What’s the Most Effective Anti-aging Tool?
Use this comprehensive guide to choose the right thing for you.
When it comes to skincare, one size doesn’t fit all. With so many tools available, each targeting a specific issue, choosing the wrong one means wasted time, money, and worst of all, risking damage to your skin.
Let’s start off by understanding ourselves: answer the questions below to pinpoint exactly what our skin needs most.
Now that we’ve discovered our concern, let’s find the right solution. Click the link to explore available products and procedures, how it works, pros and cons, and what to expect in terms of cost and results:
Tools for Expression Lines: smile lines, frown lines, dynamic wrinkles or rhytides
Tools for Fine Lines: crinkling lines, static wrinkles or rhytides, atrophic crinkling rhytids
Tools for Sagging Skin: loose skin, turkey neck, skin laxity problems, cutis laxa
Tools for Excess Fat: chubby cheeks, double chin, jowls
Tools for Skin Texture: dry skin, enlarged pores, clogged pores, bumpy skin, uneven coloration or skin tone
Tools for Skin Maintenance: preventative tools, prejuvenation, rejuvenation tools
Tools for Specialized Concerns: not covered in this guide, you should consult a dermatologist to address the condition before applying anti-aging treatments
For your convenience, we emoji-tagged the options so you could filter quickly:
🏠: suitable for home-based self-application
🏥: treatments that are delivered in-clinic
💉: procedures that are effective but invasive
👛: options that are wallet-friendly options.
#1 - Smoothing Expression Lines
Expression lines are wrinkles that dynamically appear when we move our face, like smiling, frowning, or raising our eyebrows. These wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial expressions, when the skin gradually loses elasticity and folds to muscle movements.
While they’re a natural part of aging, the right kind of treatment can help soften these lines and prevent them from becoming more permanent:
1. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections 🏥💉
How it works: Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles to smooth out to overlaying skin by preventing movements of the targeted facial muscle
Pros: Fast-acting and effective, Botox is a quick treatment that delivers visible results within days. The results are usually long-lasting (3-6 months) with minimal downtime
Cons: Botox injection must be done by a professional and needs to be repeated every now and then, with the cost adding up over time ($200-500 per session, depending on the brand and number of units administered), may permanently change facial expressions when repeatedly used [1]
Best for: Wide wrinkles located around a specific region and only appear when the face moves
2. Surgical-grade radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling Treatments 🏥💉
How it works: Surgical-grade RF treatments combine radiofrequency energy with microneedling to deliver heat deep into the skin layers. This stimulates intense collagen remodelling and immediate tissue tightening to lift the skin [2]
Pros: Surgical RF delivers powerful results with long-lasting effects as it treats both surface wrinkles and deeper skin layers, with the potential to address severe wrinkles and sagging
Cons: The treatment must be done by a professional with a higher upfront cost ($800-2000 per session), with potential downtime due to redness or swelling, based on the individual
Best for: Chronic, deep expression lines that are always noticeable, become worse when we smile or frown
#2 - Getting Rid of Fine Lines
Fine lines or smaller wrinkles are creases caused by a natural loss of collagen, elastin, and moisture in our skin over time. While their appearance is a natural part of aging, unprotected sun exposure, smoking, sleep deprivation, alcohol use, prolonged stress, or vitamin deficiency can exacerbate the thinning of our skin and its loss of elasticity.
