Beyond Botox - The At-Home Skin Tools Worth Talking About
Ok, the conversation that is the elephant in the room - most women I know are either thinking about Botox, strongly don’t want it or have had it - some are looking so FRESH and we want to know, is it something they are doing or...? But the conversation also steers towards the financial reality, the societal pressure, the personal ethics around ageing gracefully. And you might be thinking, where the hell do you stand in all this?
Where We Stand at Oria Skin
Here's what we believe - we are about body-healthy actions. Skincare that our hormones agree with, because skincare is something we are applying every single day, and that does build up - it's called toxic load - and as women, we have a lot. We are also about feeling good, and that can have an immense impact on your mental health. So if something makes you feel good - then that is good for you (like seriously, good for you! )
But if you are still in the land of confusion, feeling the pressure, and all you know is that you want to take care of what you have - preserve and care for your skin with the long view in mind - here is something that might be of interest to you.
You Already Know About Gua Sha
And as you've seen, we are big fans of this tool - we even sell the beautiful Black Obsidian Gua Sha for lymphatic drainage and facial shaping. It's a staple and it is here to stay, just as it has been for centuries in ancient Chinese practice.
But what if you wanted to step it up a notch? What devices are actually out there that can help change the structure of your skin?
Let us tell you about EMS.
What is EMS - And Is It Worth It?
EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. It works by sending low-level electrical currents through the skin to stimulate the facial muscles beneath - essentially giving them a workout without you doing anything. The same technology has been used in physiotherapy and sports recovery for decades. What's new is its application in at-home facial devices. We know - it can sound a little daunting.
Here's what it can do:
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Lifts & firms - tones facial muscles the same way exercise tones the body
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Boosts circulation - more blood flow means more oxygen, more nutrients, more glow
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Supports collagen production - firmer, plumper skin over time
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Reduces fine lines - as muscles tone, lines become visibly smoother
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Lymphatic drainage - reduces puffiness and fluid retention, especially around the jaw and eyes
Is it really worth it? The honest answer is yes - with consistency. Like all good skincare, EMS is not an overnight fix. The results build over weeks and months of regular use, much like going to the gym. The women who see the most dramatic results are those who use it consistently as part of their routine - which is why pairing it with a good skincare ritual (hello, Oria Skin 😉) makes such a difference. The skin needs to be well-nourished and supported for the device to work at its best.
Who is it best for? EMS is particularly beneficial for women experiencing the skin changes of perimenopause and menopause. Declining oestrogen means the facial muscles lose tone and the skin loses firmness faster - EMS directly addresses this by stimulating the muscles that conventional skincare products simply cannot reach.
So yes, while it can feel a little freaky to begin with, it is non-invasive, affordable and satisfies that "feels like it's actually doing something" need when upping your skincare game. Seriously buzzy to use - excuse the pun - and I think a lot of people will prefer this to injectables.
What About LED?
Another device worth mentioning is the LED face mask. Personally I use the Trudermal LED mask - there is plenty of research out there on the benefits of red light therapy for the face and entire body. When something can help on a cellular level, why not? Price-wise it's on the spendy side, and it is only worth it if you are dedicated to using it consistently every other night to reap the rewards. I'll be honest - I've been a bit slack. But I'm making more of an effort, so watch this space for my own results.
Something Is Coming...
You might be reading this thinking - OMG, another device? Another fad? Well, here is where we think we can help. Keep your eyes peeled - we might just have something in store for you very soon that can help with all of the above (minus the injectables 😉).
Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our email list at the bottom of the homepage - you won't want to miss this one.
Shop our Black Obsidian Gua Sha in the meantime - your skin's new favourite ritual is waiting.
Kate xx