It’s easy and inexpensive to do your own facial lift at home. We’ve picked three home face lift devices that use different types of therapy to fight wrinkles, firm up your skin and give you a brighter and younger look.
The SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift is the best option if you are looking for a galvanic or microcurrent face lift device. Buy the iluminage Youth Activator if you want Red LED, Infrared or Radio Frequency facial therapy. The La goodwind CM-1-2 is the best ultrasonic home face lift machine.
What is a Home Facelift Machine?
There are many different types of facelifts, some surgical and others involving non-surgical methods like laser and heat. Most of them, while usually effective in giving you a more youthful look, require expensive visits to a clinic or dermatologist’s office.
But you are not completely out of options if you don’t have the budget or time to go to a clinic. Today there are many different types of compact devices designed for easy and safe home facelifts. You can easily smooth out wrinkles, erase acne scars and tighten your skin from the comfort of your home.
Different types of home facelift machines use different kinds of technologies. But they all have the same goals:
- Increase collagen production to improve skin tone and elasticity. This gives you a more youthful look and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and droopy skin.
- Increase blood circulation. This ensures that your face is getting all the nutrients it needs to glow and stay healthy. It also quickens healing of any injuries or scars.
- Reduce wrinkles, fine lines, puffiness, scars, dull skin and other imperfections.
Types of Home Facelift Machines
a. Microcurrent
Microcurrent devices use very low voltage electrical currents to stimulate your skin to produce more collagen and to tone the muscles. The device consists of two probes (one negative and one positive) that you move around on your face. Microcurrent home facials are best for facial muscle toning and skin firming.
b. Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic facelift devices use ultrasound technology to penetrate deep into the skin. In fact, the ultrasounds penetrate deeper than laser. They reach the muscles beneath the skin where collagen is produced. Ultrasound home therapy is best for smoothing out wrinkles, lines and toning loose skin.
c. LED light
LED light facial therapy has become popular in recent years and it’s easy to find a good quality LED light facial device. Some devices produce one kind of light while others produce multiple frequencies. Red and orange frequencies are the best for skin tightening and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Most LED light facial devices also include infrared light therapy, which penetrates deeper than LED and is more effective in face lifting.
d. Galvanic machine
This one produces harmless electrical currents just like a microcurrent device. The currents, which can be positive or negative, are used to boost absorption of skin products, draw out impurities from the skin and boost blood circulation. A galvanic device is best for brightening dull skin and treating dry skin.
If you’d like to try a home facial lift we’ve picked three great devices available to buy online in the UK you can start with. Each provides a different type of therapy so you can choose the one that best fits your skin needs.
So here they are:
1. Best Galvanic / Microcurrent Home Facelift Machine: SkinPep Collagen ReNu Pro Lift – Galvanic Facial Machine
Pros
- 3 types of treatments using interchangeable heads.
- Fast facelift results.
- Long lasting rechargeable battery – travel friendly.
Cons
- Poorly written manual.
Overview
The SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift is perfect for those who are looking for an all-round facial lift machine. Thanks to its 3-in-1 functionality it can tackle just about any problem from loose skin to wrinkles and dullness.
All the three treatment modes are based on low-voltage electrical currents that promote collagen production, reduce dark circles under your eyes, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines and firm up your skin.
It’s fairly easy to use though the instructions could be a bit clearer.
It uses a rechargeable battery so you don’t have to plug it in when using it. This makes it great for travelling.
The battery takes around 8 hours to charge and lasts for days even with daily treatments.
Note that you need to apply a conductive gel or a good quality facial moisturizing cream on your face before using this device.
What it does best
Using three interchangeable heads the SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift provides three different types of facial treatment.
Galvanic head – This is the smooth head. It is great for treating wrinkles, fine lines and circles under the eyes. It’s especially ideal for older users with deeper wrinkles.
Microcurrent head – This is the head with two probes that look like short antennas. When in contact with your skin it emits mild electrical currents that tone your muscles, improve micro-circulation and boost collagen production. It’s great for treating droopy skin, puffy eyes and wrinkles.
Applicator head – This Y-shaped head is designed to greatly increase absorption of creams and serums into your skin. It produces a positive charge to repel creams deeper into your skin and negative ions to draw our dirt from deep in your skin. It also improves blood circulation and boosts lymphatic draining.
