In-office procedures, from microneedling to Botox, are considered the gold standard, and for good reason—they work, and well. But there are logistics to consider: You have to budget time for your appointment, factor in the cost of regular maintenance, and add in any downtime. Fortunately, that’s not your only option: These days, it is possible to have some top-notch beauty treatments delivered straight to your own home.
While at-home skin-care devices available to consumers won’t produce the same results as their in-office counterparts, some come pretty close. Here, we rounded up 10 of the best at-home, expert-recommended skin-care gadgets that’ll take your beauty routine to the next level—no appointment necessary.
Capillus Ultra Laser for Hair Regrowth ($999)
What is it?
“Laser light therapy, such as the Capillus device, is a proven effective home skin-care treatment device treatment for both male- and female-pattern hair loss,” says New York City facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Linkov. Capillus is an FDA-cleared, laser therapy device that uses low-level lasers to stimulate and renew cells within the hair follicle for people suffering from androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Capillus recommends using the device for just six minutes a day. “The laser is safe, painless, and effortless,” adds Dr. Linkov.
Why doctors like it
According to Dr. Linkov, the technology behind laser light therapy for hair growth is pretty solid. “Laser light therapy slows down or stops altogether the gradual progression of hair loss in the majority of men and women and can restore density due to the thickening of finer, vellus hairs,” he says. These devices provide the critical beams—through 83 laser points—as a direct source of laser light to ensure that the maximum laser energy comes into contact with the scalp, hence improving results. But Dr. Linkov doesn’t recommend this device due only to its effectiveness: its ease of use is also a huge draw for him. “Flexible and shaped like a dome, the device fits discreetly under a baseball cap and is portable, with a rechargeable battery,” he says.
What to know before you try it
As with any medical therapy for hair loss, results can be variable—and other follicle-boosting treatments should be combined with laser light therapy to maximize its effects, asserts Dr. Linkov. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for hair loss, supplements like Nutrafol ($88), and medicated treatments like minoxidil have all shown improvement in regrowth for patients with hair loss, making them viable options to use in addition to Capillus.
Related: 8 Ways to Get Rid of Under-Eye Circles—From Makeup to Medical Treatments
PMD Personal Microderm system ($159)
What is it?
This weekly, at-home skin-care system was created to mimic in-office microdermabrasion treatments, which involves deeper exfoliation. “The device has a spinning component [that] gently exfoliates skin and a vacuum system to remove dead skin and debris,” says Beverly Hills, California, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Diaz. To use: cleanse and dry the skin first, then pull the skin taut so the device can glide across it easily and begin moving it along the face in an upward motion.
Why doctors like it
“The reason this is a valuable technology is it provides an important and beneficial skin treatment that, before now, was only available in spas and medical offices,” says Dr. Diaz. “Microdermabrasion is a great treatment to remove the upper layer of dead skin cells and debris that forms on the face.” Unfortunately, in-office treatments are typically needed on a more regular basis to maintain results, so for anyone with a busy schedule, this product comes in handy. “Using [this device] regularly helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, spots and overall smoothness of the skin,” explains Dr. Diaz. It can also help remove blackheads.
What to know before you try it
When it comes to the PMD Personal Microderm system, Dr. Diaz has one major warning: start slow. “When you first start using [the device], you should use the lowest and gentlest settings,” he says. “Then, as you become more comfortable with the treatment, you can slowly increase the intensity.” He also recommends replacing the device’s attachments often. According to the brand, the disc (head of the device) should be replaced after three to four uses, and the filter should be replaced every three to four months.
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X ($382)
What is it?
Based on the same laser technology used by dermatologists in office, it makes sense that this Tria hair removal device would make our list. “The laser [in this device] uses a beam of light that has a specific wavelength that destroys a target—it’s specifically formulated to target the root of the hair,” says New Orleans dermatologist Dr. Deirdre Hooper. “[The laser destroys] the follicle so it doesn’t grow back. It’s a long-term fix.” As a bonus, this FDA-cleared, handheld device has five different energy levels, allowing users to customize the strength of treatment, depending on their comfort.
Why doctors like it
Dr. Hooper asserts that the beauty of owning this device at home is that you can use it at your own convenience—while watching television, for example. Additionally, Dr. Hooper believes it’s great for people who have already tried in-office laser hair removal and want to continue their maintenance treatments at home. “I specifically love this for women with chin hairs,” she adds. “Many women get hyperpigmentation around the chin area because they’re picking and plucking at chin hairs, but this will get rid of [them] safely.”
