WTF – Which Tech Facial?!

Hello! And welcome back to the Nima Glow Guide. Today we’re discussing the rise of facial technology. We all know that tech is on the rise and With the growth of AI and automated services popping up everywhere we go, it’s no surprise that when it comes to facial skincare and the beauty industry, technology was always going to come up trumps.

And while this is an incredible development for skincare lovers everywhere, it can also feel very overwhelming. Where do you start? What device does what? What do all those letters stand for? What actually works? And what’s just clever marketing?

So let’s break it down—device by device—based on what I’ve personally used, what I rate and what’s genuinely available in the industry right now (and won’t break the bank completely). I’m going to try keep this as simple and helpful as possible and quench the overwhelming aspect when it comes to beauty tech.

Here goes…

If you’re looking For:

Glow, Even Skin Texture & a Youthful Look - Reach For…

LED Masks

If you want glow, luminosity, smoother skin texture and support with breakouts, this is your category.

What is an LED mask exactly?

An LED mask uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the skin.

Red light penetrates deeper into the dermis, encouraging collagen production, boosting elasticity and supporting overall rejuvenation.
Blue light works on the surface level to target bacteria, helping with acne, breakouts and can help calm perioral dermatitis.

LED therapy is non-invasive, safe for daily use and most importantly - powered by consistency.

My experience:

I’ve been using the Shark Cryo LED Face Mask – Cryo Glow for the past 43 days (to be specific) and I can absolutely vouch for the claims. You begin seeing results around the two-week mark and the glow continues to build from there. The Cryo Glow mask recommends:

6 minutes daily for glow
8 minutes daily if you’re targeting acne, breakouts or bacteria

This mask also offers cryotherapy under the eyes which helps with puffiness - a huge selling point for me.

I’ve seen brides this year go from “how?” to ‘POW’ between their trial and wedding day, and more often than not the secret was consistency with their LED mask. Some LED masks can also treat the neck, décolleté or even the hands—and honestly, why not? Your skin will thank you.

I’m coming up to my 56-day (8-week) mark and honestly, the excitement to see the full results. Im fully expecting my glow to be seen from space! Or the North Pole. No pressure Santa!

Have you tried an LED mask? Did you stay consistent? What results did you see?

Ok next…

If you’re looking For:

Smoother skin, even skin tone, better makeup application and boosted radiance - Reach for:

Silicone Cleansing Devices

These have been around for a while, with Foreo being the original market leader. But in recent years, we’ve seen more affordable, accessible options. My favourite affordable option is GESKE - These are gorgeous devices around €40, come in multiple colours, and widely available in local pharmacies.

So what does a silicone cleanser do?

A silicone cleansing device is used while washing your face, typically in the morning. Not recommended at night if removing makeup - you don’t want foundation clogging up the bristles. Benefits include:

Breaking up buildup on the skin
Mild exfoliation
Smoothing out texture (the word of the year!)
Removing dirt and bacteria
Vibration to stimulate blood circulation

Top Tip:

Makeup does not sit well on skin that lacks microcirculation. The more blood flow in your skin - the more alive, radiant and long-wearing your makeup becomes.

A silicone cleanser helps get that glow going before you even apply product so your results are smooth, clear radiant looking skin, better absorption of skincare because of a deeper cleanse and fresher looking skin daily especially when wearing makeup.

A nice simple option if you’re just starting out with a bitta tech and this one is suitable for all ages and starts good habits with younger users.

And on we go…

If you’re looking For:

Firming, lifting and toning the skin, concentrating on jawlines or contouring - Reach for:

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) and/or RF (Radio Frequency)

You’ve probably seen these little devices that look… well, questionable… with two metal balls at the top. Let me assure you—they’re for your face.

The one I’ve tried and tested is the Déesse Pro ‘Sculpta’.

This is a premium machine (used in professional facials also) and it delivers serious lift as well as offering Radio frequency and LED therapies within one device.

What does EMS + RF actually do?

Radio Frequency (RF) heats the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and encouraging skin tightening over time.
EMS targets the facial muscles, toning and lifting them - like a workout for your face.
Many devices also include LED (again, collagen stimulation).

You apply a water-based conductor gel or serum and move the device upwards along the face for about 15 minutes. I use mine 2–3 times per week.

