Combining at-home anti-aging devices: ZIIP, LED, NEWA, Microneedling, and more!

When combining different anti-aging tools, it's important first to consider your goals. I feel strongly that we need to choose one or two areas 'anti-aging concerns' or 'gripes', and focus on those for a minimum of two-three months after which time we can evaluate and continue or switch to begin to address another 'concern'.

To use these charts, simply start by identifying the thing you want to focus on from the top column in pink. Then look at the different ✔️ to see which devices are the best match. Consider what you already have in your anti-aging device arsenal, what your budget is, and how much time you want to commit. For more detail on which device is best for which concern, see At-home skincare devices: Which is right for you?

Once you've committed to one device you can certainly add other tools into the mix. Again, my advice is to focus on one concern and give the tools their time to work (Rome wasn't built in a day, nor is new collagen!!). Consult this second table to evaluate whether the second tool you have in mind 'plays well' with your initial tool. Note how well LED plays with EVERY other modality – that's one of the many reasons it's a true favorite of mine!). For an overview of my very favorite LED wearables and panels, have a look at this blog.

SUMMARY OF DIFFERENT MODALITIES

Microcurrent:

Microcurrent delivers low-level (micro) electric current to stimulate facial muscles, increase collagen and elastin production, and ultimately tighten the skin. Microcurrent treatments are a non-invasive way to bring nutrients to the skin through increased blood circulation. Better blood flow and circulation mean better lymphatic drainage (great for alleviating that morning puffiness we all get from time to time!). Check out this blog post for more info on microcurrent.

Radio Frequency:

Home RF devices use radio frequency energy to promote skin rejuvenation. As the energy passes through the tissue there is resistance and the radio frequency energy converts to thermal (heat) energy creating small “injuries” to the dermal layer of skin. The body wants to repair these injuries and ultimately collagen is produced. While radio frequency is one of the best at-home modalities for skin tightening, the heat generated by a home RF device is far lower than what you'd find having the treatment in a clinic – so patience and compliance is key.

LED:

LED stands for light emitting diode. These lights have profound effects on our tissue. Blue LED works on the epidermal layer targeting bacteria. Red and NIR work in the middle and deeper layers of the skin helping to boost ATP, overall cellular health, collagen, and elastin production. LED is anti-inflammatory and, to me, the perfect modality. Easily my favorite of all at-home modalities. Click here to see my LED blog for a LOT more info on the modality.

IPL:

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. This light is attracted to a couple of targets (chromophores) in the skin – blood and melanin. IPL can be effective for broken capillaries (limited efficacy at home), hyperpigmentation, acne, and hair removal and overall skin quality.

Microneedling:

Microneedling uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin via pen or roller. Like RF, the body perceives the “injury” and sends in the troops to repair the problem (collagen). The injury is incidental but the repair is not. Microneedling is great for tightening skin (mildly), retexturing the complexion, and improving cellular communication. I have a microneedling blog (click here) for more information.

Generally, the reason why something will appear in the 'No, don't combine' section is that it works at the same level (typically 'collagen induction') as your first-choice device. Collagen induction can't be rushed and, in fact, we can do more harm than good if we try to deploy too many different tools at once!

If you're working on two different areas, say crow's feet and sagging jaw, you're absolutely free to use two 'conflicting' devices at the same time – just make sure they're in different areas!

Lastly, there are often exceptions to most rules. In the pursuit of clarity I left out gray areas as much as possible and just kept some devices separate. Feel free to push the boundaries if you feel you understand the modality and the nuances of the contraindication.

XOPenn

MY AFFILIATE LINKS*

MICROCURRENT

1. ZIIP Halo

This is my absolute favorite microcurrent device – in my mind, its head and shoulders above the rest. To learn more about why, have a look at my blog ZIIP Microcurrent: this one's different!

Regular price: $399

Black Friday price: $311.22 (22% discount the best deal out there just for my community!!) Starts November 7th through Cyber Monday

https://go.shopmy.us/p-1593091

Discount: 22% off Halo, bundles & gel bundles, 25% off individual gels

Code: PENNZIIP (Halo, bundles & gel bundles)

PENNGEL (individual gels)

When: now through December 1st

⭐️ Guaranteed best discount for ZIIP now through December 1st!

To order the ZIIP Halo Internationally:

CurrentBody website https://go.shopmy.us/p-1852658

Use code PENNZIIP at checkout

RADIO FREQUENCY

At-home RF can be a fantastic tool for those wanting to address subtle laxity on their lower faces. As there is heat generated by these devices (which can trigger hyperpigmenttation), they're only recommended for those who are Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.

NEWA. This is a solid device that's been around for years. Many members of my community have shared feedback that they love the NEWA for addressing early jowling and helping to define the jawline.

Regular Price: $350

Black Friday Price: $297.50

Discount: 15% off (if the NEWA is already on sale on their website then my code stacks for an additional 15%!)

Code: Penny15 

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-8212216

When: ongoing

CurrentBody RF. CurrentBody did an interesting study and has some impressive feedback (note that this isn't a 'clinical study' but a small study to evaluate their product. "Results: After eight weeks of treatment, 89-97% of participants showed a visible improvement in overall wrinkle appearance, with an average reduction of 1.21 points on the wrinkle severity scale. These improvements persisted and increased three months after the last treatment, with an average decrease of 1.5 points. Improvements in skin elastosis were also observed, with up to 100% of participants showing enhanced skin firmness by the end of the follow-up period."

