Is beauty tech worth the splurge for at-home facials? Experts weigh in on LED masks, devices based on TCM technique gua sha, and more

The global market for beauty devices such as LED masks and cleansing tools is set to hit US$64.5 billion by 2030, one firm predicts, growing 7 per cent a year

Insiders reveal which are worth investing in, how often you should be using your gadgets and whether they replace the in-salon experience (short answer: no)

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The LED It Glow mask from the Naomi Skin skincare range is one of many LED masks on the global beauty devices market. Experts weigh in how effect beauty gadgets are, and if they are worth the initial (often pricey) investment.

Published: 4:15am, 24 May 2022Updated: 5:20am, 24 May 2022

There’s never been a better time for the (formerly) humble home facial. A plethora of beauty tech awaits you, from home LED masks (using light-emitting diodes, which work to give energy to skin cells) to skin-needling, ice globes for skin inflammation, and tools to sculpt facial contours and build muscle.

But what’s worth investing in, how often should you be using your gadgets and can they replace the in-salon experience?

Dr Shammi Theesan, founder of ODE Dermatology in Australia, says beauty devices can be effective as a form of maintenance in between salon appointments.

The market has greatly diversified from only devices for hair removal, hair styling and teeth cleaning. According to a report by consulting organisation Precedence Research, the global beauty devices market is set to hit US$64.5 billion by 2030, growing 7 per cent a year between 2021 and 2030.

Given you can find gadgets for a brighter complexion (LED masks), lifting and toning (look for at-home microcurrent tools) or a really good clean (a pulsating disc or brush is what you’re after), it makes sense. But which ones do experts think are actually worth investing in?

“I quite like a home LED mask if it is from a reputable company with good engineering,” says Theesan.