Do beauty devices really work?

Beauty insiders and celebrities have long been touting the benefits of microcurrent facials. You may have heard stories about how the treatment produces impressive (and nearly instantaneous) results when it comes to fighting signs of aging.

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And while normally, you would have to take a trip to the spa to see if the rumors are true, a number of at-home microcurrent devices have been popping up across the beauty space, allowing people to try it right from the comfort of their own homes.

The thing is, these skin care devices can be pretty pricey. So to see if they're actually worth the purchase, we consulted two top aestheticians to learn more about how the treatment works and which at-home options will actually provide results.

Do they really work? | Best microcurrent devices | How does microcurrent work? | How to use it | Meet the experts

Do at-home microcurrent devices really work?

Typically, the microcurrent machines that are used during professional treatments are larger and have a higher current than the at-home devices, Los Angeles-based celebrity aesthetician Gina Marí says. But while they're less powerful, that doesn't mean you won't still see the benefits.

Like traditional exercise, even if you're seeing a trainer once a week, you're still going to have to do some workouts on your own to see results. The idea is the same here, New York City-based aesthetician Lara Kaiser says. She recommends at-home devices to her clients as a way to maintain results between appointments. They're also good to have on-hand in moments when you feel like your complexion needs a little boost before a big event or Zoom call.

Best microcurrent devices, according to experts and editors

For smaller coverage: NuFACE Fix Line Smoothing Device

Settings: N/A | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? Yes

If you're unsure if you're ready to commit to buying one of the bigger devices, a targeted microcurrent treatment tool is one way to test the waters. Say you have deep 11 lines between your eyes, crow's feet or wrinkles around your mouth that were causing concern, NuFACE's smaller device could be a good place to start to address those, Kaiser says. Though, she notes that once you start seeing results in one area, you're likely going to want to tackle other spots on your face, like your jawline or forehead &#; and that will be harder to do with a smaller tool.

Great for travel: NuFace Trinity+ Wrinkle Reducer Attachment

Settings: 3 | Powered by: Battery operated | Serum included? No

Commerce editor Vivien Moon is a major fan of this NuFace attachment for red light therapy, which emits red, amber and infrared lights to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand.

Moon mentions she has had this microcurrent device for a few years and loves how she's able to save space while traveling but can still do her skin care routine on the go. &#;It has a sensor so it knows when it&#;s on the skin and turns off when it&#;s not on, which is also great for those who don&#;t love the red light glaring at them when it&#;s not on the face," she explains.

Also, this device attaches to the NuFace Trinity+ device which is required to use and sold separately.

Courtesy Vivien Moon

Viral on social media: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand

Settings: 1 | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? No

In addition to red light therapy and &#;therapeutic warmth&#; technology, this skin care wand also uses the power of low-level microcurrent therapy to tone facial muscles and smooth wrinkles, according to the brand. Associate editor Shannon Garlin says she&#;s been using this device for over a year and loves the relaxing effects. &#;The warming effect and gentle vibrations feel like I&#;m getting a nightly facial massage,&#; she says.

Better yet, it&#;s said to help fight signs of aging and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Courtesy Shannon Garlin

Settings: 3 | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? Yes

The mini version of NuFACE's popular tool is a favorite among multiple Shop TODAY staffers, including myself. I find that when I remember to use it regularly &#; keeping it by my bed so I can do it at night while I watch TV or read is helpful &#; I notice a difference in the overall brightness in my face and my skin feels tighter, both instantly and over time.

Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach says that she's been using the gadget about once a week for the last five years and adds that it's "one of the better beauty tool investments I've made."

"It's so easy to use and I love that I could use it while watching TV on my couch and then see results so quickly," she says.

Editor loved: NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device

Settings: 5 | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? Yes

NuFACE&#;s microcurrent device is arguably the most buzzed-about and most-recommended product in the category &#; and it was a top pick from both of the experts that we spoke to. To use it, NuFACE suggests applying the included NuFACE Gel Leave-On Primer and then gliding or holding the device over the natural contours of the face &#;for an instant, visible lift.&#;

Shop TODAY editor and producer Julie Ricevuto says that she loves her NuFACE Trinity device. &#;I always see a difference when I&#;m dedicated to using it,&#; she says. &#;Plus, it&#;s a relaxing way to end your day with a mini spa-like moment while watching TV before bed. It doesn&#;t feel like a chore!&#;

NuFACE&#;s range of microcurrent devices has also garnered a fan base on TikTok, with videos featuring the products racking up millions of collective views.

Multiple LED light settings: TheraFace Pro Microcurrent Facial Device 

Settings: 3 (+3 LED light settings) | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? No

Much like Therabody's beloved massage guns, the Therabody comes with multiple device heads that you can swap out to target different areas of your face and try different treatments, including LED light therapy, percussive massage and microcurrent.

