Facial massage is a huge trend in skincare right now, and the tools we can use to achieve a more contoured look and relieve tension continue to advance. I've previously tried gua sha and other manual sculpting devices, but I found the results underwhelming and wanted to try something that packed more of a punch both short and long term. As the ANLAN 18K Gold Multipolar 9in1 Facial Massager Pro* takes facial massage to a whole new level with the inclusion of multiple high-tech skin treatments, I thought it would be the perfect device to add to my skincare arsenal, but how does it perform?

The ANLAN 18K Gold 9in1 Facial Massager Pro has five modes, all of which can be used at three intensity levels with optional red or blue LED light, and you can mix and match the settings to suit your time limitations, immediate skin concerns and product choices. For reference, in the morning, I'll usually start with CLEAN before moving on to MOIST and then COOL. In the evenings, I'll use MOIST again before FIRM and LIFT. You can use a single setting for a quick boost if you're short on time or all the settings during a more indulgent routine. Different skin-types will tolerate different usage levels, so it's important to adjust usage to suit your own skin.

CLEAN (5 minutes) - For an ever deeper clean after washing your face or for a quick morning refresh, you can fix a cotton pad to the device using the ring attachment, add some micellar water or toner and choose the CLEAN setting. The heat element not only feels comforting but helps to loosen any trapped debris and excess sebum, whilst positive ion export and vibrations gently agitate the pores to lift any lingering impurities away.

MOIST (5 minutes) - This setting uses vibration and negative ion technology to promote penetration and absorption, so it's ideal to use in conjunction with hydrating toners, essences, serums and masks. Skin always feels so much more juicy after using this device alongside products compared to using them alone as the ingredients are encouraged to seep more deeply into the epidermis. All that moisturising goodness is really locked in for longer and isn't left sitting on top of the skin.

COOL (3 minutes) - Cryotherapy is great for calming inflammation and toning, so whenever skin is feeling hot, irritated or swollen, the COOL setting can provide much-needed soothing relief when applying toners, serums and masks. I like to ice my face to depuff prior to special events, but wrapping ice cubes in a cloth to press against your face is time-consuming and messy. Having the ability to quickly slot a cryotherapy session into your daily morning routine is a complete game changer, and I'm always surprised by just how cold the head gets!

FIRM (5 minutes) - Using radio frequency, the FIRM setting works to tone the skin in harmony with your usual serums and masks. This setting initially appears to do very little other than warming the skin as there's no other physical sensation to feel, however the RF skin tightening treatment is utilising electromagnetic waves to generate this heat and stimulate collagen production. Every time I use the FIRM setting, I notice how much tighter my skin feels afterwards, so I'm hoping that's a sign that my collagen levels will only continue to increase!

LIFT (5 minutes) - We'd all like to lift our skin without having to endure painful, invasive treatments, right? With the LIFT setting, EMS micro-currents stimulate the facial muscles, like a workout. As I approach my mid-30s, my biggest skin concern is facial sagging, so I'm keen to do anything I can to prevent the development of jowls. Whether or not this device will stop my face from heading south entirely, time will tell, but it's definitely helping to define my contours and improve skin elasticity in the meantime.

Within the box, you receive the multifunctional skincare device, 15 cotton pads and fixing ring, a travel case, cleaning cloth, charging cable and helpful instruction manual, which talks you through how to use the machine step by step in order to make the most of all the features. The device has a durable anti-allergic and antioxidant 18K gold head, making it suitable for even sensitive skin. To clean the head, you can simply wipe over it with an antibacterial wipe and let it dry between uses. One thing to note is that the tool isn't waterproof, so it's best to avoid using it in the bathroom.

Being able to benefit from multiple technologies through one device is so convenient as you don't have to buy or store five separate appliances. It's much easier to stay consistent using the ANLAN 18K Gold Multipolar 9in1 Facial Massager Pro, too, as you don't have to switch devices to combine multiple treatments into one session. As the machine is lightweight, wireless and portable, you don't have to sacrifice a step of your home skincare routine by leaving it behind when you travel. It holds charge amazingly well, so you don't even need to pack the charger for shorter trips. To ensure the battery is always topped up, I routinely charge the device every three days, but a full charge actually lasts for well over a week of regular use.

Once you get to grips with adjusting the modes, intensity levels and LED light settings, the facial massager is really easy to use. It does all the hard work for you, so you only need to focus on systematically gliding the head across the skin from the centre of the face outwards to ensure all areas are equally covered. Each treatment is automatically timed to ensure you receive the full benefit of each therapy without having to clock watch. Treatments are only activated when the device is in full contact with the skin, so don't be alarmed that there's no sound or movement when switching on the machine.

It's tempting to ramp up the intensity level on first use, but in order for your skin to acclimatise to the various functions, it's best to start with the lowest setting and work your way up as you become more familiar with how the treatments feel. None of the settings hurt as such, however the vibration and EMS functions can cause your muscles to twitch and feel slightly uncomfortable and prickly if you're not used to them. I'd also recommend avoiding any areas of broken skin when using the device, especially on higher settings, as they can sting.

ANLAN 18K Gold Multipolar 9in1 Facial Massager Pro Before/After Results

But is the ANLAN 18K Gold Multipolar 9in1 Facial Massager Pro worth purchasing? Whilst my face certainly feels more defined and lifted, what I love most about this anti-aging gadget is how it enhances the effects of the topical products I already use. My skin is noticeably firmer, more plumped and just so glowy, which you can see from my before and after photos, all because my essences, serums, masks and moisturisers have been more effectively absorbed than usual. Not only has the texture of my skin changed (it no longer feels perpetually thirsty!), but religiously using the device for facial massage has released so much tension in my forehead particularly, which was contributing to the formation of fine lines. I've only been testing out the device for a month so far and I'm pretty impressed with my results, so I'm excited to see how much my skin continues to improve with further use.

At £189.99, the ANLAN 18K Gold Multipolar 9in1 Facial Massager Pro is not cheap, however it does the job of several different skincare devices in one, and cost per use is reduced significantly by regularly incorporating the device into your daily routines. It's not a tool that you'll only pull out of a draw once every month. It can sit on your bedside table, ready to use at every single stage of your skincare routine if you so wish. If you're looking to level up your skincare game or toying with the idea of booking some similar professional skin treatments, you might want to give this skin tightening device a try first!

Until 23:59, 31st May 2025, use coupon code O9XN6MMG to get £11.95 off the ANLAN 18K Gold Multipolar 9in1 Facial Massager Pro at Amazon.

Do you use any facial massaging devices?

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