I Tried An Ultrasonic Skin Spatula... Should You?

by BR Kellie

I'm a sucker for a skincare tool. If it promises finer lines, more plumped skin, less pimples, or the skin of a supermodel, my interest is piqued. Which is why seconds after the moment I spotted the words 'ultrasonic skin spatula' while sifting through the internet one rainy day, my fingers were flying over my keyboard in the search of my next skincare saviour. One day later, a parcel was placed on my doorstep and hope was placed in my heart.

Would an ultrasonic skincare spatula be the be all and end all of skincare tools? Would it replace the Clarisonic (RIP) in my affections? Also... what the heck is a skincare spatula anyway, and did I really need one? With so many questions, I went in search of the answers...

What is an ultrasonic skin spatula?

An ultrasonic skin spatula is a device that purports to use high-frequency sound waves to gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving texture and the overall health of one's skin.

It can be used on the face, neck, and other parts of your body as part of a skincare routine. Also, it's meant to be safe for most skin types - although the internet did what the internet always does with some dermatologists saying it should be avoided if you have rosacea, acne or sensitive skin, while others said it was fine to use if you have rosacea, acne or sensitive skin. This is why we patch test first, or consult trained professionals before using new tools on our skin if our skin's known to be finnicky.

How do you use a skin spatula?

The instructions I received gave me a basic template of first dampening my skin, or using a serum or oil, then taking the spatula and using the flat edge at a 45-degree angle, pushing outwards and up from the centre of my skin along my cheekbones, jawline and brow, avoiding areas where the skin was broken or irritated.

It also had a whole lot of information about negative and positive ions, with some working to infuse skincare and others to help declog your skin. Honestly, I didn't understand a word of it, so decided to stick to the first setting.

Does it actually work?

Well, yes. I think. Though how much of it is due to the science of ultrasonic frequencies and how much of it is due to running a metal scraper across your skin is up for debate - in my mind at least. Following the instructions I found online (because I really couldn't get my head around the ones in the box), I ran the spatula over my serumed-up skin at as close to 45-degrees as I could figure for the allocated nine minutes. (Well, seven - I have a small face and I didn't like how red my skin was becoming. A winner knows when to call it quits.) The beeping the device makes was a touch disconcerting, especially when it got closer to your ears, and the vibrating felt a touch odd, but it didn't hurt (although it felt uncomfortable on the more lined and less plump areas, such as my forehead). Surely enough, a few little white dots gathered at the end of the spatula, along with some liquid from the serum, which was satisfying to see, though nowhere near as satisfyingly gunky as the pictures online said it would look.

Post-spatula, my skin was red, but that disappeared quickly. It also looked lifted, probably due to the lymphatic drainage that would've occured in the way I used it. Did my skin look amazing? Not really. Did it look better? Maybe a touch, but hope does give one rose-coloured glasses. The next day it did seem to be glowier than usual.

Anything else?

If you buy one and find yourself loving it - don't love it too much, as that could cause damage to your skin. Once or twice a week is all the skin spatula-ing you need to do, be gentle in your method and, as always, patch test first and cease using if you see any irritation. 

As for me? I can see this being one of those things I do when I remember to, which means it'll probably end up sitting on my bathroom vanity getting really dusty really quickly. A waste of money? For me, most likely. For another, more dedicated lover of beauty, it could be their dream beauty tool, however my search continues... (Just bring back the Clarisonic already!)

So, my beauties, have you tried an ultrasonic skin spatula before? If so, what did you think? If not, are you keen to give it a go, or is it a no-no? Get chatting below!