Are you looking for ways to lift, tighten, and plump your skin? Well then welcome to the world of microcurrent facials! In this article, we’ll cover what it is, how it works, and 10 science-backed benefits of microcurrent facial treatments.
It can be hard to keep up with all the skincare crazes these days. From vampire facials to tallow-based moisturizers, there’s no limit to the amount of new and sometimes weird trends in the beauty space.
However, a microcurrent treatment is one to keep top of mind. It is a great non-invasive procedure that you can do professionally or at home to lift, tighten, and plump your skin – it’s even been called a non-surgical facelift.
You might be asking, “But does it really work?” Spoiler: yes, it does!
In this article, we’ll be breaking down what microcurrent technology is, how it works, and 10 science-backed benefits of microcurrent facial treatments.
What is a Microcurrent Facial?
Before we can jump into the benefits of microcurrent facials, we first need to understand what microcurrent therapy is. In short, it is kind of like a workout for your face.
Let me explain. A microcurrent device uses low-voltage electricity to stimulate your facial muscles to contract. In doing so, it increases blood flow to your muscles and skin resulting in a lifted and sculpted appearance.
In the short term it clears away puffiness and plumps the skin leaving you looking snatched and glowy. However, in the long term, the benefits of microcurrent facial treatments are even greater. More on that soon.
How Does a Microcurrent Facial Work?
Have you heard of ATP or adenosine triphosphate before? It’s often spoken about in the context of working out and muscle building. It’s basically one of the main sources of fuel for the muscles. When you work out, your body produces more ATP to help power your muscles.
Microcurrent facials work in a similar way. The low-voltage electrical currents stimulate the muscles in your face to contract and increase the production of ATP.
Because the treatment stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which provides energy for cell regeneration, it increases collagen product and skin repair. This helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve circulation, and support skin hydration.
The treatment also enhances blood circulation which helps to remove fluid buildup. As a result, your face will look more sculpted and glowy.
Consistent treatments can lead to long-term improvements in skin elasticity and muscle tone making it a great non-invasive skincare treatment option for firmer, more youthful skin.
10 Science-Backed Benefits of Microcurrent Facials
- Naturally Lifts & Tones Facial Muscles: Microcurrent facials encourage facial muscle contraction which helps to gently tighten and lift the face, especially around the jawline and cheese. (study)
- Reduced Fine Lines & Wrinkles: By increasing the products of ATP, microcurrent facials encourage collagen and elastin production helping the skin to stay firm and have a youthful appearance. (study)
- Improves Blood Circulation: By bringing more blood to the skin, improved oxygen flow means brighter, healthier-looking skin. (study)
- Reduces Puffiness & Enhances Lymphatic Drainage: One of the immediate benefits of microcurrent facial treatments is that they help reduce fluid retention making your face look sculpted and contoured.
- Help Skincare Products Work More Effectively: Increased blood flow to the skin also helps with product penetration meaning you’re getting more out of your skincare products.
- Speeds Up Skin Healing & Repair: Studies show that microcurrent can help with wound healing meaning that when used on the face it can also aid in skin recovery after breakouts and invasive treatments. (study)
- Improves Skin Texture & Tone: Another benefit of microcurrent facials is that they stimulate cellular activity to smooth out uneven skin tone.
- Safe & Gentle for Most Skin Types: Microcurrent facials are FDA-approved and work well for most skin types.
- No Downtime or Pain: Unlike certain other treatments, microcurrent facials are comfortable and require no recovery time.
- Easy To Do At Home: With regular, consistent treatments, at-home microcurrent facials can help maintain firmer, hydrated, and glowing skin.
Are Microcurrent Facials Safe? Side Effects & Risks
Studies show that this treatment is safe for most people. However, if you have a pacemaker, are a pregnant woman, or have certain skin conditions, such as severe acne, it’s best to consult a professional first.
Some people may experience mild tingling but this is generally due to not using enough conductive gel.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The benefits of microcurrent facial treatments are both short and long-term.
- Immediate Effects: You’ll be instantly de-puffed with a brighter and more lifted appearance right away.
- Long-Term Results: Over time, with consistent use, you can expect firmer more plump skin and may see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
At-Home vs. Professional Microcurrent Treatments
When it comes to getting the benefits of microcurrent facial treatments, you have several options. Both professional and at-home treatments are effective so let’s compare the two.
Professional Treatments
Strength:
Typically professional devices use higher voltage currents between 0.5 to 1.0 mA allowing for deeper muscle stimulation.
Frequency:
Once every 2 to 4 weeks is the recommended frequency for optimal results
Cost:
Can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 per session.
