7 low-effort tools to step up your skincare
16 Aug 2023 • 11 min read
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- 7 low-effort tools to step up your skincare
We’re all for a skinimalistic routine, but maybe you’re looking for something a little more than just your soap and flannel.
Don’t worry: it doesn’t have to mean tons of time and effort. With just a few minutes, you can turn your skincare routine into a mini spa experience...
Skip to: Cleansing brush | Facial buffers | Facial steamer | Pore extraction | Pedicure system | Facial roller | Gua sha wand
1. Cleansing brush
1. Cleansing brush
Start squeaky clean with a cleansing brush, which vibrates to loosen impurities and help buff away dead skin cells. Think of it as an electric toothbrush for your skin!
- Use it: As the first step in your skincare routine.
- What to do: Place a few drops of cleanser onto the brush, turn on, and buff over damp skin.
- How often?: Morning or night, but not both. A daily cleanse takes just 1 minute to do.
- Pair with: Your favourite cleanser.
2. Reusable facial buffers
2. Reusable facial buffers
Feeling flaky? Exfoliate while you cleanse with these machine-washable facial buffers.
- Use them: At the beginning of your skincare routine to help slough away dead skin.
- What to do: Sweep over the face to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Then, pop the buffers in the washing machine, ready to use again.
- How often?: Every day, if you like!
- Pair with: Use with or without your favourite cleanser.
3. Facial steamer
Facial steamers, like the Magnitone SteamAhead,can help loosen buildup in skin. You’ll be left feeling cleansed and hydrated, as well as increasing circulation to the skin for a brighter, bouncier look.¹
- Use it: After cleansing. Then, steam before applying other skincare products, since a steamed base may make them absorb better. ¹
- What to do: Pour water into the compartment. Turn on and let the steam wash over your face for up to 10 minutes.
- How often?: Dry or sensitive skin may not be able to handle super-regular steaming. Check the instructions on your steamer, but perhaps start with once a week and see how your skin responds. ¹
- Pair with: 10 minutes of relaxation - bliss.
4. Pore extraction system
Maybe your nose is best friends with your bathroom mirror. But you already know it – squeezing blackheads isn’t the way to go. Luckily, a pore extractor is just as satisfying...
With 5 interchangeable suction heads and 5 speed settings, our pick the Magnitone PorePatrol extracts dirt and impurities to support a brighter, more even appearance.
- Use it: After cleansing and steaming, but before applying other products like moisturiser or serums.
- What to do: Choose a head that’s suitable for your skin. Then, turn on and glide across the face. Don’t stay in one place for more than 3 seconds. Afterwards, use a cold cloth to help close pores and then moisturise.
- How often?: The Magnitone PorePatrol recommends weekly use.
- Pair with: Just a fresh face will do, but this works particularly well after steaming to help open your pores.
5. Pedicure system
No more hiding your feet! Get a salon-soft pedicure at home in just a few minutes.
Electric pedicure systems work like a pumice stone, but with less time and effort. They exfoliate hard, cracked areas of skin on the feet and leave you feeling silky.
- Use them: Whenever your feet need a little extra care – as long as you’ve got clean, dry skin.
- What to do: Run the electric roller over hard skin to gently exfoliate, then wipe clean and moisturise.
- How often?: You won’t need daily use; just as and when your feet need some exfoliation.
- Pair with: Go in with your favourite moisturiser or foot lotion after use for a super-soft finish.
6. Jade facial roller
You might have spotted people using these gemstone wands, designed to help facial and undereye puffiness.
The best part? You can choose your gemstone. We’ve gone for the Psychic Sisters Jade Facial Roller, since jade has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and is widely associated with being calming.
- Use them: Before cleansing, or to work moisturiser or serum into your skin.
- What to do: Roll outwards, away from the centre of your face, for up to 5 minutes. Clean the roller after use.
- How often?: Use every day, if you like.
- Pair with: Use alone or pair with a moisturiser or serum to gently and evenly apply it to your skin. Pop the roller into the fridge, or dip in warm water, for a soothing warm or cool massage.
Gua sha is popular in the self-care world right now, but it’s hardly a trend – this Chinese massage dates back to the Stone Age and focuses on releasing stagnant “qi” energy in the body. ²
It uses a smooth, rounded-edge tool (like this one from Psychic Sisters – rose quartz is believed by some to help reduce redness on the skin).
There’s still a lot we don’t know about its potential benefits, but it’s been used with hopes of improving circulation. ²
- Use them: It’s recommended you seek guidance from a licensed gua sha practitioner, and check with your healthcare provider, before you try it yourself. ² With the right support, it can make a great addition to your morning refresh or evening wind-down.
- What to do: Again, you’ll need to speak to a professional who’s tailored to your needs before trying gua sha yourself. “Gua” means “scrape”, referring to the scraping motion you use on your skin. A little like the facial roller, gua sha is focused on moving upwards and outwards. ²
- How often?: You can use every day, for about 5-10 minutes each time. ²
- Pair with: A serum can help your gua sha tool glide easily over the skin. And you’ll be left glowing: win-win!
The final say
It’s not about adding them all! Just the tools that work for you.
So, you’re in luck if you’re after a cooling massage or you want to budge some dirt...
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