A-Listers Swear by High-Tech DIY Skincare Gadgets — Do They Actually Work?

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As a long-time enthusiast of skincare and someone who has tried every gadget under the sun, I must say that these new at-home devices from Dr. Shamban and Dr. Reszko have truly piqued my interest. The skepticism from the dermatological field is understandable, but as someone who’s spent countless hours researching and testing skincare products, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement at the possibility of having professional-grade treatments right at home.

With the surge of online streaming, the popularity of Zoom meetings, and the expansion of telehealth services, there’s one more compelling argument to stay indoors – in fact, I can think of two additional reasons for doing so.

Visiting a professional aesthetic dermatologist can cost you quite a bit, often running into thousands. For daily care (or during breaks), there are not many do-it-yourself options available, such as the NuFace device, which is endorsed by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Bella Hadid. However, most at-home skincare devices that have been approved for use tend to be large, difficult to handle, underpowered, or limited in their capabilities, according to dermatologists. As a result, you might need several different devices to effectively address all your skin concerns.

Ava Shamban, a renowned cosmetic dermatologist with practices in both Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, and an impressive clientele including Rosanna Arquette and Jennifer Gray, stated that they are specialists who excel at only one thing.

Currently, she and renowned aesthetician dermatologist Anetta Reszko from Park Avenue’s elite circle – known for treating the likes of actress Crystal Reed and veteran model Helena Christensen – are both launching portable devices. These devices offer multiple functions and are lightweight enough to be easily stored in a small handbag.

Reszko assures us that they’re elevating home care like never before,” he says, “Moving beyond simple upkeep or concealment, it’s now all about counteracting the effects of aging.

As a skincare enthusiast, I can’t help but rave about Reszko’s marvelous invention, the Skorr Glow mini machine. This device is equipped with settings for LED lights, micro current, radio frequency, and sonic vibrations, each offering unique benefits for my skin. The “boost” mode, in particular, caught my attention. It uses a gentle electric current to create tiny openings in my skin, allowing expensive creams to penetrate beyond the surface layer that usually only lets about 10% of our skincare products through. This is truly a game-changer! The boost setting also incorporates clinical strength yellow LED lights with anti-inflammatory properties, protecting against conditions like rosacea, acne, and infection. Simply amazing!

I’ve found that the “lift” mode works wonders on me! It employs a tiny electrical current to focus on muscles for a more defined look, while also using green LED lights to boost collagen production.

According to Reszko, it’s beneficial when one is experiencing swelling, either from a flight, salty food consumption, or overindulging in alcohol. It works by eliminating excess fluids and promoting lymphatic drainage, which is why I also recommend it to my patients following cosmetic injections or surgical procedures.

This device, called Skorr Glow, works by applying radio frequency heat deep within the skin’s dermis layer to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Additionally, it utilizes red LED light for wound healing and post-surgery scar treatment, and sonic vibrations to reduce puffiness. For more sensitive areas such as around the eyes and lips, there’s a specialized setting that uses sonic vibration and radio frequency to boost hydration, smooth out fine lines, and plump up the skin. The cost of Skorr Glow is $685, which Reszko notes is lower than the cost of a single Botox session.

Shamban’s competing product, named CARA (short for clarify, activate, restore, and amplify), retails at $350. This device employs three distinct LED lights to stimulate various cell systems. The blue light can penetrate up to a millimeter, which helps decrease inflammation and bacteria while also influencing your body’s internal clock. As Dr. Shamban explains, many cell functions are regulated by genes that control the circadian rhythm, and this feature assists in resetting this system by stimulating mitochondria within cells. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently travel.

As a skincare enthusiast, I’ve learned that deeper-penetrating red light, about three millimeters deep, boosts energy production and stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin in my skin, according to Dr. Shamban. Additionally, violet light offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cara, much like the Skorr Glow, offers adjustable settings for radio frequency and micro-current. Each function on this device comes with three distinct power levels.

“Shamban’s device and Reszko’s are significantly more potent than many that have come before due to their higher energy output,” Shamban explained. “While micro current devices can help with muscle stimulation, they don’t deliver the skin quality enhancement that RF (Radio Frequency) and LED (Light Emitting Diodes) technologies provide.

According to Reszko, the Skorr Glow boasts an astounding power level that’s over twice as strong as the commonly used NuFace device. She stated emphatically that while the NuFace delivers a maximum output of 425 watts, the Skorr Glow cranks it up to 1100. Meanwhile, Shamban expressed dissatisfaction with existing LED devices, citing issues like uncomfortable masks, eye-closing requirements, heavy construction, cord attachments causing shoulder strain, and difficult maintenance due to accumulated debris. Notably, she mentioned one laser device that costs around $3,000, but this comes with the need for eye protection, potential increased photosensitivity, and additional complications in its usage.

Despite Reszko and Shamban’s assertive statements about home dermatology devices, the broader dermatological community expresses cautious optimism. Dr. Shari Lipner, New York State Dermatological Society’s President, is wary of endorsing these products wholeheartedly. She states that while the FDA ensures safety, more research is required to determine their effectiveness. “These devices might offer some advantages,” she notes, “but we’re unsure about their lasting impact without extensive, rigorous studies conducted over a longer period.

Regarding at-home skincare tools, New York oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Robert Schwarcz expresses a somewhat limited advantage, especially in post-surgery situations. He stated, “Over time, patients have shown me homemade devices, and generally I’ve been unimpressed, but I know these two dermatologists, and I think they are exceptionally intelligent.” He continued, “The power settings on these tools are much stronger than typical Amazon products, and the LED lights are of superior quality. I believe there is a demand among post-surgical patients because swelling and lymphatic issues can persist, and I appreciate the multiple functions available with the light therapy because I actually endorse anti-inflammatory light treatments.

Of course, even these powerful new tools, which are not much heavier than lipsticks, won’t entirely eliminate visits to a dermatologist’s office. “CARA will improve overall quality of skin, including texture, hydration and elasticity, and will help with sagging,” said Shamban, “but if you want to get rid of deep lines, you will need toxins, filler and laser from a board-certified doctor.”

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2024-12-04 20:55