Beauty devices have ceased to be something reserved for professional treatment rooms. LED lights, microcurrents, radiofrequency, or electroporation are increasingly appearing in devices designed for home use and promise to improve everything from radiance to firmness or the texture of the skin.
Amanda Isabel Gonçalves, pharmacist and expert in dermopharmacy at Planet Skin, insists precisely on the importance of understanding them as a complement and not as a substitute for basic skincare. «The interesting thing about this type of tools is that they do not intend to replace a cosmetic routine, but to complement it. The device needs to be paired with suitable formulas and consistency. It is not very useful to use it for one day and forget it for the next two weeks,» she explains.
What an anti-aging device can actually do
When we talk about anti-aging treatments, we tend to think immediately of wrinkles or sagging. However, the aged appearance of the skin also has to do with factors such as the loss of radiance, dehydration or a less even texture.
Therefore, certain at-home devices can be interesting as a complement to a well-planned routine, especially when their goal is to progressively improve the visual quality of the skin.
«They can help, alongside the cosmetic product, to improve signs of aging, such as lack of radiance, irregular texture or dehydration. By promoting the absorption of cosmetics, they can help the skin look more even and plump,» says Gonçalves.
«The results depend a lot on the initial state of the skin, on the cosmetics we use and on consistency. It is reasonable to seek a progressive improvement in luminosity and texture, not to expect a home device to completely change the structure of the face.»
The importance of choosing the technology wisely
«The term electroporation may sound very technical, but in cosmetics it is used to facilitate the passage of certain actives through surface layers of the skin. It is an interesting technology to boost a moisturizing or brightening routine, provided it is used correctly and with products well tolerated by the skin,» explains the pharmacist.
Which cosmetics to use with a facial device
Technology matters, but so does the product we apply alongside the device. In general, moisturizing and soothing formulas tend to be a good option. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides or centella asiatica can fit especially well in this type of routine.
On the other hand, it is advisable to exercise caution with potentially irritating actives, such as exfoliating acids or high-concentration retinoids, especially if the skin is sensitive. Moreover, introducing too many stimulants at once can increase the risk of irritation, so the most advisable approach is to start gradually.
«I would start with a low frequency and gentle intensity, especially on sensitive skin, in the area around the eyes, nose and mouth. If redness, itching or a burning sensation appears, you should stop using it. And, of course, it should not be applied to skin that is inflamed or damaged,» warns Gonçalves.
How to introduce an anti-aging device into your routine
The first step should always be to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions, since not all anti-aging devices work in the same way nor should they be used with the same frequency. A LED mask, an electroporation device or a microcurrent device pursue different goals and, therefore, occupy different places within the routine.
Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro Mini
In the case of the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro Mini, for example, the device uses electroporation and is designed to be used alongside cosmetic products, promoting the delivery of certain actives and working especially on radiance.
CurrentBody Skin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask
Another example is the CurrentBody Skin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask, which works with red light, near-infrared and deep infrared and is mainly aimed at improving lines, firmness and radiance. Its sessions last ten minutes, according to the brand’s guidelines.
Theraface PRO by Therabody,
Also there are more versatile devices, such as the TheraFace PRO, which brings together different accessories and technologies, including microcurrents, LED, percussion massage, and cold and heat treatments. Precisely because of that variety, it is especially important to select only the function that fits the skin’s needs and to follow the usage guidelines for each accessory.