What to know before you try it
Similar to professional laser hair removal, there are a few things to be aware of before using this at-home device. “You shouldn’t use this device if you’re tan or have recently used self-tanner,” says Dr. Hooper. This is because laser hair removal works best for people with high-contrast light skin and dark hair. The difference in color allows the laser to target the pigment in the hair follicle more easily.
Also, Dr. Hooper asserts that users should be realistic about results. “It’s not as powerful as a hair removal laser in a doctor’s office, so it requires that you’re persistent with usage—and you must retreat yourself every couple of weeks.” For optimal results, Tria recommends treating your preferred area every two weeks until the desired outcome has been achieved.
Related: Post-Summer Skin Rehab: 6 Doctor-Approved Treatments to Reverse Sun Damage
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment ($20)
What is it?
Harnessing the acne-fighting power of blue light, this pen-like device zeroes in on pimples to reduce the appearance of breakouts. “Neutrogena makes a good blue light [device] that’s handheld in order to target one pimple,” confirms Dr. Hooper. To use, simply place the head of the device on the desired area and treat for two minutes per session, three times a day, until the pimple is gone.
Why doctors like it
Blue light is a wavelength known for its ability to kill bacteria that causes acne. So for a person who gets red pimples or whiteheads, blue light will treat acne and prevent more acne from developing. “I like blue light because it doesn’t cause irritation,” says Dr. Hooper. “It also gives you something [constructive] to do besides pick at your pimples, which can cause scarring.”
What to know before you try it
While blue light can work wonders for acne, there is one thing you should be wary of before trying it: “The only caveat I will say about blue light is that it can stimulate melasma since it’s light energy,” explains Dr. Hooper. “So for my melasma patients, I advise against this technology.”
Foreo Luna 2 ($169)
What is it?
“[This is an] electronic cleansing brush for your face that washes away dirt and makeup better than just your hands or the average washcloth,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep. Intended to be used twice a day, users should cleanse the skin with the Foreo using a timed method: 20 seconds on the forehead, 20 seconds on the nose and chin, 10 seconds on each cheek.
Why doctors like it
It’s travel-friendly and comes with two speeds: one for gentle cleansing and another to make it a facial massager (with purported anti-aging benefits) to use with skin-care products, making it good for users to use throughout their skin-care routine. It also has 12 different cleansing intensities to accommodate every skin type and level of sensitivity. As another perk, the brand claims that the product’s gentle bristles remove up to 99.5% of dirt and oil. All this deep pore cleansing is meant to help reduce the chances of breakouts, leading to clearer, smoother skin.
What to know before you try it
Unfortunately, the silicone device may come with a bit of an adjustment period for people who aren’t used to giving their skin this level of deep cleaning. “The stimulation of the skin can bring bacteria to the surface, forming a zit,” warns Dr. Palep. “So if you are extremely clogged, I recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist first to [improve] your skin.” Once the skin has been cleared up, this product shouldn’t cause additional blemishes to arise.
Truth Vitality Lux Renew ($279)
What is it?
“A great device to try is Truth Vitality Lux Renew, a handheld, FDA-cleared anti-aging device designed to diminish wrinkles and fight acne,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “[It’s] safe and easy to use at home.”
Why experts like it
Unlike other beauty devices that typically utilize one type of technology to improve the skin, this device combines ultrasound technology with red and blue LED light therapy. “Ultrasound improves the skin’s elasticity and firmness, red light smooths wrinkles, helps stimulate collagen synthesis and reduces the appearance of redness and superficial blood vessels, and blue LED light kills acne-causing bacteria,” explains Dr. King.
What to know before you try it
This device requires a bit of dedication before results become apparent. “The goal is to use it three to five times per week,” says Dr. King, who adds that clinical trial results for the device show an 89.7% improvement in overall appearance of the skin over 12 weeks of continued use. Pro tip: set an alarm on your phone, to remind you to use the product so you won’t delay results.
Nurse Jamie Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller ($69)
What is it?
