The Do's and Dont's of Trendy At-Home Tools

We all want beautiful skin. And yes, most of us are on a budget. But while there are infinite ways to better your skin at home, when it comes to deep exfoliation – leave it to the professionals. Here are our DIY do’s and don’ts on the trendiest at-home tools.

DON’T TRY THESE AT HOME

Home Microdermabrasion: At-home microdermabrasion machines may slough off some dead skin and create a smoother complexion, but they can also create redness, swelling, and broken capillaries if misused, and especially if overused! We’ve seen the damage done (more than once) on our clients’ faces who’ve tried to take matters into their own hands. An at-home microdermabrasion machine is not going to provide as deep of treatment as a professional machine and will instead cause more harm!

Home Dermaplaning: At-home dermaplaning is arguably the most popular at-home treatment right now. Tools like the Dermaflash remove vellus hair (peach fuzz) and some dead skin. Some reviews claim this can be used instead of a treatment you’d receive at a skin care clinic. These at-home tools will not give you the fully even hair and dead skin removal that a trained aesthetician with a medical-grade blade would. This may lead you to use it more frequently and, therefore, risk skin irritation. You’re also probably familiar with the inexpensive “Tinkle Razor”, our thoughts on this dull blade is that it’s ok for a quick touch-up from time-to-time (think upper lip or sideburns). However, because the blade is so dull (which is great so that you’re less likely to cut yourself), it is slightly irritating to the skin. And regular usage over many years will lead to premature aging and inflammation in the skin.

Home Microneedling: At-home microneedling can just be scary! First, not every skin type is right for microneedling. And second, it REALLY matters what type of skincare products you use after microneedling. However, microneedling can create collagen and it’s one of the more effective treatments for acne scarring. But, when done on skin that is acne-prone, it can lead to infection, more breakouts, and more scarring. Also, without the right home care products, your results will not make a lasting impact. While we do not perform microneedling at Skin MPLS, we are happy to recommend it and refer out when necessary.

Now for some safe and effective at-home tools!

DO TRY THESE AT HOME

LED Light: You don’t always have to beat the skin up to see dramatic results. Exfoliation is great, but over-exfoliation can lead to skin damage. If you are not a professional, it’s hard to know if your skin is over exfoliated. That is why LED is a perfect at-home tool. You literally can’t overuse it! It works like photosynthesis to build cell renewal and is good for everything from aging to acne. Red LED lights work on anti-aging while blue LED lights work on inflammation and acne. We love the brand LightStim, it’s the best there is! These little machines are powerful and FDA approved!

Microcurrent: Simply put, microcurrent is exercise for the skin and facial muscles. It tones and contours and helps with everything from sagging to fine lines. Microcurrent, too, is basically impossible to overuse and you will see instant and dramatic results. NuFACE is the leader in microcurrent technology and our device of choice at Skin MPLS. The NuFACE is the solution for those looking to avoid Botox and fillers. But also, if you use Botox and fillers, microcurrent will help extend the life of them.

Cryotherapy: Skin MPLS is excited to announce La Luer’s new exciting tool CyroSculpt! It’s the perfect tool to use post extractions and to contour the face and fight aging. It involves steel globes that are engineered with cryofreeze solution inside to stay freezing cold and instantly reduce redness, puffiness, and create firm even skin. It’s great for anyone with acne (especially inflamed), prone to redness, inflammation, puffiness or wanting another tool to fight the signs of aging. There are no risks or side effects and the results are quickly obtained!  

When it comes to your skin, remember that you will have it your whole life. Don’t risk damaging it by trying to save some money on professional treatments. We understand that not everyone can afford facial treatments every month and we are all about accessible skincare. That’s why we’ve created a menu of facial treatments for everyone. We believe in treatments and plans with lasting results. As far as at-home exfoliation goes, leave it to your scrubs, serums and masks. Let us help you first uncover smoother, clearer and even skin with the right home care products, and then the fancy tools will come!