It’s almost time for Christmas! I’m always so amazed at how quickly the holiday season comes back around but what captivates me even more is the creativity behind the skincare gifts that people purchase for their loved ones. With everyone on the hunt for that ideal present, join me as we explore the realm of at-home skincare devices, determining whether you're on track for a sleigh-worthy gift or a nay gift.
1. At-Home Microneedling - NAY
Microneedling helps stimulate the production of collagen by causing micro-injury to the skin. In turn, this causes blood flow to the affected area and generates new, healthy skin cells. However, at-home microneedling devices can increase your risk of infection, scarring, and skin reactions long term. Many of them are derma roller-type devices that enter the skin at any angle as opposed to a specific 90-degree angle. This increases the risk of scarring. At-home microneedling devices also use needles that dull much quicker than a professional tool and over time this can potentially cause skin tears and if used long-term, more scarring. It’s best to see a trained professional for this type of procedure as there are many risks that come with this treatment.
2. At-Home Mani-Pedi Sets - SLEIGH
10/10 recommend. These are the perfect gift sets to give your bestie. Gel nails particularly can be dangerous if you’re consistently going to the salon. The long wavelengths of UV light (UVA) from Gel manicure nail dryers have been proven to damage DNA in our hands, causing mutations in human cells, premature aging, and in severe cases increases the risk of skin cancer on the hands and fingernail beds. Fingerless UV gloves are a good investment for consistent nail salon visits. Gifting a mani/pedi set might just be a safer way to tell your friends and family you love them this holiday season.
A great brand to gift is Olive and June. I love their long-lasting polish and manicure set. For UV Gloves I recommend the Melodie Susie UV Gloves for Gel Nail Lamp
3. At-Home Dermaplaning - NAY
Dermaplaning is an exfoliating hair removal treatment using a blade to scrape off dead skin cells and peach fuzz hair. It can be tricky depending on the device and your skin type. Dermaplaning can cause acne breakouts, redness, and irritation in some skin types and potentially cause nicks and cuts. A safer alternative is using a hair removal device like Flawless Beauty. It’s an effective hair removal treatment that’s easy to use without causing irritation or redness. I’d keep the dermplaning treatments in-office. It’s best to see a trained professional who can determine the best treatment for your specific skin type.
4. At-Home Laser Hair Removal - SLEIGH
Technically at home “lasers” are light-based devices rather than true lasers. At home laser hair removal devices use light-based energy to target hair removal. Laser hair removal targets melanin in the hair follicle root and each pulse of light destroys the hair follicle. Laser hair removal devices are best to maintain your results from in-office laser removal or target unwanted hair growth. Typically, some may temporarily experience a little redness. At home, devices are not as strong as in-office technologies. Office-based lasers are like working out with a personal trainer for 2 hours, whereas at-home devices are similar to taking a 15-minute walk. They offer similar benefits, but take more treatments to see results. Typically I recommend 5-10 sessions for best results, which may not be as dramatic as in-office treatment results.
A great at-home laser hair removal device is the Ulike Laser Hair Removal Devices. They have a large sapphire crystal handpiece with adequate cooling making it safer and more effective. It’s also easy to use with varying degrees of light pulse intensities to suit different skin types.
5. Pore Vacuums - NAY
We’ve all seen these videos on TikTok. These are devices intended to clean out pores and remove blackheads by using a negative-pressure vacuum to suction your skin and pores. Some people consider this a form of pore or facial cleansing. And while those videos may look satisfying, they can often do more harm than good. What's really happening with a pore vacuum is just the removal of superficial debris. Pore vacuums are not great at deep cleansing pores to remove blackheads. The black gunk you see stuck in pores is like cement. They are hard and not easily removed. It’s best to use a product like Clarify Pads with salicylic acid, an oil-soluble exfoliant that can penetrate deep into the pores and loosen up the keratin, debris, and dead cells and remove them more effectively than a pore vacuum. I don’t recommend this in those with sensitive skin as it can leave your skin red, cause bruising, or even damage the superficial skin layer.
6. LED Light Devices - SLEIGH ALL DAY
Yes, x a million. There are many clinical research studies to show the amazing healing effects of LED devices. In the skincare world, they can be beneficial for a wide range of skin concerns like acne, fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, etc.
Red Light: stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation - best for promoting anit-aging effects.
Blue Light: anti-bacterial properties, helps control oil productions - best for acne-prone skin.
Green Light: reduces redness, calms the skin - best for Rosacea or Hyperpigmentation
These products make great gifts. Some of my favorite LED devices are:
- OmniLuxe LED Mask
- Dr. Dennis Gross: DRX Spectralite Faceware Pro with Red and Blue Light
- QURE - LED Mask
For more information and more recommendations on at-home devices, check out my Youtube video linked below! Happy Holidays!
