Skin care 101
Local experts offer tips on how to protect and enhance your skin while much of our world is still locked down because of the pandemic.
The pandemic has provided a boost to the at-home beauty tool business.
“DIY is popular, particularly during the pandemic,” Dr. Monica Li, a Vancouver-based dermatologist and clinical instructor at the Department of Dermatology & Skin Science at the University of British Columbia, says. “At-home facial tools can be a gratifying way to explore and reinforce an individualized skin care routine.”
Amid continued times of uncertainty, the simple act of adding such a step into one's skin care routine can also provide a feeling of control over one's well-being.
“At-home facial tools, if safely and appropriately used, can additionally give us a sense of control in times of uncertainty,” Dr. Li says. “We are using a device to target a specific aspect in the care of our skin — selecting a particular tool and the use of it are conscious choices.”
According to Kevin Truong, a national beauty educator at Sephora Canada, the increase in demand has as much to do with advances in technology in the category as it does with convenience.
“We have seen significant innovation within this category, including the use of LED devices, to bring similar experiences of spa-level treatments to the comfort of your home,” the Vancouver-based skin expert says. “The `selfcare' movement, combined with additional time at home, has caused increased interest from our clients to invest in skin care and facial tools, alike.”
Of course, the closure or limitations on spas and treatments in Canada due to COVID-19-related protocols has undoubtedly helped push the category's growth.
“In place of venturing out for spa treatments, our clients have been investing in facial tools to help with everything from daily stresses, to aiding lymphatic drainage, increasing the efficacy of serums or masks and so much more,” Truong says.
Social media has proven to be another popular avenue of discovery for at-home facial tools.
“Social media is a gateway to DIY — bloggers, influencers and even experts in a field are able to share their choices, activities and preferences of their skin care routine and skin care,” Dr. Li says. “A clip on social media may make some of us want to try a new at-home facial tool ourselves.”
Dr. Li points to facial scrubbers, massage rollers, jade rollers, toning devices, facial steamers and acne-targeting light devices as some of the most popular tools for at-home treatments during the ongoing pandemic.
“At-home facial gadgets and tools can be gratifying options to integrate within a skin care or body care routine,” Dr. Li says. “But, if these devices involve serums, mask ingredients or other add-ons, keep in mind not everyone can tolerate the products and there is a risk of skin reactions.”
As with all at-home activities adapted from a more clinically focused setting, Dr. Li says it's important to prioritize safety when it comes to deciding whether or not to try a tool for yourself.
“Those that break skin or cause bleeding may lead to infections and subsequent unwanted scarring and dyspigmentation,” Dr. Li says. “Any at-home skin tool needs to be cleaned regularly as well to prevent possible infection.”
The skin professional points to facial cleansing devices and scrubbers that help to cleanse the skin and gently exfoliate the skin's surface as good options to provide a safe, easy to use introduction to tools.
“In my opinion, at-home microneedling and dermaplaning devices that punctures the skin and/or involve a sharp blade or needle are not recommended,” Dr. Li says. “These procedures are best left to the professionals who have the appropriate training and experience to deliver them safely, properly and effectively.”
Regardless of the chosen at-home facial tool, Dr. Li says it's important to use the devices correctly in order to avoid any skin damage. And, if in doubt, speak to your dermatologist before using a particular facial tool.
“Needless to say, it's your face and skin, so it's better to avoid potential negative outcomes in the first place,” Dr. Li says.
THREE TYPES
OF SKIN CARE TOOLS
Curious about at-home skin care tools? We asked two experts to dish on a few of the most popular categories. Here's what they had to say.
CLEANSING DEVICES
“A facial cleansing device or scrubber aims to remove daily environmental debris and makeup, and serve to exfoliate — remove dead skin cells — the skin surface,” says Dr. Monica Li. “The device can help to support a healthy skin barrier.”
There is some evidence, she says, that a cleansing device delivering mechanical stimulation on the skin's surface can also help with anti-aging and skin texture.
“For individuals who wish to use a facial cleansing device or scrubber, selecting a facial cleansing brush that is appropriate for an individual's skin type is important,” Li advises.
“Cleansing tools used on the body should be different than ones used on the face as skin on the latter is more delicate.”
For those with sensitive skin, the skin expert suggests using a brush one to two times per week and slowly adding more days depending on how your skin responds.
“If the skin feels red, dry, tingly or irritated, it may mean that the brush has been overused and traumatized the skin's natural barrier,” Li says. “For some with rosacea or very sensitive skin, it might be better to altogether not use a cleansing brush.”
When using a cleansing brush, it's best to avoid other chemical and physical exfoliants such as scrubs or pastes. Pmd Clean Facial Cleansing Device, $119 | Hudson's Bay, thebay.com
FACIAL ROLLERS
According to Sephora's Kevin Truong, facial rollers and Gua Sha tools are a great entry point into at-home facial devices. “This product is the perfect tool for a firsttimer looking for the benefits of facial massage,” Truong says. “Apply a serum of your choice, day or night, and roll the tool upwards and outwards to increase circulation and encourage drainage of underlying fluids.”
Truong's additional pro tip is to cool a stone facial roller in the fridge for 10 minutes before using it for an “instant cooling and de-puffing result.” Sephora Collection Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $27 | Sephora, sephora.com TONING DEVICE
Toning devices use micro-current technology to improve the overall tone of the face, according to Truong. Suitable for more advanced users, the skin care professional says “micro-current magic” can be used to “tone and shape” the face.
“It delivers beautiful, professional results in an easy-touse, at-home system,” Truong says of the recommended NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device. “(It's) clinically tested to improve facial contour, tone, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device, $405 | Sephora, sephora.com