What is Facial Microcurrent?
A microcurrent facial uses low-voltage electricity to stimulate facial muscles, creating a lifting, toning effect on the skin. The treatment is painless and can produce short-term and long-term results.
Benefits of facial microcurrents
- Creates a lifted, sculpted look
- Produces collagen in the dermis
- Painless
- Noninvasive
- Zero downtime
- Immediate results are visible in minutes. Long-term use can also prevent sagging in the future
How to prepare for a facial microcurrent
Preparation for a microcurrent facial is minimal—to expedite preparation in the office, arrive with clean skin, and wear no jewelry. “Eat a normal meal and take your normal medications before the procedure,” Greenfield explains. “Do not wear makeup and cleanse your face using a gentle cleanser. You may want to stop your retinol/retinoids five to seven days before.”
What to expect during a facial microcurrent
I received my microcurrent facial as part of the Triple Crown Facial at Joanna Vargas Salon in NYC. So this was my experience: First, your esthetician or dermatologist smears your face with conductive gel (feels cool and pleasant), which will channel the current from the microcurrent device.
They will then pass the microcurrent device over your skin in sweeping, upward, repetitive motions, usually targeting these target areas: the jawline, browbones, undereyes, and cheekbones. In each treatment area, your provider will slowly slide the handheld microcurrent device across your skin in an upward motion (toward the hairline) anywhere from 3 to 10 times. For areas like the browbones where you might want extra lift, they can hold the device in place instead of sliding it up.
While the device is in operation, your facial muscles will gently contract, but you will not experience pain or cramping. At worst, you might notice a twitch here or there. The actual part of the microcurrent treatment usually takes about 10-20 minutes – but your esthetician will likely finish off your face with a nice facial massage, cleaning off the conductive gel and targeting any other grooming concerns you may have.
Before and after results
[Note: This is a before-and-after photo provided by NuFACE and is not of the author].
After my treatment, it was like my skin had the equivalent of a trampoline effect: it was bouncy, elastic and supple. I’m 25 and proud of the fact that I still have no visible signs of fine lines or wrinkles—knock on wood—but I did have a noticeably lifted appearance.
“The fun part about microcurrent is that you see a result within minutes,” says Vargas. “It’s amazing when I can show a client one side of their face finished and the other side flipped.” When I looked in the mirror immediately after the treatment, my reflection revealed a slightly slimmer face with a more defined and sculpted bone structure. The microcurrent teeth definitely lifted my face, but they also reduced puffiness by acting as a lymphatic drainage tool (think: a supercharged gua sha).
And while I liked the immediate results, keep in mind that the short-term results are only temporary. you will need to repeat your treatment every four to six weeks to maintain your results. And when it comes to long-term results like collagen boosting, you’ll need to be patient. “I will caution that when something claims to promote collagen growth and also that you should see immediate results—it’s almost an oxymoron—because collagen takes time to build and release cells, it can’t happen immediately when you get out of the chair after the face,” says Greenfield.
Microcurrent vs. microinjection
While microcurrent focuses on the facial muscles, microinjection is a treatment that injects a mixture of treatment ingredients into the surface layer of the skin. Microinjection is also intended to stimulate collagen production, but its purpose is to improve the appearance of the skin on a micro-level. It promises to provide a glow and a filler-like effect, compared to something more face-lifting like you get with microcurrent.
Microcurrent at home versus in-Office
“Different devices will provide different amounts of electricity,” Greenfield explains. Microcurrent devices at home, such as the famous NuFACE Trinity ($339), usually won’t deliver as much current as in an office. However, they are also more cost-friendly and can be used daily. You can expect more immediate, dramatic results when you get a professional facial because of the more intense electrical pulses—also known as a more demanding facial workout.
Possible Side Effects
The microcurrent should generally only feel like the pulsating contraction of your muscles – with a chance of a little buzzing, buzzing (nothing painful) here and there. However, Greenfield warns that if your skin happens to be sensitive to the type of machine, “the experience can be unpleasant.” Microcurrent is also not recommended for people who are pregnant or have a pacemaker.1
The cost
A professional microcurrent facial will run you between $200-$500, depending on where you live and the length of the treatment. (By comparison, an at-home device like the NuFace costs about $335 and can be used for years to come.)
aftercare
Be gentle with your skin after treatment. “Avoid any harsh rubbing or physical irritation of it,” says Greenfield. “Use only mild products and lots of hydrating serums and moisturizers.” It is also recommended to finish with a chemical-free sunscreen all over the face and neck.
For home remedies, be sure to clean the microcurrent device properly. The build-up in the conductive spheres can make it difficult for the microcurrent to travel to your muscles. NuFACE suggests gently wiping the spheres with a damp cloth after each treatment.
The Ultimate Takeaway
As a millennial who loves instant gratification, I’ve found myself dreaming of the future of my face after a few more sessions. I see a more sculpted and defined jawline on my skin’s horizon. The microcurrent facial can be considered taking your face to the gym and I need to keep exercising to see even more results. Vargas recommends clients indulge in them at least once a month. So now that you are aware of everything you need to know about facial microcurrents, I recommend that you make an appointment as soon as possible.
So will I be constantly indulging in this treatment to maintain my youthful glow? Absolutely.