At-Home Use
Strength:
To ensure safety for daily use, most devices use a lower voltage between 0.2 and 04 mA.
Frequency:
3 to 5 times per week is recommended for best results.
Cost:
Typically costs $200-$600 for a one-time purchase of the device pulse $20-$100 per bottle of the conductive gels.
Best At-Home Devices
There are three main brands when it comes to reputable at-home microcurrent device options. While each device is quite similar they have a few key differences as well.
From the leading microcurrent brand, the NuFACE Trinity offers different attachment heads for targeting different regions of the face.
Using both microcurrent and nanocurrent the ZIIP Halo claims to penetrate even deeper for a more effective result in the same amount of time.
Combining the benefits of microcurrent and T-Sonic pulsations, the Foreo Bear dual targets the muscles for a gentle yet effective lift.
How to Use a Microcurrent Device at Home
At-home microcurrent devices are super easy to use. In just a couple of steps, you’ll be reaping the benefits of microcurrent facial treatments from the comfort of your own home. I personally love to do my session in front of the TV.
- Cleanse your face and remove all makeup.
- Apply the conductive gel. Work in sections to ensure it doesn’t dry down before you’ve reached each area of the face. You can also use a facial water spray to re-moisten the gel.
- Gently glide the device in upward motions all over the face and neck.
- Use 3 to 5 times a week to maximize the benefits of microcurrent facial treatment.
Microcurrent vs. Other Facial Treatments
While the benefits of microcurrent facial treatments are plentiful, you might be considering other treatments as well so how does it compare to some of the other most popular options?
- Microcurrent vs. LED Light therapy: One of the key benefits of a microcurrent facial is that it targets muscles and increases ATP production, resulting in collagen production. However, LED red light therapy more directly works to boost collagen production but without the lifting and depuffing benefits of microcurrent facial treatments.
- Microcurrent vs. EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation): EMS is more intense and works deeper while microcurrent can be performed more safely at home and is gentler for daily use.
- Microcurrent vs. RF (Radiofrequency): RF works by tightening skin while microcurrent works by toning underlying muscles.
My Experience With Microcurrent Facials
I am someone who often suffers from having a bit of puffiness in my face, particularly in the mornings. So I purchased the NuFACE Mini several years ago to see if could help to sculpt and slim my face down when I needed it to.
I tend to break it out for special occasions when I really want to look my best. After about 5 minutes of use, I start to notice a significant difference in the definition in my face. I feel like it just gives me that extra bit of lift — particularly around my jowls, eyes, and cheekbones. You can see the difference in the before and after photo below but I think the difference is even more dramatic in real life.
I’ve now had my NuFACE for 3 or 4 years and it still works great so I can recommend the quality of the product as well!
The only thing I don’t love is the price of the conductive gel so I will be looking for something more affordable the next time I need a refill.
My Microcurrent Facial Before and After
As you can see in my microcurrent facial before and after, there is a significant lifting effect around my jowl, cheekbone, and eye area after about 5 minutes of the treatment.
FAQ About the Benefits of Microcurrent Facial Treatments
Yes, the benefits of microcurrent facial treatments are backed up by science and happy customers. With regular use, you will notice visible tightening and toning of your face.
While some at-home devices allow for daily use, 3 to 5 times per week is recommended.
No, microcurrent facials are painless, though you may feel a slight tingling sensation if you do not use enough conductive gel.
No, one of the key benefits of microcurrent facial treatment is muscle toning but this does not affect facial fat.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try a Microcurrent Facial?
The benefits of microcurrent facial treatments are undeniable if you’re looking for firmer, more youthful skin without invasive procedures.
They work by stimulating the facial muscles and boosting collagen production which enhances skin tightness, reduces fine lines, and improves circulation. The best part? You’ll experience immediate results. Plus, it’s totally painless and requires no downtime.
So if you’re looking for a way to maintain a youthful glow, incorporating microcurrent facials into your routine could be the right treatment for you.
With consistent use, the benefits of microcurrent facial treatments become even more noticeable from toned facial muscles to the boost in collagen production and enhanced skin elasticity.
Have you tried microcurrent facials before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
With love,
A small note for my readers – Over here at VLHhealth, we occasionally include affiliate links in our posts. This means that if you purchase using my links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Sources
ResearchGate: Consider of Micro-Current’s effect to variation of Facial Wrinkle trend, Randomized Clinical Trial Study
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230642269
NIH National Library of Medicine: Physiological effects of microcurrent and its application for maximising acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9941239
Medical News Today: Microcurrent facial: Benefits, risks, and results
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/microcurrent-facial
PubMed: Effects of electrical stimulation on skin surface
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33584001
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