Face Cleansing Brushes and Steamers: Clean Up Your Act

Face Cleansing Brushes

You’re probably familiar with facial cleansing (sonic) brushes, which are a gentle intro to DIY skin tech. These either spin or vibrate to gently exfoliate everything from your face to your feet, leaving skin silky smooth and very clean! These brushes can be used with your favourite cleanser, and will enhance the efficacy of your other skin care products, as clean skin absorbs product better.

It’s important to do the research on the quality of the brush head. It needs to be soft enough not to cause any skin sensitivity or damage, while firm enough to give a massage to promote circulation and increase collagen production.

CAUTION: They look much like toothbrushes and (like toothbrushes) need to have the heads changed regularly. They can also act as a physical exfoliator, much in the way that a facial scrub would, and so you must proceed with caution as you would do with any exfoliating product – limit your use so that you don’t overdo it.

Unfortunately, the original gold standard Clarisonic brush has been discontinued, but there are a number of alternatives available locally. A German brand, Beurer FC 65 Pureo Deep Clear Facial Brush (R1099), not only cleanses but includes a blue LED light to help reduce skin impurities so is perfect for acne-prone skin. There are also many budget-friendly options, such as the Carmen Facial Epilator & Brush Set at Dis-Chem (R389.95), as well as the Sorbet Facial Brush at Clicks (R399).

 

Silicon Facial Cleansers: The Foreo Phenomenon

Whilst not a traditional brush, Foreo has also developed a huge fan base across the world with a totally different approach to cleansing.

Using T-Sonic™ pulsations that are channeled through a unique brush surface of soft silicone touch-points allows for effective yet gentle cleansing of dirt, oil and other impurities from the skin’s pores, leaving behind nothing but clearer, brighter and healthier-looking skin.

With options for normal, combo and sensitive skins, you can find the full Foreo range locally online at Skinmiles. You could also opt for a more budget friendly option like Sorbet’s Hydro Skin Silicon Facial Cleanser at Clicks (R299).

Face Steamers

Facial steaming is great for unclogging pores and eliminating blackheads, unless you have sensitive/reactive skin or rosacea, which should avoid steaming as it can aggravate your redness.

We like the Carmen Facial Sauna Deluxe available at Dis-Chem (R429.95) and Sorbet’s Nano Facial Steamer from Clicks (R1199).

Read More. Are You ABSOLUTELY Sure You Are Using the Right Products to Care for Your Skin?

LED Light Therapy Masks and Devices: Skin Saviours

The beneficial properties of LED (light emitting diode) lights were first discovered in the 70’s by NASA, when they saw their effect on plant growth. Nearly two decades of research shows that lights emitting specific wavelengths can penetrate skin, so light therapy treatment has long been used by doctors and aesthetic clinics to treat different skin conditions - different light wavelengths absorb into the skin at varying depths – from acne to pigmentation to treating sun damage.
 
LED therapy is the gentlest of all light therapies, painless and the colours can even be relaxing. They’re great to use between microdermabrasion and microneedling treatments, enhancing their effect.
 
The most commonly used are blue and red lights: -
 

• Blue light at 415 to 444 nanometers kills the P. Acnes spot-causing bacteria, helps with scar healing and lightens pigmentation.


• Red light is the skin all-rounder. At 633 nm, it helps reduce inflammation, promote circulation and stimulate the healing process to treat and reduce breakouts. It also stimulates collagen production. And it's great for soothing rosacea and treating fine lines and wrinkles.
  
  Research shows that combined blue and red light treatment is significantly more effective than using chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, and it is a perfect complement to your dermatologist treatment. It is recommended you do it daily for at least 12 weeks.


• Green light influences the melanin-producing cells in the skin, limiting overproduction of melanin and helping to reduce existing excess pigmentation.


• Amber or yellow light stimulates collagen and elastin, improves cell oxygen oxygenation and promotes brightness.


• White light penetrates the deepest and works to tighten and reduce inflammation.

Tip: When shopping, look at the number of lights on the device. The best home LED facial devices have at least 10 to 20 LEDs bulbs, and used daily for 10 minutes, can have good results.
 
CAUTION: If your skin is photosensitive, using light technology is not recommended. Do not shine the light in your eyes as it is very bright.

