We Asked So You Don't Have To: An Expert Guide To Facial Tools

Oh, the vast, vast world of facial tools. On beauty websites and in stores alike, there's an entire dedicated section for these ever-changing devices. Looking to prevent breakouts? There's a tool for that. Craving more bounce-back from your skin? Many tools for that. Trying to define your cheekbones via lymphatic massage? Countless tools for that as well. 

No matter the mission, there's a tool or two that will claim to treat the problem—and many of them can certainly do exactly as advertised. But the part we sometimes miss when we talk about these popular and exciting devices is who they're best for. Remember: Not everything is made for your unique skin type, so before you go and make a purchase, do a little digging to see if it's compatible with your needs.

Most people can benefit from gua sha when done correctly, as its primary beauty benefit is to provide long-lasting contouring and definition in the face, as well as increase lymphatic drainage and microcirculation to the area. However, don't use gua sha over any areas with open wounds (active pimples) or on a burn of any sort. 

Enter rule No. 1 of gua sha: Take the time to learn how to gua sha your face properly. When we use gua sha tools, it's important to honor where the technique and tool design originated, and be sure to use the tool as intended. 

This is important for so many reasons, as using it incorrectly can actually cause wrinkles in the skin. There are tons of resources online to learn how to use a gua sha, but you can also go to professionals who have experience in gua sha facial massage. 

The truth? You don't really need a facial steamer. The benefits often don't outweigh the risks at the end of the day—especially for novices. The occasional steam treatment may feel nice, and it certainly does have benefits, but it's not something to be used without caution as you can actually burn the skin. "It only takes burning yourself one time to realize you went too hard," Kung says. 

Additionally, those who are prone to ruddiness should definitely avoid it. "The chronic flushing of facial skin can result in the accumulation of broken and dilated blood vessels, leading to a mottled and ruddy complexion over time," Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC notes. 

Facial cupping is another lymphatic drainage method that's used to move blood around the body for better circulation. Cupping is an ancient practice with roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where the skin is suctioned away from the rest of the body in order to stimulate the flow of chi. It's similar to gua sha in a way but has its own long list of do's and don'ts when it comes to the how-to. 

Lymphatic drainage expert Camila Perez says she prefers to use it on the body and prefers gua sha for the face. On occasion, she'll reach for a cupping tool for facial sculpting but says, "Gentle is better," when it comes to navigating this tool. 

Derma rollers create dozens of tiny punctures to the skin when rolled across the face creating tiny "wounds," although the needles are generally only 0.25 millimeter in depth. They're basically the at-home version of microneedling, which is a popular cosmetic procedure. The skin reacts to the tiny damages the needles create by resurfacing and restructuring, resulting in a brighter and smoother complexion. 

We'll spare you the time and potential infection; leave microneedling to the pros. As an esthetician, Perez has seen it all and knows the ins and outs of esthetic procedures. She tells her patients, "At home, do your skin care, chemical exfoliation, and maintain healthy skin," but recommends skipping the DIY version of this complex procedure. 

Perez explains that they have the power to truly transform the appearance of your skin, but it's something that takes dedication. So, if you're an on-again, off-again type of facial tool user, maybe skip the microcurrent devices. It's important to invest in a high-quality product, which can get fairly pricey. Not to mention, you need a water-based conductive gel in order for the device to do its job—an added cost to the routine. 

Long story short: If you're dedicated to improving the appearance of your skin, microcurrent is the way to go. It's an investment, but the benefits are worth it. Two of our top picks are the Nuface Mini or Ziip Gx Series.

You've probably seen the red light masks all over the digital beauty space. Now, more companies are moving toward light wands and other versions of the same device. LED red light therapy works because the light emitted activates the fibroblasts in each cell, which helps build collagen. 

Anyone who is looking for skin longevity and inflammaging reduction could benefit from one of these masks. There's a major key to getting an LED light tool that works, and that's to look for at least 660 nanometers of red light in your device. Any less, and you're essentially holding a Christmas light up to your face. 

The short answer: You don't need to. In fact, we encourage you not to. 

Most people can benefit from a little depuffing at some point, no? As always, there are a few things to keep in mind when using these tools. First being, "It's a temporary fix," as Kung says. The contouring that you see when rolling an ice globe over the face comes from the shrinking of dilated blood vessels. The cool temperate tightens the skin in the moment, which makes the skin look great and can help prep the face for makeup. But it isn't going to reduce puffiness permanently, so look to gua sha or microcurrent for that long-term effect. 

Experts recommend sticking to cryo tools rather than an ice cube, as the latter could burn your skin. In addition, be sure to follow the directions because some tools are meant for the fridge, while others are safe to go in the freezer.