What is a Microcurrent Treatment?

With the majority of the skin treatments we discuss, the results take time and can weigh on our patience. You may be tired of hearing that you need to stay patient in waiting for the effects of your skincare treatments. All of these skin treatments offer identical benefits and effects but have you heard of one that gives instant results? What if there was a facial that had immediate and long-term benefits that emulate the aesthetics appearance of botox?

In comes the microcurrent facial, a non-invasive lifting and toning treatment that is similar in the effects of a facelift but without the needles. Microcurrent facials use low-voltage electricity through a small machine to stimulate the facial muscles. This treatment was first developed in the 1980s to treat patients with facial paralysis from stroke and Bell’s palsy. It was shown to be very effective in muscle rehabilitation and wound healing that it was eventually introduced into the beauty industry for facial treatments.

A simple explanation of what a microcurrent does is essentially training the facial muscles or a ‘workout’ for the face. The electrical current works to lift and sculpt the facial muscles, more specifically; lifting the eyebrows, defining the cheekbones, tightening and firming skin, and stimulating collagen growth. Ultimately, a microcurrent is a natural lift to achieve healthier and firmer skin. For those scared or not into botox, keep reading as this treatment may be for you.

Now, what specifically will you expect during and after your microcurrent facial?

Before Treatment

The preparations in a microcurrent facial are very comparable to what you’d do before receiving a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or any other facial treatment. With this treatment, you may take your normal medications before the procedure, but depending if you’re on Accutane or something similar you’ll want to talk to your esthetician if you’re a good candidate for a microcurrent treatment.

Provided on how sensitive your skin is you may not find the experience pleasant with the machine. If you’re experiencing severe acne and open sores, it’d be best to avoid receiving a microcurrent as it stimulates inflammation and may worsen your acne. Microcurrent is also not recommended for those with pacemakers, metal implants, pregnant, or nursing. If you’ve had botox already you won’t benefit from the upper face treatment as those muscles are frozen. You’ll also want to avoid using retinol/retinoid for a week before your facial.

Besides these people who should avoid microcurrent facials, all skin types benefit and are safe with microcurrent facials.

During Treatment

With a professional microcurrent treatment, it will likely begin the same way a regular facial would or incorporate it into your regular facial. Your skin will be cleansed and prepped for the microcurrent. Depending on where you receive your facial, you may have an additional minimally invasive treatment such as LED light therapy or microdermabrasion. Before the wands are in contact with the skin, a water-based gel is applied to the skin. This gel is the same as those used for ultrasounds or electrotherapy and is meant to transmit the current from the device to the facial muscles. It will protect the skin from zapping and will allow the wands to glide smoothly. During the professional microcurrent, your esthetician should be wearing gloves and handheld wand-like machines used to deliver low voltages of electricity to the skin.

While an electric facial treatment sounds unpleasant it’s painless and quite relaxing. Instead of stinging or pain you’ll expect to feel a weird and strange sensation as it works on the superficial layer of the skin. Your facial muscles will be getting stretched and tucked like botox but painless and injection-free. The fun part is the end of your microcurrent seeing the instant facelift.

After Treatment

As always, be gentle with your skin after the treatment. You should avoid any harsh rubbing or anything that will irritate your skin. Use plenty of hydrating products and avoid those with harsh ingredients. Make sure you’re wearing enough sunscreen every day on your face and neck.

While results are instant, the results will be at their best when given the right amount of upkeep. With frequent treatments, your results will remain constant. It’s recommended you get a microcurrent treatment at least once per month or every other week, which can be a bit pricey. Depending on the area you live you should expect to pay from $200 to $500 for microcurrent. If you’re in LA, Miami, and NYC expect higher price points as these locations are the most popular.

At-home Devices

There are also at-home devices that promise similar results to the professional alternative. As usual, they’re effective for at-home facials but are not as powerful as professional tools. These at-home microcurrent tools range around the same prices as the professional services but in the end, you’ll save less than weekly to monthly maintenance. Being consistent at home is how you’ll reap the same benefits and results you would professionally. If your schedule is too busy for professional maintenance or the price is something you can’t commit to, definitely go for at-home treatment and use it frequently! Of course, the results will vary due to the strength of the at-home tool, just be sure to purchase a product with a conductive gel or one that recommends it with purchase. Just be sure to use it as the instructions provide and not too harshly.