My experience:

Even after just a couple of uses, people from my mum to my hairdresser commented on the lift in my jawline and the overall shape of my face. You can actually see one side of the face lifted immediately before you do the other, It’s that noticeable! EMS gives instant lift but RF on the other hand is not an immediate-results treatment. It builds gradually over weeks and months. But when combined with EMS and LED, this device becomes a powerhouse. You’re targeting all areas in a kind of 360 degree approach. I’m expecting 360 degree results 😉

Next…

If your looking To:

get the most out of the skincare you already use - Reach for:

Heated & Cooling Devices

There are now devices that heat up (thermal) cool down (cryotherapy), vibrate (massage) and light up(led) all in one so let’s simplify what all this actually means.

Heat (thermal) = deeper product penetration

Raising the skin’s temperature even slightly helps your serums and actives absorb more effectively. This is especially beneficial when using anti ageing actives

Cooling (Cryotherapy) = depuffing + tightening

Cryotherapy helps by:

Reduce puffiness
Tighten pores
Lift and firm
Give instant radiance

Charlotte Tilbury famously runs ice cubes over clients’ faces before big events. It works to tighten pores, lift features and reduce puffiness. A kind of shock therapy for your skin, if you will! It works. The woman knows. This is the beauty of cryotherapy!

Cryotherapy is also included in the Shark LED mask under-eye function, and it’s genuinely one of its best features.

Vibration or Massage Features -

This feature gently massages your skin to boost circulation, reduce puffiness and help skincare products absorb better. It also stimulates activity within your skin stimulation cell renewal and all round rejuvenation.

LED light therapy (red or blue light)

LED comes built into a lot of devices to give added benefit. It works by using different light wavelengths to help the skin heal and function better. Red light boosts collagen and reduces fine lines, while blue light kills acne-causing bacteria. It’s gentle, non-invasive and improves overall skin health over time.

Foreo’s UFO device is a perfect example of a device that caters for all of the above. GESKE also offers similar (and generally much more affordable) alternatives.

And lastly…

The Newest Kid on the Block: Shark Facial Glow Pro

This device deserves its own moment because it’s brand new and genuinely different.

The Facial Glow Pro is essentially a hydrofacial machine you can use at home.

It includes their new trademarked dePuffi™ function—which, honestly, is the most accurate and brilliant name for what it does. More cryotherapy - which now you fully understand, yes?!

What is a hydrofacial?

A hydrofacial is a professional treatment that:

Detoxes the skin
Removes deep-rooted buildup and grime
Clears out congestion
Brightens dull skin
Evens out texture
Prevents breakouts
Boosts glow and clarity

The Shark Facial Glow Pro is especially brilliant for anyone who doesn’t get regular facials but still wants that instantly clean, fresh-faced glow. Think of it as your at-home glow-facial bestie. With two products designed to detoxify and hydrate, you can keep your skin healthy and in top condition by using it just once a week.

It’s easy to use, totally travel-friendly and genuinely something a bit different. I’ve no doubt it will become a popular alternative to those every-six-weeks salon appointments.

In the same way a powerful hairdryer with all the attachments saved you from weekly blow-dries, this is the skincare equivalent — giving you professional-looking results from home.

Synopsis

So, all of the above devices will create different results in your skin but the overall theme is simple: improving your skin’s health, vitality and radiance.

No matter which option you choose, you will see benefits — the key with all of them is consistency. Just like vitamins, supplements, exercise and your daily skincare, if you don’t use do regularly, the results just won’t show. So if you’re going to invest, give yourself the time. And honestly, that five minutes to yourself can feel surprisingly relaxing.

One last breakdown to finish off:

For glow, rejuvenation, and bouncy, plumper-looking skin:
→ Choose LED red light (Shark CRYO Glow Mask (trialed) or Current Body)
For firming, lifting, and toning the skin:
→ Choose EMS & radiofrequency — (Deesse Pro Sculpta (trialed) or NuFACE)
For a more even skin tone, better makeup application and boosted radiance:
→ Choose a silicone cleansing device (GESKE (trialed), Foreo or SoMa)
For pigmentation or breakouts:
→ Choose LED blue light (Shark CRYO LED)
To get the most out of the skincare you already use:
→ Choose at-home microneedling (rolling) or a hot & cool device to enhance product penetration (Foreo, GESKE)

I hope this article was helpful. Please let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to clarify further and thanks again for stopping by.

Love, Nima