 

LED light therapy devices and tools that look promising:
 

• LED Light Therapy Mask (R1100). We can’t help thinking of Phantom of the Opera with this one, but we’re told that shlebs like Kourtney K, Jessica Alba and Chrissy Teigen swear by LED phototherapy masks. Available in South Africa, this Hollywood beauty secret is perfect for all skin types. It's a lightweight face mask that is easy to use and offers the whole deal with red, blue , green, white, purple, cyan and yellow light therapy.
  
  The promise: For acne concerns, scars, dark marks and blemishes, anti-ageing, skin tightening for fine lines and wrinkles, evening out and brightening skin, as well as rosacea. Overall, it will give you a significant improvement in skin tone, texture, clarity and radiance.

 

LED light therapy devices that also offer ultrasound or radio frequency for extra skin tightening and firming benefits – just like a mini non-surgical face lift at home:
 

• Sorbet 5-in-1 Light Therapy Device (R899). Multipurpose radio frequency, electrical muscle stimulation, electroporation and LED skin therapy to mimic the salon experience at home. Stimulates regeneration of collagen, tightens skin and has a remarkable effect on improving skin texture and colour.
  
  The promise: Helps to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, diminish skin blemishes and rejuvenate your entire complexion. A brilliant multitasker that’ll meet most of your skin care needs. With radio frequency (RF) for firming and anti-ageing, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to promote skin muscle vitality, and electroporation for lifting and tightening. LED light therapy for skin whitening, anti-aging, scar reduction. Includes colour wavelengths of violet (for skin lightening), red (reduces wrinkles; firms skin), orange (for wrinkles; rough skin; redness) blue (acne inflammation; hyperpigmentation). A combination of violet, red and blue helps treat acne and reduce acne-causing bacteria.


• Blue Light Therapy Treatment Face Acne Removal Pen (R438). A smaller pen-like device which focuses on blue light therapy specifically to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation for clearer, healthier skin.


• Portable LED Photon Rejuvenation Beauty Machine, (R695). This nifty travel size device (which can be charged via any USB port) has 4 interchangeable vibrating heads with red, blue, yellow and purple LEDs. It can be used on the face, arms, thighs, breasts and abdomen.
  
  The promise: Red LED for anti-aging, blue for clearing acne prone skin, yellow for pigmentation and dark marks, and purple for lymph drainage and breast enhancement.


• Mini Hifu, (R2885) High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) face device that offers the best non-invasive at home alternative to a surgical face or neck lift. Non-invasive ultrasound energy generates low levels of heat in the targeted skin that stimulates the cells for collagen production and tissue rejuvenation. Although this device doesn’t include photon therapy, it’s worth considering because of the effectiveness of HIFU alone - and also has some great reviews.
  
  The promise: A must have face contouring treatment option for lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, penetrating to depths only previously possible with surgery. It helps to improve and tighten sagging skin (cheeks, jowls and neck) and reduce a double chin and undereye bags. It can also help smooth uneven, dimpled or wrinkled skin on the tummy, arms, hands, thighs and buttocks.

Facial Massager Tools: Jade Rollers and Gua Sha Stones

Any facial massage will help boost circulation that brings fresh blood and nutrients to the skin cells, and you’ll find that a 5-minute daily once-over with a jade roller can be particularly beneficial as you get older.

If you want to reduce facial puffiness, then you need to add lymphatic drainage to the equation. In this case, a jade roller won’t be able to deliver, and it’s best to opt for a gua sha stone that can get into all the nooks and crannies of your face.

A lymphatic massage can be very effective in helping to reduce puffiness, but you need to be familiar with the gua sha massage technique to ensure that you are doing it correctly and reaping the full benefits.
 

• Jade Roller with Heart Gua Sha Tool, (R455). Jade facial rollers integrate natural energy from the stone, while the coolness of the jade closes pores, promotes blood circulation, reduces puffiness, wrinkling and more.


• Rose Quartz Roller with Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool, (R455). This dual ended roller can be used for massaging the face, neck and eyes & can help fight wrinkles & decrease puffiness. Rose quartz brings a deep inner healing, enhancing self-love, self-trust, self-worth and self-confidence.


