Tried And Tested: Sqoom M2 (Review Part 1 of 2)

Buzz Builds Around New Sqoom Device

There has been a growing buzz around the Sqoom ever since Selfridges exclusively launched the new and improved M2 model last summer. Intrigued, I quickly got my hands on one and I have to say, having tested it, I love it.

What is it?

The Sqoom uses ultrasound and ionisation to push active Sqoom anti-ageing ingredients deep into the skin, deeper than is possible with topically applied creams. This stimulates the production of the skin’s own collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing out wrinkles and giving a more youthful complexion.

The device uses a 1Mhz ultrasound frequency, unlike many other facial devices which use 3Mhz. Ultrasound frequency is a topic of heated debate on the beauty forums as 1Mhz is considered by some as not suitable for the face, only the body, because of the depth at which it penetrates the skin - the lower frequency has higher penetration. However, Sqoom argues that the 1Mhz is safe and required to deliver results, and cites scientific and dermatological testing to back up its claims. Also, I myself have not had any negative reactions, quite the contrary, and I have yet to hear of any issues elsewhere.

The Sqoom is made by German manufacturer Schick Medical. It costs £549 at Selfridges, putting it at the premium end of the at home beauty device market, and when I last checked yesterday (Sunday) it was currently out of stock there - did I mention a growing buzz?

In The Box

Sqoom M2: In The Box

The Sqoom comes with the device, cradle, power cable, instruction manual plus two gels: a 50ml Cleanser and a 50ml H+ HyaGel. One ingredient common to both gels is Aloe Vera, which has incredible moisturising and healing qualities. The HyaGel is the real workhorse and contains fragmented hyaluronic acid which Sqoom claims is much more effective than standard hyaluronic. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in skin and its decline after the age of 30 is a key factor in ageing.

As for the device the transducer is good and large and made with strong titanium alloy. The build of the whole machine is very sturdy. There are seven programmes: cleansing, massaging, lifting, whitening, ultrasound only and two settings for the delicate eye area. The first three are key and used throughout the 6-month treatment programme; whitening is optional and for treating age spots (used in conjunction with Sqoom’s DeSpot gel). At the start, each treatment takes 12 minutes and is daily. In the final 11 weeks of the programme you only need use the machine twice weekly and each treatment takes 16 minutes.

Does It Deliver?

Following an eight-week trial, the simple answer is yes! I treated in the evening and even on the morning after my very first treatment my skin felt noticeably more nourished. In my second post, which I’ll publish very shortly, I’ll reveal the full results of my Sqoom trial, during which I used no other device with similar anti-ageing claims in order to give the Sqoom a fair test. Beyond the trial, I am continuing to use the device and in part 2 of my review I shall also give you some post-trial usage tips.

For further information on the Sqoom and retail partners visit http://www.sqoom.com/en/.