2022 Skincare Trends: Facial Tools & Skincare Devices

What we can do instead, is to postulate based on our existing knowledge and database about the existing technologies, and also how well they have worked in terms of studies and  trials that have been performed. So before you decide which skinvestment or which of the 2022 skincare trends you want to invest in this year, be sure to research the types of technologies involved in the manufacturing of these devices. My top picks for best technologies for home facial devices are the following: radiofrequency, microcurrent, and also microdermabrasion. These are my top picks for effective delivery with skincare benefits via these small handheld home systems. 

Do skincare devices actually work?

I get a lot of feedback about home devices being white elephants, and some of these come from my patients. It’s very interesting for us to touch on the possible reasons behind this. What do you think? Well, let me first go into the possible reasons why one does not make use of these home facial devices even after purchasing them. If you resonate with that, hopefully my explanation here may help to serve as a guide as to how to overcome this. Also, if you are planning to get a home facial device to augment your skincare regimen in 2022, this can serve as a guide for our choices in terms of the best home facial device that we could choose- within our budget of course. 

Understanding how your skincare device works

First up, the lack of efficacy is a possible reason why one eventually stops using a home device. If you’ve already invested hundreds of dollars on your home facial device of choice, and it’s sitting idly on your vanity table, hopefully these are tips that can help you get started on what I believe is truly a skincare must-have in year 2022 and beyond. Well, if you’ve done your research to purchase the right home facial device, in this case, I am referencing evidence based technologies -radiofrequency, microcurrent and microdermabrasion. These work very well as home facial devices, especially when from a reputed skincare brand. You need to understand first of all, how these actually work. So that will serve as a real motivation for you to start using them. 

The great thing is that microcurrent and microdermabrasion are actually suitable for at-home facial devices. This is because the technology itself enables literally an instant result that is visible to the naked eye. So this is a sort of gratification that we need when it comes to habit-forming. If you’re not having the habit of using a home facial device, choosing the right home facial device will make all the difference. Let me explain how these two technologies work.

2022 Skincare trends: Microdermabrasion facial tools

First of all, microdermabrasion specifically targets the superficial layers of skin cells known as the corneocytes in the stratum corneum. Well, we know that effective cell renewal rates directly impacts skin radiance. When we are looking for an instant overall brightening effect, we actually need to look at how products can target the topmost layer of skin cells. An effective method of achieving this is via chemical peels, which utilise alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin on a microscopic level.

However, we do not recommend using the highest strength of chemical peel concentrations at home. In fact, in countries like Singapore, it is not possible to procure these legally. This is because of the risk of chemical burns, which can be caused by leaving on the acids for too long or accidental contact with critical areas such as your eyes or your mouth area.  

How does microdermabrasion work?

What is a good and effective alternative is microdermabrasion. Many of you may have heard of diamond microdermabrasion. These are effective for removing the same topmost layer of skin cells in a mechanical fashion. Also, with gentle vacuum suction. Overall, this stimulates collagen production and can enhance delivery of antioxidant solutions. However, the diamond microdermabrasion tool is only available for use in-clinic or at least in professional settings. This is because it can be quite abrasive and does require training to operate it safely. 

One of the 2022 skincare trends is home devices that utilize alternative microdermabrasion technologies. For example, we actually incorporated a nanoparticle impregnated copper ion tip that delivers positive ions to your skin. At the same time performing a gentle abrasive action using vacuum technology. This is the reason why it enables instant brightening. It actually exfoliates the top layer of your skin cells. If you have heard of instant brightening skincare or instant beauty products, which seem to be all the rage these days, then be aware that there could actually be some scientific basis behind these claims.

For instance, vacuum microdermabrasion does directly target the root cause of skin dullness. Dull skin is the retention of dead skin cells, as well as delayed cell renewal cycles as one grows older. This sort of instant brightening effect after using a home facial device is actually very satisfying. It is also one of the reasons that can encourage you to keep using your home facial device. 

Dull skin causes

I want to talk a little bit about skin dullness here. We can link skin dullness to environmental factors which we can control. So in terms of biological ageing, we know that as we grow older, our skin cells increasingly find it stressful to repair DNA damage. This is the reason why a lot of physical signs of skin ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, irregular skin texture, and large pores come about. The other aspect of skin dullness has to do with the deposition of particulate matter. These are pollutants that we call PM 2.5 particulate matter that exist in our environment. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, these can have an impact on the quality of your skin. Especially now that we know more and more about the latest research on skin ageing.

