How to be your own dermatologist
Photo by Monica Vinella
DIY Dermatologist
At home skincare
Whether you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer or just want to shave hundreds of dollars off your beauty budget, load up on the ever-growing range of easy-to-use at-home skincare devices. They do everything from simple cleansing to fighting acne and rejuvenating tired, aging skin.
Super cleansers
The latest facial-cleansing tools make the simple washcloth seem positively Flintstonian! They use sonic toothbrush technology to massage away dirt and oil to leave your skin glowing. How do the pros feel about the increased popularity of DIY cleansing gizmos? While Toronto dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett acknowledges their ability to provide a more thorough cleanse, exfoliation and prep for treatment creams and serums, she has some caveats. “There’s always the possibility of misuse and overuse,” she says. “Electronic cleaners can also irritate dry skin and exacerbate or cause acne flare-ups, so people with acne and rosacea really shouldn’t use them.”
Our top 3 tools for the ultimate clean:
Cult fave: Beauty editors are buzzing about this three-speed device that removes makeup six times better than manual cleansing.
Clarisonic Aria skin cleaning brush, $225.
Best value: This gently rotating bristled head comes with its very own exfoliating cleanser.
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced cleansing system, $35.
Good vibrations: This tool relies on foaming cleanser pads and a battery-powered vibrating action to exfoliate skin and sweep away dirt and makeup.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Wave power cleanser, $16.
Anti-agers
We’re all a little obsessed with erasing the signs of aging, so it’s no surprise that a whole new range of technologies are here to help us out. While this may seem like the perfect scenario — skin rejuvenation while watching Game of Thrones in your sweats — the results may not be on par with what you’d receive at a dermatologist’s office, says Dr. Jason Rivers, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of British Columbia. “It would take a person at home several months to accomplish what we can in four to six office visits with our multi-faceted anti-aging arsenal.” But if your schedule and your wallet prefer the DIY route to a youthful glow, there’s no harm in trying it out on your own — no appointment neccessary. “To my knowledge, there are no reports of health or safety issues with these kinds of devices,” says Rivers.
Our top 3 tools to erase the years:
Smooth operator: This wand uses multiple wavelengths of LED light to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and diminish fine lines.
LightStim for wrinkles LED device, $279.
Multi-tasker: This DIY tool enlists fractional laser technology to deliver smoother skin texture, fewer lines and wrinkles and diminished pigmentation after regular use.
Tria skin rejuvenating laser, $495.
Personal trainer: It’s an exercise regime for your facial muscles: Create resistance by pressing this device into your face to improve tone, reduce sagginess and tighten skin.
Envisage facial exerciser, $150.
Acne fighters
High-tech acne devices have definitely become mainstream, partly because they’re a welcome alternative to long-term antibiotics and retinoids, says Dr. Joely Kaufman, a dermatologist and laser expert at the University of Miami. In the world of at-home acne fighters, the let-there-be- light approach mirrors what doctors have to offer. “Most use the same wavelength of blue light as professional office versions,” says Kaufman, “but since they’re smaller and emit less light, you need to use them for a much longer period of time.” She also notes that, while successful in treating mild acne, these gadgets are of limited use when it comes to eliminating blackheads or cystic acne.
Our top 2 tools for clear skin:
Spotlight: This popular tool targets breakouts three ways: with heat to open pores, blue LED light to destroy acne-causing bacteria and sonic vibration to increase micro-circulation and help reduce swelling, inflammation and redness.
Tanda Zap acne treatment device, $49.
Blemish buster: Clear Rayz uses both blue- and red-light technology. Blue light activates skin’s natural acne-fighting chemicals, while red light increases blood flow and oxygen in the skin to calm inflammation and heal blemishes.
Clear Rayz acne treatment device, $249.
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