by Rachel Sharp
Remember life before at-home beauty gizmos? Nor do we. Here are 15-cutting edge devices we declare cart-worthy
In the immortal words of the king of ageless swagger, Michael Phillip Jagger, you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need. Ditto, if you’re locked down or time poor and in-salon anti-ageing treatments simply aren’t an option, there’s never been a better time to dive into the fabulous world of at-home tech. Better still, many of these DIY tools now offer similar, if not comparable results, to the (often far pricier) professional versions.
A far cry from cute crystal rollers and gua sha facial stones, this is the realm of clinically tested, cutting-edge technology designed to lift, tone, lighten, tighten and smooth. Given these products — or at least the ones that work best — aren’t cheap, it’s important to do your research before splashing out. Here are some of our favourite evidence-based anti-ageing gadgets for 2021. Go on, get what you need.
THE ANTI-AGEING LIGHT MASK
We love:
OMNILUX Contour Face, $550, from omniluxled.com
What it does:
Once the domain of in-salon machines only, the new generation of portable LED devices made of flexible silicon are an anti-ageing game-changer. There are now plenty on the market, and several we really rate (see similar options below), but for the stand-out it’s hard to go past Omnilux, which is FDA-cleared for medical indications and backed by many years of research and user experience. It’s clinically proven to improve skin hydration, texture, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing, with some results — such as increased skin plumpness and radiance — apparent after a single 10-minute treatment.
How it works:
The underside of the mask delivers red and near-infrared wavelengths proven to stimulate collagen production and kick-start cellular renewal. There are now clever neck and hand-shaped devices on offer as well if you especially want to home in on those areas.
Who swears by LED therapy:
Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Kourtney Kardashian and Jessica Alba are among many celebrities who swear by LED light therapy. Closer to home, Aussie icons Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Erika Heynatz are both self-confessed Omnilux devotees.
Similar options:
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, $630, from currentbody.com.au
PRIORI Unveiled Flexible LED Light Therapy Mask, $500 at activeskin.com.au
THE MICRODERMABRASION DEVICE
We love:
PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro, $439, from au.pmdbeauty.com
What it does:
Sometimes a facial scrub just won’t cut it. Until recently, though, it’s been impossible to get the same deep exfoliation offered by in-salon microderm treatments. This new PMD system is perfect for polishing away the skin’s dull, dead top layer. The result? It gives softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin and helps to reduce the appearance of pore size, uneven skin tone, scars and even fine lines over time.
How it works:
Using a combination of variable vacuum suction and a three-speed polishing disc, dead skin can be buffed away at a speed and strength that best suits your skin. This unit also comes with special fittings for blackhead-prone areas and the body. For best results, use it weekly, following each session with a moisture-rich sheet mask, which can be absorbed far easier.
Who swears by microdermabrasion:
Jennifer Lawrence and Victoria Beckham, who’s said to have used an in-clinic version many years ago to treat acne scarring.
Similar options:
Trophy Skin MicrodermMD, $390, at adorebeauty.com.au.
Starla Microdermabrasion Wand, $168, at au.lumaeskin.com
THE DUAL-WHAMMY IPL
We love:
JOVS Venus Pro, $549, at currentbody.com.au
What it does:
Much more than just a hair zapper, this device — which underwent more than five years of intensive testing at Stanford University — is the first of its kind to treat the signs of ageing and permanently banish unwanted hair at the same time. It’s easy to handle (a hassle with many IPL machines is that they’re tricky to wield solo) and quick to use; treating the entire body takes just 10 minutes once you get the hang of it. We also rate it for having a built-in cooling function to take the sting out of the zaps and the fact the bulbs last half a million flashes (so basically, a lifetime).
How it works:
This system uses laser technology (intense pulsed light aka IPL) in rapid pulses that work under your skin’s surface to target hairs at their root. Compared to other units, one of the great things about this product is that it comes with six attachment heads customised for hair removal on the lip, arm, underarm, bikini and leg, plus a skin rejuvenation head to stimulate collagen, shrink pores, and lighten spots.