• Cala Facial Roller Rose Quartz, (R329.95). Available at Dis-Chem if you just want a standalone facial roller.

Read More. The Best Skin Care Product Essentials You Need To Use Based On Your Age

Microdermabrasion Treatment Devices: Want an Instant Glow?

Microdermabrasion uses vacuum and microcrystals to gently ‘sandblast’ the skin, sloughing off the dead and dull surface layers of the skin. The home use device typically uses sanding disks of varying coarseness.

While minimally abrasive, apart from stimulating collagen production, enhancing circulation and lymph flow and leaving your face clean, super smooth and radiant (light reflects better off a smooth surface), microdermabrasion also helps to removes blackheads, improve age spots, dark marks, hyperpigmentation and acne scars, and helps reduce large pores and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

CAUTION: We advise only using the finest sanding for face, keeping the coarser tips for body use.

 

• Beurer Microdermabrasion FC 76, (R1199). With a 2-way adjustable effect incorporating an exfoliator plus a vacuum massager. 3 high-quality attachments with sapphire coating.
  
  The promise: Exfoliates to gently remove excess skin cells while the vacuum massage effect promotes circulation and stimulates cell renewal. A two-way treatment for a more even and younger-looking skin.


• Beurer Pureo Derma Peel FC 100, (R2199). This German microdermabrasion device has 2 functions - revitalising exfoliation and vacuum massage, which promotes circulation and stimulates cell renewal. It has 5 intensity levels, but don’t use the coarser attachments on your face. These would be good for hard skin on heels, etc. It carries a 3-year warranty.
  
  The promise: Blurs age spots, irregularities in the skin and acne scars, softens fine lines, removes dead skin cells plus promotes healthy skin renewal for a younger, smoother and more even looking complexion.

Read More. Get Rid of Pigmentation and Dark Spots: Everything You Need To Know

Microneedling At Home Tools: Derma Roller and Dermapen Skin Boosters

Originally pioneered by plastic surgeons, including one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons - our own Dr. Des Fernandes, who also founded Environ skin care - microneedling in doctor practices involves using a roller covered with tiny needles, which roll over the skin and create tiny pinpoint holes, which the body repairs by stimulating collagen production, so the skin plumps up. It also helps to increase the absorption of treatments applied on the skin afterwards.

Obviously, home-use derma roller devices will not be as efficient as a salon treatment as the needles are smaller, so you don’t injure yourself. But continuous use shows great improvement in skin texture and firmness the appearance of lines and scars - acne and otherwise (see before and after pics). It even works for bags under the eyes and stretch marks. Best used with a serum that is most suited to your personal skin concern.

Caution: Although suitable for all skins, including dark complexions, it's better to research whether the device you buy is suitable for use on sensitive skin types. If you’re considering daily use, the home-use needles for face shouldn't be longer than 0.25mm.

Make sure it’s a proper microneedling device rather than a cheap imitation that could cause damage to your skin. And be aware that you have to regularly replace the needle heads every few months as they become blunt with regular use.

A little cautious about doing this at home? Check out our full microneedling guide here.
 

• Derma Roller offerings start from R350 on the Dermaroller online store where there’s also a really good intro to derma rolling to help you out. A great startup option is the DRS Derma Roller 192 pins Titanium (R355) with 0.5mm needles (to be used only once a week). The product is really good quality, comes with clear usage instructions, and is very easy to use!


• Environ also launched the first home-use facial roller, Roll-Cit, about R900 from Sorbet salons and other stockists.


• Dermapens are next generation microneedling devices that have a much smaller surface area allowing you to treat hard to reach areas quickly and easily. As their oscillating needles essentially ’skim’ the surface of the skin, they are also more effective and safer than rollers with quicker treatment times. They claim to achieve similar results to fractional laser treatments without any of the risks or downtime.
  
  We recommend the Dr Pen Microneedle Pen - Ultima A1 (R1996) to tighten, lift and rejuvenate skin. It comes with 10 replacement cartridges.


• Serums we like: La Roche Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum and Celltone Intensive Spot Control Serum for oily and acne prone skins, Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate and L’Oréal Skin Revitalift Laser Retinol Serum for anti-aging concerns, and Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum or Vichy Mineral 89 Booster for dry and dehydrated skin.

