You already know that a solid exercise routine can help tighten and tone your body. Well, the same may just hold true for your face. We’re talking about the ever-trendy microcurrent devices, also known as facial toning devices. They claim to offer a “workout” or “instant facelift” by lifting and firming your face in as little as five minutes. They accomplish such a feat via low-voltage electricity that stimulates muscles and collagen.
While microcurrent therapy used to be reserved for professional use, there are a slew of at-home devices on the market these days. Many clock in at $300 or more. Do these pricey gadgets actually work, though? The short answer is yes, according to board certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon. But you need to keep your expectations in check.
“They cannot and do not replace more powerful treatments or invasive procedures that can remediate sagging skin,” she explains. “They unfortunately aren’t strong enough to create miracles, however if it is done consistently, they will help your skin appear more lifted and rejuvenated.”
Celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and author of The Pro-Aging Playbook Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank agrees. “It helps to quickly but temporarily lift and tighten skin,” he says. “It is painless and may help with minimal collagen production.”
Although if you have sensitive skin, are eczema- or rosacea-prone, are pregnant or have a pacemaker, you should steer clear of these devices altogether advises Frank. And you should always apply a gel primer or serum before using a device. That way you’ll avoid discomfort during treatment.
The bottom line? At-home microcurrent devices can give your face a slightly more sculpted look temporarily. Just as long as you stick to a consistent routine. Want to try one for yourself? You’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the most highly rated at-home microcurrent devices on the market right now.
Microcurrent Devices
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Microcurrent Devices #1
NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device, $339 at Sephora
This facial toning device uses gentle microcurrent therapy to stimulate muscles and collagen in your face and neck for a firmer, lifted look. It includes a gel primer that you apply before treatment so the device easily glides over your skin without any pain. You can also buy separate attachments to target hard-to-reach areas around your lips and eyes.
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Microcurrent Devices #2
Foreo Bear Facial Toning Device, $299 at Sephora
Inspired by professional devices used in spa treatments, this FDA-cleared facial toning device marries microcurrent therapy with massage to train and tone the muscles in your face and neck. The result is skin that looks and feels smoother, softer and tighter.
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Microcurrent Devices #3
ReFa 4 Caxa Ray Roller, $330 at Macy’s
You can use this microcurrent device on your face (cheeks, forehead, jawline) and body (neck, upper arms, chest, waist, butt, thighs, calves) alike for tightening and toning. The rollers are coated in platinum to minimize irritation and extend the life of the device.
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Microcurrent Devices #4
ZIIP Microcurrent Professional Facial Device, $495 at Amazon
Lift and sculpt your facial contours with this microcurrent device that comes with a gel primer for easy, pain-free application. It can be used to make your face look more awake, define your jawline and more.
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Microcurrent Devices #5
Vanity Planet Essia Ultrasonic Exfoliating Skin Spatula, $89 at Vanity Planet
For a more budget-friendly option, look no further than this multipurpose gadget that utilizes microcurrent therapy. It has three modes: Exfoliate to rid pores of impurities, Moisturize to help products penetrate deeper and Lift (the microcurrent setting) to stimulate facial muscles.
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Microcurrent Devices #6
SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand With Red Light Therapy, $149 at SolaWave
This slim, travel-friendly wand not only works as a microcurrent tool to tone and lift the face. It also has settings for red light therapy to reduce wrinkles, massage to depuff skin and warmth to improve product absorption.
