What are the selection criteria for 'home beauty' devices?

Recently, advertisements related to home-use devices (HUDs) can be seen in various media. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the number of "home beauty enthusiasts" who manage their skin and hair at home is increasing, so the home-use device market is expected to continue growing.

Until a few years ago, home beauty devices were limited to LED masks and electric cleansers, but as they became more segmented into areas such as elasticity improvement, pore reduction, and cooling, customized beauty devices have shown a growth trend. Globally, a wide variety of products are being introduced in various fields, including acne, cleansing, anti-aging, hair removal, and cellulite. According to a survey of 117 doctors, including dermatologists, conducted in 2019, 77% gave positive evaluations of these products, while 32% assessed that there were no clear benefits.

Acne home beauty devices once received a lot of attention for utilizing the effect of specific wavelengths in the blue visible light spectrum to reduce the bacteria that cause acne. However, since acne involves a complex combination of various causes and does not improve with only one treatment, it is difficult to achieve satisfactory results by simply using an acne home beauty device that emits light for a few minutes a day, so interest is thought to have declined.

Regarding home beauty devices for hair removal, there is a considerable amount of evidence available over a long period, and there are products approved by the FDA as medical devices for home use. However, since laser hair removal treatments performed in clinics involve various selections based on individual hair thickness, density, and skin color—such as laser wavelength, exposure time, energy intensity, and skin protection cooling—and achieving 100% permanent hair removal is difficult despite these customized treatments, I personally have doubts about whether home beauty devices for hair removal can provide sufficient permanent hair removal effects.

Home beauty devices for improving skin elasticity include various devices utilizing high frequency, low frequency, ultrasound, and microcurrents, which originated from the treatment concepts used in dermatology clinics. Additionally, there are reports that home beauty devices employing fractional near-infrared lasers and microneedling techniques are effective in improving wrinkles around the eyes and skin elasticity. When selecting these products, it is necessary to thoroughly research data regarding safety and efficacy. Furthermore, it is essential to check whether the product has obtained KC certification, the availability of after-sales service, the country of manufacture, and whether communication is smooth in the event of side effects.

Home beauty devices differ from general cosmetics. Because they utilize lasers or light, they are relatively safe products, but this does not mean they are completely free of side effects. According to reports on the improvement of wrinkles around the eyes using home beauty devices, there have been reports of redness, dryness, skin roughness, swelling, and purpura that persist for a certain period after use; therefore, it is recommended to stop using the device immediately if any discomfort occurs. It is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the usage instructions and follow the recommended guidelines. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, it is helpful to carefully assess whether the product is suitable for your skin before purchasing it.

source 'Home Beauty' Devices, What Are the Selection Criteria? - Your Health Guide Health Chosun (chosun.com)