The TheraFace Depuffing Wand Is the More Affordable Skincare Device I Didn’t Know I Needed

Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.

What I Tested…

• TheraFace Depuffing Wand ($155)

Why I Tested…

How I tested…

I tested the device for a month consistently, using it in the morning and at night, for the minimum treatment time and longer. I tested each of the three cold levels and each of the three heat levels, noting how it felt on my skin and how it looked after. I also noted how easy it was to incorporate the device into my current routine, and how likely I was to continue using it after the testing period.

Test Results…

• Cold treatment. The cold treatment on this device is amazing at depuffing your skin, especially under your eyes, since the metal applicator is shaped perfectly to reach every corner, unlike a typical ice roller. After going out on a weeknight (brave of me), I used it the next morning to wake up my face without the hassle of dunking my face in ice water. My skin instantly felt rejuvenated and looked much less swollen. The cold sensation lingers even after you’re finished using it, especially with the highest setting. While I found that it didn’t do a lot to lighten dark circles — even after using it daily for an extended period — the reduction in puffiness did make my concealer apply easier.

• Heat treatment. The heat setting is recommended for nighttime use to prime the skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers. Since I have rosacea, my skin is really sensitive to heat, so I was wary of using this setting. But I was pleasantly surprised to find the heat soothing, especially when I was using it on my neck and temples. While I’m not sure whether my serums absorbed better, I did feel like it improved my skin’s circulation and overall brightness. The middle heat level was best for me. If you have redness-prone or sensitive skin, I would be careful with the highest heat setting, since it was too hot for my skin.

• Ease of use. This wand is foolproof to use. You can toggle between temperature levels with the press of a button, as well as switch between heat and cooling treatments easily. Unlike a full red light therapy mask, you can mindlessly use it while you’re watching Gilmore Girls for the fiftieth time (just me?), and the lights on the device blink to let you know when it’s time to switch to the other side of your face. While I forget to reach for other devices — that are significantly more expensive, by the way — I found myself constantly reaching for this one, especially since the treatment time is so short (just three minutes on each side).

Sidenotes…

• The design of this device is incredibly sleek and great for travel, since it packs easily and would be great for depuffing post-flight.

• While the instructions say to use the device on freshly cleansed skin, I found that it glided easier if I put my moisturizer on before using it.

• It’s very easy to clean. Just wipe the applicator with an alcohol wipe or antibacterial wipe. The bottom part of the device can just be wiped off with a towel.

The Fine Details…

• TheraFace Depuffing Wand ($155)