Summer Vibrations: This Season’s Hottest Accessory

Mar 17, 2023

A good vibrator will take you places, from balmy nights at the bar to early mornings at your hookup's house. In addition to inducing mind-blowing orgasms, vibration also boasts unexpected beauty benefits, inspiring a new crop of buzzing tools designed for use on the face rather than the genitals (we won't tell you where to put them, though). Whether you aim to please or dazzle during a night out, the vibrator offers a titillating solution for both getting off and getting glowing.

Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains that vibration can help increase blood flow in the skin, imparting a healthy flush (the same pinkish glow that orgasms also produce). "Over time, improved [blood] circulation could contribute to increased nutrient and oxygen delivery to the skin," the expert notes. Vibration also aids in the circulation of lymph, a watery fluid that carries infection-fighting white blood cells. While the body houses a lymphatic system that facilitates the flow of lymph, the fluid can occasionally build up, leading to puffiness. Applying vibration to the face can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, moving excess fluid out. "This may have a short-term benefit of de-puffing the face," Dr. King says.

The cardinal rule of sex also applies to vibrational skincare: Always use lube. "It's important that the skin is not rubbed aggressively, pulled, and that friction forces are minimal when using devices on your face," says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. So the next time you’re heading out, don't forget a vibrator – between midday touch-ups and last-minute Tinder dates, you never know what you might need it for.

As for the Kiki de Montparnasse: The Gold Wand... Want to kick it old school? No vibration here, just a hunk of gold-plated stainless steel. Keep it on your bedside table or in your purse for a midday facial massage.