From microcurrent devices to LED masks, there are so many gadgets now that mimic the technology you might find at a clinic—but do they offer visible results? And are they safe? Dr Lisa Chan breaks it down for us
With skincare consumers becoming more knowledgeable about clinical treatments like HIFU and botulinum toxin, different products and even which active ingredients to look for to target specific concerns, there is also an emerging trend for at-home beauty devices. From gua sha to LED masks, the popularity of beauty tools you can use at home to up your skincare game is only mounting—and shows no signs of slowing down.
However, while designed to be safe for home-use, it’s still important to know the right way to use a device for the best and safest results. Here, Tatler talks to Dr Lisa Chan, a general practitioner with a keen interest in medical beauty who is based in Hong Kong, about what consumers should know about at-home beauty gadgets, the results different tools are meant to achieve, and how they can complement your skincare routine and optmise your skin health in between visits to your aesthetician or beauty clinic.
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As a doctor with a special interest in aesthetic medicine, do you remember when you started seeing more and more at-home beauty gadgets enter the market?
About a decade ago, microdermabrasion and sonic cleaning brushes were all the rage, followed by home-use hair removal devices and low-level laser therapy devices for [minimising] hair growth. LED light therapy masks and home-use radiofrequency devices also became widely seen on social media and became especially popular during Covid lockdowns, when people were spending more time at home.
In the time these products have been on the market, do you feel they have evolved?
Over the years, home-use beauty gadgets have evolved significantly in terms of both efficacy and safety due to advancements in technology and stricter regulations.
For example, at-home laser hair removal devices use lower energy settings than professional machines to reduce the risk of skin damage. [Meanwhile], devices that claim to have therapeutic effects, such as acne reduction, are considered medical devices by the FDA and must meet certain safety and effectiveness standards.
For someone who already has a good skincare routine and regularly visits a medical beauty clinic, do at-home devices still have a place in their self-care or skincare routine?
Most at-home devices will not give immediate or dramatic results, but can be a good way to extend the benefits of professional treatments. For instance, if you have regular professional microdermabrasion sessions, an at-home device can help maintain the results between appointments.
A caveat: at-home devices should be used with caution as not all are created equal, may not be suitable for certain skin types and can exacerbate existing skin issues if used improperly. If in doubt, check with a medical professional.