Tech-driven skincare devices that will rule in 2024

Skincare is undergoing a tech-driven revolution with devices that promise to elevate your beauty routine. From microcurrent toners to LED masks, these tools aim to enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products in addressing various skin concerns. However, they may require some expert handling. So we curated a detailed overview of some of the best devices in the market, along with insights from dermatologists. Take a look! 

Microcurrent Facial Toning Device, NuFace, ₹17,000 approx.

A taser-esque gadget, the device sends microcurrents to your skin, giving you a mini face-lift.

Expert’s Take: “This device uses the concept of microcurrents, which realign the cells’ electrical charge, improving cell function,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Rashmi Shetty, the founder of Ra Skin & Aesthetics. “While it doesn’t particularly lift or tighten the skin, it mainly helps your skincare products penetrate better. You can also move in the direction of lymphatic drainage to help fluid movement with gentle pressure and strokes.” 

Avoid if: You are someone with a heart disease or have a history of heart disease, suffer from epilepsy, or have a pacemaker.

Possible side-effects: Irritation, redness, or muscle fatigue.

Age-R Booster-H, Medicube, ₹19,300 approx.

Hailey Bieber’s treasured find and viral internet sensation, the Medicube Age-R Booster-H amplifies the efficacy of your skincare products, making every ounce worth it.

Expert’s Take: “Working in tandem with your skincare routine, this electroporation device uses electric pulses to create a field that causes a physical opening of the cell membranes in your pores. This allows for better absorption of products, directly into the cells which leads to healthier and brighter skin. It can be used by people of all skin types to help boost the glow,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Manasi Shirolikar. 

Avoid if: You are someone with a heart disease or have a history of heart disease, have a pacemaker, or are epileptic. 

Possible side-effects: Skin irritation and sensitivity

Petal Shape Lifting Massager, RAS Luxury, ₹3,090

It is a mini-workout device that sculpts, tones, and contours your face while reducing puffiness.

Expert’s Take: “The massager uses gentle microcurrents to lift and tone your skin, and reduces puffiness by improving lymphatic drainage,” explains Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic physician and founder of ISAAC Luxe. “It’s great for anyone wanting to reduce facial puffiness and achieve a more contoured and lifted look.”

Avoid if: You are pregnant, have a pacemaker or metal implants in your face, are someone with sensitive skin, or have epilepsy or an existing heart condition.

Possible side-effects: Too much pressure can cause skin irritation or muscle fatigue.

Personal Microderm Elite Pro, PMD, ₹24,699

Bringing the clinical concept of microdermabrasion to your couch, this device scrubs, sucks, and sloughs away dead cells, and helps retexturise the skin.

Expert’s Take: “Microdermabrasion devices with aluminium oxide crystals were popular in clinics about 20 years ago. While they are good for deep cleansing, they should be used cautiously,” says Dr Shetty. Due to its abrasive mechanism, dermatologists prefer to conduct microdermabrasion under medical supervision. “For those unable to visit a clinic, a handheld device can be beneficial for oily, clogged skin,” adds Shetty. 

Avoid if: You’ve sensitive skin or experience skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or eczema.

Possible side-effects: Can damage skin’s barrier and cause irritation, dryness, redness, and bruising.

Blue Light Acne Treatment, Foreo ESPADA™, ₹13,900

Harry Potter’s Holly wand meets Skywalker’s lightsaber—this device helps treat mild acne and inflammation.

Expert’s Take: “It uses 415nm of blue light from the device to penetrate deep into the skin, destroying acne-causing bacteria, inflammation, blemishes, dark spots, and clogged pores,” says Dr Shirolikar. “The added T-Sonic pulsations aid in stimulating the microcirculation of blood to renew skin cells and treat spots by fading them too.” While the device works on mild breakouts, it isn’t recommended for moderate to severe acne.

Avoid if: You’re photosensitive, or are on medication that makes your skin photosensitive.

Potential side-effects: Skin irritation and even burns.

Light Routine LED Mask, Chosen By Dermatology, ₹8,500

Your multipurpose saviour, this mask swoops in to save your skin no matter what the woe.

Expert’s Take: “LED light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, offers a cutting-edge, non-invasive solution for treating a variety of skin conditions,” says Dr Renita Rajan, dermatologist and curator at Chosen By Dermatology. “Different wavelengths of LED light penetrate the skin at varying depths, stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and controlling the growth of acne-causing bacteria.”

Avoid if: You have photosensitive skin or are on medications that cause light sensitivity issues.

Potential side-effects: Skin irritation and burns.

Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor, Dermaflash, ₹8,300 approx.

This device uses a spatula-esque head and ultrasonic vibrations to scoop excess sebum, dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities.

Expert’s take: “It uses ultrasonic vibrations to deep-clean pores, removing excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. It also helps your skincare products absorb better,” says Dr Geetika. “However, it can cause sensitivity and can damage the skin barrier.” Dr Shirolikar states that this device is most suitable for someone with oily skin or with an oily T-zone, but should not be used more than once a week.

Avoid if: You have skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or sensitive skin.

Possible side-effects: Too much pressure can cause microtears in the skin, bruising, skin irritation, and telangiectasia.

Lead image credit: Pexels 

This article originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar India, August 2024, print edition. 

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