So what is microcurrent therapy and how can it benefit you? This therapy is done with a low level electrical current device that stimulates facial muscles by mimicking our body’s natural current. It is also known as microcurrent facial, electrotherapy, or electrical neuromuscular stimulation. When used in facial skin care, it provides cellular rejuvenation, skin lifting and toning, facial contouring, improves an overall skin qualities, reduces swelling, increases blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, and slightly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it also improves wound healing and helps to relieve pain.
On the cellular level, microcurrent activates adenosine triphosphate (ATP is an energy-carrying molecule that is considered to be “the energy currency of life”), activates protein synthesis, improves absorption of nutrients, and increases oxygenation and ion exchange. In other words, low-level micro current devices supplement the work of our body’s natural electric current, which becomes weaker as we age.
Benefits Of Microcurrent
According to the scientific research published in the IAMR Journal of Physiotherapy, microcurrent stimulation has anti-aging and healing benefits, and causes the following:
- 50% increase in the length of elastin fibers
- 45% increase in the number of elastin fibers in the dermis
- 40% increase in the production of new glucose
- 35% increase in blood circulation
- 35% increase in the number of blood vessels
- 28% increase in lymphatic drainage
- 10% increase in collagen thickness
Skin lifting and toning
Cellular rejuvenation
Facial contouring
Increases blood circulation
Lymphatic drainage
Microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive and painless procedure that requires no downtime for recovery. It is an effective treatment and a safe alternative to other more aggressive and invasive medical procedures, and plastic surgeries. It can be used as a stand-alone at-home or in-office treatment, or in combination with other rejuvenating treatments.
It will benefit the most those who have sagging facial muscles, loss of firmness and decreased elasticity of facial skin. Moreover, if used for anti-aging purposes, microcurrent devices work great in providing facelift and skin toning, but they are not as effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improves muscle tone
- Provides skin lifting effect
- Tightens skin
- Improves facial contour
How Does It Work?
Microcurrent facial therapy is often compared to a facial workout or face yoga, since the main attribute of this therapy is muscle stimulation. However, this procedure doesn’t actually require you to do any hard work or flex your muscles, and is a rather relaxing experience.
A microcurrent device is designed to produce a low frequency pulsating currents of electricity. Once in contact with the skin, the device is being slowly glided on the skin’s surface in upward motion, while the currents release energy into the muscles and mimic our body’s natural currents. That is to say, not only this process normalizes physiological activity within the cells, but it also energizes muscles and increases muscle tension.
A conductive gel should be used in order to transmit the microcurrent through the skin layers down to the facial muscles. Without a conductive gel this treatment won’t be as effective, since the electric currents will not be able to reach the necessary depth. Also, conductive gel protects the skin from zapping, so it should be applied generously. If used three times a week, the conductive gel will last for about 2 months. You don’t have to purchase a conductive solution from the same manufacturer as your device.
Related: Best microcurrent conductive gels and substitutes.
Micro Current Procedure At Home
The procedure is painless, and some people might experience a light tingly feeling or no sensation at all. It can be used on cheeks, jaw, forehead, brows, and neck (excluding center of the neck). On average, mild visible results can be seen after a few procedures, but they are also cumulative, so with the regular use of your at-home device the lifting effect and the results will be more vivid and last longer.
For at-home use, it is recommended to do microcurrent treatment at least 3 times a week, and spend about 5-20 minutes per session for optimal results. For your safety, most microcurrent devices have to be charged prior to the use, and should not be used while charging.
It is also recommended to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water before and after the procedure.
Related: 5 Best Microcurrent Devices For Home Use
Discover the difference between NuFace Mini & Trinity
Precautions
Even though microcurrent devices are generally very safe, they should NOT be used if you have one of the following conditions:
- Pacemaker
- Cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Severe acne
- Electronic implant devices
- Botox or fillers (wait 10 days after injections before starting microcurrent treatment)
Related: Best at home anti aging devices >>
Cho S, Kim S.G, Kim Y, Park S, Lee C, Kim H. “Clinical test for evaluation of effectiveness of the micro-current stimulation in facial skin care.” Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research, Oct. 2016, Vol. 37
Herman J, Rost-Roszkowska M, Skotnicka-Graca U. “Skin care during the menopause period: noninvasive procedures of beauty studies.”Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, Dec. 2013, Vol. 30
Howard, D. “Structural changes associated with skin aging.” The International Dermal Institute, Apr. 2019
Houghton P.E. “Clinical trials involving biphasic pulsed current, microcurrent, and/or low-intensity direct current.“ Advances in Wound Care (New Rochelle), Feb. 2014, Vol. 3, Issue 2
Jain S, Arora M. “Effect of microcurrent facial muscle toning on fine wrinkles and firmness of face.” IAMR Journal of Physiotherapy, Mar. 2012, Vol. 1, No. 1
Kavanagh S, Newell J, Hennessy M, Sadick, N. “Use of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device for facial muscle toning: a randomized, controlled trial.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Nov.
2012, Vol. 11, Issue 4
Kern D, Riggs M, Knaggs H. “A novel microcurrent device to improve skin structure and appearance.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Sep. 2019, Vol. 139
Rittié L, Fisher GJ. “Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin.” Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, Jan. 2015, Vol. 5
Rosser, L. “Offering microcurrent therapy.” Aesthetics, Aug. 2019
Saniee F, Kh K.K, Yazdanpanah P. “The effect of microcurrent on facial wrinkles.” Pars of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Sep. 2012, Vol. 10