If you want to tighten your skin and get rid of those lines that are starting to creep up on your forehead, use the galvanic head. To tighten your facial muscles and firm up your skin, switch to the microcurrent head. To deep-clean your skin and ensure moisturizing and nourishing ingredients are absorbed, use the Y-shaped applicator head.
Flaws but not deal breakers
Most customers love the SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift and say they have seen great results. But they’ve had to figure out how to use it on their own.
The instruction manual is vague and poorly written. Thankfully the device is simply enough that you can figure out what goes where. If you get stuck, customer answers and reviews on the Amazon page are very helpful.
What other customers think
Aside from the manual they love everything else about the SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift. Once you get the hang of it it’s easy to use and the different heads provide a nice all-round facial lift. You can tackle wrinkles and improve skin absorption all using the same device.
Should you buy it?
If you want to try out galvanic/microcurrent facial therapy, SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift is one of the best devices. It’s safe, easy to use and produces very noticeable results.
Note: Do not buy it if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker implanted or you suffer from irregular cardiac activity. If you have a major health condition I advise you to talk to your doctor first before using the SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift or any electrical-based therapy machine.
2. Best Infrared / LED / Radio Frequency Home Face Lift Machine: iluminage Youth Activator
Pros
- Fast and long-lasting results.
- Rechargeable using a USB cord – great for travelling.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- A bit pricey.
Overview
This handheld device is quite small but it does a lot. It can emit infrared light, Red LED light as well as Radio Frequency; all these in a device that weighs just a little over half a kilogram.
It uses a rechargeable battery, which is good news for those who want to keep up their facial treatments even when on the road. To recharge it simply plug in the USB cable into a laptop or power bank.
And because it small and light you can fit it just about anywhere when you are travelling. You can even carry it in your pocket.
The company recommends using it 5 days a week during the first month and then twice a week the next month. Full results take between 6 and 8 weeks to appear. But you’ll definitely notice a change after just the first treatment. The skin will feel smoother and firmer.
With each treatment you’ll notice your skin getting more toned, wrinkles and fine lines disappearing and your face looking younger.
What it does best
Like the SkinPep ReNu Pro Lift, the iluminage Youth Activator packages 3 treatments in one small device. But this time you don’t have to change heads. Instead you use the buttons at the front of the device to change the operation mode.
Here are the three treatments.
Radio frequency – You’ve probably heard about radiofrequency facials. It involves sending radio frequency down into your skin where it turns into heat and boosts collagen production. The iluminage Youth Activator works the same way. Make sure you apply a thick layer of the included serum to prevent overheating and to allow the device to glide smoothly on your skin.
Red LED and Infrared – These two types of treatments are usually grouped together because they are almost similar. They improve cellular metabolism and boost microcirculations. This gives your face a brighter flow and enhances absorption of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
The device comes with the iluminage Youth Activator Contouring serum. Apply it on a treatment area before using the device.
Flaws but not deal breakers
It’s expensive compared to other home face lift machines. But compared to weekly visits to the salon for a radiofrequency or infrared facial, it’s a huge bargain. The only thing you’ll need to keep paying for is new tubes of the serum. Customers say it runs out quickly.
What other customers think
They love it. They say it works really quickly with noticeable results after just one session. If you follow the treatment plan you’ll notice even more drastic changes in 6-8 weeks.
Many say it’s easy to use and the travel-friendly size is a big plus.
Should you buy it?
If you’d like to try out radio frequency or Infrared/LED facial therapy, the iluminage Youth Activator is a great choice.
Note: Do not buy it if you have a heart disorder, have a pacemaker, have a blood clotting disorder or have skin cancer or a history of skin cancer. Also, it should not be used on the neck area where the thyroid gland is.
3. Best Ultrasonic Face Lift Machine: La goodwind CM-1-2 Ultrasonic Skin Firming Lifting Device
Pros
- Effective at treating wrinkles, droopy skin and loose muscles.
- Easy to use.
- Small, light and rechargeable – great for travelling.
- Great budget option.
Cons
- Not as versatile as other devices – offers only one type of treatment.
Overview
The CM-1-2 skin firming device by LA goodwind comes in the same compact lightweight design of the other face lift devices. And just like them it uses a rechargeable battery so you can easily use it when you are away from home.
It’s the most affordable of our three picks. So if you are looking for a budget face lift machine, I recommend this one.
While it provides only one type of treatment, it has numerous benefits. The ultrasonic technology combined with the massage action boosts skin absorption, helps the skin detox, enhances collagen production and tones your muscles.
You can even use it to get rid of stubborn fat on your cheeks and chin.
What it does best
The CM-1-2 provides ultrasound therapy. Yes, this is the same kind of technology used to check on a baby in the womb. But in this device the ultrasound it’s not used for imaging. Instead, it sends the vibrations deep into your skin, deeper than even laser can reach.
This has several benefits.
- It boosts collagen production and rejuvenates the skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting faster cell turnover.
- It increases your skin’s permeability. Anything you apply on your skin will be absorbed faster and deeper into your skin. That’s why the manufacturer recommends using a moisturizing cream or serum together with the device.
- It enhances lymphatic drainage which detoxes your skin and aids in deep cleaning.
- The high-frequency vibrations break up stubborn fat to decompose it faster. This gets rid of puffiness around the face.
Flaws but not deal breakers
I wish they’d included several other modes – maybe infrared, microcurrent or LED – for more treatment options. But for the price, it not a surprise that it has only one type of treatment.
Another minor issue is that it doesn’t come with a gel. So you have to buy your own. Any good quality moisturizing gel or serum will do.
What other customers think
They love it. Many say it’s easy to use and they noticed a difference immediately after just one use.
Should you buy it?
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly facial lift device or want to try out ultrasonic therapy, go for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do home skin tightening devices work?
There are a large variety of home skin tightening devices that you can choose from, such as derma rollers, IPL machines, and other types of skin tightening machine that can be used at home and do not require a license to operate. But do they work?
While most will have some degree of efficacy, depending on if they are used correctly, it is certain that they are not as effective as those that you will find in the offices of your dermatologist or your plastic surgeon. This is because, for the most part, the maximum power settings are lower on those intended for home use than those used by professionals.
So you see, it’s not that you are no good at using the machine, it’s just not as strong as your surgeon’s! This being said, using a home skin tightening device WILL make a difference to your skin, and it is a significantly cheaper option than spending a few hours and a few hundred a month sitting in the surgeon’s chair.
2. How can I lift my face at home?
Using a machine is all well and good, but as the results can vary and the initial outlay might be quite hefty, it is worth looking into home skin tightening options.
Most of these options contain ingredients that you can find for very little money, and might even be things that you already have lying about in your store cupboards:
- Coconut oil. This store cupboard mainstay is rich in antioxidants and works very well as a skin hydrator. All you need to do is massage about a teaspoon of coconut oil into your skin before you go to bed. Leave it on overnight, then wash your face as normal in the morning.
- Egg white and honey. Egg whites can help to improve the skin’s elasticity, while honey is loaded with antioxidants that can help combat free radicals. Separate an egg white from the yolk, and beat it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and neck, leave for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water.
- Witch hazel. Available over the counter, witch hazel is an astringent which can shrink pores as well as slowing the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Soak a cotton pad with the with hazel and apply it to your face just before bed. Let it dry into the skin, and do not rinse it off.
- Lemon. This common fruit contains vitamin C and is an astringent, both of which are good for the skin. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and apply it to your face and neck. Let it air dry for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
- Yoghurt. The lactic acid contained in milk is excellent for the skin; it can shrink pores and leave skin looking tighter and more youthful. Mix two tablespoons of yoghurt with two drops of lime juice, and massage the mixture into your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
- Banana. Bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals. All you need to do is mash up a ripe banana with a couple of drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face and neck and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off.
3. Do at home microcurrent devices work?
Microcurrent devices work by sending minute amounts of electricity to the areas that they are touching, which in this case is usually the face. These devices claim to be able to increase lymphatic drainage, reduce fine lines and stimulate collagen. The current used is similar to the current naturally found in the body, so it is considered to be a natural treatment.
However (there’s always a however, isn’t there?) the claims made by pushers of microcurrent therapy are not backed up by science, so it is hard to know if they actually work. It certainly won’t do your skin any harm, but it might not do everything it says on the tin.
An at home microcurrent device might be quite a large investment, so it might be worth spending your money on something that is more proven, before you take the plunge and buy yourself a microcurrent machine.