When I first picked up the two microcurrent prongs during my training as a Beauty Therapist I felt confused when the teacher explained that this treatment 're-sculpts the face'. After nearly 30 sessions treating clients in their 50's and 60's (mature-aged clients) I began to see noticeable differences in the structure of their faces.
So, what is a microcurrent? A microcurrent in aesthetics is generally defined as a “facial toning or non-surgical face lifting” due to the dramatic lifting effect that microcurrent has on facial muscles and facial contours.
Microcurrent was originally developed for treating facial palsy. Nowadays the therapy is now widely used as an aesthetic anti-aging treatment.
Microcurrent stimulation delivers tiny electrical impulses that mirror the body’s own natural bioelectrical field. In most cases, treatment is virtually sub-sensory, with just a slight electrical tingling sensation.
The average salon microcurrent facial uses an exclusive microcurrent waveform that is based on more than 20 years of medical research.
During each treatment, all 32 face muscles are manipulated through a process called muscle re-education to tone and firm the muscles whilst softening fine lines and wrinkles.
Apart from the noticeable physical improvements, here's what other benefits you'll receive from a microcurrent facial:
- Increased circulatory benefits: blood and lymph.
- Muscle re-education.
- Improved product penetration (serums, creams and toners)
- Increased natural production of collagen and elastin.
- Increase in protein synthesis in facial muscles
- Redefines and enhances your features
- Erases visible signs of ageing
If you're ready to hop on the microcurrent bandwagon, here's what to expect during your treatment:
A professional microcurrent facial procedure begins as a regular facial would. The treatment, which takes an hour in total, begins with cleansing and exfoliating the skin. Following this, a water-based, conductive gel is applied to the face. Then the microcurrent facial begins.
The aesthetician should be trained and knowledgeable enough to know which areas of your face need to be worked on more. They do this by looking microscopically at your face through a 'woods lamp' They will then go over those areas’ multiple times with the metal wands.
You should not feel any discomfort or pain, just the cool metal wands lifting sections of your face and staying put for a few seconds and repeating before moving to the next section.
While some people will feel absolutely nothing, others might feel a slight tingling sensation.
The important thing to remember, though, is that a microcurrent facial should never hurt. A little discomfort is completely normal!
Is a microcurrent facial safe?
While microcurrent has a long history of being safe, it's normal to feel a little different after the treatment. Some people may have a little fatigue and drowsiness. The effects can last about 20 minutes after your treatment. As with any massage or salon/spa treatment, you should drink plenty of water afterwards.
To summarise, a microcurrent facial is a great Botox alternative. Microcurrent facials introduce a low-grade electrical current delivered through a small machine onto the face muscles. The muscles contract and are meant to be trained—just like a gym workout—to lift and sculpt the face.
Microcurrent is used to lift the eyebrows, define cheekbones, tighten and firm skin, and stimulate collagen growth. Depending on where and who you go to, expect to pay between $200 to $500 per treatment.
There are also several at-home devices available, which can range from about $120 to $480, however, I would recommend going to a professional if you're new to the treatment.
If you have had a few treatments, are on a budget and want to try the at-home devices, here are the ones I would spend my money on:
- FOREO BEAR 1-Piece Microcurrent Machine
- NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device
- PURE LIFT FACE Facial Toning Device
Despina Karpathiou is an accredited makeup artist, beautician and lifestyle writer based in Sydney, Australia. She is currently studying Skin Health and Nutrition and is passionate about makeovers and healing skin (and health) conditions from the inside out. Follow her here for all things skin, health and beauty.
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