Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a face massager?
Your device will most likely come with instructions that will guide you on proper use, but as a rule, most face massagers should be used daily for the most effective results. “Use a face massager after cleansing and applying any light serum so that the massager can help the active ingredients penetrate deeper,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. That said, stick to the usage guidance of the product you ultimately decide on, especially if you’re using a microcurrent device—as improper use can lead to skin irritation or redness.
How should I choose a face massager?
When choosing a facial massager, Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, advises looking for an option that offers multiple technologies in one device. “Popular combos are microcurrent and light therapies. Massage alone feels good and may impart the short-term benefit of toning some facial muscles, yet the combination is more effective,” she tells Allure. Of course, consider your skin-care goals and budget. Some of the best face massagers cost a pretty penny, so do your research before hitting the checkout line.
What’s the best way to use a face massager?
While each face massager has specialized instructions, there are some standard rules. Dr. Gohara suggests using a face massager before bed. “At night, when the proverbial ‘skin factory’ is open, our skin cells are naturally regenerating themselves, so to get maximum benefit, a night massage is best,” Dr. Gohara explains. “[Use a massager] before application of retinoids, peptides, and barrier repair creams,” she adds.
David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, adds that while there is no one-size-fits-all method for using a face massager, you’ll get the best results from something that fits your needs. “The best [face massagers] are the ones that you can easily hold in your hand and one that matches the facial shape and size,” he advises.
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Zain Husain, MD a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center
- Sara Hogan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Sandra Chiu, a certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner based in Brooklyn
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.
Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