Regular price: $385

Black Friday price: $308

Discount: 20%

Code: BFPenn

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-10045451

When: until December 1st

⭐️ Guaranteed best deal now through Cyber Monday! 

LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LED) LIGHT THERAPY – Red, NIR (and Blue)

*MASKS*

I've done a comprehensive review of the latest (and my favorite) LED masks in this blog (with accompanying video). They're not all the same! There are some great innovations and each one has stand-out features, do take time to have a look at the blog.

1. CurrentBody Series 2

Code: BFPenn for a 20% discount until Cyber Monday (exclusive to my community until November 9th)

Regular price: $469

Black Friday Price: $375.20

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-8142149

⭐️ Guaranteed best deal now through Cyber Monday! 

2. Maysama Prana

Code: Penn30 for 30% off (my code takes an additional 12.5% off the existing Maysama Black Friday discount of 20%, totaling 30% off (it's the lowest discount out there, exclusive to my community!!)

Regular price: $375

Black Friday Price: $262.50

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-8214528

⭐️ Guaranteed best deal now through Cyber Monday! 

3. Dr. Rajani PlasmaGlo Mask

Code: Penn10

Regular price: $425

Price: $382

Link: https://store.rajanimd.com/pennsmithskincare

*CHEST/NECK*

1. Maysama Chin-to-Chest

This is my favorite wearble LED to treat this area. The Maysama Chin to Chest has pulsing, a submental piece to treat under the chin, and also the ability to turn off NIR.

Regular price: $335

Black Friday price: $234.50

Code: Penn30 for 30% off (my code takes an additional 12.5% off the existing Maysama Black Friday discount of 20%, totaling 30% off (it's the lowest discount out there, exclusive to my community!!)

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-8214484

⭐️ Guaranteed best deal now through Cyber Monday! 

2. HigherDose Neck and Dec

The Higher Dose Neck and Dec has been a favorite of mine for a few years. Its is larger than other neck and decs and great if you also want to treat your full back (just flip around), your lap etc.

Regular price: $349

Black Friday price: $279.20

Code: PENNBFCM for 20% off for Black Friday from now until 3 December

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-2109787 

*PANELS*

Panels enable us to treat a larger area. Remember, goggles are not optional with panels!!

I prefer my panels with a 'pulse'. To learn why, watch this video chat I did with Maysama founder Bev May.

Red Therapy Co Red Rush Pulse

Red Therapy has a range of mid-size to larger panels

Regular price: Depends on size

Code: HOLIDAYGLOW for 30% off

Link: https://redtherapy.co/?rfsn=4260585.8ef123&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4260585.8ef123

Maysama Panel

This smaller panel includes a stand and is perfect to leave on a vanity table or bedside.

Regular price: $439

Black Friday price: $307.30

Code: Penn30

Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-8216578

⭐️ Guaranteed best deal now through Cyber Monday! 

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) FOR SKIN REJUVENATION

Faustina

I first discovered the Faustina device a few years ago and documented some great success that my community has had, particularly in zapping broken capillaries (the woman highlighted in this video still remans broken capillary-free today!!) The device comes with three different heads, focused on rejuvenation, acne, and hair removal – so a valuable and flexible tool.

Regular price:

Black Friday price:

Code:

Link: https://labotest.co.uk/?ref=PennSmith

Jovs Blacken Pro https://go.shopmy.us/p-9082349

LASER

Nira introduced the Nira PRO last year. The PRO treats a much larger surface area than the original device.

Regular price: $599

Black Friday price: $449

Discount: 25% off

Code: BFCM2024

https://go.shopmy.us/p-9495000

MICRONEEDLING

Click here https://amzn.to/4dBdpar to see my list of microneedling pens and supplies.

P R O T O C O L S

Sagging skin protocol

Devices: RF, Microcurrent, Microneedling and LED. (feel free to eliminate any of them)

4-5 times a week for the first 6-8 weeks (in this order):

1. LED then

2. RF then

3. Microcurrent

Every 5 weeks microneedle (.5mm or deeper) followed by LED. Resume above protocol after skin heals for one week.

The simple collagen induction protocol

Devices: microneedling and LED

1. Microneedle every 5 weeks at .5mm

2. Follow with red LED

3. LED 4-6 days a week (RED) NIR if no concerns for hyperpigmentation

Be sure to incorporate retinoids and sunscreen into your skincare routine.

The acne protocol (device only)

Device: LED

1. Blue or Blue/Red LED mask 4-6 times a week (the Maysama mask and Rajani masks are my preferred – Rajani gets extra points as the submental coverage means that the blue light hits that tricky jawline area and under the chin.

2. ZIIP HALO 'Problem Solver' program to spot treat and keep bacteria at bay, 2-3 times per week

This is only for Fitzpatrick 1-3 and not for anyone prone to hyperpigmentation. People of Asian descent should avoid blue light as it may cause "bronzing" (hyperpigmentation). Keeping your devices clean is super important when dealing with acne. I like to use… for both my ZIIP and LED masks

FTC: Links in this post are affiliate ~ Please note that all links on this page are affiliate and I participate in the Amazon Associates program which is an affiliate program. Any time you see an Amazon link it is affiliate. If you choose to use my links please know that I appreciate it!

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare/skin professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this website are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.