A Comprehensive Guide To Skin Tech | Cult Beauty (2024)

WHAT IS SKIN TECH

Before we delve deeper into these cutting-edge skinovations, it’s important to understand what this new category is. Officially defined as ‘devices that can help improve the skin’s health and appearance,’ these targeted tools work on a plethora of complexion concerns. From LED lights that target acne and microcurrent devices that help with fine lines and wrinkles to cryotherapy tools that use cold temperatures to reduce the appearance of puffiness, these wonders all fall under the ‘skin tech’ umbrella.

SO, WHAT ARE THE BEST SKIN CARE DEVICES & HOW DO THEY WORK

While there are numerous skin care devices out there, we’re going to dissect exactly how two of the most popular tools actually work...

MICROCURRENT DEVICES

Stemming from technology to help treat patients with Bell’s Palsy (a condition that weakens the facial muscles and causes drooping), microcurrent devices use electric currents to stimulate and strengthen the muscles beneath your skin. The result? A lifting, firming and toning appearance to the complexion with continued use. Needing a layer of conducting gel applied first, these gadgets administer their electric currents to the different muscles on your face. But beware, if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or an electrical plate we suggest you avoid these devices and use firming skin care instead!

LED MASKS

From Victoria Beckham wearing hers in bed to countless influencers on our FYP’s showing off theirs, LED Masks are having a major *moment*. As one of the most well-known skin devices on the market right now, they use a combination of blue and red LED diodes to treat acne, premature ageing and scaring. Emitting specific wavelengths of light – from blue to red and near infrared – these calibrated lights penetrate the skin and tackle a plethora of stressors. Studies have shown that while blue light skin care targets acne-causing bacteria, red lights stimulate collagen production helping the skin to heal. There are also dedicated LED masks for the undereyes and you can find the ultimate guide to those here. So, you may look like you’re wearing a Halloween mask on your sofa, but we promise nothing scary is happening beneath it.

THE BEST SKIN TECH PRODUCTS

FOR TONING:

Emitting extremely low-voltage electrical currents that mirror your body’s own (at a cellular level), NuFace’s Facial Tonning Device helps repair damaged skin, stimulates collagen and elastin production all while reducing premature signs of ageing. Available in a mini version and the larger Trinity, it’s the five-minute toning facial you can do while you’re watching your favourite new Netflix show.

Using up to 690 uA of microcurrents to tone the 69 muscles in your face and neck, FOREO’s BEAR 2 Toning device not only firms your face but invigorates microcirculation of oxygen, so your complexion looksplumper for longer. Not only that, but this powerful gadget also helps to accelerate the skin’s renewal process, fade pigmentation and reveals radiance too!

FaceGym’s Medi Lift Rejuvenating Electrical Muscle Stimulation Mask aids in defining the jawline and elevating your cheek’s structure through electric muscle stimulation (EMS). A HIT workout for your face, the tailor-made tool’s low-frequency voltages are available in three modes so you can boost circulation and tone muscles– without having to lift a finger...

FOR LIGHT THERAPY:

Joining the LED line up is The Light Salon. Favoured by Victoria Beckham and Chrissy Teigan (to name just a few), the brand has developed a range of professional-grade masks for your face, body, décolletage, and more. Delivering precise wavelengths at proven nanometres (red at 633nm and near infrared at 830nm to be exact), these devices are not only hands (and cable) free, but with innovative silicone shapes they adapt perfectly to your face shape and body. And it doesn’t end there, The Light Salon also has a range of skin care products that boost the efficiency of its masks. From its Hydrogel Face Mask that can be worn underneath your LED mask to douse your complexion with skin soothing collagen, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, to the Hydrating Peptide Serum that boost your skin’s hydration, these perfect plus ones are primed to relight your radiance...

Featuring 770 medical grade LEDs that are over three times more than other consumer-grade masks, Deesse Pro’s Led Phototherapy Mask has four different wavelengths and six settings to address your unique concerns. Choose between ‘Anti-Ageing Mode’, ‘Anti-Ageing Express Mode’, ‘Purifying Mode’, ‘Brightening Mode’, ‘Post Procedure Mode’ and finally ‘Calming Mode’. If that’s not going above and beyond the call of beauty, we don’t know what is!

Sitting comfortably and tackling targeted areas with a total of 100 red LED lights and 62 blue LEDs, Dr. Dennis Gross’ DRX SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Mask has taken the beauty industry by storm. With three treatment options of blue light, red light and a mixture of both, this clinically proven powerhouse improves the look of fine lines, skin tone and breakouts when used daily for over 10-weeks. We love the sound of those odds!

Taking inspiration from NASA, MZ Skin’s 2.0 Lightmax Supercharged LED Mask is designed to wrap around the face for optimal light coverage and efficiency. Firming, plumping and boosting luminosity, this face mask has three light options – red, infrared and blue. Stimulating collagen, reducing sensitivity and helping your skin saviours sink in more effectively, this innovative device uses flexible silicone for the ultimate at-home comfort.

With a distinctive space-y appearance, Solaris Labs NY’s How to Glow 4 Colour LED LED Mask is the only clear mask on the market with red, blue, amber and green LEDs. Utilising NASA technology, itnot only fights acne causing bacteria, but with its unique addition of amber and green LED lights, it helps to soothe sensitive skin, diminish redness and help soothe hyperpigmentation related issues such as dark spots and sun damage!

IF YOU’RE NOT READY TO DIVE INTO DEVICES HOW ABOUT THESE INSTEAD

CRYOTHERAPY FACE ROLLERS

Refreshingthe skin with its coldness, facial rollers work by helping reduce inflammation, puffiness and redness. What’s more with the cold temperatures applied to the surface of the skin they aid blood flow, making your complexion look brighter and tighter.

GUA SHA

While many may think gua sha is a new skin care phenomenon, this smooth-edged tool has actually been around for centuries. Used predominantly in Chinese medicine, they look to relieve tensionimprove circulation and lymphatic drainage. Using only the pressure of your hands, these stones glide along the contours of your face to lift, revive and sculpt.

And there you have it, a complete guide to new-age skin saviours... Now all that’s left to do is pick a binge-worthy series or decide whether a rewatch of Saltburn is in order...