Your dermatologist, or skin doctor, can work magic to help you improve your skin. Whether you are a regular in her office or you visit her for the occasional skin care concern, you enjoy the most up-to-date and accurate advice on treating your skin concerns, coupled with expert applications of the the latest and greatest of technology and available products.
Unfortunately, many of these treatments are expensive and time-consuming. Do you have other options? Sometimes, you do!
Many of the devices used by dermatologists in the office have been adapted by their manufacturers for use at home. Oftentimes, these devices are labeled as dermatologist-recommended, clinically proven, or dermatologist-tested. What do these labels mean?
Dermatologist-recommended means that at least one dermatologist has tried the product and given it her thumbs-up. Guidelines are not in place to regulate how much that dermatologist is paid to use and then recommend product, nor is there any regulation on how much a dermatologist needs to do to claim she has tested the product.
Clinically proven can mean a lot of different things, but usually refers to products that have been tested by more than one study, whereas clinically shown mainly refers to products that have been tested by one study only.
Dermatologist-tested is a phrase coined often by manufacturers when they know how and where the testing was done. Legitimate manufacturers will readily share this information to anyone who requests this information.
If the disclaimer “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA” is not made on a product label, competent and reliable scientific evidence is not required to back these claims.
We know how many devices are on the market and of course, every brand advertises how effective their products are compared to their competitors. Needless to say, being a consumer is nothing short of a daunting task. How do you know where to start?
We did the legwork for you of sifting through some of the top-reviewed, popular choices on the market. Here we give you the low down of 10 of these devices. Each of these products has been evaluated by the FDA.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Pro
Ideal for: Individuals with mature skin who would like to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes
What is it: This device is formulated to deliver the latest in LED light therapy to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is equipped with 72 LED lights that deliver a wide spectrum of energy, including red and infrared wavelength. These energies penetrate the skin to promote collagen production, smooth wrinkles, and decrease signs of aging.
“The SpectraLite EyeCare Pro uses the same LED technology as my in-office treatments,” said New York City-based dermatologist, Dr. Dennis Gross, in an interview with Forbes.
Why we love it: Worn like a pair of goggles, it is hands-free, easy-to-use, and suitable for use on all skin types.
Ideal for: Individuals with mature skin who would like to reduce signs of aging
What is it: Like the SpectraLite EyeCare Pro, this device uses LED light technology to smooth out your skin and reduce wrinkles. Your skin absorbs the UV-free light to experience its beneficial effects, including natural collagen production.
Why we love it: This portable device takes only minutes to use anytime anywhere. Unlike the SpectraLite EyeCare Pro, it was designed to be applied anywhere on the face.
Ideal for: Individuals with acne-prone skin looking to treat and prevent blemishes
What is it: Similar to LightStim for Wrinkles, this device uses LED light therapy to work its magic. The LED emits blue and red wavelengths of light, which work together to combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness and inflammation.
Why we love it: Similar to other devices on the market, it is easy to use and takes only minutes to apply. However, this device has been designed specifically to treat acne!
Ideal for: Individuals with aging skin looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
What is it: This device uses what is called 3DEEP technology to boost collagen production and improve the texture of your aging skin. 3DEEP technology is patented by Endymed Medical to deliver energy to multiple layers of the skin.
Why we love it: The device’s design allows you to easily cover larger areas of your face and neck. The process can be completed in less than 10 minutes per day.
NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Set
Ideal for: Individuals with mature skin looking to firm up the appearance of loose, saggy skin
What is it: The device uses microcurrents, or low-energy electrical currents, to tone and contour your skin. These currents mimic your own body’s currents, repairing damaged skin and stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Why we love it: This gentle and painless technology is conveniently delivered through the use of a built-in brush applicator.
Learn more: www.mynuface.com
NuFace NuBody ($399.00 on Amazon.com)
Ideal for: Individuals looking to improve the appearance of large areas of skin
What is it: Like its counterpart, NuFace Trinity, this device applies microcurrents to repair your skin, reduce the appearance of dimples, and tone imperfections. However, it includes what the manufacturer refers to as Micro-4 technology, which is comprised of 4 treatment spheres that can deliver energy to large areas of your body.
Why we love it: You needn’t worry about beautifying your face only. NuBody can easily be applied over your entire body.
Tria Beauty Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser
Ideal for: Individuals with mature skin looking to diminish signs of aging around their eyes
What is it: Using cutting edge laser technology to promote the production of collagen around the eyes, this product diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. The laser targets energy directly toward where collagen and elastin form.
Why we love it: This device is affordable and easy-to-use, allowing you to incorporate professional grade laser therapy into your skincare regimen, all from the convenience of your home.
Silk’n Titan Skin Tightening and Lifting
Ideal for: Individuals with mature skin looking to enhance their youthful glow
What is it: This device brings together three forms of energy to tighten and lift the skin: infrared, LED, and radiofrequency. Infrared energy improves blood circulation to texture and tone your skin. LED promotes collagen growth to diminish wrinkles and fine lines. Radiofrequency penetrates deep into your skin. With this combined technology, your skin repairs itself from the inside out.
Why we love it: This highly efficient and innovative product allows you to simultaneously address multiple issues with your skin.
Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask
Ideal for: Individuals suffering from acne breakouts
What is it: This product is comprised of a full-face mask alongside red and blue LED lights that clear breakouts and improve the appearance of skin.
Why we love it: It offers a budget-friendly, chemical-free approach to tackling your unwanted zits.
Learn more: www.neutrogena.com
Please note that this information is not a substitute for actual medical advice from your dermatologist, and she is your best resource for developing an appropriate skin care regimen.
