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The Truth About At-Home Skincare Devices – And Why Your Clients Need Your Expertise

At-home skincare devices… do you get texts or dm’s from clients asking, ‘is this ok to use after my chemical peel?

As an esthetician, you’ve probably had clients reach out, wondering if a trendy skincare device they saw online is worth the investment. With the rise of handheld beauty devices promising professional-grade results at home, many skincare enthusiasts are tempted to purchase from TikTok Shop or Amazon. But without proper guidance, they may end up with ineffective or even harmful tools.

Let’s be clear—at-home devices are not a replacement for professional treatments. Instead, they serve as a way to support and enhance the results you provide in-office. If your clients are going to buy a device anyway, wouldn’t you rather they invest in one you trust and recommend? By offering expert-approved options through retail or affiliate programs, you can ensure they’re using safe, effective tools that complement their skincare journey.


3 Reasons Estheticians Should Offer At-Home Skincare Devices to Clients

As professionals, we are not just salespeople—we are problem solvers and trusted skincare guides. Our goal is to help clients achieve their best skin by providing solutions that go beyond a single treatment. When we recommend at-home devices, it’s not about pushing a sale; it’s about ensuring our clients have the best tools available to maintain and accelerate their progress.

1 We Are Here for the Entire Process

Clients often feel lost when navigating the overwhelming world of skincare. By guiding them toward the right at-home devices, we ensure they have a clear and effective path to achieving their skin goals. Unlike online retailers, we don’t just sell a product and disappear—we stay actively involved in their journey.

2 Tracking Progress & Adjusting Treatments

When clients use esthetician-approved at-home skincare devices, we can better track their progress and adjust treatments accordingly. This ongoing feedback loop allows us to make necessary modifications based on how their skin is responding, ensuring they continue to see improvements.

3 Providing Education & Ensuring Proper Use

One of the biggest issues with at-home skincare devices is that clients often don’t know how to use them correctly or consistently. By purchasing through an esthetician, they receive proper education, support, and personalized recommendations, ensuring they get the most out of their investment.


How I Incorporate Pro-Level Devices in the Treatment Room

In my treatment room, devices are not an afterthought—they are an essential part of how I deliver results-driven treatments. I love stacking energies because each modality offers unique benefits, and when combined, they create cumulative results that build on each other for faster, more noticeable improvements.


March 2025 L+A Report

5 Must Have Modalities In Modern Medical Aesthetics

Aesthetic device technology in the medical + spa skincare industry is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies transforming how professionals approach skin and body treatments. From LED light therapy and microneedling to microcurrent, laser treatments, and infrared saunas, these advanced modalities are now essential in aesthetic practices.


4 Ways To Use Devices In Age Management Treatments

  1. Lifting and contouring the muscles with microcurrent helps reduce facial shadows, giving a more sculpted look.
  2. Radio frequency tightens and firms the skin by stimulating collagen production, improving overall elasticity.
  3. LED therapy brightens, improves texture, and helps reduce inflammation, contributing to an overall youthful glow.
  4. Ultrasound allows for deeper infusion of nourishing ingredients, maximizing hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.

This multi-layered, energy-stacking approach is something only a professional can do safely and effectively, which is why professional treatments will always outperform at-home devices. But when clients ask me, “Can I do this at home?” I always answer with yes—and no. I explain that at-home devices are fantastic for maintenance between appointments and can absolutely enhance results, but they do not replace the expertise, customization, or depth of energy that comes from professional treatments.

I tell my clients, “Think of your treatments with me like working out with a trainer at the gym. That’s where we really target and push for change. Your at-home devices? That’s your daily or weekly workout to keep progress going. You need both to really see the magic happen.”

I also make sure my clients know that if they’re going to invest in a device, I want to be the one to help guide that purchase. This ensures they’re using something that truly fits their skin goals and works in harmony with the treatments I’m providing. By offering my preferred devices directly, I create a continuity of care that ensures my clients are set up for success at home.

If you’re an esthetician who doesn’t want to carry inventory or stock devices in your spa, you can still support your clients with trusted recommendations by using affiliate links or setting up a curated online shop. This way, you remain their go-to expert while still earning commission for your professional guidance.


Contribution by Tiffany Underwood

Tiffany Underwood is a licensed esthetician passionate about helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through personalized, results-driven care. With years of experience and a commitment to continual learning, she blends cutting-edge technology with science-backed products to deliver transformative treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. As the founder of SkinCo, Tiffany has built her practice on trust, education, and a client-first approach, offering advanced facials and rejuvenation services that exceed expectations.

In addition to her work at SkinCo, Tiffany founded Tiff Tiff’s Chemo Bags, a nonprofit providing comfort items to individuals undergoing chemotherapy—a cause deeply personal to her. Guided by the belief that “when you feel good, you do good,” Tiffany empowers others by boosting confidence through self-care. Known for her relatable and approachable style, she inspires clients and fellow estheticians alike, combining professionalism with warmth to foster strong relationships.


4 Times At-Home Skincare Devices Can Help

  1. Between professional treatments to prolong and enhance results.
  2. For daily maintenance and improving overall skin health.
  3. To complement esthetician-recommended skincare regimens.
  4. To accelerate and enhance treatment outcomes—consistent use of the right at-home devices can help clients achieve their skincare goals faster by reinforcing the professional treatments they receive.

A Balanced Approach for Better Results with At-Home Skincare Devices

Professional treatments and at-home skincare devices don’t have to compete—they can work together for optimal skin health.  We have the power to guide this process, providing expert recommendations that keep clients on the right track while building deeper trust and loyalty.


Estheticians: Don’t Be Afraid to Sell—You’re Solving Problems

If you’re hesitant to recommend or retail devices because you fear sounding “salesy,” remember this: you are not a salesperson—you are a skincare expert helping your clients navigate confusing, saturated options. When you suggest a device, it’s because you care about your client’s results, not just a transaction.

The beauty of incorporating devices into your practice—both in treatment and for home care—is that it deepens your relationship with your client. You’re no longer just their “facialist”—you’re their trusted partner in their skin journey. When they know they can count on you for the right recommendations, they’ll stop asking TikTok and Amazon for advice—and start asking you.

Let’s shift our mindset. You’re not selling devices. You’re delivering solutions, building trust, and ensuring results. That’s what makes you an exceptional esthetician.


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