Along with a healthy lifestyle, these tools can effectively smooth out lines and restore the skin’s appearance:
1. Home-use Radiofrequency (RF) Devices 🏠
How it works: RF devices deliver heat energy to the dermis by being in contact with the skin, stimulating body cells to increase collagen and elastin production. This strengthens the skin’s structure and reduces the depth of wrinkles over time [3]
Pros: Non-invasive and suitable for regular use, RF devices can improve skin texture and firmness gradually with minimal side effects, as they’re also safe for darker skin
Cons: The results will take time and require consistent use. There is an upfront cost for a quality device (ranging from $700-2000)
Best for: Fine to moderate wrinkles that do not go away even when the skin is well-hydrated
2. Microneedling Treatments 🏥💉
How it works: Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin, triggering a healing response that boosts collagen production. This may be combined with RF by adding heat to enhance results [4]
Pros: Penetrating the skin through microneedles, the treatment can stimulate deeper skin renewal to improve both texture and elasticity
Cons: The treatment must be done by a professional to be safe, which can be expensive ($300-1000 per session) and requires downtime due to its invasive nature. Note that home microneedling devices are less powerful and risky to infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation
Best for: Stubborn wrinkles or areas with a combinate of wrinkles and uneven texture
3. Chemical Peel Treatments 🏠👛
How it works: Using acids, this treatment exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells and reveal the smoother, fresher skin underneath. This process also stimulates collagen over time [5]
Pros: When immediately applied at the first onset of wrinkles, this treatment is effective for surface-level fine lines and discoloration
Cons: Chemical peels are not effective for deeper wrinkles and may cause irritation for sensitive skin. The results are temporary and require regular upkeep
Best for: Used as a complementary treatment to other tools
4. Retinol and Peptide-based Skincare Products 🏠👛
How it works: Retinol serums and creams promote cell turnover and collagen production, while peptides in the product support skin repair. These products improve skin hydration overtime to minimize the appearance of static wrinkles [6] [7]
Pros: Affordable and easy to integrate into our daily routine, these products are great for prevention and maintenance
Cons: Takes time to see results (3-6 months) and may cause irritation for sensitive skin. In general, creams and serums have limited skin penetration, resulting in limited impact on deeper wrinkles
Best for: Used alongside other treatments
#3 - Tightening Sagging Skin
As a common sign of aging, sagging skin usually appears around the lower face and neck. Also known as crepey skin, it’s caused by the gradual loss of collagen, elastin, and facial fat, which reduces skin firmness and leads to drooping along the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
As a natural part of aging or weight loss, loose skin can be restored by tightening or lifting the skin to restore our natural contour:
1. At-Home Radiofrequency (RF) Devices 🏠
How it works: RF devices deliver electrical energy through the skin which is converted to heat energy in the dermis. In the short term, the heat contracts collagen for an immediate skin-tightening effect; in the long term, the heat stimulates the body to the body to produce more collagen [3]
Pros: Non-invasive and safe for regular use, RF devices can improve skin texture and elasticity alongside its immediate face-tightening effect within days
Cons: The tightening results are noticeable but only for the short term. There is an upfront cost for a quality device (ranging from $700-2000)
Best for: Mild sagging around the jawline and cheeks, where wrinkles are also present
2. At-Home Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Devices or Microcurrent Devices 🏠👛
How it works: EMS and microcurrent devices send pulses to stimulate facial muscles by mimicking the electrical signals sent by the central nervous system to tone and lift muscles. Stronger muscles can provide better support for the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging [8]
Pros: Non-invasive and easy to use at home, EMS and microcurrent devices help with muscle toning with affordable options ($100-500). In general, EMS is stronger and better for slimming larger areas while microcurrent is suitable for smaller areas around the eyes
Cons: The results will take time and consistent use, and these treatments may not address loose skin or wrinkles directly, requiring other treatments to be used together
Best for: Early-stage sagging or as a complementary treatment to RF or professional procedures
3. Ultherapy High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Treatments 🏥
How it works: Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production in deeper skin layers. This treatment tightens the skin and lifts sagging areas over time [9]
Pros: It is non-invasive and gives long-lasting results, as it can penetrate the skin deeper than RF devices. Usually, one to two treatments are sufficient
Cons: HIFU needs to be administered in a clinical setting or by a professional, which comes at a higher cost ($2000-4000 per treatment) and may be slightly uncomfortable during the treatment
Best for: Moderate to severe sagging, especially in the neck and jawline
4. Clinical-Grade Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling Treatments 🏥💉
How it works: Delivering RF energy through microneedles that penetrate the skin, these devices target deep tissues to stimulate collagen remodelling for long-term lifting and tightening. Surgical-grade RF can significantly reduce sagging [2]
Pros: Compared to surgery, RF microneedling provides drastic results with minimal downtime, providing long-lasting effects after a few sessions
Cons: The treatment must be administered by a professional, costing ($800-2000 per session)
Best for: Severe improvements to loose skin without surgery
5. Surgical Facelift and Thread Lifts 🏥💉
How it works: In a surgical setting, a facelift involves repositioning the skin and underlying tissues, while a thread lift involves inserting dissolvable threads under the skin to physically lift sagging areas [10] [11]
Pros: Providing drastic, immediate lifting effects, both procedures address sagging skin and deep facial structures, which can be tailored to specific areas and provide a tighter contour than our original appearance
Cons: Thread lifts have non-permanent results (1-2 years) costing around $1500-4000, while surgical facelift comes with significant downtime for recovery at the high cost of $10,000-20,000+. Both require a skilled professional to avoid complications and come with associated risks with invasive procedures
Best for: Severe sagging that cannot be reversed with non-surgical methods
#4 - Removing Excess Facial Fat
We might notice puffiness of the face that’s not associated with water intake or feeling bloaty. This excess facial fat may cause a double chin or darkened shadows around the nasolabial folds, and unlike sagging skin, it is usually associated with softer, wider wrinkles without folding skin.
