Skincare tools have gained a lot of popularity over the last eighteen months. Three lockdowns have turned many of us into facial DIY-ers – determined to hack the skin rejuvenating benefits of an in-clinic treatment from the comfort of our own home. Many at-home tools and devices are versions of treatments performed by skin professionals in a clinic setting. But how good are they, really?

If you’re thinking about making the investment, this is everything you need to know about the most popular at-home technologies – radiofrequency and LED – and the devices that I rate the most.

How do at-home radiofrequency tools work?

Home devices work in much the same way as in-clinic treatments; stimulating collagen and elastin production within the skin, and with regular use will make a visible difference, producing tighter and lifted skin.

If you’ve ever had a radiofrequency treatment in a clinic, you’ll notice that at-home tools aren’t as hot, but you will feel some warmth. They won’t be as powerful as in-clinic devices and will require more frequent use, but you can achieve some pretty impressive results.

Is it safe to do from home?

It may initially feel daunting to use tools at home, but they’re perfectly safe. Radiofrequency is a safe and clinically effective technology to use at home. Always check that your device is also CE marked (meaning it is tested and safe by European standards).

The most effective devices

Orlaya Skin RF

Orlaya skin is an entirely unique home use radiofrequency device. Using unipolar RF, it heats the skin to a deeper depth than other home-use devices, achieving collagen stimulation, lifting and tightening. It tightens the skin and promotes collagen and elastin production, targeting crow’s feet, loss of elasticity around the chin and jawline and reduces puffiness. For me, the feel of using it comes closest to an in-clinic treatment. It’s efficient and straightforward to incorporate into your homecare regime but delivers beautiful results.

How do LED masks work?

LED has become a popular home treatment over the last few years. The science behind the technology is robust and clinically evidenced. In skincare, we use LED light to treat several different skin concerns, including acne and rosacea, for skin healing, wound repair, and stimulating collagen production and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

While at-home devices won’t be as effective as their in-clinic counterparts, there are home use devices available that can give quite impressive results when used consistently.

The best at-home LED devices

My favourite clinic-grade LED home device is the Lightstim for wrinkles, which is the best I’ve tried. It works to reduce and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, restoring the skin’s youthful appearance by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin with red, infrared, and amber lights for skin rejuvenation. You press it gently onto the skin and hold it there for three minutes – you’ll feel some warmth where you’re holding it, and it can be used on the hands and neck, as well as the face.

The treatment itself is relaxing, and while it gets to work, you’re free to read a book or watch TV. I’m all about tools that don’t take hours to use but deliver clinically validated results – brighter, firmer skin with visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles.