Between microcurrent devices and jade rollers, vibrating facial massagers seem to be on the low-tech end of the beauty gadget spectrum. Although they don't use LED light therapy or electric current to improve skin tone, these increasingly popular facial tools can still bring a lot of benefits to your skin.
Essentially, these devices work like a facial roller on steroids. "Vibrating facial tools are often integrated into rollers, and vibration adds a massage element to the practice of dermarolling," says Dr. Ted Lain, board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Sanova Dermatology. Instead of just rolling over the surface of your skin (like a jade roller), the vibration waves penetrate deeper and therefore give you more benefits, from anti-eye puffiness to a plumping effect. Oh, and it feels especially good for tight facial muscles.
Here, experts explain the benefits of vibrating facial massagers and tips for incorporating the device into your beauty routine.
Benefits of Vibrating Facial Massager
One of the great things about these tools is their ability to smooth the skin for anti-aging effects. "Limited data suggests vibration may increase collagen production, which strengthens the skin and thus improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. So while there's no extensive research to support the smoothing effect, some studies have found that vibrating massage tools do suggest it. At the very least, they allow products to penetrate better, which means your skin will absorb retinol serums, ceramide-rich creams and other anti-aging products more effectively, Zeichner says.
If you've ever tried one of these devices, you might have thought it felt like a Theragun for your face. That's not too far off: Celebrity facialist Shani Darden, who just launched a vibrator with her eponymous skin-care brand, says the tools use massage waves in the same way a percussion treatment device does (in a way that's better suited to your skin, of course) level). "Originally, vibration therapy was used to treat muscle pain," Darden told Bustel. "But you get really amazing results on your skin - it helps with circulation, it's great for relieving tightness in your jaw...it feels like a deep massage that takes away all the tension from your face."
This pumping motion and increased blood flow also help reduce puffiness. “The massaging effect of vibrating tools increases circulation to the skin and improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients,” says Zeichner. "It also improves lymphatic drainage, removing excess fluid that builds up." When you have excess fluid (from the lymphatic system, a network of blood vessels, tissues, and organs that carries lymph throughout your body to keep your system is functioning effectively), it often manifests as puffy eyes or swelling of the entire face. The motion created by the vibrating tool shakes it all up.
Microcurrent devices like NuFace and ZIIP can also send electrical current to relieve facial tension, but they work differently. "They use low-intensity electrical currents to activate muscles and reduce swelling," Lain said. Dutton points out that the microcurrent waves don't hit any deep wrinkles like vibrating tools do. That said, microcurrent devices can give you long-lasting results over time, such as "wrinkle reduction and lift," Lain explains. "But the [benefits] of vibrating facial tools on the skin are believed to be temporary."
How to use a vibrating facial massager
Unlike a typical gua sha or microcurrent facial, you don't even need to look in the mirror to use a vibrating tool on your skin—as long as you follow certain best practices. "As long as you're going in the right direction, you can't really mess up," Dutton said. First: Don't drag the tool on your face, she says. Basically, Lain says, you need to swipe in the direction "you want to see the effect," which is up to the hairline, diagonally from the corners of the mouth toward the temples, and from the middle of the cheeks outward toward the ears. ".
You don’t want to use one of these on a dry face. To prevent slipping, be sure to use the gel that comes with the tool (some provide one) or something that moisturizes your skin. Dutton says a moisturizer or facial oil will do the trick.
Lane says the vibrating facial massager is safe for all skin types. But "they work best on people with minor skin problems," Zeichner says. In other words: Don't expect miraculous results, he warns. For maximum benefits, professionals recommend using these daily.
Buy Vibrating Facial Tools
Facial care grade purchase
Facial Sculpting Rod Shani Darden
Dutton created this facial sculpting wand to give people the feel (and results) of her real-life treatments at home. It has two attachments (the smaller one for the eye area and nasolabial folds), three intensity settings, and a hydrating gel, so you can get everything you need for a skin-smoothing spa treatment from the comfort of your couch.
Ready options
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Stick Sephora
Why not enjoy vibration therapy with a 24-carat gold facial roller? Facialist Jillian Dempsey's Gold Sculpting Bar gives your skin a quick lift and is easy to take with you wherever you go.
Gem selection
NURSE JAMIE NuVibe RX Amethyst Massage Beauty Tool Ulta
This roller uses sonic vibrations to temporarily plump fine lines and make skin tone more even and less puffy, making it a great option for those who like the look of a jade roller (or stones in general) but want more results.
Remove puffiness around eyes
FOREO IRIS Illuminated Eye Massager Sephora
If your main concern is the skin around your eyes - including dark circles, puffiness and fine lines - this Foreo device is your best choice. Its shape conforms perfectly to the contours of the area and only takes 1 minute of treatment to work its magic.
Multitasking options
Brighten MD Trophy Skin
Some vibrating tools also have the added benefit of red light therapy, which Zeichner says can give you the added benefit of reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production, which is a win-win for your beauty routine.
Research references:
Cabellotto, E. (2017). Effects of a skin massage device on human dermal protein expression in vitro and facial wrinkles in vivo. PLoS One. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383004/
Lowman, E. (2007). Effects of whole-body vibration on skin blood flow of lower limbs in normal subjects. Medical science monitoring. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17261985/
Zeng, Y. T. (2018). Increased cutaneous blood flow during low-intensity vibration in human participants: analysis of control mechanisms using short-time Fourier transforms. PLoS One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0200247
expert:
Dr. Ted Lain, board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, New York City Board Certified Dermatologist
Shani Darden, celebrity facialist and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care
