my outer brow.
No7. Jade Roller
WHAT IT IS
The Jade Roller is very similar to the Gua Sha in its benefits. Jade Rollers support lymphatic drainage to reduce the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles. They help to firm the look of skin through gentle massage, while aiding in supporting the lymphatic system, which is the body’s main detoxification system.
HOW IT USE IT
Google and Pinterest have some great visual guides to help you learn exactly how to use a Jade Roller on different areas of your face. The key is to always roll outwards, and towards your heart. This is another tool that I keep right by my bedside. It's helped me tremendously with puffiness, sinus issues (this is a godsend when you have a cold) and overall relaxation.
Tip: Store an extra Jade Roller in the freezer. Although the stone is naturally cold, the extra temperature drop will even more-so support circulation and natural collagen production, drain congested lymph nodes, rid the body of toxins, and help with sinus issues.
No8. Ice Roller
WHAT IT IS
Ice Rollers provide cold therapy to help depuff, relieve sore muscles, calm skin and improve circulation. They also help reduce the size of your pores, creating a more even skin appearance and diminish redness from breakouts. Most of all, they just feel great on your skin! If you're someone who suffers from puffiness in the morning, ice rolling is a great way to start your day.
HOW IT USE IT
I like to use my ice roller in the AM for a morning pick-me-up when I'm feeling overtired or like my skin has retained excess fluid. Again, Google and Pinterest are great resources for learning exactly how to use an ice roller, but IMO, just roll it all over your face and you'll be good to go 😉.
More skincare tools on my list to try
Keep Reading: My Skincare Order of Application + Favorite Products.
