While double cleansing and exfoliating at home helps keep my acne-prone skin free of congestion, there’s nothing like a professional facial to give me the most satisfying deep clean. The one that I get, in particular, is a multistep treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates your skin like no other. The key element is the use of a vacuum-like wand that extracts debris lodged deep in the pores. It finishes with a glow-inducing serum that leaves you practically sparkling.
The only problem? These facials aren’t exactly cheap. One good one alone can cost you upward of $300, but Shark recently presented us facial enthusiasts with a solution: an at-home device that works similarly and produces stellar results right from the comfort of your home. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one, and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint in the results department. For all my thoughts on it, including the pros and cons of using this device, keep reading. I’m breaking it all down ahead.
Shark
Facialpro Glow at Home Hydro-Powered Facial System
Right off the bat, I love that this system comes with two sets of tips, one normal set and one sensitive set for those with more delicate skin like mine. Each of the sets comes with a general tip to use for the entire face and then a separate tip for the T-zone to really extract any blackheads on the nose. The system is really well-labeled and tells you exactly which attachment to use when, making it super easy to use. I did wish that it provided a QR code to watch a video of a professional using the product so you can more easily get the hang of the actual suctioning part of the facial, but the paper instructions get the job done your first time using it.
The brand recommends starting with the heat attachment to prime the skin for extraction. You then apply the Derm Detox Gel (included in the kit along with the Hydro Infuse Serum, both listed below) for three minutes and then use the extraction/exfoliation tip of your choice and glide it along the face.
Shark
Facialpro Glow Replenishment Kit
You can switch to your T-zone attachment for the nose and forehead area. Then, you add the Hydro Infuse Serum to the device tank to really press it into the pores and leave you with that post-facial glow. The brand also recommends finishing by using the cryotherapy attachment to contour and de-puff the skin.
The whole experience takes less than 15 minutes. I was amazed at how quickly it went. I did have a little trouble with the suctioning portion of the facial. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of it, but the trick is to really press on the skin to create the suction before gliding it across your face. After looking at the debris tank, I could tell it removed some excess oil and quite a bit of congestion from my skin. I was impressed considering it was such a quick facial experience. I will say, though, watch out if you have super-sensitive skin. The gel does contain both AHAs and BHAs, so it is a bit of a stronger exfoliator. It did cause some redness and a bit of mild irritation for me in some areas. If you have a similar skin type, be careful that you don’t apply too much. I was a bit worried because of that, but the redness went away after an hour or so. The real magic happened the next day. I woke up and my skin was glowing with fewer bumps and congestion.
To say I was happy is an understatement. As someone who does not have the budget to get professional facials every single month, this device is a total game changer. While it’s not quite as powerful as an in-office treatment, it comes pretty dang close. It also isn’t a pain to incorporate into your routine—the whole experience took less than 15 minutes for me. As a beauty-obsessed editor, I’m going to look forward to this once- or twice-a-week treat. This device retails for $400, and while I know that seems incredibly expensive, the results it delivers are actually worth it. Like I said, getting monthly facials is expensive, and this is such a great alternative. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take long, and they’ve made it mostly sensitive-skin friendly.
For more of my favorite products to use for an at-home facial, keep scrolling.
More At-Home Facial Products I Love
iS Clinical
Active Peel Treatment System
If you don’t have $400, this peeling system is one of my favorites on the market for an at-home facial. It’s gentle on sensitive skin, but the results after just one use are amazing. It gives you an instant glow and decongests the skin so well.
Murad
Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel
This peel-in-toner can be a bit strong, but it really does the job. It contains glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and malic acid to remove dead skin cells with ease. Adaptogens like holy basil and antioxidants also soothe redness and stressed skin.
Abib
Gummy Sheet Mask Heartleaf Stick – 10 Sheets
These Korean sheet masks were recommended by one of my favorite aestheticians Varuni Palacios. They’re so calming and hydrating on the skin without clogging my pores.
Beauty of Joseon
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask – 10 Sheets
These viral sheet masks from Beauty of Joseon are another favorite. If I accidentally go too hard on the exfoliants and my skin looks irritated or red, I use these and it calms down immediately.
Paula’s Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This product has been a longtime favorite of mine. Even if you use it just a couple times a week, you notice a huge improvement in skin clarity and texture.