Some of us may not like the heavier, rounder appearance, and fortunately, several clinical procedures can sculpt the face and reduce unwanted fat:
1. Clinical Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments 🏥
How it works: Monopolar RF is a clinical device that delivers focused heat energy into the deeper tissues of the fatty layer to target fat cells. This heat breaks down fat cells and contracts collagen to help contour and tighten the skin. Note that home-based RF devices cannot deliver enough power to reach the fat layer and cannot used as a substitute [12]
Pros: As a non-invasive procedure targeting fat and cellulite, it can be applied to various areas with no downtime
Cons: Results require multiple sessions (4-8) at the cost of $300-800 per session
Best for: Mild to moderate fat deposits around the chin and cheeks
2. Cryoliopolysis (CoolSculpting) Treatments 🏥
How it works: Fat cells in targeted areas are frozen, causing them to break down and be eliminated by the body over time. It’s a popular non-invasive treatment for stubborn fat pockets [13]
Pros: With no significant downtime, this treatment has long-lasting fat reduction of up to 25% and is great for targeting localized fat
Cons: Temporary numbness or discomfort might be experienced by some people during the treatment, and it can take multiple sessions for noticeable results, at $750-1500 per treatment area
Best for: Mild to moderate fat deposits around the chin and cheeks
3. Ultrasound-based Treatments for Fat Reduction 🏥
How it works: High-intensity focused ultrasound delivers energy deep into the tissue to break down fat cells while tightening the skin. It’s a dual-purpose treatment ideal for contouring and lifting [14]
Pros: It’s a non-invasive treatment with no downtime, which can give lasting results in one or two sessions. Addressing both loose skin and excess fat, this treatment is more cost-effective
Cons: The treatment needs to be done in a clinical setting, which may cause discomfort during the treatment, with a higher cost of $2000-4000 per treatment
Best for: Targeted fat reduction and skin tightening in smaller regions
4. Liposuction Procedures 🏥💉
How it works: Liposuction is a surgical procedure to physically remove excess fat directly from targeted areas. While traditionally associated with body contouring, it’s also effective for areas like the chin and cheeks [15]
Pros: The fat removal is permanent and done in one procedure, with drastic results visible immediately
Cons: Its invasive nature means downtime and potential risks, which also may leave loose skin that requires additional tightening treatments. Done by surgeons, this treatment can cost $3000-7000 depending on the area
Best for: Significant fat reduction in larger areas
5. Fat-Dissolving Injections 🏥💉
How it works: Using Kybella, the FDA-approved injectable as an example, fat-dissolving injections involve compounds that use deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells in specific areas. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these cells [16]
Pros: Non-surgical with no downtime, these injections give permanent results once the fat is dissolved
Cons: Multiple sessions may be required (2-6) costing $400-2000 per session. There may be temporary swelling or bruising of the area
Best for: Small and localized fat pockets under the chin
6. At-home Sculpting Tools 🏠👛
How it works: Devices like gua sha tools, facial rollers, and EMS devices may improve lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. They cannot reduce fat but may slim down the puffy appearance [17]
Pros: Affordable tools at $5-200, these devices can complement other treatments by reducing water retention
Cons: There are limited effects on true fat reduction, and the results are temporary and subtle. Some people dislike dragging along the skin
Best for: Puffiness due to water retention
#5 - Improving Skin Texture
Uneven skin texture can be due to multiple factors, from aging, acne, clogged pores, buildup of dead skin cells, to genetic factors and lifestyle habits. To address these concerns, there are various products, procedures, and devices that work effectively by exfoliation, resurfacing, or stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process, leaving it smoother and more radiant.
