8 At-Home Skincare Devices That Rival Your Favorite In-Office Treatments

Throughout the past year, we learned that you can accomplish a lot at home. Among them? Caring for your skin. It’s easier than ever to meet with your dermatologist through virtual consultations to maintain your skin between professional treatments — and adding at-home skincare devices that imitate your favorite in-office procedures is one way to do so.

Thanks to new and advancing technology, these consumer tools can provide professional-grade results in a safe and effective way. From microcurrent machines that diminish fine lines and wrinkles and at-home microdermabrasion kits to clarifying acne treatments and brightening light therapy masks, we asked dermatologists what devices are worth investing in.

The Benefits of At-Home Skincare Devices

It’s not just a marketing ploy — the skincare tools available for at-home use often employ the same technology as their professional counterparts, albeit in a less powerful manner. “The over-the-counter devices typically use the same type of technology as those used in the office, but at lower energy levels to make them safe for at-home use,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. He notes that these devices are best for those looking for subtle improvement. It’s best to leave larger skin concerns to the pros.

So, how exactly do at-home skincare devices offer optimal results? If you are at home looking to maintain or prolong the results of previous in-office treatments or want to enhance your topical skincare routine, then at-home devices can be a great option, Dr. Zeichner says. “They also can be used in younger patients when they first start to experience skin changes to help maintain what they have and slowly fight the aging process that naturally is occurring,” he adds. Although you might not notice immediate improvements, you will see benefits with consistent use. But keep your expectations in check. You should not expect the devices to perform as well as those in your provider’s office, Dr. Zeichner cautions.

The Best At-Home Skincare Devices

Now that you understand what’s possible with these consumer skincare devices, it’s time to discuss what tools are best for what skin concerns.

For Faking a Facelift: NuFACE Trinity

What It Is: The Nuface Trinity Facial Toning Kit ($325) utilizes microcurrent to fight signs of aging. “This device uses microcurrents to target and improve facial muscle tone and strengthen the skin to improve texture, lines, and wrinkles, and improve laxity,” Dr. Zeichner says. What It Mimics: Since the NuFace addresses skin laxity, it mimics the effects of a facelift or neck lift — sans surgery. With consistent use of the device, you will see improved skin tightness and tone.

For Soothing: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

What It Is: The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($435) uses red and blue LED lights to reduce wrinkles and treat acne. The red light smoothes and brightens skin, while the blue light destroys acne-fighting bacteria. What It Mimics: This device imitates an in-office light therapy treatment, which is one of the pro services that can best be duped at home. Just remember, consistency is key!

For Daily Toning: The ZIIP Gx Series Nano Current Device

What It Is: The ZIIP Gx Series Nano Current Device ($495) “uses nano currents to help firm the skin and tone muscles,” Dr. Zeichner explains. So, what is nano current? It is an electrical current like microcurrent, though with a smaller amplitude of energy. “So, it is thought that they better penetrate to the lower skin layers,” he adds. What It Mimics: A microcurrent facial at your dermatologist’s office. Like an in-office treatment, this device stimulates collagen and can be an alternative to Botox®.

For Resurfacing: Microderm GLO Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine

What It Is: The Microderm GLO Diamond Microdermabrasion Machine ($300) is an at-home microdermabrasion tool that brightens the skin and improves tone and texture. It can address mild acne scarring and sun damage. What It Mimics: A professional microdermabrasion treatment. “At-home microdermabrasion is just about as effective as in-office treatments,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “They are safe and easy to use and are comprised of the same types of ingredients and technologies as many professional versions.”

For Smoother Skin: Georgia Louise Hollywood EGF Microneedling Kit

What It Is: The Georgia Louise Hollywood EGF Microneedling Kit ($410) includes four, single-use microneedling attachments that penetrate 0.25 millimeters. The 20 BPA-free plastic needles poke the skin 5,000 times per minute to boost collagen production and improve product absorption. Use with the synthetic growth factor-infused serum for best results. What It Mimics: Inspired by the aesthetician’s celebrity-favorite microneedling facial, this tool mimics the stamp-like application of professional treatments for maximum safety and efficacy.

For At-Home Extractions: Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor

What It Is: We don’t usually recommend DIY extractions, but the Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor ($99) offers a gentle at-home solution. The ultrasonic device unclogs pores while infusing your favorite skincare products. After treatment, your complexion is clearer and the pores are visibly smaller. What It Mimics: Extractions with your dermatologist or aesthetician. The pros use tools that are specially designed for extractions so that they can safely remove dirt and debris without damaging or scarring the skin.

For Facial Rejuvenation: Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand

What It Is: The Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand ($285) features an array of massage modes to revive the skin and promote lymphatic drainage. It carries away toxins, boosts circulation, minimizes redness and inflammation, and depuffs the skin. What It Mimics: A professional skin rejuvenation facial or spa-worthy lymphatic drainage massage. Consider this wand the next best thing to your aesthticians’s magical hands.

For a Clearer Complexion: Stacked Skincare High-Frequency Acne Device

What It Is: Maskne and acne beware. The Stacked Skincare High-Frequency Acne Device ($130) kills the bacteria that cause breakouts thanks to a high-frequency argon gas electrode that emits a small electrical current to generate oxygen. The wand also improves circulation and treats inflammation. What It Mimics: An oxygenating facial at your provider’s office.

All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.