Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story The best personal fans do more than make summer a little less sweaty—they can also help your skin stay healthier and happier when temperatures soar. While heat can be uncomfortable in its own right, it can also have a significant impact on the skin itself. "There are many mechanisms that can affect the barrier of the skin," says Sharon Scherl , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. For starters, "heat increases transepidermal water loss and can also increase the inflammatory response of the skin." She adds that excess sweat can cause the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of skin—to become "overhydrated," raising its pH and affecting its ability to function as an effective barrier. Translation: Your skin might feel dry and be more prone to redness and irritation.
The good news: Personal cooling devices can make a big difference, whether you're navigating hot flashes , sweating through a humid commute, or simply trying to survive another brutal heat wave. Better yet, today's options are far more innovative—and far less bulky than past handheld options. (In fact, none of our top picks weighs more than a pound.) From wearable neck fans to cryo-inspired cooling plates, these editor-approved gadgets help take the edge off.
What happens to skin when we're exposed to heat for prolonged periods? Why does hot weather seem to trigger issues like redness and irritation? Can airflow from a fan increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and contribute to skin dryness? Meet the expert How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Overall: Shark ChillPill Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Shark
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Shark ChillPill
Why it's worth it: From the makers of one of our favorite cryotherapy-inspired face masks, Shark's ChillPill packs an impressive amount of cooling power into a surprisingly portable, handheld package (it almost looks like a tiny hair dryer). The three-in-one device combines a high-speed fan with 10 customizable speeds that generate airflow up to 25 feet per second, an InstaChill Cooling Plate that can lower skin temperature by up to 16 degrees on contact (the kind of instant relief that earns an audible " ahhh "), and a dry-touch evaporative mist that cools you down without leaving your skin or clothes damp. That's a notable advantage, considering that "traditional misting fans can contribute to skin dryness over time by pulling moisture from the skin's surface," says Dr. Scherl. Whether you're navigating hot flashes or surviving a sweltering commute, its versatile design lets you wear it around your neck, attach it to a bag, or prop it up on a table for hands-free cooling.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“Oh, how I miss the days of my youth when I never sweat (unless I was straight-up working out). Well, that's long gone. In fact, I've gotten to the point where I step out of my apartment for three minutes tops and visible beads of sweat start dripping and pooling together. The most criminal and bothersome area is the back of my neck, which is why I always carry around a hair tie or claw clip to let that area breathe. I cannot emphasize how much I hate the feeling of hair clinging to sweat!!! I've used a handful of free fans I've gotten from event…