3 Skin Care Devices That Are Actually Worth It

There's a gold rush happening in the skin care tech space right now but not everything is worth your investment

I’m a sucker for extremely niche kitchen gadgets (there’s a bubble waffle maker collecting dust in a cabinet somewhere). And I’m truly such an amateur photographer but swanky lenses and softbox lighting are my love language. My point being: I wouldn’t exactly call myself a gadget enthusiast but I do exhibit gadget enthusiast tendencies.

So it’s not entirely surprising that I love a skin care device. The at-home tech tools market has really exploded in recent years. In my professional opinion, some are good; some are not-so-good. There are still a bunch I haven’t tried yet like the Lyma laser, all of the IPL hair removal devices on the market, and laser hair caps—I’m eager to try them all.

Here are three I think are worth the money, a bonus one I’m on the fence about, and one other I’m kind of iffy on. For purposes of this newsletter, I’m sticking to electrical devices and will focus on gua sha, dermarollers, and the like another time.

ZIIP Halo

$349

The new ZIIP Halo

I’ve had the original ZIIP GX device for many years and always listed it as second-fiddle to the NuFace because I thought that the shape of the more vertical shape of the NuFace did a better job of gripping the necessary angles of your face. I just had some 1:1 time with ZIIP founder Melanie Simon last week though and she did a facial on me using the new ZIIP Halo and I think I’m a convert.

Ok, if you’re familiar at all with the NuFace or have had professional microcurrent, you understand the basic concept. There are typically two metal nodes that glide along your skin to lift and tone. In professional settings, they sometimes look like two drumsticks. The ZIIP Halo is housed in one compact unit, small and flat, like a wireless mouse.

In every microcurrent situation, you apply a conductive gel first (like you’re prepping for a pregnancy ultrasound). You connect an app which allows you to sync your device for various programs. What I like about the ZIIP is that it’s microcurrent and nanocurrent.

Microcurrent targets the muscles while nanocurrent is a lower electrical current that promotes healing and skin cell regeneration.

I’ve been concerned about the electrical current (and any associated heat) triggering my melasma and hyperpigmentation but Melanie assured me that it wouldn’t be an issue with the nanocurrent which applies negative or positive energy depending on the program (I’ll report back soon about what I’m seeing with my dark spots). And in fact, she said that there are programs that actually help discourage dark spots and acne from forming. Not gonna lie, my skin looked amazing after she worked on it. And I’ve committed to using it at least four nights a week now.

NuFace

$250-up depending on the bundle

NuFace. Old favorite.

I hope you don’t think it’s a cheat that I made two out of three of my picks here microcurrent devices but I love them both. I’ve been a NuFace fan for many years. And they’ve introduced a bunch of different models now. I’ve talked to some folks who swear by the less expensive NuFace Mini versus the more expensive Trinity+. I prefer the larger format of the Trinity but if you’re just starting out, the Mini is totally great.

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READ: My Glass Skin Holy Grails

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I’ve seen the instant results of microcurrent facials so I truly believe in them. But my one caveat is: the best skin care devices are the ones you’ll use consistently. Yes, they’re amazing in a pinch if you have a big event and want an instant lift. But you’ll see the best long-term results if you’re consistent.

For me, there’s still a slight barrier to making any device a habit when it requires applying a conductive gel every time. The gels have improved so much over the years and you can now technically keep them on as a part of your regular skin care routine but I don’t. So it does require washing them off after (at least for me).

But the routines (via app for NuFace, as they are for ZIIP) are very easy and enjoyable. And a light beep helps keep you on track for each motion. If you can stick with it, it’s worth it.

Omnilux Red Light LED mask

$395

Excellent for freaking out the kids.

I was a major skeptic when it came to red light devices at first. I had a bunch of brands send me masks and other doohickies (including one for hands and one for neck + dec, aka décolletage). I strapped this odd silicone mask to my face and 10 minutes later, I….kind of looked amazing?? The science of light therapy is actually pretty fascinating. Blue light is incredible at killing the bacteria that causes acne. Red light helps to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation.

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This should feel very low effort but for whatever reason, there’s still a slight hurdle making this a habit every night. It’s not that it’s uncomfortable. You just fasten two velcro straps behind your head. Your nose gets slightly smooshed in the process and the light does feel bright around your eyes. It’s tempting to want to multitask but please don’t. Put your phone down. Don’t watch TV. If you let yourself relax and close your eyes for 10 minutes, it will be kinder to your eyes and give you some good meditation time too.

As skeptical as I was, I do think I saw a difference after the first few weeks. One “but”: I started to slow down on using this since there are still some lingering questions about whether red light might help or hurt melasma. The jury is still out but I figured I’d pause for a bit while I do some deep research. That being said, if you don’t have melasma, a red light mask can be a wonderful tool.

Two Other Mentions

TheraFace Pro

$399+ (depending on attachments)

I’m so mixed on this one. I got this as a holiday gift and I did try the red light attachment for a few months since it was somehow easier to sit in bed waving it around my face than velcroing on a big silicone mask. And when you have a headache, the percussive attachment gives a nice head massage. But…I’m really on the fence on how to talk about this one. I love the concept of an all-in-one device but I didn’t find much use for the cold attachment and I definitely didn’t want to use the hot one since heat is a big no-no for melasma. And I found that I didn’t like the microcurrent attachment as much as the standalone NuFace or ZIIP devices.

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READ: Out Damned, Dark Spots

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That being said, I realize I’m in the minority having all of these standalone devices like the ZIIP and red light mask. So I absolutely can see the benefit of consolidating all of these abilities into one space-saving, potentially money-saving unit.

But for now, I think that the power of a dedicated microcurrent tool plus a dedicated red light device feel more effective, if buying them separately is within your means. If you think you’ll use the other attachments, however, like the cleansing brush, etc, this might be a good buy for you.

Solawave

I know that the kids on TikTok are buzzing about this vibrating red light wand but to be honest, I don’t personally think I got a ton out of it. I just wondered if a 5-minute treatment, gliding a razor-sized wand around my face was enough red light exposure to do enough (similar with the Theraface above). I’m happy for people if they’re seeing good results and it is soothing to get the facial massage every day. If you already use rollers for a bit of lymphatic massage, you could certainly think of this one like a roller with extra bells and whistles.

Also, it’s $126 on sale at Ulta right now (much less expensive than the $395 Omnilux mask) so it’s potentially a good starter tool for people just getting into red light. One note: There’s also heat in this one, which, for reasons I stated above, I’m personally steering clear of.

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Are there any at-home devices you think I should try? Suggest them below and I’ll try to get my hands on them to report back!

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I’m constantly testing new products, so every so often, I’ll share my quick reviews:

Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum: I’m not typically a fan of plumping products (it’s giving Szechuan tingle!) but the pretty pink, glossy Petal Glow is just a gorgeous, comfortable everyday wear. I love an effortless lip color that makes your face look instantly alive. And this is it.

Natural deodorant: I feel terrible sh*tting on any specific brands because they’re trying so hard and I appreciate the effort. I really do. But my god, I have not been able find a good non-antiperspirant deodorant. I tried an award-winning natural deodorant this week and threw in the towel after the first hour. Any favorites that you think are better than the rest? Please do share!

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30: I’ve known Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt for years, I think almost a decade. I can’t believe it took me so long to try this amazing mineral SPF. I was super impressed. The texture is very fluid and melts into skin, not an easy feat for a mineral formula. I’ll continue to test it but it may make its way onto my sunscreens list at some point.

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Okay, all, I’m suddenly inspired to make bubble waffles again. Talk to you next week!

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