How I test at-home devices

Testing and creating product reviews is an in depth process taking weeks, or even months, to complete. Here you can learn exactly what I do for my different types of product tests and reviews.

All the laser & IPL brands I test & recommend are top quality because they’re…

For at-home IPL and laser hair removal, I select only clinically proven devices. This removes all doubt the device works as advertised because the manufacturer has invested time and money to prove their device is safe and effective. It’s THE most important consideration.

Devices must also conform to all the related CE and UKCA manufacturing and safety guidelines. This is a self certification process which then allows manufacturers to print a logo on the device or on the packaging. So, it’s important to double check these credentials (because unscrupulous brands lie and print the logos anyway).

FDA-clearance applies to devices sold in the USA only. So, it’s not a mandatory flag for all devices, especially if they’re manufactured in the UK or Europe. However, it’s more reassuring if the device does have it.

I then look for special features and functions that make for easier and more comfy sessions, so you’re more likely to stick with them and maintain smooth, fuzz-free skin.

Then it’s time to test. Here’s what I do:

WHAT I TEST

First, I assess the quality, styling and design, power or battery life, and warranty.

Second, I explain the controls and features, and how to use the device.

Next, I test each device on myself over several sessions. I zap my legs, bikini line, tummy, underarms and face. I record my thoughts and feedback throughout.

I record times from each session for flashing a full leg and my whole-body then take an average. That way you get an accurate, like-for-like comparison you can trust across ALL the devices.

I also detail the treatment schedule during start-up, and when you need to do your top-ups. I share when you can expect to see results and when you’ll have smooth skin. My test results, the brand information, and other user feedback and reviews inform this.

All of this goes into my comprehensive reviews as text, photos, charts, videos, tips, and pros & cons.

At the end of each review, you’ll find a helpful summary in three parts.

In the first, I confirm  the overall score, which body areas the device is good for and the price range.

Next, there’s a a quick summary and rating (out of 5-stars) for lamp lifetime, ease of use, and effort vs results.

And finally, a concise summary of the pros & cons you’ll find in the full review detail.

At the end of the reviews are my affiliate links. I choose reputable retailers and brands with good prices and customer service. If you decide to buy via those links, it means I earn some pennies and can keep testing and reviewing products. I really appreciate your support.

Look out for my exclusive voucher codes next to the deal links too!

First, it’s vital to understand the different technologies from red light therapy, microcurrent, EMS, PEMF, Radio Frequency, LLLT, phonophoresis, to blue light therapy.

I gain a deep understanding of what they do, how they work, and how significant and long-lasting their results are. And the best place to find this information is in trusted scientific studies and papers.

But these materials are often hard going, with lots of academic terminology and specialist knowledge to learn. It takes aaages to wade through them and know you’ve not missed any juicy bits. So, I enlist the services of my favourite experienced medical writers. With established medical and research backgrounds, they can locate the most reliable materials, then organise and distil often complex information into a concise and digestible format. They produce evidence-led, quality background and explanations I love to learn from and share.

These articles are an excellent starting place to learn about the technologies, and a good place to find more in-depth reading materials from the article references.

You can read their content in these background 101 articles:

• Laser resurfacing & rejuvenation 101
• Microcurrent facials at-home 101
• Radio Frequency skin tightening 101
• Red light therapy at-home 101
• Ultrasound skincare boosting facials at-home 101

Armed with a solid understanding of the technologies, I can then select products to test. 

All the skincare, anti-ageing & wellbeing products I test & recommend are top choices because they’re…

I focus on products offering scientifically proven technology, or a combination of proven technologies, and those which are shown to give lasting results. It’s an important distinction because there are several more products you can choose that sound impressive, but there’s little science behind them. You’ll get sensory benefits and perhaps an indulgent pamper-time, but they won’t give the lasting significant skin health or anti-ageing benefits you’ll get from others.

And for specific technologies, the device must also be clinically proven. That’s because some, such as laser and Radio Frequency, cause skin damage to trigger a healing response. They have the potential to harm your skin and leave long-lasting side-effects. Brands often also have different, specially adapted, patented formats of the technology. So, when they’re clinically proven, it gives reassurance not only that they work, but vitally that the technology operates at safe, therapeutic levels, which won’t cause you any harm. I won’t use them on my skin otherwise.

With other technologies, such as microcurrent and red light therapy, the mode of action is much gentler with fewer and less serious side effects. Quality cosmetic grade LED technology is also widely available to brands from 3rd party specialist manufacturers. So clinical proof, whilst I definitely prefer it, is not essential and I would still use these devices on my skin…

However, I want to avoid substandard technology which doesn’t work as well and gives inferior results. So, it’s important to validate the marketing claims, and the brand and manufacturing credentials, when selecting such products to test.

As with IPL & laser hair removal devices, I also check they conform to all the related CE and UKCA manufacturing and safety guidelines. After following this self certification process, manufacturers can then print the related logo on the device or on the packaging. Some unscrupulous brands lie and print these logos without certification, so it’s important to double check everything.

FDA-clearance applies to devices sold in the USA only. So, it’s not a mandatory flag for everything I review, especially if the brand is based in the UK or Europe. However, it’s more reassuring if the device has it.

I then look for special features and benefits that promise better or faster results, or make the device easier and comfier to use than rivals.

I like brands that also manufacture counterpart, professional, clinical or medical machines and scale their patented technology down into at-home devices. That’s because experts with many years of experience design these devices. So, I trust they’re the most advanced and unique out there.

Then the testing begins…This is what I do:

WHAT I TEST

First, I will explain the technology, technical specification, and anything that’s unique to this specific device.

Second, I review all the guides and manuals, and assess the styling, design, quality, power, consumables and warranty of the device and accessories.

Next, I will show how to use the device, the techniques, movements, and routines.

Then, I test the device on myself, or with a volunteer friend or family member, over the advised treatment regimen, and often beyond. Over the course, I record my thoughts and feedback in a diary. The trial sometimes includes before and after results photos too.

I also detail the recommended treatment schedule or frequency, how long the sessions take, and how to maintain your results. I share when you can expect to see or feel results. My test results, the brand information, and other user feedback and reviews inform this.

All of this goes into my comprehensive reviews as text, photos, charts, guides, videos, tips, and pros & cons.

At the end of each review, you’ll find a helpful summary in three parts.

In the first part, I confirm the overall score, which areas you can treat, and the price range.

Next, there’s a 5-star scoring criteria for each device. This covers ease of use, the treatment schedule or effort, and what results you can see and when. 

And finally, a concise summary of the pros & cons you’ll find in the full review detail.

At the end of the reviews are my affiliate links. I choose reputable retailers and brands with good prices and customer service. If you decide to buy via those links, it means I earn some pennies and can keep testing and reviewing products. I really appreciate your support.

Look out for my exclusive voucher codes next to the deal links too!