With rapid advances in beauty technology, aging gracefully without paying money for specialized treatments has never been easier.Here, I’ve rounded up six innovative beauty devices that deliver professional results in the comfort of your own home.
OPTE
If you are looking for a way to both cover and treat your skin’s hyperpigmentation, then OPTE should be on your radar. Launched in the fall of 2020,OPTEis the first and only handheld device for at-home use that corrects, prevents, and treats hyperpigmentation by utilizing proprietary algorithms, printing technology, and skincare. “OPTE delivers the holy grail of skincare results: immediate, long term, and preventative with one device you can hold in your hand,” OPTE CEO, Matt Petersen tells me.
“OPTE has a built-inultra precise camera, blue light and microprocessor to find hyperpigmentation and age spots.OPTEanalyzes the size, shape and color of your spots and precisely deposits the serum providing instantcamouflage.The result looksnatural, even-toned and completely radiant,” explains Petersen. While the device provides immediate results with coverage, fading of existing hyperpigmentation can take up to four weeks with daily use of the device. The device can even detect pigment below the surface. “The high-speed camera is 3X faster than the human eye so it sees spots before they are even visible.The device applies our proprietary spot-fading Optimizing Serum to stop dark spots from forming.”
In addition to the unique dispersion method of the device, OPTE’s Optimizing Serum with anti-aging nutrients is a big part of the magic. “The serum is powered by 5% niacinamide, a spot-fading active ingredient at aderm-recommended, clinically proven potency. Niacinamide helps brighten the complexion and lighten dark spots, while simultaneously calming inflammation and supporting healthy collagen production.The serumis non-toxic with no added harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, dyes, artificial colors, phthalates or artificial fragrances,” Petersen tells me. The brand just launched their latest product, aBrightening Concentrate. “It’s a fast-acting solution powered by 5% niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin B5.This concentrate delivers a powerful triad- it refreshes dull skin, restores elasticity and hydrates.”
I have had my eye on this device for a while and it exceeded my expectations. I love it and so does my husband, who as he is aging, wanted natural looking coverage that multitasks. OPTE fits the bill.
MORE FROMFORBES ADVISOR
Shani Dardin Skin Care Facial Sculpting Wand
Celebrity aesthetician, Shani Darden launched her first product,Retinol Reform, now a cult-favorite, nine years ago when she couldn’t find what she wanted for herself. “At the time, I never thought about building a whole skin care business,” Darden tells me. “Over the years, I have worked with so many clients of all different ages, ethnicities, and skin types and have been able to see what ingredients really work on skin.My clients were always asking me about launching more products, so I finally decided to take all of that knowledge and put it into developing my own skin care line.”
One of the signatures treatments in Darden’s facials is incorporating sound therapy, which prompted the creation of her latest device, theFacial Sculpting Wand.“I’ve been using vibration therapy in my facials for over 16 years. It’s something I really wanted to develop for people to use at home,” shares Darden. “I got to see how effective it is at treating fine lines and wrinkles. The Facial Sculpting Wand is easy to use and is effective for achieving more toned, tightened, and lifted skin, especially with consistent usage. It's a great non-invasive treatment that all skin types can benefit from.”
When I ask Darden about the benefits of sound therapy for the skin she explains, “Sound waves can penetrate up to 2.4 inches below skin’s surface boosting circulation optimizing skin’s oxygen uptake targeting not only the skin, but the layers of tissue and muscle beneath. This helps promote healthy collagen resulting in a smoother, more toned appearance. There are numerous peer-reviewed studies citing the effects ofvibration therapy(often referred to as acoustic sound wave) and it’s ability to firm and tighten the skin.”
The device provides two adjustable frequencies—100Hz, which is the default and 50Hz, which is the second setting. “Level 1 produces a soothing, continuous massage while Level 2 provides a stimulating, tapping massage,” Darden tells me. “There are three intensity settings as well: light, medium, and strong. The wand starts at the lowest intensity setting and can be gradually increased according to your goals and comfort level. More intensity will allow for a deeper treatment, but all settings will produce results.”
Darden’s Facial Sculpting Wand can be used on the face and neck and can be used in conjunction with other treatments. “All of my facials start with a few minutes of vibration therapy, and then I combine it with microcurrent, high frequency if needed, LED light therapy, and more. Vibration Therapy is a safe and non-invasive, yet effective treatment that is safe to use in conjunction with other treatments. At home, you could combine a Facial Sculpting Wand treatment with microcurrent, followed up with aDeesse Pro LED Masktreatment for an amazing at-home facial.”
I wasn’t sure how different Darden’s Wand would be compared to other sonic-based devices, but it definitely delivers unique results. Not only have I seen a difference in my facial lines and improved definition around my jawline, this has helped soothe congested sinuses, puffy eyes, and even neck strain. It usually sits right at my desk so any time I feel eyestrain or a stress headache coming on, it is within reach.
MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device
I am a huge proponent and use of light therapy devices, but many only offer a few color ranges. When I came across theMZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Devicethat offers five colors for various treatment benefits, my interest was piqued.
MZ Skin was founded by Dr. Maryam Zamani, a globally recognized Aesthetic Doctor and Oculoplastic Surgeon based in London. Known as the “Eye Doctor”, Zamani describes her brand to me as a clinical range of products backed by science with three pillars as the basis of all of her skincare products—to reveal, enhance, and protect the skin. Zamani tells me, “The MZ Skin Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device is unique in that it features five light settings, all which function at different wavelengths to treat a plethora of skin concerns. Each of the light settings featured operate at different wavelengths measured in nano meters.”
·Red light (630nm) has profound anti-aging benefits. It stimulates collagen and elastin production and strengthens skin. This light setting also reduces inflammation, heals blemishes, repairs sun damage, and improves scarring.
·Blue light (470nm) balances and clarifies the skin, treating acne. Blue light activates chemicals inside the bacteria, and their ability to form acne and blemishes. Inhibiting sebaceous glands and resting allergic skin are all ideal candidates for this light. With repetitive use, this light improves blemished skin.
·Green light (520 nm) calms skin and reduces pigmentation, broken capillaries, and sunspots. The recommended light for uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
·Yellow light (570-590nm) reduces redness and boosts circulation. It is ideal for sensitive skin as it boosts lymphatic flow and soothes the skin. Recommended also for Rosacea.
·White light (450-460nm) penetrates deeply to promote wound healing and skin repair. The perfect light post in-clinic treatments such as laser or peels.
Regardless of color setting, the mask should be used on clean and dry skin with all skincare applied afterwards. “We suggestusing ourCleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanserformulated with a blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Fruit Enzymes to cleanse and exfoliate without irritation.It is the perfect prep to reveal smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin,” Zamani explains. “We recommend using the device together with a series of ‘perfect partners’ from the MZ Skin range, which are also formulated to target specific skin care concerns. For example, if you’re predominantly using green light therapy for pigmentation,MZ Skin’s Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serumis formulated to activate collagen production, protect against premature ageing, and reduce the effects of UVA, and UVB rays. This peptide-rich formula helps control melanin production to guard against hyperpigmentation and age spots.” (There are other ‘perfect partners’ on the product page.)
Zamani suggests gradually building up your LED usage. “Start with 10 minutes a day on energy level 2, building up over the course of 2 weeks to 15-20 minutes, at energy level 4 or 5,” she tells me. “The duration of one light therapy session can be split across different light settings, depending on skin concerns, or the full duration can be spent on one lamp such as red light to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. It can be used daily but otherwise every other day is consistent enough. There isn't really a right or wrong way to use light therapy; consistency is key.”This device has become a beloved part of my weekly self-care ritual.
Geneo Personal
You can now experience the benefits of an oxygen facial in the comfort of your home with theGeneo Personal device. Launched in 2019, this unique 2-in-1 device was developed by Pollogen, an aesthetic medical device company under their TriPollar brand.
“The Geneo Personal device is a breakthrough at-home Oxygen Facial treatment suitable for all skin types,” says Mark Rubin, President of Pollogen’s Home Use Device Unit. “The sleek, 2-in-1 device is based on Pollogen’s ProfessionalOxygeneo Technology, and harnesses the natural power of oxygen for a brighter, younger looking and glowing complexion. The Geneo Personal helps to awaken and revive dull, tired skin and unveil the body’s best qualities from the inside out. When used for daily cleansing, it provides the user with a deep cleansing and exfoliation of the upper skin layer. The weekly Oxygenation Treatment utilizes the natural power of oxygen resulting in skin renewal, improvement of skin tone and texture, and a glowing, hydrated look. Basically, your skin will feel like a newborn baby’s.”
Rubin continues, “The weekly Oxygenation Facial Treatment utilizes OxyGeneo technology that triggers the natural process of oxygenation from within. TheGeneo Personalcapsule combined with the Gel create a layer of CO2bubbles on the skin which triggers a natural mechanism to release oxygen from the capillaries to the skin's cells, a physiological response known as the Bohr effect. The increased oxygen in the skin cells increases the blood flow, which results in improvement of skin tone and texture and provides a dewy, hydrated, glow-like appearance.”
The OxyGeneo technology was inspired by natural hot springs that are known to induce skin oxygenation allowing minerals to be absorbed into the body to revitalize cells. “By simulating this effect, OxyGeneo triggers a body response that sends oxygen to the treated area while exfoliating the skin,” Rubin tells me. “This creates an optimal environment for infusion of essential nutrients both during and after treatment.”Every time I do the Oxygenation Facial treatment, my skin instantly has a distinct glow, my skin tone is much more even, and the texture looks significantly smoother. It is a great addition to my wellness routine.
