Those same tools that you used to have to wait for a coveted facial appointment for are available in hand-held devices you can use weekly. And with purported benefits like lifting, toning, and fine line reduction, any skin care devotee’s interest would understandably be piqued. But be warned: These pro-worthy tools come with a price tag to match. Any skin care item that will cost you hundreds of dollars is likely a serious investment for most folks, and you rightfully will want to pick one that is easy to use and safe and that will give you visible results. So before you make the purchase, read on for what you need to look for, what you can expect from these tools, and ultimately, our favorite options on the market. “Microcurrent is a very tiny electrical current that mimics your body’s own natural pulses. What that means is our brains use currents to communicate through our neurological pathways, where it’s constantly sending signals. What we’re doing with this technology is mimicking those currents and delivering them to our facial muscles,” says biomedical engineer and holistic skin care expert Pooja Johari, M.S., founder of 7E Wellness. These pulses, she notes, stimulate our muscles to act younger. “The thing is, the facial muscles can’t tell whether the signal is coming from the brain or this device.” Let’s dive a bit deeper into the “act younger” part. On a cellular level, these work through the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), or a molecule that’s naturally produced in the body and acts as an energy currency. Essentially your body (skin and muscles included) uses it as part of its regenerative process, creating more collagen, elastin, and so on. Without it, our cells lose energy—and unfortunately, our natural production of these declines with age. “[This loss] is the reason our skin is not able to hold up the structure,” she says. “What we do with microcurrent is replenish and boost the ATP and therefore, the collagen and elastin.” It also works by stimulating and strengthening the muscles. “It stimulates the facial muscles underneath the skin, which will help to improve the facial contour, tone the skin, and reduce wrinkles,” says celebrity esthetician Shani Darden about microcurrent facials. See, many signs of aging aren’t just due to collagen decline; they can also be attributed to the fact that our facial muscles weaken as we get older. When the muscles sag underneath the skin, so does the skin on top of it. So by building them back up through microcurrents, your entire face will appear more toned and lifted. Finally, these tools can also help by driving products deeper into the skin and boosting circulation. Both of these can improve skin’s overall appearance and health. What users say: NuFace is a beauty editor favorite, mbg’s beauty editor Jamie Schneider included: “You know those before-and-after microcurrent videos you see on social media? It’s truly not just hype—the NuFace really sculpts your face in minutes. Microcurrent can be a pretty confusing space to navigate, but the NuFace Trinity set gives you everything you need and more. I also love the brand’s new app, which comes with step-by-step tutorials, selfie trackers, and custom reminders so you can ‘plan’ your facial workouts, much like you might schedule in some gym time. I’m someone who frequently wakes up puffy and swollen—a few minutes with my NuFace, and my cheeks and jawline become instantly more snatched.” Additionally, users note that at-home microcurrent devices are great for upkeep between appointments, which is how one reviewer says she uses: “I have been using the NuFace Trinity for several years. I also get professional microcurrent treatments. This is great for in-between visits to keep me looking more youthful.” What our tester says: Commerce editor Carleigh Ferrante wrote a full review of the Solawave, calling the device “worth the hype.” Her takeaway from the experience: “I personally was shocked by the results the first morning after using my new device, and it’s only gotten more impressive with time. Each use brightens up my dark under-eye circles and eases tension in my face, revealing a less puffy, more sculpted appearance. Over time, I noticed an improvement in fine lines and a more even skin tone overall.” What users say: What users say: While true results take time, users are impressed by how quickly this works. As mbg’s Schneider says, “I was able to try Bear during a recent microcurrent facial, and I was floored by how strong this cute little device can be! I could really feel the pulses in the belly of my facial muscles. Given the small, waterproof design, this device is also very user-friendly—it’s a great choice to lift on-the-go.” Another reviewer noted they saw a difference in one pass: “I was skeptical about this product but it is amazing! I saw results after the 1st use, especially in my nasal labial folds which is my biggest area of concern. It is great if you are starting to lose that lifted muscle tone in your face to bring back that lifted look.” What users say: The pro to at-home pipeline is real for this option: “My aesthetician uses this when she does facials. I loved it so much I bought my own. It’s easy to use and makes a huge difference instantly.” What users say: One user raves about not only the Myolift Mini but some of the extensions: “I have had the Myolift Mini for about 3 weeks now and I am enjoying using it. What I like are the different options I have. Sometimes I use the probes, but other days I enjoy using the eye and lip mask. I also like the option of using gloves as well. It is easy to use and my face always feels great afterwards. I haven’t noticed that my marionette lines are diminishing yet, but everywhere else, my skin is so much more firm and lifted. I went back and forth for months about ordering this device, but am so glad I did.” In addition, here’s what to keep in mind when folding them into your routine.
