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As a 40-something beauty editor who doesn't explore needles (no neurotoxins or fillers yet), I love devices that enhance my at-home skincare routine. So I have been using microcurrent devices for many years. And when I do, my face actually looks better, not puffy. Defined cheekbones. Raised and refurbished. Microcurrents give the face a fresh look and at the same time are easier to use than Gua Sha. "Microcurrent devices stimulate and cause mild contractions of facial muscles with a low-voltage electrical current. They can temporarily increase the tone of these muscles at rest," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Belkin of the New York Dermatology Group. Right after exercise, your biceps tone up, says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
As with any exercise program, you should exercise at least five times a week to see the cumulative benefits of microcurrent. The idea is that you will build muscle over time. "Energy goes through the muscle to strengthen it, and a strong muscle lifts the skin because the muscle increases in size. It's all very microscopic, so you can't build big muscles on your face," says Joy Tavernis, a cosmetologist in New York. "You can expect smoother, tighter skin with microcurrent devices. However, treatments must be frequent to maintain results," says Marina Paredo, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. In other words, microcurrent devices work best for those who have an established skincare regimen to stick to and are looking for an extra boost rather than a miracle.
Here you will find the best micropower devices for all types of users. I have tried several myself and each one has been recommended by various experienced skin care professionals (doctors and estheticians) that I trust.
This is the OG gold standard for microcurrent devices. NuFace has been around since 2005, and every doctor I've talked to recommends it. I have used this for many years and have found that the size of the probe is suitable for almost all areas of the face. (It has other attachments you can buy for smaller areas, like the lips.) It also reduces eye puffiness, which New York and Miami-based esthetician Shamara Bonderoff says is the result of microcurrents that increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage . "It makes you feel better, even if you don't," she says. I found that the cheek lifting effect was immediate and what makes it particularly impressive is that it lasts for around two days.
RejuvatoneMD is larger and more reliable than similarly priced compact microcurrent devices. And its medium-sized sensors are perfect for most faces. The body of the device is larger than average, giving the user more convenience, better grip and more controllable maneuverability around the face. It offers similar results and ease of use to NuFace at a much lower cost. A potential downside is that it doesn't have many options for changing the type of treatment. But Gohara believes simplicity is a good thing. "I like that it's not too difficult to use, with one button to turn it on and off and an intuitive touch to adjust the vibration."
The latest version of yZIIP is more compact (and convenient) than the beloved original. It's even easier to use, with a new four-minute pre-programmed face and the ability to sync with the app for a library of easy-to-follow facial guidelines. There are four to ten minute full length videos available, as well as shorter videos to help you focus on a specific area and achieve specific goals, like raised eyebrows or a slimmer jawline. I felt more comfortable using ZIIP after seeing them. Edita Zaros, a master esthetician at the Schaffer Clinic on Fifth Avenue in New York City, likes the device for its combination of microcurrent and nanocurrent. "Unlike traditional microcurrent technology, which mainly lifts, sculpts and lifts, ZIIP can treat hyperpigmentation, acne and puffiness and can be used in delicate areas (under the eyes) without additional accessories," she says.
Home devices produce a much weaker current than professional models, but are so versatile in handling that you can even see them in the office. "I use it for my clients," says Natalie Aguilar, a Beverly Hills esthetician. “Because it offers so many different treatments like LED lights, hot and cold cycles, different facial massagers, and of course the microcurrent attachment, I use it all the time. It is very easy to use, cordless and gives instant results. Really relaxes and invigorates. It's also temporary, so I know full healing has been achieved."
If you get facials on a regular basis, estheticians often recommend microcurrent as an at-home treatment to patients and clients in addition to what they do at spas. "It's a great way to not only track your facial results at home, but enhance them as well," says esthetician Savanna Fromel of Selenite Spa in Charlotte, North Carolina. His favorite appliance is the Foreo Bear Mini micropower device. He describes it as compact enough to use, yet powerful. Of all the devices presented here, it is the smallest and easiest to use.
In addition to the ambidextrous handpiece, the MyoLift QT Plus features hands-free conductive mask attachments for the eyes, lips and forehead. "Our favorite part of the cutie is her accessories," says Christina Uzardi, esthetician and founder of Cheeks + Co, who believes fit is a big part of the equation, so the simpler the better. Start with a light coat of transfer gel (Uzardi prefers aloe vera and a little glycerin), then choose a schedule and apply accessories. "Watch your favorite show and let the device do its magic," she says.
When buying a device, consider the area where you are likely to use it. “If your handheld device is too large or the recommended treatment time is too long, using your microcurrent device becomes impractical,” notes Aguilar. The advantage of this narrow device with a small tip is that it can work easily on the eyebrows and jawline. When I tried Joey Healy, I found that the little accessories make it perfect for the eye and brow area (its creator is a brow specialist, after all). New York dermatologist Gary Goldenberg likes that this tool has five different power settings. "Some areas of the skin are more delicate, like around the eyes or face, where you don't need as much strength as on your forehead, cheeks or neck," she says. I felt the difference in the settings and found that the lowest setting was much more acceptable for my eye and brow area. It's worth noting that microneedling shouldn't be painful, but you can expect some sensation or tingling and even tingling around the eyes as the muscles contract. "If you use conductive gel correctly, the sensation should be minimal," adds Bonderoff.
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