Basic Facial Tools You Must Have at Home

Your at home skin care kit is your gateway to an eternal, youthful, age-defying epidermis. With the abundance of products out there for helping us keep our exterior in good shape, it's not surprising that we all have questions about what works and what doesn't. Which products are worth putting our money toward? Which ones are the latest gimmick? Do any facial tools actually work?

Rather than spend a fortune on all the latest vibrating, heating, or light wave emitting gadgets it's time to add a few basics to your vanity kit that every home should have. Before we dive into the list of necessities, let's answer the question, "do facial tools actually work?"

The short answer is, yes, they do. The long answer is, it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. There are so many different types of gadgets out there, than there's no quick answer to which facial tool is the best. Let's start our examination by looking at the end goal.

Facial tools generally fall into a few different categories, depending on what you want.

• Cleansing
• Lifting
• Skin Care
• Brightening and Anti-aging
• Pore retexturizing
• Sculpting
• Puffing
• Inflammation

Cleansing

When trying to avoid breakouts, it's time to upgrade your cleansing routine. This process cleans pores, preventing breakouts. Some popular at-home remedies are bacteria-repelling silicone nubs or cleansing massage brushes with fine bristles.

Lifting

Facial muscles can sag over time, just like the rest of us. Lifting involves firming up or toning the skin to keep that youthful tightness. For this, try microcurrent massagers to stimulate facial muscles. Beforehand, use a conducting gel to ease the passage of rollers over the skin.

Skin Care

Skin care can cover a lot of ground, but in this instance we're referring to keeping it hydrated below the skin barrier. There's no shortage of products on the market for this, but a simple collagen supplement can work wonders. Just ask Brooke Shields!

Brightening and Anti-Aging

Dull skin or fine lines happen over time. Skin reacts to different types of light waves, such as blue light, red light, or yellow light. For instance, blue light decreases acne flare-ups, while red simulates collagen production, and yellow can soothe soreness or decrease inflammation. LED lights are a common home remedy for this. Some even utilize different wavelengths in one device to give you more benefits in a single use.

Pore Retexturizing

Removing blackheads or stimulating cellular turnover and collagen production retexturizes pores. Try a sonic extractor for blackheads and to help serum get into the skin. Microneedling tools also help with wound healing.

Sculpting

Sculpting refers to the process of contouring, lifting, and massaging for a smoother appearance. Lift jawlines or massage heavy brows with vibrating tools or lifting rollers that allow creams to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Puffing

Under-eye puffiness can leave you looking weary or out of energy. Increasing blood flow, or draining the lymphatic system can help smooth out puffiness. The traditional Chinese method of using crystals has been popular for centuries. Things like quartz, jade or amethyst promote wellbeing and offer other benefits.

Inflammation

Similar to puffiness, inflammation can cause redness or irritability in skin. Facial rollers, especially cooling rollers are useful for this, as are under eye patches.

And there you have it. A short list of the types of products that every at home skin therapist should need, in their basic form. We'll leave the decision about which brand or particular features are the most important for your own needs and budget, but these are some essential tools that anyone looking to take better care of their skin should have on-hand.