Read More. The Best Serums Will Help You Reach Your Dream Skin (Yes, Really)

Skin Laser Treatment: Lasers at Home?

Is this for real? Yes, but most anti-aging lasers tend to be for skin around the eyes or lips.
 
The state-of-the-art DIY laser is the Tria Smooth Beauty Laser, which several US dermatologists rate. It is the only home-use device with diode laser technology, and they are impressed with its results in treating signs of ageing - helping to fade pigmentation and stimulating collagen to smooth out fine lines. Its light energy creates microscopic injuries in your skin's collagen layer, jumpstarting repair processes and stimulating new collagen production.
 
While it uses the same wavelength as professional lasers, it has to be at lower energy levels so as not to damage the skin. What this means is that yes - the laser will work - but it will take considerably longer than a professional treatment. Over a few months, lines, pigmentation spots, coarseness, and sun damage fade and are replaced with healthier skin. Some derms say it's especially effective on the area around eyes.
 
CAUTION: You may feel as though you are receiving multiple pinpricks on your skin while using it, and it may make the skin feel 'sunburned' for a couple of hours. You'd really have to be committed to keeping this up for at least three months for it to be effective. Avoid pointing the laser directly at your eyes.
 
Investing in this baby is not going to come cheap. It’s not available anywhere in South Africa so you would need to shop for it on Amazon or Tria Beauty, where it costs $529 (about R9850), but you need to add import duties, freight etc. which will take the price up to about R16000). But compared to the cost of a professional fraxel facial, you’re still winning…

Eye Massagers: A Treat For The Eyes

Eye massagers are becoming very popular, are relatively cheap and easily available.
 

• DQUIP Eye Massager Sonic Vibration (R179.95) Uses sonic vibration to help reduce dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Massage the eye contour area with the heated roller to instantly relax and refresh your skin. It tightens, lifts, detoxes and soothes the skin around eyes for an immediate anti-aging effect.

Read More. Struggling to Remove Dark Circles and Puffiness Under Your Eyes? Here’s How

Microcurrent Facial Devices: Who Wants a Facelift?

Not everyone, but we all would like our face to feel firm and tight. Some facial massagers use electrical microcurrent stimulation that causes the muscles in the face to contract, giving a temporary ‘lift’ to brows, cheeks, and jawline for up to 24 hours – just like a mini workout for the skin.
 
Though the device sends electricity into the skin, it's not painful in the slightest—instead, its two metallic balls deliver what feels like a mini massage. It stimulates blood circulation, drains lymph nodes, and tightens superficial facial muscles enough to temporarily firm skin - addressing problems like sagging jowls as well as lines and wrinkles. But, unlike an in-salon treatment, it doesn't supply the energy required to promote collagen production, so you have to submit to a session every time you want that lift, otherwise muscles will return to their original state.
 

• NuFace Trinity is perhaps one of the most well-known microcurrent devices – it even snagged Allure’s Best of Beauty Award in 2020, and again in 2023. Best for lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, it also includes red LED light therapy. A study found that 80% of participants said their skin felt smoother after using the device for 5 minutes per day, 60 days in a row. Although not available in South Africa (be aware of fakes), you can pick up the genuine article on Nu Face’s site or Amazon for $350 (about R6500 excl. freight and duties).


• Mini Microcurrent Device (R395). If your budget doesn’t stretch to cover the Nu Face Trinity, this mini device would be a good although less powerful option for specific problem areas on your face. The gentle microcurrent current waves strengthen the muscle, improve blood circulation and promote cellular recovery and skin revitalization. The massage benefits include significantly improving product penetration so they are able to work more efficiently.
  
  The promise: In 5 minutes a day, it has a face lifting and wrinkle removing effect. The microcurrent tightens, lifts and tones skin tissue, as well as help firm and contour facial features, so minimising fine lines. Also increases blood circulation and helps skin absorb more nutrients so rehydrating and revitalising the whole face.


• Microcurrent Galvanic Face Lift Ion Device, (R2265). Offers several therapeutic effects such as deep cleansing and nourishing of the skin (via positive and negative ion therapy), muscle toning in the face and body, and lifting of facial contours.
  
