New Beauty-at-Home Devices: Miracle of Fake Results?

I have to admit that I am terribly drawn to the wide range of devices that promise professional beauty results at home. And who wouldn’t? For a fraction of the prize that you normally pay for those services, you can own your own machine and save money by doing the treatments yourself.

I, myself, have tested some laser hair removal devices at home. My skin being delicate and with some beauty spots, I have finally decided to go to a professional for medical advice. But unfortunately not many people do so, and sometimes misinterpret the instructions or overuse the devices, which leads to all but beautiful results.

We have asked Dr. Sandra Lee, an Upland, California Dermatologist, to give us her own opinion on these home treatments and devices. As a female board certified dermatologist she is in a unique position to understand how alluring these products can be. Are they helpful or just hype?

Device #1: TRIA Laser Hair Removal System ($395, Triabeauty.com)

What it is: Although it looks like a gun extracted from a sci-fi fiction (like Star Wars meets Galactica), this comfy laser device takes rid of unwanted body hair by targeting the hair’s dark pigment and using heat to disable the follicle so hair doesn’t grow back. The device is designed to work only on fair to medium skin tones (there’s a skin color chart on the site) because if skin is too dark, a laser potentially could burn. And it doesn’t work on gray, blond, or red hair. The TRIA website states that the device is not to be used on neck, face or genitalia, and it strongly advises not to do so.

The claim: “The TRIA Laser Hair Removal System is the only FDA-cleared at home laser hair removal system that provides permanent, hair-free results.”

My Verdict: I tested this device just once. I had this tingly feeling and I have to admit it- I was scared I did anything wrong that could burn my skin. On top of that, my beauty spots made me prefer to go to a professional dermatologist, so I cannot give a conclusive opinion on this device. It is handy, but it is just not for me.

Dr. Lee’s Verdict: Dr. Lee has mixed feelings regarding this system. “My concern is that at physician’s offices and spas there are already an alarmingly high incidence of untoward side effects from laser hair removal- even when treatment is done by a professional. We have seen burns on the skin, which can lead to permanent scarring. If you use this device, use it wisely and don’t ignore the warnings. Dr. Lee does caution that, “I can’t imagine that this device is as strong and effective as a $100,000 laser at a physician’s office. There is a wider range of people that would respond to the professional laser. I think this device would be most useful as a supplement to professional laser hair removal, although it may be useful in getting rid of the “straggler” hairs that still remain because they may have been missed when treated professionally”.

Device #2: DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System ($95, DDFskincare.com)

What it is: Included in the box are the hand-held DDF micro-polisher tool, two foam-applicator attachments, a deep cleansing brush attachment, polishing crystals and batteries. For a microdermabrasion treatment, you’re instructed to massage the crystals into the face with the micro-polisher tool with the foam applicator, then rinse and wash.

The claim: “A breakthrough device that delivers microdermabrasion results that are as effective as a professional treatment. After just one microdermabrasion treatment, see immediate improvement in pore appearance, skin tone and evenness, fine lines, skin clarity, brightness, and radiance.”

My Verdict: I am pretty happy with the results. Even though I have a relatively young skin, it tends to be dull due to the pollution, the heat (OMG, we are now suffering 40 degrees Celsius in Madrid!) and the stress. I have tried this device twice and my skin feels beautiful and comfy afterwards. But beware: don´t overuse these systems. Otherwise you could have nasty side effects and end up with a red and irritated face!

Dr. Lee’s Verdict: As Dr. Lee explains, “With this device one is supposed to massage the crystals into the face with a foam brush, then rinse. This is not the same as true microdermabrasion when you use a vacuum that sprays fine crystals on your skin and immediately vacuums them up. When this is performed by a physician or certified aesthetician, it exfoliates the dry, dead overlying skin cells with the goal of having more bright, clear radiant skin.” Dr. Lee doubts the experience is the same as professional microdermabrasion.

Device #3: Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System ($185, Clarisonic.com)

What it is: The makers of the popular Classic and Mia cleansing tools branch out with their Opal Sonic Infusion System, a tool that massages serum directly into the skin.

The claim: “The Opal is specially designed to help build skin’s resilience over time and prevent future damage around the eyes.”

My Verdict: I have not actually used this device, but I have tested others that should perform similarly. I like them because it takes away all the hassle to massage the serum directly onto my skin (I don’t know why, but that’s the part I don’t like!), and it always feels like the serum has actually penetrated better, thus boosting its activity. My skin feels plumped whenever I use these devices, and I suppose it has something to do with the serum actually going to the core of my skin.

Dr. Lee’s Verdict: “I have actually used this before, and I questioned the use of “marine botanicals” which sounds like a vague, yet exotic description for ingredients that likely do not remove wrinkles. The devise does vibrate and after treatment you still have this vibration / tingling sensation which may make you think that it is working. If I had this product at home, I would rather apply a retinol to the skin and use this device over it, hoping that the vibration may increase the penetration of a topical that I know has anti-aging properties.”

Have you all ever used a beauty-at-home device? Could you share your positive or negative experiences?

Beatriz Alegría is a Spanish (and Spain-based) freelance journalist specialized in writing Economy and Beauty features. Her work has been published in several Spanish magazines and newspapers (Cosmopolitan, Ragazza, Tiempo, Cinco Días…) and you can follow her beauty and lifestyle adventures in her online magazine, Style de Vivre, and her blog, Mi Reino Por Un Gloss. In addition to that, Beatriz loves creating handmade products, and currently runs a vintage jewelry project called The French Boudoir, specializing in unique handmade and bridal jewelry made with found objects, vintage its and bits, mixed-media products and new materials.