Take a look at any skincare enthusiast’s Instagram feed and you’ll likely see people preaching the benefits of microcurrent facials, alongside LED masks and radiofrequency treatments. This treatment promises to lift, shape, and contour the face, addressing everything from fine lines and wrinkles to sagging skin and a puffy jawline.
Now, no wonder this seems too good to be true. After all, there’s only so much we can do to counter the inevitable effects of our bodies’ natural aging process, right? If you’re looking for a treatment to address these key signs of skin aging, we’ve found that microcurrent facials are just what you need.
As a qualified esthetician myself, I have used this treatment on hundreds of clients and can attest to its amazing sculpting, tightening and de-puffing abilities. I am also an avid user of home microcurrent devices and have seen and experienced the benefits of microcurrent firsthand (more on this below). The only prey? Regular and consistent treatments are required to see results. Additionally, both salon treatments and home devices can be quite expensive.
Still curious? I sat down with facialist Teresa Termey to give her expert opinion on all things microcurrent. Whether you’re having a treatment at a salon or trying out the device at home, here’s everything you need to know about microcurrent for your skin.
What is a microcurrent facial?
“Microcurrent therapy is a treatment that uses low-level electrical current,” Tarmey explains. “The principle behind microcurrent therapy is to restore normal cellular metabolism by providing essential nutrients to cells and influencing muscle fibers.”
Although this treatment is widely available and typically offered by estheticians and dermatologists, there are also a number of home microcurrent devices that can be used to maintain results. When used continuously over a long period of time (this is the key to successful results), microcurrent facial devices have the effect of lifting, tightening, and shaping the skin, reducing some of the main signs of skin aging, such as loss of firmness. helps you target. Sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
How does microcurrent work?
Microcurrent uses low-voltage, pulsating electrical current to stimulate the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) within the skin. “ATP is an important energy molecule for all intracellular processes,” Tarmey says. “It helps produce collagen and elastin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes cell regeneration.” A true multitasker.
What are the benefits of microcurrent facial?
Microcurrent facials have a wide range of benefits for your skin, but the most well-known are their lifting and firming effects. “These facials work by stimulating the facial muscles, causing them to contract and relax, which can lift, firm, and improve facial contours,” Termey explains. Think of it like a facial workout. Especially since the effects become more noticeable and long-lasting with continued use.
“It also reduces swelling by improving blood circulation, which reduces puffiness in the face,” she added. “It also increases collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a safe, painless, and non-invasive treatment that brightens your skin and gives it a radiant appearance.”
One of the great things about microcurrent facials is that there is zero downtime. This treatment is completely non-invasive, so apart from occasional slight redness on your face, there are few problems after treatment.
The best results are achieved with consistent use, so you should work diligently to achieve and maintain your results, especially when it comes to the lifting and tightening benefits of microcurrent.
Is microcurrent facial safe and are there any side effects?
“Microcurrent is safe and suitable for all skin types. Microcurrent can be introduced preventatively into your skin care routine from the age of 25, and when used on more mature skin, it can visibly improve facial contours. , can reduce existing wrinkles,” says Termy. “However, as with any advanced treatment, it is important to remember some basic contraindications.”
If you are unsure whether it is safe to use a microcurrent device or whether it is safe to receive a microcurrent facial, it is important to consult a medical professional. However, the main contraindications include pregnancy, metal objects in the body, epilepsy, tumors, recent surgery, febrile conditions, and skin irritation.
Microcurrent is a good way to maintain and prolong the effects of facial fillers and Botox. However, if you have recently received an injectable treatment, we recommend waiting a few weeks for your treatment to stabilize before using a microcurrent device.
What does a microcurrent facial feel like?
“This treatment is generally painless, often numbs, and many people find it very relaxing,” Termey says. “You may experience a metallic taste in your mouth, especially if you have metal fillings in your teeth during treatment. You may also experience moderate tingling, tingling, and involuntary muscle contractions. You may experience movement.”
Personally, I feel that microcurrent facials in the salon tend to feel a little intense, but this is probably due to the fact that professional equipment is used. With the home device, you won’t feel much of anything except for small muscle movements (it doesn’t hurt, just a strange feeling) and a tingling sensation if you don’t apply enough conductive gel. Basically, it feels like a gentle sculptural massage device.
How long will it take to see results?
According to Tarmey, the results are immediately visible and the cumulative effects of multiple treatments increase the anti-aging effect.
How much does a microcurrent facial cost?
In salons, most microcurrent facials cost over £100 depending on treatment time, equipment used and other facial features.
There are now a number of microcurrent devices designed for home use, offering a more accessible solution for those who want to harness the benefits of microcurrent to enhance their at-home skin care routines. However, the price of these devices is quite high, usually between £150 and £400.
How do home microcurrent devices compare to professional devices?
“Regular use of these devices can improve facial tone and overall skin appearance. They are non-invasive, effective, maintain clinical results, and can be lifted in the comfort of your own home. It’s a convenient option for achieving an up-close, radiant look,” says Tarmey. . “Please note that devices designed for home use are not as powerful as those used by professionals and may not produce noticeable results on first use.”
My verdict:
I’ve been using microcurrent devices in my at-home skin care for years, and currently the ZIIP Halo (£379) is the most effective device I’ve personally tried. One of the most difficult things is actually getting motivated to use it, as it requires adding a few extra steps to your skin care routine and takes quite a bit of time. I try to use it at least 3-5 times a week and when I do, I really notice the results.
The usage process varies from device to device, but for the ZIIP Halo, a conductive gel that conducts electricity must be applied to the skin (without which the device will not function). The device is linked to an app and allows you to choose between a full facial or a guided, targeted treatment. What I like about this is that it guarantees a uniform treatment and allows you to target your specific concern areas in the right way.
While my focus during treatment is on my cheekbones and jawline, this app also allows me to target everything from puffiness under my eyes to my lips, eyebrows, and chin.
Before and after one microcurrent facial using ZIIP Halo.
Buy household microcurrent devices:
ZIP
Halo Facial Toning Device
In addition to microcurrent, which stimulates ATP production and tones facial muscles, the device uses nanocurrent technology that targets deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Intensity: 900nA ~ 400μA
Pros: Contains both microcurrent and nanocurrent. Adjust the waveform according to the treatment area. We offer a variety of treatment times.
Disadvantages: Must be used in conjunction with ZIIP gel.
Read our detailed review of ZIIP here.
new face
trinity facial toning device
NuFace is another popular brand of home microcurrent devices. The most popular is Trinity. The interchangeable head allows you to focus on hard-to-reach areas such as the eyes and mouth. Similar to ZIIP, a conductive gel must be applied and linked to an app for guided treatment.
Strength: 335μA
Pros: The device can be adjusted with different heads to suit different areas. Guided facials are easy to perform.
Disadvantages: Treatment takes time.
Read our detailed review of NuFace.
Foreo
Bear Facial Toning Device
Foreo Bear combines the benefits of five different intensities of microcurrent and sonic pulses for a gentle sculpting massage.
Strength: unknown
Pros: Fast charging (1-5 hours), rarely needs recharging.
Cons: There is no official release of the microamps used.
Magnitone London
Liftoff Microcurrent Facial Lifting and Toning Device
This is one of the more affordable options, and like the Foreo, it has some intensity adjustments.
Strength: 300-335μA
Pros: Adjustable intensity.
Disadvantages: Self-diagnosis treatment.