Who swears by IPL:
Angelina Jolie has gone on record a fan, especially after using it to treat pigmentation post pregnancy. Jennifer Aniston and Khloé Kardashian are in the club, too.
Other options:
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Long Term Hair Removal Device, $549, at harveynorman.com.au
HappySkin Gen2 IPL Hair Removal Handset, $239, at happyskinco.com
THE EASY MICRONEEDLER
We love:
Rodan + Fields Redefine AMP MD System $310, at rodanandfields.com.au
What it does:
Microneedling might sound like something serious (read: scary) enough to warrant expert-only application. Still, a new wave of at-home derma-rollers means this very effective treatment can be safely done in the privacy of your own home. (No more running to your car red-faced.) Advocates say microneedling stimulates the skin’s natural ability to renew itself and better primes it for masks and serums. Cue firmer skin and more even texture over time.
How it works:
According to one study, this award-winning AMP MD system features dozens of micro-exfoliating tips (aka tiny needles) that spike the top layer of skin, so it absorbs high-quality skin products such as serums up to three times more efficiently.
Who swears by it:
Naomi Watts, Brad Pitt and Demi Moore are among the long list of celebrity names who’ve been noted as skin needling fans, along with Gwyneth Paltrow, who’s sung microneedling’s praises on her website, Goop.
Similar options:
BeautyBio GloPro Facial Microneedling Regeneration Tool, $295, at currentbody.com.au
Mukti Dermal Roller Intro Kit: Dermal Roller + Vital C Serum, $145, at adorebeauty.com.au
THE INFRARED BLANKET
We love:
MiHIgh Infrared Sauna Blanket, $699, at au.mihigh.com
What it does:
Infrared saunas are the hottest thing in holistic health therapies right now (pun intended, but entirely appropriate). Clinical studies prove regular infrared sauna treatments can lower blood pressure, increase energy, aid muscle recovery, burn calories, reduce cortisol, improve blood flow and support detoxification. Looking and feeling more youthful is just a bonus. Until now, devotees needed to visit in-salon wooden saunas, but new tech now means similar results are available via this ultra-convenient at-home blanket that resembles a sleeping bag.
How it works:
Unlike traditional saunas, which use steam to heat the air and create a wet sauna experience, infrared saunas use infrared light wavelengths to penetrate deeper into your body. These precise wavelengths heat your core body temperature triggering a physiological response and delivering a range of scientifically backed health benefits. This also dry sauna experience is definitely something you enjoy rather than endure.
Who swears by it:
Miranda Kerr loves her HigherDose brand infrared sauna blanket. Hear her speak about it in her Ageless by Rescu Podcast interview. Visit podcasts.apple.com.
Similar options:
Sunlighten Solo Sauna, approximately $2000, at shop.sunlighten.com.au
HigherDose InfraRed Sauna Blanket, approximately $680, at higherdose.com
MORE AT-HOME SCIENCE YOU’LL LOVE
Want to take the guesswork out of skincare? It’s all in our genes, apparently
Imagine knowing exactly what your skin’s strengths and foibles were on a microscopic level, meaning you could tailor your supplements and skincare to meet its exact needs. Sounds like magic, right? Actually, it’s science, and it’s as easy as a swipe of an at-home cheek swab. SkinDNA is a new science-based service developed after years of consultation with geneticists, skin scientists, cosmetic doctors, and many study volunteers, which pinpoints 12 skin functions that specifically influence your rate of skin health and ageing process based on your own unique DNA profile.
It goes without saying that while our genetics play a huge role in our skin health and rate of ageing, managing lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, diet, and skincare is obviously vital. But having detailed feedback on your predispositions about things such as collagen production rate, wrinkle susceptibility, pollution defence, inflammation, and even the ability to breakdown toxins means you can tailor your defence.
After posting your swab, a 10-page report on your skin profile — including how your results compare to the general population and recommendations on tailored skincare, nutritional supplements and professional treatments — is usually back within a week. At $299, it’s an investment, but given our DNA never changes, the results last forever. Visit skindna.com.au.