mindbodygreen 2024 Beauty Refresh Awards: The Most Innovative High-Tech Tools, Treatments & Tech

This is the shower filter that made me believe in shower filters. Yes, I logically knew that hard water isn’t the best for my skin and hair, but honestly? I was just too lazy to play appliance technician. I could deal with some heavy metals, right?  

Fast forward to today’s awards, and I’m so glad I got up the gumption to install this sleek shower head. My hair is softer, my skin feels way less irritated, and, no lie, my shower feels exponentially more spa-grade. (I wouldn’t expect anything less from industry-leading scalp care brand Act+Acre.) Hannah Frye, mbg assistant beauty editor, agrees: “This shower head is noticeably better than the ones I’ve seen in five-star spas and wellness havens,” she raves. We both couldn’t wait to head back to the office and gush to each other about it. 

The first thing we both noticed was the upgrade in water pressure. Traditional shower heads concentrate the flow center, which means all the water pounds onto the crown of the head (this is why my crown often gets irritated and itchy; all that hot water strips the area of moisture). Act+Acre’s tech has a much gentler spray, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my scalp’s discomfort. Once again, Frye concurs: “My shower experience is beyond elevated–which makes a big difference when I’m feeling stressed at the end of the da

I haven’t worn my hair completely straight since frying it into submission circa 2014, and boy, do I wish I had this technology back then! In a single pass, my damp 2c waves are smooth and sleek, without needing to follow up with another source of heat (which I usually do after blow-drying to combat frizz). Dyson has truly transformed the hair-straightening game with this tool, and it makes me want to sport a stick-straight ‘do once again—this time with less damage.   

For context: Which red light mask is actually worth the price? is one of the most common questions I receive. This is the only LED mask I actually look forward to wearing, and it’s the one I always recommend to my friends and family. 

I’m pretty impatient when it comes to at-home treatments (if a hair mask must marinate longer than five minutes, I simply won’t use it), so I appreciate the nine-minute timer on this device. I also love that it cycles through three different types of LED light—red, infrared, and blue—so that I don’t have to pick and choose a treatment based on light-specific benefits. A bonus? The signature vibration therapy feels like a head massage and makes the time fly by. 

Frye also tested the mask and agreed: “This LED mask is dynamic. Not only does it deliver red, infrared, and blue light technology, but it massages your temples while you’re at it. The weight of the mask is slightly heavier than others I’ve tried, but I can still walk around with ease thanks to the efficient double-strap system holding the mask in place. Plus, the charge lasts longer than most.”

As I once admitted, my chest is the first area to show signs of too much sun. No matter how diligent I am with sunscreen, I always seem to develop tan lines, freckles, and itchy sunburns in the delicate area. Red light therapy is superb for enhancing skin tone and texture, especially for those experiencing the effects of inflammation and sun damage, and I definitely started to notice some favorable results from this Neck Enhancer. Immediately after my first treatment, my neck and chest appeared brighter and way more even.

“When I hear ‘peel,’ I think ‘acids.’ After all, that's exactly what conventional peels use to exfoliate the top layer of skin. So when I got an email about an all-natural peel sans any acids, my curiosities were understandably piqued,” recounts mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler about her experience. 

“Here’s the gist: It’s an internationally renowned professional-grade facial that's been available for 60 years in over 70 countries. Created by German dermatologist Christine Schrammek, this natural peel uses a blend of nine herbs to stimulate cellular turnover. There are three different versions depending on the strength you’re after. I tested the medium version which is called Energize. Honestly, it is a very good word for this facial, as that's what I felt it gave my complexion. For weeks after, my skin looked brighter and more supple. 

“Ultimately, I'm most impressed with how customizable it is. I can imagine myself getting a Freshen Up (the lightest) before an event, or an Energize anytime my skin needs a bit of a tuneup. And then when I can manage it, I'd get The Classic (the strongest) for a more thorough overhaul. It's a fabulous tool to have in the skin care arsenal.” 

As I once revealed, I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to needles. And by a bit, I mean that I have to avert my eyes and count to 10 every time I get blood drawn or else I’ll faint, and I won't say no to a lollipop on my way out for my bravery. So I was very intrigued when an innovative, needle-free microneedling treatment finally hit statestide. 

You can read the full backstory here, but basically, the treatment contains 50,000 microscopic liquid microneedles that penetrate into the skin, coated in calming botanicals to ease irritation. After 72 hours, the skin naturally exfoliates the microneedles as it quickly regenerates new skin cells. 

I was amazed by my results: Dark spots? Don’t know her. Congestion? Couldn’t tell. A mere two days after my treatment with celebrity esthetician Brittany Blancato, I was noticeably glowing.