Microcurrent facial: everything you need to know
If you are here, you already know the topic: Microcurrent facials. This is the most popular non-invasive treatment that all celebrities are receiving, and we are going to tell you everything you need to know about it.
Microcurrent technology was introduced first in the medical field in the 1980s as the first FDA-approved treatment for Bell's palsy and muscle paralysis. The first machines used for this were the TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) that worked -and still do- as nerve stimulators for pain relief, wound healing, and treatment for weakness or muscle paralysis.
With this use of microcurrent and the discovery of its benefits, the FDA cleared muscle stimulators to provide a new anti-aging application for the cosmetology industry.
Years later, this type of treatment is now part of many facial services offered throughout the skincare and beauty industry. You can go to a beauty center to receive this “miracle” treatment, or you can buy your own device and do it in the comfort of your home.
Now, enough from history class, let’s get to the part you are interested in: microcurrent in the cosmetic industry.
A microcurrent facial treatment uses a low-voltage electrical current to help stimulate your facial muscles and smooth your skin. This procedure is made by a microcurrent device and a conductive gel that allows the machine to deliver the right dosage of energy through two handheld prongs onto your skin. Without using gel, you can feel some discomfort; that’s why it’s so important to use a high-quality conductor to ensure a comfortable experience.
HOW DOES MICROCURRENT WORK?
The gentle waves of energy sent by microcurrent devices are very similar to your body’s natural ionic flow. This action increases Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the main energy fuel source for our cells, and is needed for muscle contraction and relaxation. This causes a natural stimulation of collagen to support your skin’s structure and elasticity.
As we age, our skin’s natural ability to create these protein fibers reduces, making the signs of aging more visible. A microcurrent facial is a practical way to keep your facial muscles active and give your skin that little push to keep creating collagen.
This treatment is exactly like a workout for your face and will encourage your muscles to look more defined and toned, just like your body when you frequently exercise. So, if you are looking for a non-invasive facelift and a Botox alternative, this treatment is the right fit for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS TREATMENT
After a first session, you will have a brighter and plumper complexion. Your face will look healthier and with a better tone. And thanks to being a gentle, non-invasive treatment, you won’t have to deal with recovery time, irritation, pain, redness, or inflammation.
Poor blood circulation is a prevalent contributor to aging skin. Microcurrent treatments can help improve blood flow, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells and helping to flush out toxins and detox your skin. After various sessions, you will notice more youthful skin.
Another great benefit you will see from microcurrent facials is the decrease of the signs of aging. Remember that one of the effects of this treatment is collagen and elastin production; this will result in a diminishing of fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
When it comes to versatility, microcurrent almost has it all! This treatment is not only for aging concerns. If you are struggling with acne, this type of cellular energy can also help accelerate your skin's healing process.
And as we mentioned before, this procedure is known as a non-invasive facelift. Its use can help you lift your eyebrows and plump thin lips to give you a more energetic and youthful appearance.
AT HOME OR AT A BEAUTY CENTER?
If you want better results, you should always go to a professional. However, this doesn't mean that doing it yourself won't give you any results.
Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City; she explains that "different devices will provide different amounts of electrical current." Some at-home microcurrent devices won't deliver as high amounts of current as in a beauty center.
Still, there are options that you can use every day to complement your regular skincare routine. Tera Peterson, co-founder of NuFACE, one of the most popular at-home microcurrent devices, says that "microcurrent treatments like ours have become popular for providing both instant and cumulative pro-level results." According to Peterson, you only need to use the tool for five minutes a day to see results.
So, either way, you will see results, but if you expect to have more immediate and drastic changes, a professional will help you better than having the treatment by yourself. Having a microcurrent device at home can definitely help your monthly treatments and maintain the professional's work while you wait for your next session.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
For the most part, microcurrent treatments are safe for everyone. However, John Diaz, MD, plastic surgeon, says that "it's probably wise to avoid this treatment if you have certain heart conditions affected by electrical changes."
People with pacemakers, cancer, epilepsy, metal implants, or who have open sores, such as severe acne, should avoid this type of treatment. Microcurrent devices have not been tested on pregnant or nursing moms, so there's no evidence if it affects the mom and baby or not, so if this is your case, you should avoid them too.
Another thing to keep in mind is fillers. If you have Botox or fillers, microcurrent won't have a lot of effect on you because your muscles are already tense.
Some side effects can also include nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness, but these types of symptoms only last about 90 minutes after the treatment is done.
As you can see, the benefits of microcurrent facials are just a win! This is a great option to boost the appearance of your skin with a non-invasive method that will give you the same results as a facelift. Remember that even though you can see results after one session, this treatment is just like going to the gym; you need to be consistent and have several sessions to achieve that celebrity-look-like.
If you are a microcurrent device user already, don’t forget to check out our conductive gels to level up your treatments and boost your results.