In the quest for lineless, wrinkle, and spot-free skin with nary an inch of laxity, power-packed, scientifically-driven technologies like lasers and at-home anti-aging devices are at the forefront of intervention. At the dermatologist's office, these supercharged machines zap away unwanted spots, smooth out lines and wrinkles, and firm the skin into a more desirable, contoured position. Their less expensive, do-it-yourself skincare devices are like the little cousins to their doctor-administered counterparts, which pack a powerful punch, often relying on LED light therapy, electrical stimulation, microcurrents, and radiofrequency energy, each providing a unique benefit. Dr. Garshick says these technologies boost the skin's natural processes, giving non-invasive solutions for various skin concerns.
The options for anti-aging skincare devices are endless, and there's a skincare device for every skin concern. Yet, the end goal is to make the skin look younger, fresher, and better. So, while anti-wrinkle tools work, Dr. Camp says most must be used consistently over time to see a noticeable improvement in the skin. "Just be aware of the commitment you need to make when purchasing one of these devices. You cannot use these products haphazardly and expect results." Here, we round up the best at-home anti-aging devices that deserve a spot in your routine.
Keep reading to see how the different devices stacked up.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector
Younger-looking eyes sit high on most people's anti-aging wish lists, and one of the easiest ways to rejuvenate the delicate skin surrounding them is by treating it with red LED light. With its futuristic goggle-like design, this hands-free LED eye mask relies on four LED wavelengths to stimulate collagen and elastin production to help send packing crow's feet, 11s, eyebrow furrows, and under-eye bags and puffiness.
Dr. Camp gives this anti-aging LED eye mask two thumbs for targeting the thin skin around the eyes. "It helps to address common concerns like crow's feet and laxity by bathing it in four wavelengths of light near the red end of the visible light spectrum," he says. "LED masks use the biological effects of light waves on cellular biology to address concerns like premature aging." Use it daily for two months to see more youthful, awake-looking eyes and smoother, brighter skin.
Amiro R3 Turbo Facial RF Skin Tightening Device
It's been a full-court press since radiofrequency (RF) technology hit the skin care scene. The benefits of RF in an at-home device can be effective, but the intensity of what it delivers to the skin is often less than what your dermatologist uses in the office. Still, Dr. Garshick explains that radiofrequency devices provide energy to the skin's deeper layers to heat the tissue and stimulate collagen and elastin production. "This leads to together, firmer skin and improved overall skin texture."
With this handheld device, Dr. Garshick says users often experience skin tightening and firming and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after consistent use for about eight to 12 weeks. "The most common signs of improvement are tighter, firmer skin, a smoother and more youthful appearance, and enhanced skin contour and definition. Plus, since the head of the tool is flat, it makes it easier to treat areas with more of a natural contour, like around the eyes, nasolabial folds, and the jawline, in five minutes.
Zipp Halo
Microcurrents and nanocurrents have long been a staple in the aesthetician's office for a quick lifting effect. "Microcurrent devices use low levels of electrical current to stimulate facial muscles, promoting collagen and elastin production, which firms and tightens the skin, enhances circulation, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after using the tool for four to six weeks," Dr. Garshick says. "This one can help users improve skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance facial contour and lift. Signs of improvement typically include brighter, more even skin tone, smoother skin with fewer visible wrinkles, and more defined facial contours." Dr. Camp adds that the microcurrents and nanocurrents emitted by this device also boost skin cell health and repair, respectively.
FaceGym MediLift Essential Mask
Undoubtedly, this hands-free at-home device is giving Hanibel Lector vibes, but it also gives the facial muscles a serious workout. Counting electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology as the secret to lifting the face off the floor, low-frequency electric pulses are safely delivered to give a subtle yet natural lift and improved skin firmness. "With this device, electronic muscle stimulation is focused on the lower half of the face to target droopy skin for improved contour, lift, and definition. Skin-tightening tools that use vibrations of low levels of electrical stimulation can improve skin tone by tightening facial muscles,"Dr. Camp says.
NIRA Laser
This FDA-cleared, clinically tested at-home laser incorporates the same laser chip as professional platforms and has different comfort levels, making it the first of its kind. Non-fractional laser therapy stimulates collagen production by gently heating the skin without causing any damage to the skin. "Since non-fractional, non-ablative energy is emitted from this at-home laser device, it is ideal to use around the eyes and mouth,"Dr. Camp says."It warms the dermal tissue and helps stimulate new collagen production."
The more you use the NIRA, the better the results, which include fewer lines and wrinkles in about 90 days. Dr. Garshick likes that the NIRA laser can also improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles for better skin texture and tone while enhancing collagen production.
LYMA Laser
The priciest anti-aging device in the bunch, the LYMA laser combines LED technology with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for dramatic skin-rejuvenating effects. Since it utilizes different wavelengths of light, it can target various age-related skin concerns. "With it, you can see a reduction in pigmentation and sun damage, improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, and enhanced skin texture and tone after about eight to 12 weeks of consistent use," Dr. Garshick says. "There's also improvement in skin brightness, a more even complexion, smoother skin with fewer visible lines, and a reduction in hyperpigmentation."
Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand
In just three minutes, this razor-like-looking skincare wand works hard to diminish the appearance of pesky fine lines, wrinkles, dark under-eye circles, spots, and even acne breakouts. The next best thing to a professional facial with all the gadgets and gizmos, this viral skin-rejuvenating device packs a powerful punch with several different modalities, including red light therapy, galvanic current, facial massage, and therapeutic to improve the skin.
According to Dr. Garshick, Solawave helps to improve the skin's overall tone and texture while reducing fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. "Usually, you can see smoother, more radiant skin, less wrinkles, and skin that looks tighter and firmer after using this tool regularly for four to six weeks." While the results aren't immediate and will take time to surface, the first signs that the Solawave is working are natural plumpness to the skin and an overall healthy glow.