Let’s explore the most effective solutions to refine and rejuvenate our skin’s surface:
1. Microneedling Treatments 🏥💉
How it works: Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. If paired with RF energy, it boosts the skin-tightening effects and helps resurface uneven areas [4]
Pros: The treatment can improve both texture and elasticity to treat acne scars and large pores, offering long-lasting results after a few sessions
Cons: Results require professional treatment ($300-1000 per session) and result in downtimes due to redness and sensitivity. Note that home microneedling tools increase the risk of infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation
Best for: Acne scars, large pores, and overall texture improvement
2. Laser Resurfacing Treatments 🏥
How it works: Using fractional laser or CO2 laser, this treatment removes layers of damaged skin while stimulating collagen production. Fractional lasers target specific areas, while CO2 lasers resurface the entire face for deeper rejuvenation [18]
Pros: There is a dramatic improvement for deep scars and uneven texture, with long-lasting results over a few sessions
Cons: The treatment requires significant downtime (~2 weeks) for recovery, at a high cost ($1000-3000 per session). As a light-based approach, it is not suitable for darker skin tones due to the risk of pigmentation
Best for: Severe acne scars and rough patches of lighter skin tones
3. Non-laser Light Treatments (IPL) 🏥
How it works: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation, redness, and acne scars. By heating the skin, IPL also stimulates collagen production for smoother, even skin [19]
Pros: As a non-invasive treatment, it refines the texture overtime with little downtime, reducing redness, discoloration, acne scars, and spider veins
Cons: It requires multiple sessions for optimal results ($300-600 per session), and can cause discomfort during treatment. As a light-based approach, it is not suitable for darker skin tones or tattooed areas
Best for: Acne scars, redness, and discoloration contributing to uneven texture
4. Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Treatments 🏥💉👛
How it works: During dermabrasion, the skin’s top layer is mechanically exfoliated using a rotating tool, while microdermabrasion is a gentler, non-invasive version using crystals or a diamond tip [20]
Pros: Immediate results are observed for smoothing out rough skin, with affordable options available ($75-200 per session)
Cons: Effects are relatively temporary and require ongoing sessions, not suitable for deep scars
Best for: Mild texture irregularities and minor scars
5. Blackhead-Eliminating Devices (Suction Pore or Vaccum Blackhead Extractors) 🏠👛
How it works: These handheld devices use suction to remove blackheads and impurities from pores, leaving the skin clearer and smoother. Some devices combine suction with light therapy to address acne bacteria [21]
Pros: It physically removes blackheads and clogged pores with minimal trauma to the skin, which is gentle for regular use. Affordable options are available ($30-150)
Cons: Overusing the device can irritate the skin or enlarge pores, and usage requires a gentle technique to avoid bruising
Best for: Blackheads, clogged pores, and mild skin texture concerns
6. Retinoids and Exfoliating Acids Skincare Products 🏠👛
How it works: Retinoids in topical products speed up cell turnover, reducing rough patches and improving skin texture over time. Exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid remove dead skin cells and unclog pores [22]
Pros: Affordable and easy to use, these creams and serums come at $10-100 per product and improve the texture gradually with minimal side effects
Cons: It may take a long time to see results (3-6 months) and can cause initial irritation or dryness depending on the person. There is limited effect on deep scars
Best for: Early-stage texture concerns, like dullness or mild roughness
7. Chemical Peel Treatments 🏠👛
How it works: Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing smoother skin underneath. They range from mild at-home peels to deep professional treatments [5]
Pros: It can improve rough texture, fine lines, and discoloration of the skin, offering an affordable option
Cons: Deeper peels require downtime and can be costly, with the results needing maintenance. On sensitive skin, such treatments may further irritate the skin
Best for: Surface to medium-level roughness, dullness, and enlarged pores
