During my childhood, the term “at-home aesthetic devices” evoked memories of a specific machine known as the Slendertone, which claimed to tone abdominal muscles through electrical stimulation. This device even had endorsements from renowned athletes like Muhammad Ali and Franz Beckenbauer. My mother was a model, and her cupboard housed an array of intriguing beauty tools—including stylish stilettos, exotic clutches, heated hair rollers, and, of course, that old Slendertone.

After school, alone in an empty apartment, I would pull out the Slendertone, a beige gadget complete with vintage Bakelite knobs that looked as if it belonged on a sci-fi set. With only my underwear on, I would attach the rubber electrodes to my thighs and stomach and secure them with long Velcro straps. Once set, I’d crank the dial to its highest setting and relax, eating Marmite on buttered toast while watching my favorite soap opera. As a child lacking athletic prowess, this was my way of attempting a workout without engaging in traditional sports. Although the results were questionable, I like to think it was the toast’s fault rather than the device.

My subsequent venture into beauty gadgets brought me face-to-face with the pain-inducing Epilady. The agony of using its metal rings to remove stubborn leg hairs was legendary, with the hairs growing back in a curly mess merely a week later.

Reflecting back, the notion of beauty in the Eighties and Nineties did not align with home treatments; significant transformations were reserved for luxury retreats like Champneys.

The landscape shifted dramatically with the introduction of the Clarisonic—a facial cleansing tool featuring soft bristles and a rotating head, promising deep-cleaned pores via technology akin to that of a toothbrush. The Clarisonic heralded a new era of at-home beauty solutions, paving the way for various advanced aesthetic devices.

For kitting out your skincare arsenal with cutting-edge tools, currentbody.com serves as an excellent resource, offering a comprehensive selection of nearly 1,000 products, including at-home lasers, electrical devices, and facial cleansers. Laurence Newman, the founder, notes, “When we launched, we had nothing on the website; now we have transformed into a hub for at-home beauty technology.” These devices aim to replicate salon treatments, combining professional efficacy with convenient home use.

While many devices are indeed safe, caution is warranted. Dr. Anita Sturnham, a GP specializing in dermatology, emphasizes that although some tools like microcurrent devices are legitimate, others, particularly at-home needling tools, should be left to professionals. “Microneedling is effective, but always best handled by an expert,” she advises.

Microcurrent facial devices are deemed safe for home use and show positive results. “For over 30 years, we’ve utilized microcurrents in dermatology for various skin treatments. They are both safe and effective,” Sturnham elaborates.

At-home laser and LED devices are generally milder than clinical versions but remain powerful. Brands like Dermalux and Déesse Pro benefit from clinical research, ensuring effective treatments while maintaining safety practices. Sturnham underscores the necessity of adhering to safety guidelines, including wearing protective eyewear during treatments.

With my goggles on and toast at the ready, I explore some of the latest at-home beauty devices.

The Light Salon Boost LED Face Mask

This mask utilizes red-light technology, becoming an essential element in upscale skincare routines and treatments. Effective even for those with acne-prone skin, its co-founder Laura Ferguson was inspired to create The Light Salon after witnessing the benefits of LED while working in elite spas. In 2019, they launched the world’s first FDA-cleared LED mask, bringing professional-grade therapy into the home.

With a focus on safety and efficacy, The Light Salon’s devices remain at the forefront of the LED movement, providing skin benefits such as improved elasticity and enhanced barrier function. It’s designed for easy integration into a daily routine.

Lightinderm

Innovator Géraldine Decaux spent a decade creating Lightinderm, driven by a mission to help heal skin post-cancer treatment through the use of beneficial wavelengths. The device combines light therapy with specialized serums tailored for various skin concerns, delivering impressive results in a compact, easy-to-use format.

ZIIP Halo

The latest ZIIP Halo model enhances its predecessor with a convenient four-minute routine, allowing for treatments without needing to sync with a phone. Users report noticeable results in acne and scarring, thanks to advanced microcurrent technologies.

HigherDose

This infrared sauna blanket has gained popularity in wellness circles. Utilizing thermal energy for various health benefits, it offers a unique experience that promotes relaxation and detoxification, with easy maintenance and storage.

Lyma Laser

This powerful at-home laser device, resembling a sleek torch, offers extensive skin benefits, including collagen rejuvenation and reduction in visible imperfections when used consistently over time.

Jovs Venus Pro

This compact hair removal device utilizes intense pulsed light technology for a permanent solution. With specialized attachments for various body parts and a built-in cooling system, it ensures user comfort and effectiveness, primarily catering to lighter skin tones with darker hair.

Nuface Mini

This facial toning device employs microcurrent technology to help combat issues like sagging and signs of aging. Its quick, user-friendly design allows for effective facial toning at home.

Slendertone Evolve Abs

Revamped for modern users, the Slendertone Evolve Abs features a soft foam construction and adhesive gel pads, presenting a more comfortable approach to muscle toning.

The Dermalux Flex

This comprehensive at-home LED device, offering a range of light therapies for skin rejuvenation, effectively supports various skin concerns and improves overall appearance with consistent use.

Foreo Luna Play Smart 2

The Foreo Luna Play Smart 2 is a modern, clever device that provides skin cleansing through sonic waves, complemented by an app to personalize treatment based on individual skin needs, making it a stylish addition to any skincare routine.