To save time and money, you may be tempted to invest in at-home skincare devices. While several beauty tools are safe and effective to use solo, many aren’t. For your health and safety, you must be apprised of the risks of electronic devices. From false claims to faulty technology, knockoffs, and products that simply aren’t safe. Below are your top risks and considerations.
Which At-Home Skin Care Devices Are Safe and Effective?
Products likely to be safe for most when used as directed:
- Facial rollers
- Gua sha tools
- Silicone cleansing brushes
- Facial steamers
- Some LED therapy masks
- Cooling rollers and masks
Devices that should be administered at a med spa:
- Microneedling
- Derma rolling
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser therapy
- Microplanning
- Microcurrent devices
- Biomechanical vibrations
- Knockoffs of brand-name devices
What is a Med Spa?
Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa is a medical practice overseen by licensed healthcare professionals, including physicians and registered nurses. We provide an elevated range of scientifically proven anti-aging and aesthetic treatments. Unlike a standard spa where you book the facials and treatments that “sound good”, your treatment plan is tailored to your individual skincare objectives. Our confidence-boosting aesthetic services are proven to slow and reverse the visible signs of aging.
Our aesthetic solutions are utilized for:
- Lifting
- Firming
- Tightening
- Toning
- Smoothing
- Plumping
- Facial contouring
- Body contouring
- Minimizing fine lines
- Minimizing wrinkles
- Reducing redness
- Fading sunspots
- Fading acne scars
- Fading acne pockmarks
- Fading hyperpigmentation
- Stimulating hair growth
- Restoring youthful glow
- And more!
Now, let’s dive into the top risks of buying at-home skincare devices.
#1 The Wrong Treatment
Just like your skincare products, skincare treatments should be personalized to your skin’s current and evolving needs. Also, to your skin type. So, even if a device is generally safe and effective, it may not be right for you. The wrong treatments can irritate and damage your skin or provide benefits that aren’t a top priority.
Skincare is not one-and-done
Your skin may have drastically different needs in the winter than it does in the summer. Its needs will evolve when you have major hormonal changes, while menstruating, while pregnant, and during menopause. Your skincare products will also need to change at least every 10 years to meet evolving needs.
#2 Temporary or Permanent Damage
If you absolutely must invest in a DIY device, select one that’s been vetted. This could be devices created by renowned medical professionals such as Nurse Jamie, major skincare brands, or featured devices in trusted beauty magazines. Don’t invest in tools that are knockoffs. They cost less, but the aesthetic device industry is widely unregulated, so the technology and electronics could be faulty.
Use all devices as directed, or you increase your risk of:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burns
- Scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Intensified symptoms
Online devices aren’t FDA-approved
With a med spa, you access a qualified professional who advises on aesthetic solutions without losing sight of your health and safety. Our anti-aging treatments provide the peace of mind that you’re receiving FDA-approved treatments. Medical practitioners are also held to strict industry standards.
#3 Increased Infection Risk
Some at home skincare devices, including microneedling, derma rollers, and dermaplaning, are designed to penetrate the skin. If they penetrate too deeply, you press too hard, or they aren’t angled properly you increase your risk of skin injury and infection. Especially if you don’t clean and sanitize your device properly before use.
Don’t store skincare devices in your bathroom.
Exposed items in your bathroom may have fecal matter on them. Fecal matter enters the air when you flush the toilet. So, be mindful of where you store your toothbrush, makeup, makeup applicators, skincare products, and skincare devices. This will minimize exposure to fecal matter and other bacteria. Regardless of where you store your skincare essentials, sanitize your bathroom at least twice per week. This includes sanitizing the exterior of your skincare products and washing makeup brushes and sponges weekly.
#4 Allergic Reaction
Many devices come with or suggest an add-on purchase of skincare serums, gels, and creams. While a topical product may be required for safety and optimal performance, you must be mindful of the ingredients. Some at-home skincare devices sell inexpensive topicals, or they may have a quality topical product that isn’t right for you. Be especially mindful of new products if you have sensitive skin.