8. Home-based Radiofrequency (RF) Devices 🏠
How it works: RF devices stimulate collagen production through heat generated from electricity, improving skin elasticity and helping to smooth rough texture over time [3]
Pros: Non-invasive and pain-free, these devices offer improvements in both skin texture and contour tightness
Cons: Results require consistent use to take effect. The clinical treatment combining RF and microneedling is more effective for deep scars
Best for: Mild to moderate texture issues, smoothing fine lines
9. LED-based and NIR-based (Red, Blue, or Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy) Devices 🏠
How it works: LED masks, facial wands, or attachments use light wavelengths to target specific skin concerns. Red light stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation, while blue light kills acne-causing bacteria; near-infrared light can penetrate deeper into fat tissues [23]
Pros: As a non-invasive and pain-free method to reduce redness and inflammation over time, it is convenient for using at home. Note that priced at $100-1000, the device has a tradeoff of price with its power output, intensity, and proximity to the skin, all of which directly impacts effectiveness
Cons: Results are gradual and require consistent use. Note that only specific wavelengths have clinically validated evidence (red: 630-700 nm, blue: 400-470 nm, and NIR: 760-1400 nm)
Best for: Reducing redness, minimizing pore appearance
#6 - Maintaining Skin Youth
Like going to the gym, it’s essential to focus on maintenance when it comes to skincare. The goal isn’t just to fix problems but to preserve the progress we’ve made and keep our skin looking healthy for years to come.
Here are some key practices and skincare products for optimal maintenance [24]:
1. Daily Sunscreen Use (SPF 30 or Higher)
Why it’s essential: UV damage is one of the primary causes of premature aging, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration. Daily sunscreen use protects your skin from harmful rays, preventing new damage
Pro Tip: Use a broad-spectrum SPF to shield against both UVA and UVB rays, remember to reapply when outdoors
2. Incorporate Antioxidants
Why it’s essential: Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E neutralize free radicals, which can damage collagen and accelerate aging. They also brighten the skin and promote an even tone
Pro Tip: Look for serums with 10–20% Vitamin C for maximum effectiveness, and use in the morning under your sunscreen for added UV protection
3. Prioritize Hydration
Why it’s essential: Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or ceramides help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier
Pro Tip: Use a heavier moisturizer at night to repair and hydrate the skin while you sleep, and of course, don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day
4. Retinoids for Long-Term Anti-Aging
Why it’s essential: Retinoids are one of the most studied and effective ingredients for reducing fine lines, improving texture, and stimulating collagen production
Pro Tip: Start with a low concentration (0.025%) if you’re new to retinoids to minimize irritation. Apply at night and follow with sunscreen during the day, as retinoids make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
5. Non-Invasive Maintenance Tools
Why it’s essential: At-home devices can help maintain professional treatment results by continuing to stimulate collagen and keeping skin firm
Recommended Tools [25]:
RF Devices: The most effective method at home to improve skin elasticity and reverse formed wrinkles
LED Masks: A preventative therapy to reduce inflammation, most effective for acne treatment [25]
Electroporation Devices: Used alongside serums or ampoules, these help active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin by using electricity to open the pores of skin cell membranes in a process called iontophoresis [26]
EMS and Microcurrent Tools: Mimicking the body’s natural signals, these devices send pulses to muscles for toning and giving a firmer appearance
6. Holistic Lifestyle Habits
Why it’s essential: Skin health is a reflection of overall wellness. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can all contribute to looking healthy from the inside out
Pro Tip: Eat foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins, get 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin to repair, and avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both dehydrate the skin and accelerate aging