Should you toss your gua sha away for expensive beauty-tech devices?

While the price tags of beauty-tech devices are likely to startle you, they do offer extensive reparative care to your skin

There are face tools and then there are high technology-driven beauty devices. So far, beauty consumers have equally subscribed to both ends of the spectrum, celebrities included. While Kourtney Kardashian swears by an LED mask, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt love using face rollers and vibration-inducing face massagers respectively. However, beauty tech is steadily taking over the practice of using face tools such as gua shas and jade rollers to scrape the skin. Internationally, Kim Kardashian, Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba have gone on record to manifest their preference for ultra-modern beauty-tech devices manufactured by brands like NuFace, ZIIP, and Nurse Jamie. Numbers propagate our theory [about beauty-tech devices] too. According to a report by Business Wire, the beauty devices market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.8 per cent between the forecast period from 2019 to 2027, starting from US$36.74 billion in 2018. We speak to experts to decipher why expensive beauty-tech devices are an integral part of the future of at-home skincare.

Tech v/s tools

While conventional face tools thrive on the premise of strategically shaped metals and stones, beauty-tech devices can combine various new-age technologies into equipment that targets one or many skin concerns simultaneously. Enumerating some of the common face tools available in the Indian market, Dr Varshini Reddy, dermatologist and founder of The Glow Clinic, names radio frequency devices, LED masks, cleansing devices (think FOREO), ultrasonic devices, microcurrent devices, and even a few face lasers. 

Citing the primary difference between manual and mechanical beauty tools, New Delhi-based aesthetician Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta says, “Crystal and stone tools focus on manual massage and energy balance, promoting circulation and reducing tension. On the other hand, tech-driven tools utilise electronic mechanisms, such as microcurrents or LED light therapy, aiming to stimulate muscles and enhance collagen production.” Along the same lines, Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist and founder of Yavana Aesthetics, states, “Beauty tech tools like microcurrent and LED are based on technology that aids one’s body’s natural responses. Microcurrent features technology that stimulates the muscles of the face whereas LED has different wavelengths that follow the principle of photobiomodulation to work on the skin.” 

Sometimes, the benefit portfolio is also influenced by the material used in the fabrication of various tools. “The Kwansha tool is purely made out of naturally occurring metal and is formulated with the ancient know-how of Ayurveda with bronze as the key metal. In Ayurveda, bronze is known to have multiple benefits for the skin, lending vitality and radiance. When the metal interacts with the skin, it aids in micro-circulation, promoting oxygen-enriched blood flow to the skin and imparting a luminous glow,” begins Kavita Khosa, founder of Purearth. “Our Kwansha Coin works on the skin, underlying connective tissues, and the bioelectric and energetic prana fields of our body. Drawing out acidity, blockages, impurities, and toxins from the skin, the tool is designed to make the skin toned, firm and glowing.” However, Agarwal reminds us that most claims made by gua sha- and face rollers-selling brands are not scientifically proven. 

Why are beauty-tech devices worth the investment?

If not a momentary sense of relaxation but more prominent results are what you seek, trust beauty-tech devices to be your best bet. The in-built technology of such devices makes at-home use fuss-free, tossing away all the technique-based hard work involved in the case of manual face tools. “Beauty-tech devices are superior to crystal and metal ones because the former harness technology, which means they boast proven results in studies on real people. The technique and results are more predictable and automated.” 

Reddy draws a comparison between at-home devices and in-office equipment, explaining, “Though they can’t replace clinical strength machinery, beauty-tech devices like radio frequency, microcurrent and LED light therapy are available in at-home versions with a possibly lesser strength but nonetheless work well when incorporated a couple of times a week. If used consistently, they can stimulate collagen over time and tighten, firm and lift the skin.” Exorbitant beauty-tech devices, therefore, seem like reasonable one-time investments, when compared with frequent in-office treatments to achieve similar benefits. 

What you should (and shouldn’t) expect 

Though an LED mask may mimic a miracle-generating beauty weapon of sorts, think of beauty-tech devices as an add-on in your skincare routine. “It can enhance the skin’s health but remember, it is not the cure for your skin problems. I recommend beauty-tech tools over non-tech ones any day as there is some proven benefit to them and they are not reliant on manual manipulation. The chances of side-effects or problems also are unlikely to occur,” says Agarwal. “Beauty-tech devices show results based on the device used, the quality of the device, the concern and the protocols. LED light can show subtle results after a few weeks of use in skin texture whereas microcurrent—when the appropriate device is used regularly—can show effects in 4-6 weeks.” However, Reddy mentions that the effects of beauty-tech devices could also become provisional, if not done on a regular basis.

“I use the BOOST LED Face Mask—it lends immediate radiance to the skin. You can use a really watery serum under it to boost the effects of the serum. Within two weeks of consistent use, I have noticed acne scars lighten much quicker and make the pores look more evened out,” shares Sakshi Kabra, a content creator and founder of Sunday Forever. Stating how she prescribes the best tools for her clients, Vibhuti Arora, face yoga specialist and founder of House of Beauty, shares, “While they all have some overlapping benefits like face toning, lifting, and lymphatic drainage, I always ask my clients to first focus on their primary concern, shortlist the tools, and then understand what suits their lifestyle the most so that they can be regular.” A useful investment considers personal preferences, skin needs, and consistency in usage. “Assessing reviews, understanding your skin goals, and consulting skincare professionals can guide your choice,” concludes Mittal Gupta.

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