Top Facial Tools & Devices for the Treatment Room Revealed

Facial tools have never been more popular, so we asked top service providers for their favorite treatment room picks, retail offerings and more.

Which facial tools/devices do you use most in treatments?

Sabine Lange, spa manager, The Chedi Andermatt: Depending on the facial treatment, a BR-patented device is used in our facials, which includes four functions: high-frequency impulse current, electroporation, galvanic electrical current and Remodeling Face. We also use a device for mesotherapy treatment of the face, scalp and décolleté with a Micro-Puncture Lab device.

Nichole Stewart, spa director, The Spa at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards: Our most used device is our AquaBoost hydrodermabrasion system It provides a deep pore cleanse and a very good exfoliation without abrasiveness. This service ends with cryotherapy using the CryoWand with blue LEDs.

Amy Lagos, spa director, Kao Kamasa Spa at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa: We most frequently use the Geneo facial device by Pollogen. It's a great facial rejuvenation device for exfoliating and oxygenating the skin from within, because it uses a combination of Tripollar RF, Oxygeneo and ultrasound technologies.

Rosy Cabrera-Nuboer, spa manager, ZoiA Spa: Our most popular facial treatment is the Hydrafacial. It is a true wellness experience for the skin, offering multiple types of treatments to deliver personalized treatments for all skin types.

Laura Conroy, director of education, THE WELL: At THE WELL New York, our esthetics team uses a variety of technology including, but not limited to, low level light therapy, microcurrent, LED and microdermabrasion. By offering multiple options for any facial, we give our guests the opportunity to receive a fully individualized experience that caters to their specific needs.

Emma Spencer, director of spa, Spa Alila at Alila Marea Beach Resort: We love gua sha at Spa Alila! Our estheticians use cold stones to reduce inflammation and encourage circulation, and the cold temperatures reduce nasal swelling and sinus inflammation. We also use red light therapy, which supports cell renewal to heal inflammation, balance skin texture and reduce fine lines.

Saroj Barthwal, spa manager, The Spa at The Palms and Dune Spa at The Shore Club: We tend to use facial tools like steamers, extraction tools, rollers and gua shas, Hydrafacial Syndeo, LED light therapy, facial brushes and masks to best achieve the desired effect.

Brisa Huezo, area director of spa, Spa Brezza: We use ice rollers quite often as part of Spa Brezza’s Hydra Glow Facial treatment. Ice rollers are known to reduce skin inflammation and irritation, and create an instant face lift. The cold temperature tightens the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity.

Related: Elevate Your Facial Massages with Advanced Tools & Techniques

What beauty and wellness benefits are you seeing?

Stewart: One hydrodermabrasion facial is wonderful, but a monthly series will produce long-term benefits, including a reduction in acne and overall skin dullness. The treatment also softens the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.

Lagos: The results are immediate. The reduced hyperpigmentation and increased firmness instantly give the skin a more rejuvenated, youthful appearance, and our guests love the anti-aging properties. It's a great treatment to boost skin for a special event or book as an ongoing skin care treatment.

Cabrera-Nuboer: Our clients consistently report a multitude of benefits, from deeply cleansed and refreshed skin to a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment's ability to boost hydration and protect against environmental damage leaves the complexion radiant and youthful.

Conroy: Using a combination of these technologies to deeply cleanse, resurface, infuse product and repair skin damage can lead to brighter, smoother, firmer and healthier skin.

Spencer: We use gua sha for both skin and hair, as this ancient practice also encourages circulation in the scalp for healthy hair growth. On the face, the benefits increase blood flow, de-puff and smooth the appearance of fine lines. We absolutely love offering alternative natural modalities in our facials and massage treatments.

Barthwal: Throughout our facial treatments, we like to promote healthy skin by cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, reducing puffiness, boosting circulation and addressing concerns like acne and signs of aging. Our frequently used tools can also be paired with facial massage techniques for relaxation and stress relief.

Huezo: Our Hydra Glow Facial gives the skin an immediate visible glow, hydration and vitality. With its unique combination of lactic and hyaluronic acid, it targets profound skin dehydration due to sun exposure, air conditioning and traveling.

What retail tie-ins work well with these facials? 

Lange: All products are designed to be highly effective, but applying products with the help of a device allows them to be even more effective.

Stewart: After treatment, a guest’s skin is clean and more receptive to products. We recommend collagen-based products or vitamin C concentrates to continue the work that the facial has already done. Vitamin C stimulates the production of the skin's natural collagen, making it the perfect addition post-facial.

Cabrera-Nuboer: To extend the benefits of a Hydrafacial treatment, we highly recommend incorporating naturopathic products. Locally grown Aruban aloe vera, renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, is a perfect complement to the treatment.

Conroy: Facials can deliver next-level results in a session, but to achieve long lasting results, guests must have a daily skin care routine that caters to their short- and long-term goals. We recommend a custom prescription of products and technology for home care.

Spencer: We offer the Dr. Dennis Gross LED red light therapy mask, along with several gua sha stones and the products used in our treatments.