Do Microcurrent Facial Devices Really Work?
Microcurrent facial devices are trending beauty gadgets that claim to be able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face. NuFace, one of the most popular microcurrent brands, offers several devices designed for specific areas and purposes, including a body contouring option. But before you splurge on one of these devices, take a look at the science behind them to help you decide if they’re worth trying.
At-home microcurrent facial devices may smooth lines and wrinkles by increasing cell energy to promote collagen.
At-home microcurrent facial results are temporary, lasting a few days.
Microcurrent facial devices can be worth trying, but they aren’t a replacement for anti-aging skin care.
What Is a Microcurrent Facial?
A microcurrent facial uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate your facial muscles and skin, mimicking your body’s natural electrical activity. Microcurrent technology was first used as a physical therapy treatment in the 1970s to treat facial paralysis and improve muscle function. Over time, doctors noticed that microcurrent treatments were also able to signs of skin aging, helping this technology to gain traction for cosmetic purposes, too.
Initially, microcurrent facials were exclusively offered in clinical and spa settings, where dermatologists used professional-grade machines to deliver precise electrical pulses, targeting specific facial muscles to lift, sculpt, and improve skin firmness. These in-office treatments quickly became a favorite among celebrities and beauty enthusiasts for their skin-lifting effects, sometimes referred to as a “non-surgical facelift.”
In 2005, NuFace became the first brand to introduce FDA-cleared at-home microcurrent facial devices, making this same technology available in the comfort of your home. While these devices use lower intensities of microcurrents than the medical-grade devices, many people report seeing similar benefits with consistent use of at-home devices.
The Science Behind Microcurrents for Your Skin
Microcurrent therapy uses very gentle electrical currents – typically below 1 milliampere (mA) –to work on your skin and the muscles underneath. These currents mimic the natural electrical signals in your body, which are crucial for processes like skin repair, muscle repair, and cell regeneration.
Microcurrents are effective because they follow a scientific principle called the Arndt-Schulz Law . This rule says that small amounts of stimulation can encourage biological activity, while strong stimulation can actually slow it down. Microcurrent devices are designed to deliver just the right amount of electricity to spark positive changes in the skin and muscles without causing any irritation.
Most notably, microcurrent facial devices work by improving the way that mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells) function. This, in turn, increases the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) , the energy source for all cells and a key component in the creation of proteins like collagen and elastin in your skin. Researchers have found that microcurrent can increase ATP levels by up to 500% (3).
Microcurrent facial devices can also improve blood flow and overall circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This may help to promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
What Does the Research Say?
The bulk of research on microcurrent therapy is in the context of medical and physical therapy uses. While there is emerging research that shows promising evidence of the anti-aging benefits behind at-home microcurrent facial devices, many of these studies are small.
More large-scale trials are needed to confirm the specific effects of microcurrent on aging skin, especially with at-home devices.
That said, key findings from the current research include:
Facial muscle toning. Studies show that microcurrent can gently stimulate facial muscles to improve tone and lift. It’s like a “workout” for your face, helping to sculpt and firm the contours over time (3).
Faster healing. Clinical research has shown that microcurrent therapy accelerates wound healing and skin repair by encouraging skin cells to migrate to the damaged area (4).
Anti-aging benefits. Regular microcurrent facial device use has been linked to firmer skin and fewer wrinkles, thanks to its ability to support collagen production and improve skin texture (5).
What Can Microcurrent Facial Devices Treat?
Microcurrent facial devices may improve signs of skin aging such as:
Sagging skin. Provides a subtle lifting effect by stimulating facial muscles.
Fine lines and wrinkles. Boosts collagen production for smoother skin.
Puffiness. Encourages lymphatic drainage for a smoother and more even appearance.
Uneven skin tone. Improved circulation may help to brighten the complexion (6).
Downsides to Microcurrent Facial Devices
Microcurrent facial devices do come with some downsides and may not be for everyone.
Temporary results. Effects typically last for 1 to 3 days and require consistent use for noticeable changes.
Time commitment. Results require daily or regular use.
Cost. Some microcurrent devices can be expensive, costing upwards of $400.
Mild irritation. Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, may experience tingling, redness, or irritation when using microcurrent devices.
Who Shouldn’t Use Microcurrent Facial Devices?
Microcurrent facial devices may not be safe for everyone. Avoid using these devices if you:
Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices.
Are pregnant.
Have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
Recently had Botox or dermal fillers (wait 2 to 3 weeks to prevent moving the product).
Have sensitive skin prone to irritation.
Popular Microcurrent Facial Devices
NuFace is one of the most popular brands for at-home microcurrent facial devices. Some of their bestselling products include:
Bottom Line: Are Microcurrent Facial Devices Worth It?
Microcurrent facial devices like those from NuFace can be a nice-to-have addition to your anti-aging skin care regimen, but they aren’t a must-have. While these devices have a growing body of research to support their anti-aging benefits, they aren’t going to be a replacement for anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, or other antioxidants.
If you’re looking to build an anti-aging skin care regimen but aren’t sure where to start, take the Skin Type Quiz below to find out which of the 16 skin types you are. From there, we can help you customize an anti-aging regimen that’s right for your skin.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
