Most skincare tools promise to do a whole lot. Need to zap zits? There’s a tool for that. Sculpt sagging skin? There are a couple of devices for that, too. Reduce dark spots? Yes, a gadget can help. The technology is so advanced these days that there are numerous options that claim to target the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Some are self-proclaimed better alternatives to in-office procedures like Botox injections.
But I know you’re probably wondering, Do they really work? Valid question, especially since a lot of these devices aren’t exactly the cheapest. Well, first, no tool or beauty product can really give you brand-new skin entirely, but there are a lot of effective devices out there that can get you pretty dang close.
To help you shop smarter (and not waste your money on something completely worthless), take a look at some highly rated gadgets and editor-favorite devices that have some pretty incredible results below.
Full disclosure: Thanks to genetics, I have pretty good skin to start. But I decided to try this tool to give my skin a little more oomph since it was looking dull in quarantine. The micro-needling tool exfoliates the skin, increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen and elastin production. After using it for a week, I noticed my skin looked and felt like a baby’s, meaning it felt smoother, plumper, and more glowy. Rolling a spiky thing all over your face can feel a little weird and uncomfortable at first, but I got used to it, and the results were pretty cool!
Consider this one of the hardest-working multitasking devices. The kit comes with the Trinity Device and three attachments to tone the face and reduce wrinkles. There’s an attachment for your face and neck, one for your lips and eyes, and another to target wrinkles. One Dermstore reviewer wrote, “I can’t lie—it’s a daily time commitment, and I’m not always perfect in my everyday use. However, I do see a difference in my skin when I do use it consistently. If you do get into the habit of consistent use, I think your skin will look amazing.”
This vibrating facial massager works to stimulate the skin to promote blood circulation, firmness, and elasticity. Use it all over your face, from your cheeks to forehead to around the eye area. One Amazon reviewer said, “This is incredible! My first day of using it, I eliminated a lot of my neck ‘hang.’ I am absolutely incredulous! It has definitely firmed up my face. I am absolutely thrilled I found this… and at this price!”
This skin wand encourages cell turnover and slows the aging process. There are four tips: a bent tube and a tongue tube to eliminate acne; a mushroom tube for the cheeks, forehead, and jawline; and a comb tube to stimulate hair follicles.
Even though this price point is pretty steep, beauty editor Courtney Higgs says it really works: “This mask is life, and that’s coming from someone who can’t be bothered to use skincare tools most of the time. I’ve just been duped by one too many gizmos and gadgets and consider my time and my cash too valuable for those games.” She was skeptical at first, but after using it for three minutes every day for a couple of months, she began to see some noteworthy results. The red- and blue-light device works to smooth and firm skin, fight acne-causing bacteria, and help reduce dark spots.
You might be familiar with Foreo’s popular facial brushes, but now, it’s getting into the toning game. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face and neck with this microcurrent massaging device. A Sephora reviewer wrote, “I just started using Bear a few days ago, and wow! I am completely in love with this product. I am new to microcurrent technology and was initially nervous because I have read reviews on different microcurrent devices, and this one by far exceeded my expectations. I love Foreo included the anti-shock technology. I felt so comfortable using this device knowing I did not have to worry about zapping myself. Most importantly, I am also starting to see improvement with the fine lines around my mouth, as they are already starting to fade.”
If you can’t make it to your doctor’s office to get a microdermabrasion treatment, this is your solution. The device leaves your skin looking fresh and glowy with weekly use. Not only does it have anti-aging benefits, but it can also help with acne and enlarged pores. A Sephora customer wrote, “I love this product. It does work, but it takes some getting used to. The first time I used it, I had some scratches from leaving it in one spot too long. But after I got the hang of it, it works pretty amazingly. Definitely smoothes the skin and helps with lightening brown spots and acne scars.”
Ziip’s wireless device uses nanocurrents to stimulate the skin, encourage production of collagen and elastin, promote lymphatic drainage and circulation, and target acne-causing bacteria. The gadget comes with a gel to apply before use. Use it before you cleanse and do the other steps in your skincare routine.
This tool has 24 massage stones that can energize and lift your skin. It’s almost like getting a massaging facial at home, but you’ll be saving a lot of money on treatments with this one. Use it on different areas of your face for 30 to 45 seconds.
LightStim’s device uses LED technology to treat wrinkles, smooth texture, even skin tone, and reduce puffy under-eye circles. It has a built-in three-minute timer, so you’ll place it on the desired area of your skin, and it will beep when it’s done so you can move on to the next spot. You can use it two to three times a week.
Beauty Director of Branded Content Caitie Schlisserman says this little tool does a whole lot: “It increases blood circulation, which increases elastin and collagen, and it also helps with lymphatic drainage. My face looks lifted after five minutes, both morning and night.”
When I first saw this device, I thought it was a handheld showerhead. It’s actually a high-tech device that uses LED light therapy to get below the skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves blood flow and circulation and encourages cell renewal. And because of its size, you can use it on larger areas and shorten your treatment time. One reviewer on Dermstore said, “This is, by far, the best investment in natural skincare I’ve ever bought! It takes time—really it takes months before you begin to see the results—but it is so worth it! I look at least five years younger since I started using it!”
This micro-needling pen has adjustable lengths (0.25 mm to 2 mm) and five different speed settings, so you can personalize it to your own specific skin needs. You can use it on your face and body, and even your scalp to stimulate hair growth. It’s recommended to apply serum or cream after a treatment.
This wand has four different modes, including hot and cold settings, so you can choose based on what type of treatment you need. The hot mode cleanses the skin, while the cool and massage mode decreases puffiness and firms.
If you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area, this light therapy device can help. Just place the device over the eye area and let it work its magic for three minutes. A Sephora reviewer wrote, “I was skeptical about purchasing this considering the price, but I’m shocked to see that the ’11 lines’ between my eyes have diminished greatly. I also see a new fullness/plumpness around my eyes, especially my smile lines.”
Next Up: This $820 Tightening Serum Is Said to Rival Botox—I’m a Skeptic, so I Tried It
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
