When it comes to skincare, many of us focus on the products we have in our lineup. While the ingredients you apply to your skin can certainly have a big impact, there are more ways to take your routine to the next level—one of them being the use of skincare tools.
Skincare tools have become increasingly popular in recent years. While they aren’t exactly a must, they can be a worthwhile investment for your skin. Many people who use skincare tools say once you start, you never go back.
As technology and research advances, more and more skincare tools are hitting the market. So what tools should you be using in your routine? Keep reading to learn about some of the best tools for different skin concerns, so you can choose the right one for you:
Ever wake up in the morning and notice that your skin seems puffy?
Sculpting and depuffing skincare tools can be a great way to wake up dull, tired skin. Whether you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, are under stress, or haven’t been drinking enough water, look no further than these tools for the ultimate pick-me-up:
There are many different kinds of face rollers out there, whether it be jade, rose quartz, or metal rollers. These tools have been shown to offer a variety of benefits, such as improving blood circulation, decreasing puffiness, cooling and soothing the skin, and distributing skincare product. To use this tool, start at the neck and work your way up to your face, always rolling in upward motions.
T-shaped sculpting bars are another common type of skincare tool. This tool is designed to be used in a similar way to face rollers, massaging the skin in upward motions. Depending on the brand you purchase, some tools vibrate as you use them, which simulates the relaxing effects of a massage. Results include making the skin appear more toned, firm, and contoured.
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese practice that is thought to encourage the flow of energy in the skin. It involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. This practice can be done on the entire body, but it’s also become a popular technique to use on the face. Gua sha tools are flat with smooth edges, and are often made of crystal, jade, or rose quartz.
Facial cooling globes, also known as “ice globes,” are designed to be stored in the fridge. Their rounded shape makes it easy to massage the face and neck, and the cooling sensation they provide is believed to help decrease puffiness.
Similar to cooling globes, ice rollers provide a cooling sensation to the skin to reduce puffiness. They are also said to shrink pore size, calm redness, and relax muscles in the face. Ice rollers are often either filled with gel on the inside or made of stainless steel, and they are meant to be stored in the freezer before use.
When using any type of sculpting tool, always be sure to first apply a serum, facial oil, or moisturizer to lubricate the skin. Without it, the tool can actually pull and tug on the skin, which can cause irritation or even lead to the formation of wrinkles.
There are also a wide variety of facial tools out there designed to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. If you’re in search of a physical exfoliator to help give your skin a deep clean, one of these tools may do the trick:
Silicone facial cleansing devices have become very popular among skincare enthusiasts. These tools are designed to provide a deep clean, without scratching or irritating the skin. Plus, the silicone material these tools are made of makes them easy to clean in between uses, and they’re less likely to collect bacteria.
Bristle cleansing brushes are also amazing tools for giving your skin a deeper clean. If your skin is sensitive to chemical exfoliants, using a physical method like this may be a great alternative. Just be sure to choose a brush with gentle bristles, and remember to change out the brush heads regularly.
Konjac facial sponges cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin. They are known to help unclog pores, making them a great choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Because of how gentle they are, they are commonly recommended for those with sensitive skin as well.
To use this type of sponge, soak it in warm water and allow it to expand. Then, use it in gentle circular motions on the face. This can be done with or without a cleanser.
Using a facial steamer is an amazing way to cleanse and nourish the skin. It opens up pores and loosens buildup, promotes circulation, releases acne-causing bacteria and sebum, and soothes and hydrates the skin. It also increases skin’s permeability, which helps it to better absorb the products applied afterwards.
Steaming can be done over a bowl of hot water or with warm towels, but there are also tools designed to make the process easier. Many of them only take a few minutes to warm up, and all you have to do is hold your face over the steam while the machine does its magic.
If you’re someone with acne-prone skin and feel like you’ve tried every skincare product on the market, a tool might be just what your skin needs. There are several different types of tools that may help to treat existing spots while preventing future ones from forming:
Many celebrities swear by LED light masks, and for a good reason. These masks emit a different spectrum of light wavelengths that penetrate the skin, and each spectrum of light produces a different color to target specific skin concerns. For example, blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, which can prevent spots from forming. Wearing one of these masks might make you look a little crazy, but many users claim it’s well worth it.
If you’re not quite ready to splurge on a full-on LED mask, a spot treatment tool can be the perfect place to start. These tools target specific spots using light therapy to kill bacteria and soothe inflammation. If you feel a breakout coming on, it’s best to start using this tool right away—the sooner you use it, the better the results will be!
Clogged pores are a common cause of acne. A great way to keep pores open and clear is by using a vibrating pore extractor, which uses a spatula to unclog pores, promote circulation, and help with the absorption of skincare products. This method is gentle on the skin, yet effective. When used over time, it can help to prevent breakouts and keep the skin smooth and clear.
Nowadays, it seems like everyone is looking for ways to preserve their skin’s youth. In addition to using powerhouse ingredients like retinol, using a skincare tool can really help to boost the anti-aging effects of your skincare routine.
At this point, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of microneedling. However, this procedure is pricey and requires regular upkeep. If you’re not quite ready to take the leap and try microneedling, an at-home tool may be a great place to start.
Microneedling rollers have tiny prickles that help to brighten, plump, and wake up tired skin. Just be sure to be very gentle when using this tool, and use it sparingly at first avoid any irritation.
Microcurrent technology has been taking the skincare world by storm recently. Devices that use this technology are designed to stimulate the skin to enhance facial contours while targeting wrinkles and fine lines. If you’re looking for a face lift without the hefty price tag and downtime involved with a procedure, one of these tools might be worth trying.
That concludes this round-up of some of the best skincare tools for different skin concerns! Remember, when introducing any new product or tool into your routine, it’s best to start slow to closely monitor how your skin reacts. If you’re ever unsure about the tools you should be using, consider consulting with a dermatologist.