  The promise: Rehabilitates the muscles and improves circulation, texture and tone whilst smoothing fine lines; helping reverse the signs of ageing on both an immediate & long-term basis. Regular use will continue to provide muscle strength and restore freshness, making it the ultimate gym workout for the face.

Laser Hair Removal At Home: Hairless Hope

Laser hair-removal DIY gadgets have been around for a while, but unfortunately, they took forever to work and under-delivered on their promise. Newer technology is looking a bit more hopeful, and American dermatologists have weighed in on the diode Tria Hair Removal Laser, saying it has the most science behind it.
 
CAUTION: As with all professional lasers, Tria Hair Removal Laser works only on dark hair and fair to (at most) medium skin, as the laser targets the dark pigment in the hair, so the darker the skin, the more likely it is to burn your skin, so it must not be used. It has a safety feature that locks the device if it finds the skin type unsuitable. It will also not work on grey, blond or red hair.
 
It can take months to yield results. And, as with all lasers, it is not a permanent hair removal solution, but rather used as ‘hair maintenance’, although the hairlessness can last for many years, especially under the arms, above the lips and on the bikini line. It is not painless. Imagine an elastic snapping against your skin – hard.
 
Due to the differences in the density and coarseness of the hair, it is not suitable for facial use for men. They can safely use it anywhere below the collar bone.
 

• Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X. Available for $499 (about R9300) on the Tria Beauty site (plus you need to add freight, taxes and duty for South Africa). They are the only FDA approved hair removal device.
  
  The promise: Tria Hair Removal Lasers have three times more hair eliminating energy than any other at-home hair removal device. Reduce up to 70% of unwanted hair 3 weeks after your second treatment and see permanent results in as few as 3 months.


• Beurer Long-Lasting Hair Removal IPL 8800 Cordless Velvet Skin Pro, (R5999). State-of-the-art light technology used by dermatologists for professional hair removal. IPL (intense pulsed light) deactivates the hair follicle deep under the skin to prevent hair regrowth. With an "Auto Flash" mode for quick and convenient application, it also offers unrivalled safety with the 2-in-1 skin-type and skin-contact sensor. Cordless and exceptionally easy to use – see their quick start video here.
  
  The promise: Up to 50% hair reduction after just 3 to 4 treatments. Includes an integrated UV filter with 6 energy levels for the face, arms, legs, armpits, bikini line and the back, chest and stomach and takes around just 21 minutes to treat the entire body. A great support system is their Beurer MyIPL app that helps you create a personalised treatment plan for long-lasting hair removal.


• Beurer IPL 5500 Pure Skin Pro Hair Removal Device, (R1991). Compact and easy to use, this is ideal for quick top-up treatments when it comes to curves and angles in small, hard-to-reach areas like armpits and bikini lines.
  
  The promise: Clinically and dermatology tested, this device has 3 energy levels and can be used for hair removal maintenance all over the body. Also supported by the Beurer MyIPL app.

Dermaplaning Tools: Silky Smooth Skin

Dermaplaning is a procedure that not only removes unwanted facial hair but also throws in some serious exfoliation into the mix. As the blade passes over your skin, it sweeps away dead skin cells, so leaving the skin silky smooth and glowing.

The true benefits of dermaplaning are often underplayed and overlooked, possibly because the treatment almost seems to be too easy to be true. In fact, many trained professionals believe this is the single most powerful way to quickly improve the skin’s appearance.
 

• Wahl Clean & Confident Precision Detailer, (R139) at Clicks. Removes facial hair but also lets you trim anywhere with the incredible precision of a wet/dry hair remover. Eyebrow guide comb to shape eyebrows; removes facial hair and trims bikini line. No nicking or pulling.


• IGIA Dermaplaner, (R298.95) at Dis-Chem. Removes unwanted hair and fuzz while providing an excellent exfoliating treatment. It harnesses the power of sonic together with expertly designed medical steel safety tips, which significantly reduce the appearances of lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and rough skin texture. Makes skin smoother and softer.

Sound Like Too Much Hard Work?

We can help. Discover all the best non-surgical face and body in-salon professional treatments to solve your oily skin, acne, aging concerns, pigmentation, scarring, undereye circles, moles, hair removal problems and more.

Read More. The Best Cosmetic Procedures - How to Improve Your Face and Body Without Surgery