I am now on my fourth week on exploring salon style treatments that can be done in your own home.

So far, we have looked at the benefits of Cryo rollers, LED face masks and Microneedling.

Today, I will be discussing facial toning equipment for home use. For many years now I have been a great supporter of CACI non-surgical face lifts to tone and lift the muscles in the face.

I have tried many machines over the years, and I believe CACI to be the best. They did bring out some homecare machines to use in between treatments but had problems with the batteries. I hope they will redevelop them as I thought that they were good.

There are a few home care machines that are on the market by various companies, which I will discuss.

My personal view on treatments to tone and firm the skin is best done in a salon with the right equipment, I tend to use a blend of machines so that I can build collagen as well as tone muscles. I also think if you can continue to treat the muscles at home in between treatments, you will achieve optimum results.

What is a Facial Toner?

I am not talking about a liquid toner that you apply following cleansing; I am talking about a device that you can use at home which is designed to firm and tone your facial muscles.

Such devices have often been designed using a microcurrent which stimulates your facial muscles to help to lift and tone hopefully giving the face a more youthful appearance. That is why the term non-surgical face lift is often used.

The benefits

If regularly used a facial toning device can keep the skin looking healthy, it won’t achieve the results as surgery would, but if you start to use when you are young, it may preserve the muscle tone for longer. It will boost an ageing skin too by firming the muscles, improving facial contour and skin tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improve appearance of the skin.

The treatment should be pain free, and you may feel a slight tingle, there should be no side effects following this treatment other than a nice healthy glow.

Always patch test any new product used with the machine.

Choosing your facial toning device

I would recommend choosing an FDA approved device and buy the best that you can afford on your budget, check online reviews and research well to find the right device for your skin. Here are some you may wish to consider:

  • NuFace Trinity Facial Toning device: This device is FDA cleared, has interchangeable treatment attachments including a microcurrent head to firm and tone the muscles and has a LED red light wrinkle head. This machine is pricey but looks well made.
  • NuDerma Cell Energy Amplification: This device has a lot to offer, it has high-frequency and neon-powered wands. Targets spots acne and scars. The comb is designed to stimulate hair follicles and dandruff. The microcurrent reduces fine lines and wrinkles. I have not tried this machine, but if it is lifting you want then to check which machines offer the best lift.
  • ZllP Beauty Nanocurrent And Microcurrent At Home Facial Device: for lifting, sculpting, skin tightening, pigment, and acne.

When looking for a home care facial toning device, massagers on their own will not tone the muscles like a device using a microcurrent can. Yes, massaging the face will increase the blood supply to the skin and help to boost the local circulation promoting healthy skin tissue. The microcurrent will work much deeper and help to tone the muscles, so choose carefully.

How to use your home use facial toner

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and optimum results.
  • Cleanse face thoroughly and make sure your device has been cleaned following the manufacturer’s instructions. I recommend a double cleanse and follow by applying your facial toning product.
  • Apply a leave on primer or gel, one containing hyaluronic acid is good to gain deep hydration.
  • Use your facial toning device adhering to the given directions and for the time set. Concentrate on areas of concern such as around the eyes and mouth or jowls.
  • When your treatment is complete, clean your appliance and remove your facial gel. You could follow with a face mask, remove, tone and apply your regular serums and moisturisers. If it is day time apply your sun screen to finish.

Top tips for facial toning

  • Before purchasing a facial toning device, If you have any underlying health conditions check with a health care professional to make sure it is safe for you to use, particularly if you have heart problems, cancer or issues with your nervous system.
  • Do not use the toning device while pregnant.
  • You may want to avoid areas where you have Botox. If you have Botox, you must wait at least two weeks after your treatment.
  • Research the best device for you.
  • Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for use.
  • Always store in a safe place.
  • Use your device as regularly as possible, some say every day others five days a week.
  • Take a picture of your face before you start using and then every month for a few months, so that you can see the results and compare.
  • It is better to use your device in an evening when you are not applying make up and it will allow all your masks and products to work well.
  • If you can afford have some salon treatments such as CACI and Radiofrequency and then use your home care device in between treatments.
  • Clean your device thoroughly after use and don’t share with others.
  • Always test patch new products prior to use.