Let me share a little bit about this. The skin exposome concept is actually the latest model of skin ageing that scientists are studying. We can link this to the physiological process of inflammaging. This a term coined primarily by oncologists to describe the processes that work together to eventually lead to cancer formation. This is also the reason why our organs degenerate as we grow older. So it is no surprise that it is the same for the skin the largest organ of the body. 

2022 Skincare trends: Microcurrent home skincare devices

I want to share a little bit now about microcurrent, another one of 2022 skincare trends. It is the other technology which I feel that deserves a lot more attention in terms of home facial devices. It is actually very well evidenced in wound healing studies where it demonstrates significant stimulation of collagen production. When we incorporate this in a home facial device, it suggests that it will be equally effective. First of all, it is very safe. Unlike other forms of therapies such as laser or even High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) which have to be performed in a clinic setting and by licenced personnel. Microcurrent, as its name suggests, is actually based on low levels of electrical current that seem to work as effectively in terms of stimulating collagen production and without the additional hassle of visiting a therapist or a clinic.

Tips on choosing a microcurrent device

Here are some tips on choosing an effective microcurrent device. It’s important that you do your research and get it from a reputable brand. A good microcurrent device should have a one year guarantee. For an electrical home device, this will be considered the gold standard. Anything shorter than that is likely not going to be delivering the same amount of electrical current after a few months. Additionally, it’s important for it to have a sturdy construction because the technology itself depends on the ability of the microspheres to conduct the microcurrent effectively. 

Choose a device that is easy to use

The other top reason why your home facial device may end up being a white elephant is perhaps that you find it difficult to use. I would like to highlight one important factor and you can consider it my personal skincare tip. Human beings are actually creatures of habit. It is definitely possible for us to change our habits. However, we should do so in a gradual way using a method I find is most effective- habit stacking. We use this term in dietary plans. However, I personally utilise it for a lot for my day-to-day tasks. In addition, whatever seems burdensome to your mind. If it brings about the idea of you actually spending a little bit more energy or effort than you’re used to, then embrace it, because this extra step is actually very easily overcome. 

The key here is actually to increase your task a little bit at a time. If you already have a good skincare regimen, you’ll understand what I mean by it being simply effortless to go through the steps. In fact, you can even perceive it as a therapeutic part of your self-care regimen. The other key here is to really understand how the technology works. This is because that will serve as the main motivation for you using it. 

Are there home alternatives for laser treatment?

In 2020, at the start of the pandemic in my clinic, we actually transitioned our patients who were unregular medi acials to this proprietary device the SilkPeel, that utilises the principles of vacuum microdermabrasion in a small handheld device. We supply them with the same medi-facial solutions compounded by our pharmacy to achieve the same experience that they’re used to. Would this be the same for a laser device? Well, that’s where we really have to understand the science behind this. Lasers are not safely operated in a non clinical setting. In fact, it’s illegal for non medical personnel to even possess a laser. This is an example of a technology that cannot be effectively harnessed for a homecare device. 

Medi-facials

However, the selection of specific technologies for medifacials- examples would include microdermabrasion, as well as sonic cleansing, are very effective in home facial care devices. The Korean style medifacials is actually based on a sonic cleansing technology. It’s a clever incorporation of the ultrasound technology that allows both increase absorption of antioxidant serums and performing an exfoliating function at the same time.

The other aspect of your home facial device use has to do with the duration that it’s involved. So if you’re using a device that requires you to spend 30 minutes or more, it is unlikely that you will persist with it. It is part of our innate coping mechanisms to choose efficient and convenient methods of doing things. Therefore, our home care regimen should be envisioned as such as well. The good thing about most home facial care devices based on microcurrent technology is that it takes only 2-3 minutes to work through the entire face, delivering the amount of low-level electrical current that’s required for results. 

At-home aesthetic treatments: a post-pandemic reality

The other aspect to consider is in a world of COVID-19, we have to acknowledge that sometimes trips out do actually bring a certain level of anxiety. Let alone maskless procedures, which is really the state of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Hence, I feel that home devices really fill that gap. Especially for my patients who are very diligent about their skincare and self-care regimen. 

In the next few podcasts, we’ll be touching on other hot 2022 skincare trends, which I think will dominate the beauty news in the new year. In the meantime, remember to follow me on my instagram @Drteowanlin. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel Science of Beauty, where we will be releasing more videos on skincare education. We have a brand new section this year under skin sleuth, which is an animated series where I explained the science behind your favourite skincare formulations. This week’s skin sleuth episode is on the science behind moisturiser therapy. 

In summary

As at-home health and wellness continues to be the focus during the pandemic, Singapore dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin shares her prediction about the rise of popularity of home-care devices- including dermatologist-recommended skincare devices, and the benefits of incorporating clinical-standard technology into your daily skincare routine.