Test new skincare products first.
Your face is front and center, so the last thing you want is to experience an allergic reaction. When using a new product, test a smaller patch of skin to gauge sensitivity. Remember, the skin on the face is thin, so it’s more susceptible to irritation. If the product provided isn’t right for you, test the product you substitute it with to ensure it’s compatible.
#5 Irritate Preexisting Conditions
If you have a preexisting skincare condition, many at home beauty tools aren’t safe for you. Or you’ll need to wait until your symptoms have calmed down. Even if a treatment can be used with your diagnosed condition, your skin needs to be carefully monitored during (and after) treatment. You may also need to adjust your treatment schedule, using devices less frequently than directed. Dermatologists, aestheticians, and med spa practitioners will advise which treatments are right for you and how to tailor your treatment schedule.
Be particularly mindful if you have:
- Sensitive skin
- Dry skin
- Damaged skin
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Acne
At-home skincare devices shouldn’t hurt.
The second you feel pain of any kind, turn off your at home device and discontinue use. The device may be faulty and it’s not worth risking your health.
#6 Degraded or Inconsistent Results
At-home skincare devices may not deliver the same intensity as med spa devices. From lower microcurrents to a lower depth for microneedling. The decreased intensity keeps reputable devices safe but slows results or lessens efficacy. Products with subpar technology may deliver little to no results or their performance may be inconsistent.
Consider using it only for maintenance.
If you find a reputable product, consider using it between our med spa treatments. For example, after you complete 3 to 5 Morpheus8 Burst sessions you don’t have to return for maintenance for 6 to 12 months. In the meantime, you can promote collagen production by utilizing your preferred at home skincare devices.
#7 Lack of Precision
Another challenge of using solo devices is that you can’t always achieve the same precision. Think of this along the lines of doing a French braid. You may know how to braid, but it’s harder to French braid your own hair. You can, but it won’t look as good. When using devices on your face and neck, you may not be able to get the correct angle.
Use with a friend
For improved precision, use your device with a friend or family member. Make it a mini spa day! Also, watch brand-specific online instructional videos. The more precise you are with treatment, the faster and better your results.
#8 False Sense of Accomplishment
We know how full your schedule is and respect your need for convenience. So, when you find a device that delivers results, you may assume that the results are the best you can achieve. However, you can achieve superior skin tightening, toning, brightening, and smoothing with med spa skincare treatments. Medical-grade devices aren’t available for at home use. Find the time for the initial round of treatments, then you must only return for maintenance.
Take before and after photos.
Take a clean face “before” photo in good lighting before you begin using your at home skincare device. Once the suggested treatment schedule is complete, take an “after” photo to assess your progress.
#9 Limits Your Options
We’re in a DIY day and age, and we’re here for it, but there may be a better range of options to deliver your desired results. The options in aesthetic injectables have never looked more natural. In addition to contouring and plumping, hyaluronic acid fillers smooth skin, stimulate collagen production, and deliver a dewy glow.
Don’t want to plump? Juvéderm Skinvive doesn’t plump but it boosts collagen, smooths skin, and gives your cheeks a dewy glow without having to apply topical hyaluronic acid.
Schedule a consultation
At the very least, consider booking a consultation with Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa to discuss your options.
#10 Prematurely Degrades Your Injectables
If you utilize plumping fillers or dermal threads, you must strategically space out your med spa and at home skincare treatments. Otherwise, you can degrade your threads and injectables. Many devices don’t advertise this, so you must read the fine print before you invest.
At Home Skincare Devices Not Working? Book Your Med Spa Consultation Now!
If you live in or around Phoenix, Tempe, or Glendale and want to learn more about how med spa treatments can rejuvenate, revitalize, and restore your skin—book a consultation to discuss a tailored treatment plan.
We also offer vitamins, hair loss treatments, weight loss programs, Semaglutide, and whole-body aesthetic solutions.
