I Tried the Déesse Pro Sculpta Before Anyone Else—Here’s My Review
As a beauty editor, many facial devices and tools have passed my desk. From LED masks (this mask is my favourite, FYI) to microcurrent devices and gua sha, I’m a bit nerdy when it comes to at-home beauty tools. Though I love in-clinic treatments, it’s not always attainable or feasible to have facials and treatments on the regular, which is why I love beauty gadgets that bridge the gap and bring elements of the technology to your home.
A recent launch that caught my attention is Deesse Pro Sculpta (£499), which combines three of the buzziest modalities right now: Red LED, radio frequency and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) all in one device. It claims to lift, tone boost the facial contours and boost the complexion by stimulating collagen and enhancing cellular function.
For the best part of £500, you could argue that it should also be able to empty the dishwasher and fill out your tax return, too. To find out if its really worth the price tag, I put it to the test—and I really put it through its paces. It contended with both the flu and a hen do abroad during the testing period. Scroll ahead for my honest review and before and after pictures from a month’s worth of testing.
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Déesse Pro Sculpta Review
What does the Déesse Pro Sculpta Do?
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
So what does the gadget actually do? I got the lowdown on the benefits of the Déesse Pro Sculpta from Sophie Perry, facial educator, author of The Natural Faceelife and Déesse Pro ambassador.
“The beauty of the device is that it can treat a multitude of skin needs—needs that seasonally change,” says Perry, who tells me that the benefits are endless, and the three technologies can be paired together or used individually to help you achieve your skin’s goals.
“The benefits? Improved muscle tone for a firmer facial frame, a brighter complexion, sculpted facial contours with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well as puffiness. Think a more lifted appearance and a healthy, radiant glow,” she says. Sounds pretty good to me.
There are three different technologies that all have different effects on the skin. Scroll ahead to get acquainted with the benefits they each bring.
Déesse Pro Sculpta: EMS
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Each of the three treatment types has two modes, one gentler and one stronger, which allow you to build up and tailor a programme to your skin as you use it.
“I like to start with the EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) mode, as this contracts deep down to the muscles helping tighten and lift, improving overall muscle tone and building muscle memory, ultimately improving the structure of the face,” says Perry. This is a great one to use if you want the instant gratification of a lifted look just before a big event.
It’s a little different from microcurrent (as well as being stronger), but ultimately works by stimulating the muscles, which is why you’ll see some (totally painless, yet amusing) facial twitches are you guide it over your face as the current gets to work.
The idea is that over time, the muscle volume increases which helps to lift and sculpt the facial contours. The sensation takes a little getting used to (it took me some time to make the leap to the stronger level) and it can feel a little weird in your teeth when it passes by your mouth—but it’s in no way painful.
Déesse Pro Sculpta: Radio Frequency
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
“Next up, the radio frequency mode, which is perfect for skin rejuvenation,” says Perry. “Think of it as collagen remodelling for a firmer complexion and defined facial contours, addressing skin needs such as skin laxity as well as fine lines and wrinkles, all the while feeling like a hot stone massage for the face,” she says.
Radio frequency heats the skin’s dermal layer to 42-45°C by using low-frequency electromagnetic waves, which helps the collagen fibres contract for a tightening effect, making it great for areas prone to skin laxity, such as the jawline and neck. On this setting you can feel a gentle warming sensation as the skin heats up, and along with the gentle buzz of the treatment head, it’s actually quite a pleasant sensation as it passes over the skin.
Déesse Pro Sculpta: Red LED
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Last but not least, there is the red LED mode, which has been proven to boost collagen and elastin which make our skin firm and bouncy.
“LED is fantastic for boosting cell turnover, improving the health and function of our skin, boosting radiance and providing a welcome glow,” says Perry. “The best part is that all three modes can be used individually as well as together for a completely personalised routine.”