According to Josie Holmes, esthetician at SKINNEY Medspa in New York City, this facial roller by Nurse Jamie is one of the most highly praised devices in the beauty industry. “Facial rollers stimulate circulation in the face, energize the skin, drain excess fluids, improve product absorption, and slow down the signs of aging,” explains Holmes. “Plus, it is so relaxing and therapeutic to do.” And in boosting blood flow to the skin, it can also brighten skin. Think of it as gua sha gone modern.
Why experts like it
Holmes’ favorite use for the facial roller: to depuff skin. “If you ever wake up to some puffiness, put your roller tool in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then roll out your face,” says Holmes. “You will instantly see [good results] for yourself!”
What to know before you try it
While you’ll still feel results from simply rolling the device in any direction across your face, Holmes says results are best when you perform the rolling technique in a specific way. “The main [rule] is to use outward sweeping motions,” she says. These are the movements that will help to push fluid in the right direction to reduce puffiness.
NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device ($325)
What is it?
Rhea Grous, lead esthetician at La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC, swears by this at-home facial toning device for contouring and smoothing the skin. The device uses microcurrent technology to help lift areas of the face and give users a more youthful appearance. “Immediate results can be seen in just a single 20-minute treatment,” Grous claims.
Why experts like it
Not only is this treatment painless, but it’s also super quick to perform as well, which is a huge draw for Grous. “You can spend as little as five minutes to 20 minutes per treatment,” she explains. “It’s the perfect device to extend the results of facial [appointments].” The device must be used with a conductive gel, which NuFace sells; however, Grous likes to pair it with Forlle’d Reliance Gel ($105), since it contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. “This multitasking [product] not only leaves the skin toned but leaves the skin super-supple.”
What to know before you try it
The NuFace Trinity has interchangeable parts that can be purchased with the device, and Grous recommends trying the NuFace Trinity ELE Attachment for Smile Lines and Eye Wrinkles ($149) if you want more of a lift along your eye area. “My personal favorite is the ELE attachment designed for eyes and lips, because the attachment allows you to effortlessly create the perfect arched brow and reduce both eyebrow furrows and smile lines,” she says.
In addition to trying out the device’s add-on attachments, Grous stresses it’s vital to be consistent with use. “Consistency is key, and lasting results require an investment in time,” says Grous. “In order to see long-lasting results, use your NuFace five times a week for the first 60 days. After 60 days, you can reduce [it] to two to three times a week, as maintenance.”
Dermaflash Dermapore, $99
What is it?
To help give blackheads the boot, the Dermaflash Dermapore uses sonic vibration to work out dirt, oil, and dead skin from pores without irritating skin. After cleansing (and while skin is still damp), you glide the spatula over your skin with firm pressure, focusing on extra-congested areas like around the nose and forehead.
Why experts like it
This tool has two separate modes: While the “Extract” mode helps work gunk out of pores, you can then switch to the device’s “Infuse” mode, which features vibrations that help serums and moisturizers better penetrate skin. Plus, it’s far gentler than other methods of removing blackheads, like manual extractor tools. “Sonic vibrations are extremely gentle and can help dislodge microscopic blockages in the skin,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
What to know before you try it
While this is definitely better than manually extracting your blackheads, it’s not without risks. Using too much pressure can break blood vessels—leading to red or dark spots—or permanently widen pores, so keep pressure firm but light when you’re using it.
ZIIP Beauty Nanocurrent Device ($495)
What is it?
This anti-aging device emits tiny electrical currents that can spur ATP in skin. ATP, a.k.a. adenosine triphosphate, is the “energy” of your cell. On a cellular level, it works like a cup of coffee, kicking skin cells into high gear so your skin can better retain moisture and boost natural elastin and collagen production. Similar to NuFace, you first slather on the conductive gel, then move the device over it to transfer the currents to skin.
Why experts like it
Microcurrent technology smoothes and firms skin by stimulating the facial muscles—basically, giving them a little workout—but this goes above and beyond that to wake up cells on a deeper level. It also has seven built-in electrical treatments to target various skin concerns, such as pigment or acne. That said, the flagship treatment is the Energize treatment, which lasts 12 minutes—so it’s a bit more of a time commitment.
What to know before you try it
Since oil can block the electric current, skip the oil cleanser before you use this device. It’s also not a great idea if you have sensitive skin or are prone to certain conditions, such as rosacea. And, as mentioned, the treatments can require a little more of a time commitment than other, similar treatments.