Georgia Louise Hollywood EGF Microneedling + Ion Infusion Kit
Celebrity aesthetician,Georgia Louisehas been whipping up her family’s homemade skincare recipes since she was nine. “After beauty school, I continued my professional training in France, Switzerland, and the United States before opening my first salon in London in 2003. I embarked on a natural formulation course in 2008 to perfect my formulations and have spent the last 13 years developing my cult hero skincare products working with the some of the best formulators globally,” Louise tells me. Her eponymous brand launched in 2012 with her skincare line and she launched her first at-home tool, theLift + Sculpt Butterfly Stone, in 2013. She opened up her first NY Atelier in 2015 and her LA Atelier in 2019 where she offers her signature esthetic treatments.
I have been microneedling at home with great results for years. So I was curious to try Louise’sHollywood EGF Micro Needling + Ion Infusion Kit, which not only provides a safe at-home microneedling experience, but also has an ion function (also referred to as galvanic current) that targets fine lines, enlarged pores, and an uneven skin tone. “Themicro-needling device is designed to trigger the skin's micro-rejuvenation response, allowing new skin cells to grow,” explains Louise. “By using the device, you are creating tiny micro-channels which create a healing response to grow healthy new skin from the inside out. This helps to not only soften fine lines—but also tightens pores, and our skin. In addition, the micro-channels allow for serums and products to absorb deeper into the dermis.”
One of the unique aspects of this device is that it comes with five one-time use packs of BPA-free plastic microneedles that make this at-home microneedling experience much more sterile than some of the other options that require the user to sterilize the device each time after use. “Second it comes with two shields, thick for thinner skin and thin for regular skin, to make it softer and less aggressive on the skin giving the skin extra protection by cushioningagainst anyone potentially pushing the device too hard across the skin,” continues Louise. The handheld device is also automatic. “It penetrates the skin 5,000 times per minute using 20 soft tip needles, allowing for quick and gentle absorption of skincare products.”
Thekitalso comes with Louise’s EGF serum that contains a blend of powerful ingredients that support and encourage firmer, brighter looking skin. “These include five polypeptides to help with regenerating and brightening the skin, hyaluronic acid to plump and nourish the skin, and green tea and copper to calm and soothe the skin.I recommend my clients use the device 1 x per week for long-term benefits.” This device has become a weekly staple of mine. My forehead lines, which have gotten more pronounced as I age, are almost completely smoothed away after a few weeks of use.
TriPollar STOP Vx
TriPollar STOP Vxis the latest iteration from the TriPollar family of devices created by Pollogen and will launch domestically later this summer. Like all of the TriPollar handheld devices, the STOP Vx has four electrodes that transmit volumetric energy into the skin. “The Vx isthe latest in radiofrequency (RF) technology available for at-home use to help reduce the appearance of mild to moderate facial wrinkles,”Mark Rubin tells me.
The STOP Vx is FDA-cleared device that offers professional results at home that are both immediate and accumulative. “It’s based onthe groundbreaking Tripollar RF Technology and enhanced with two speed levels, our Thermal Mapping Algorithm, and Electronic Vibration (ELV),” explains Rubin. “The two speed levels and the Thermal Mapping Algorithm ensures a highly personalized treatment with the most accurate temperature for effective results, tailored for each user according to their skin characteristics. The ELV enhancement delivers a tingling sensation while using the device as a reminder to keep the device in constant motion.”
One of the best aspects of RF technology is that it is colorblind, unlike other technologies where the usage may be contraindicated based on your level of pigment in your skin.
Rubin tells me, “RF is suitable for all skin types and has been cleared in the United States for adult users who have Fitzpatrick Skin Types II-IV*.” Another winning aspect of this technology is that you will see immediate results after each use. “TriPollar RF offersimmediate results—what we call, ‘The Cinderella effect’ in addition to long-term results, if used on a regular basis.Users enjoy a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, tighter and smoother skin, and improved texture. Using theSTOP Vxregularly, according to the treatment protocol can effectively postpone the signs of aging.” For the best results Rubin suggests using the device 2-3 times a week on non-consecutive days for a period of 8-12 weeks to see full results followed by a weekly treatment to maintain the results.
Like many other energy-based devices, theTriPollar STOP Vxcomes with its own gel that prepares your skin for the treatment. “It ensures the delivery of the RF energy into the correct layers of the dermis and protects the skin from damage. Using a thin layer of the gel will supercharge and optimize the results of your treatment,” explains Rubin.
After several weeks of use, I have to say that this has become one of my favorite multitasking devices. You truly do see immediate results after each use. My marionette lines are almost completely smoothed out and the tone and texture of my skin have improved significantly. The ELV has a unique sensation and one that is different from treatments like microcurrent or galvanic current. It’s not that it hurts. It’s just an unfamiliar feeling. But the results along the jawline are worth it.