The targeted head of the device is great for treating specific areas, but it’s equally speedy enough to treat your entire face. With each treatment mode, Perry recommends working slow and with intention. “The aim isn’t just visual results which of course will be seen, but time to relax and unwind also, creating ‘you time.’,” she says. “So, be sure not to rush each section, and a light to medium pressure is all that’s needed, never too firm that you feel discomfort.”
Does The Déesse Pro Sculpta Really Work?
Before
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
After
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
The first thing to note is that in order for it to work, a water based product is needed on the skin to allow for the conductivity of the technologies—this could be a water based product like a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturiser. “My top tip is to use a thicker consistency of a water based product, as I find it’s much easier when treating the full face, as less need to reapply throughout,” says Perry.
There are six modes in total (two varying strengths each for LED, radio frequency and EMS) so I started with the beginner modes before working up to the stronger ones. I like that it’s really easy to implement into my skincare routine, as you only have to use each treatment for three minutes at a time every other day. The fact that you can use any water-based skincare you already have is another bonus.
I put the device to the test over the past four weeks, and I have some thoughts. My skin has been through a rough patch with some acne breakouts and subsequent scarring, and with the arrival of warm weather I have some pigmentation from the sun. So, I had high hopes that this device would help clear my complexion whilst sculpting and lifting.
The instant gratification of the EMS makes it a winner for when you want to look a little more snatched before going out, but I’ve also noticed that my face (particularly the lower half) looks a little more defined after four weeks of using it around three times a week. Having been in the sun on holiday for a few days, my skin is looking a little more freckly than normal, so I can’t speak to the effects on pigmentation. However I’ve noticed my skin looking more plump and possessing more of a glow, and the fine lines around my eyes look less noticeable. They are small changes that no one else might notice, but I hope that with regular continued use I’ll see further benefits.
How Often Should You Use It?
“As there are three different technologies you can mix and match the days used or use all together every time,” advises Perry. “For the EMS mode, every other day is recommended to allow for muscle rest. LED and radio frequency can be used a few times a week for optimal results, therefore it is easy to be used in combination in a routine.”
Contraindications
Déesse Pro advise avoiding using the device if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have epilepsy or seizures that are triggered by light. Additionally, you should avoid using it if you have any active cancer or have photo-sensitive eczema.
The brand recommends contacting your medical practitioner before using the device if you have any eye diseases or abnormalities, experience light-induced migraines or are taking any light sensitising medications. Finally, you should not use it if you have any metal face reconstructive plates (excluding dental fillings).
Additionally, you’ll want to take it easy on any active skincare ingredients (such as retinoids or exfoliating acids) on the days you use the device. “If you like to use strong actives or retinols in your routine, refrain from using the same day as the device to not dry out the skin,” advises Perry.
Is The Déesse Pro Sculpta Worth It?
This is a great skincare tool if you want to try a few different technologies. LED masks alone can cost £200 and upwards, so the added bonus of radio frequency and EMS means you’re getting more value for money, and more options for addressing different skincare goals. Don’t get me wrong, £499 is a lot to spend on one skincare device. But if you were to buy separate devices for LED, EMS and radiofrequency, it could very easily set you back a lot more.
I like that the device gives instantaneous results and the skincare benefits continue to compound with time. It’s really easy to use, and because each treatment only takes three minutes, it’s convenient to slip into your routine—I know this is one beauty tool that won’t be retired to the back of my bedside drawer like some have. The fact that it can be used with any water-based products means that you don’t have to buy another branded gel, you can just use whatever you currently have to hand in your skincare routine.
I should address that I’m in my late twenties, so I don’t have tonnes of skin laxity. That being said, I’m seeing the benefits of using this regularly. My jaw and cheekbones are looking more pronounced, and my skin texture looks smoother and more toned, so and I’m hoping it will help to keep my skin in good condition as I head into my thirties and beyond.
All in all, if you want a facial device that does it all, I would highly recommend it. If you want a device that just does LED, radio frequency or EMS, you may save yourself more money buy buying one dedicated device instead.
