Andrea Centeno
With technology’s rapid boom a few clicks and taps land you a ton of possibilities. Apart from connecting and entertaining us, technology has also found its way to beautify us—literally! It used to take a few trips to the dermatologist just for our skin to be treated by enormous, robot-like machines. But now, as the tech side of the beauty industry makes rapid progress, we can use these portable versions of beauty devices in the comfort of our very own homes.
1. Portable LED Light Therapy
Light Therapy is quite a thing in the beauty scene today. You will usually find huge machines for light therapy in a number of skincare centers in the metro. However, portable versions are now available on the market and you can even fit one in your vanity clutch whenever you travel!
The science behind it involves the emission of light in varying spectra, which allows skin cells to naturally heal and improve. The response of the skin also depends on the color and type of the LED light. According to a Korean beauty brand called Makeon (owned by the cosmetics giant Amore Pacific), blue light boosts hydration, yellow light brightens and evens out complexion, and red light increases elastin and collagen production.
See how it works here.
2. Nano Facial Steamer
If you frequently get facial treatments you have probably already experienced face steaming. Apart from steaming being a very relaxing process, it’s also significantly beneficial for the skin. Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, founder of The Dermatology Laser Group shares how steam loosens pore-clogging impurities and how the heat from the steam induces sweating to flush out pores.
You must be wondering, why spend so much on a facial steaming device when you can simply boil water and lean over the steam? Well, what’s great about having a nano facial steamer at home is that it’s really specialized for skincare. It knows the right temperature for your skin so you don’t have to worry about the steam worsening your hyperpigmentation dilemmas.
See how it works here.
3. Eye De-puffer (Eye Massaging Device)
Whether you had to work some stressful overtime or you stayed up all night on Netflix, puffy eyes can truly be an annoying concern. Asian moms would tell us to “just put ice on it” and the puffiness would go away. I won’t say it doesn’t work, but just in case you don’t want to freeze your eyelids off, you can invest a bit in an eye de-puffing device.
The skin around our eyes is very delicate. This also explains why the eye area is such a magnet for skin problems such as puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles. Mini eye massaging devices, also known as eye de-puffers, help improve blood circulation in the eye area. Additionally, if you are using a really good eye cream along with it, the eye de-puffer can boost product absorption by massaging the cream deep into the skin.
See how it works here.
4. Skin Smoothing Laser
One of the most common types of anti-aging skincare procedure is laser treatment. Lasers work by delivering light pulses below the surface of the skin to trigger the cells to regenerate. I personally have a love-hate relationship with laser treatments, because while it actually gives fast and visible results, it’s also not pain-free at all. It feels like a tiny rubber band snapping against your skin. Not that it’s intolerable, but it’s totally not relaxing!
Well, at least you can now do it at home thanks to this skin smoothing laser device from Illuminage. There’s no need to walk out from the clinic with your face looking like a freshly-picked tomato. You can enjoy all the benefits of laser treatment at home, including skin-tightening and dark spot reduction.
See how it works here.
5. LED Acne Clearing Mask
Because light therapy is a huge thing right now, I’m adding a second LED beauty gadget on the list. It won’t be a portable version this time, but instead a full face mask! This mask also features a different cocktail of lights to specifically target the bacteria causing your acne. If you are currently battling with pimples, this might be something to try out.
Neutrogena recently launched its Light Therapy Acne Mask and has been gaining popularity ever since. It’s more than just a cool-looking device that makes you look like a Daft Punk member! Apparently, tons of reviews online said it actually helped calm their acne breakouts.
See how it works here.
6. Anti-aging Facial Toning Device
Collagen depletion becomes more pronounced as we age. This causes the skin to form wrinkles and eventually sag as well. While aging itself is inevitable, the saying “prevention is better than a cure,” applies perfectly to the physical signs of aging too. Modern technology has brought us facial toning devices to help us combat wrinkles and sagging skin as early as possible.
Facial toning devices are non-invasive. The science that backs it up involves microcurrents that effectively tighten and strengthen your facial muscles to keep them firm.
See how it works here.
7. Personal Microdermabrasion Tool
Microdermabrasion is basically a more thorough type of exfoliation. It involves microcrystals that remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin in order to reveal a newer, healthier layer.
Since microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure, more and more people are doing it by themselves in their own homes. PMD is a very popular device to carry out this type of skin treatment. It features a spinning disc and vacuum suction that work perfectly in sync to help improve the appearance of your skin.
See how it works here.
8. Mini Iontophoresis Applicator
Iontophoresis is very popular in many Korean skincare centers. I go to a Korean skincare center here in Manila regularly and they always do a procedure wherein they use this metal device and glide it over my skin after applying the serum. Out of curiosity, I asked my aesthetician what this metal tool does. Apparently, the “ion” device uses a controlled amount of voltage and vibration to deliver the serum or cream deep into the skin.
I learned that my skin doesn’t fully absorb all the products I put on it for a number of reasons. To solve this problem I did my own research and found this mini ion applicator. I knew I had to include it on this list because I have personally experienced its wonders! My skincare routine has never been the same since I started using it.
See how it works here.
9. Nano Face Mist
If you are a K-Beauty enthusiast, there’s a huge possibility that you have at least one face mist in your beauty arsenal. While regular face mists that come in spray bottles work alright, nano face mists work gloriously! Unlike regular face sprays, which usually feel wet on your skin, nano face mists deliver the finest moisture particles that feel almost weightless.
If dry skin is one of your major concerns, these rechargeable nano face mists would deliver 3x the moisture your skin needs. Think of it as a handy humidifier and toner mist in one!
See how it works here.
10. Sonic Face Brush Cleanser
There’s no way we are skipping the super famous sonic brush cleanser. After the brand Clarisonic became phenomenal, more brands have come up with their own versions of it. Using a sonic face brush cleansing device is an absolute level-up for your skincare routine.
It works more efficiently to remove deep-seated dirt and excess oil while giving your face a relaxing massage. Did you know that using a top-tier sonic face brush cleansing device frees your pores from impurities almost 6x better than your hands alone? Talk about crystal clear skin!
See how it works here.
These hi-tech beauty gadgets can free you from your skincare woes – from acne spots to uneven complexion. I know, a tiny metal device that produces fancy-looking lights may look gimmicky at first, but the science behind it is no joke. Amazingly, these beauty gadgets have credible research to back their claims up. Which ones are on your next skincare shopping list?
Guest Writer
Vi Nguyen
Youjin Lee