3 Gadgets That Surprisingly Work for My Skin
Fun fact: I love trying new things. That’s probably not a secret though, because I have a whole blog dedicated to my favorite beauty products. I usually stick to typical products, but over the past year I’ve started trying skin care gadgets/tools. I didn’t really expect much of anything from these gadgets, but there are surprisingly a few that I’ve grown to love and incorporate into my routine.
What is it?
I’m going to be honest, I bought this high frequency wand as an impulse buy off Amazon Prime. I had a zit that I needed to get off of my face. I was desperate and willing to spend the $50 to get rid of it quickly. High frequency wands kill bacteria under the skin and reduce inflammation to shrink blemishes in as little as one session! When I woke up the next day after using the wand for the first time, and saw that my zit shrunk by ~50%, I was sold! I absolutely love this thing, and I’ve been zapping away my zits ever since I bought it. There are other benefits that come with using this device, but I won’t speak on them as I only use this tool as a quick spot treatment to get rid of acne.
How do I use it?
I always clean the attachment tubes with rubbing alcohol, and use the device on clean, dry skin. I use the high-frequency wand in two different ways:
For a couple of zits: I spot treat each zit for 3 seconds with the bent tube
For larger breakouts: I use either the tongue or circular tube and run the wand over the problem area(s) in Z-shaped motions for 5 minutes
Once I finish the treatment, I follow-up with the rest of my skin care routine.
Soooo…what’s the catch?
Catch #1: The instructions say it’s “relaxing,” but I personally disagree with this claim. The tool can shock you at times. By shock, I mean a minor zap. You know when you get static shock? It’s a feeling similar to that. It’s doesn’t always happen, and is not anything crazy or something that should deter you from trying it out, but it’s something you should prepare yourself for. I find that it shocks me more when I apply serums before treatment and don’t allow them to absorb. So friendly tip, do the treatment on dry skin or allow your skin care products to dry down before using the wand.
Catch #2: This product isn’t always a miracle worker. I have had stubborn zits that not even this tool is able to quickly get rid of, but for the most part, it does a great job.
What is it?
Listen, I too thought microcurrent devices were complete bullshit until I did some research and decided to purchase one myself during Black Friday sales. Microcurrent devices send out low-voltage currents that can give you the appearance of a face lift. They help improve facial contour, sagging skin, and the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles by training and toning the muscles in your face.
After just 1 week of using this device for 2 mins a day, my cheekbones looked chiseled! My face was contoured without the makeup, honey! I love the Foreo Bear specifically because it’s a quick treatment, is FDA-cleared, and has an anti-shock system that makes the device painless and comfortable to use.
Friendly tip: wait for Sephora’s Spring Sale to purchase so you can get some $$$ off.
How do I use it?
The Foreo Bear has an app that provides easy-to-follow interactive instructions on how to use the device. This was a great start point for me to get comfortable with the device. I now use it without the app to focus on the areas I’d like to lift and contour.
Before using the device, you want to pick up a 100% oil-free conductive gel. The device's current cannot flow without a gel, so this is needed. Oils impact the flow of the current, so ensure your serum doesn’t contain any oil. Don’t be scammed into purchasing an overpriced gel to use with the device. I use aloe vera gel, which works perfectly. You can also use ultrasound gel. Both options can be found at the drug store at an affordable price.
I only use the device on clean, dry skin. I apply a thin layer of the gel all over the treatment area. From there, I adjust the intensity to high and turn on T-Sonic. I then lightly press both metallic spheres to my skin & slowly glide the device where I’d like to treat. To put it simply, you’re looking to lift, so you always want to glide the device upward and outward.
Soooo…what’s the catch?
Well, the catch here is that results are immediate, but not permanent. You will need to keep up with these treatments for the effects to last. 2 mins a couple of times a week isn’t a bad tradeoff though.
What is it?
The first Gua Sha I got came free with my jade roller, and to be completely honest, I had no idea what it even was. The benefits of the Gua Sha are similar to the Foreo Bear, at a fraction of the cost! It’s a traditional Chinese facial tool that visibly sculpts, contours and lifts the face. It also improves circulation and puffiness. The Gua Sha tool really is like a workout for your facial muscles, and can have your face looking snatched as if you got some work done.
How do I use it?
I found this article on Beauty Bay to be the most helpful in providing written and visual directions on how to use the tool. I like to give credit where credit is due and would prefer to direct y’all to that wonderful article, as opposed to copying the content. As a heads up, these directions are for treating your entire face. You can definitely focus on specific areas if you’d like. For example, I’m mostly focused on lifting my cheeks, so I only treat that area.
Soooo…what’s the catch?
Similarly to the Foreo Bear, results are not permanent. You will need to use the Gua Sha tool at least a couple times per week for the effects to last. You will also likely get quicker, more long-lasting results with the Foreo Bear, but let’s be real, the Gua Sha is a lot more affordable.