"I have been using the Theraface consistently for many months now and really love the device for its versatility," shares social editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "There is red light, blue light, microcurrents and even shaping tools included. I notice a huge difference using it after a shower, and love that the red light therapy tool can be used anywhere unlike many face masks."

Recommended by a pro: ZIIP Beauty GX 2-Piece

Beauty GX 2-Piece

$ 399.00

What we like

• Not time consuming 
• Expert-recommended product

Something to note

• Device charge can be inconsistent

Settings: 1+ (more with the ZIIP application) | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? Yes

Created by aesthetician Melanie Simon, ZIIP Beauty&#;s microcurrent device also came recommended by both experts. &#;The cool thing about the ZIIP Beauty is that it comes with an accompanying app where she actually talks you through each treatment setting,&#; Marí says. There are how-to videos for multiple types of facials and targeted treatments.

Worth the cost: The Recovery Lab PureLift Face Non-Invasive Facelift

PureLift Face Non-Invasive Facelift

$ 499.00

The company is the world’s best Beauty Device supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

What we like

• Three color selections
• Some saw results in less than one week
• Expert-recommended product 

Something to note

• Pricey product 

Settings: 3 | Powered by: Rechargeable battery | Serum included? No

While the PureLift Face is a pricier option, Kaiser calls it her "favorite," saying that she loves the results. It features Triple Wave Patented EMS Technology, using varying frequencies, which according to the brand, can target different layers of the skin and muscle. Just apply the conductive serum gel and go.

How does microcurrent work?

Microcurrent devices use low-level electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles in the face, says Kaiser.

The treatment also stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Marí adds. Essentially, you&#;re stimulating &#;food&#; for the cells to allow them to work more efficiently.

&#;What we always want to do when we&#;re working with any type of technology when it comes to skin care treatment, is that we want to work on the cellular level,&#; Marí says. &#;We want to stimulate the cells, we want to feed the cells and get some activity happening there.&#;

How to use an at-home microcurrent device

As much as we&#;d like a quick one-and-done solution for all of our skin concerns, you shouldn&#;t expect that from this (or any skin care treatment, really). The results are temporary, Marí says. Typically, when starting out, you can expect the results to last a couple of days. &#;You will see longer-lasting results with more consistency,&#; she adds. And the more comfortable and confident you get with using the tool, the better the results will be.

According to Kaiser, the device can be used every other day. Once again, just like a workout, &#;you want to give your muscles a day off here and there,&#; she says. The amount of time that you use it for depends on the device, but typically, it&#;s around five to 10 minutes &#; many have a set timer to let you know when it&#;s done. Most devices also come with conductive gel that you apply before the treatment. Though some TikTokers have said they use different products like aloe vera or water, Marí advises against it.

&#;You&#;re un-intensifying your treatment by not using the proper products to go hand in hand with that,&#; she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it may sound uncomfortable, the process should be pain-free. Because you're dealing with electrical currents, people who are pregnant, have epilepsy, seizures, or any electronic-implanted devices like pacemakers or cochlear implants or metal braces should steer clear of the treatment, Marí says.

Microcurrent facials can help to lift and tighten the muscles in the area and stimulate collagen and elastin, helping your skin look smoother, brighter and more rejuvenated. Kaiser likened it to "a Pilates class for your face.&#;

"You'll get a nice lift," Marí says. "It's great for women like my age, where you're starting to maybe get some jowling activity on the lower face. It's great for the neck, great for around the eye area."

It's also a good anti-aging treatment for people who might be reluctant to try more invasive options, like Botox or fillers. But it's not just for aging concerns, Kaiser adds that she also uses it on patients who are struggling with acne. "That cellular energy helps accelerate healing."

Meet our experts

• Lara Kaiser is a facialist, brow specialist and beauty expert at Carrie Lindsey Beauty in New York City.
• Gina Marí is a celebrity aesthetician and skin care expert based in Los Angeles.

Vanity, thy name is Vivien, and I spent $325 to basically electrocute my face on a daily basis. Now that I have your attention, let&#;s dive into microcurrent devices. First off, I&#;ve never had a professional microcurrent facial, but years of working in the beauty industry and endless conversations with skincare experts have given me enough insight to know that this painless treatment is the real deal.

Offering firming, lifting, and wrinkle-reducing benefits, microcurrent uses electric muscle stimulation to essentially &#;work out&#; the muscles. According to skincare experts, this technology is a non-invasive way to achieve a youthful contour. As someone who is eager to try any facial or beauty innovation, the microcurrent facial was at the top of my list of treatments to try &#; then the pandemic happened.

Despite decreased outdoor activity, the lack of stressors that come with an hour-long commute, and the complete elimination of multiple alcohol-indulging nights out per week, my skin felt battered. My way of remedying the situation? Buying the FDA-approved NuFace Trinity facial toning device in an attempt to undo the impact that months of lockdown was having on my complexion (yes, you can definitely file this purchase under &#;lockdown made me do it&#;).

So, did this at-home microcurrent device live up to the hype? Check out my video review below, and keep reading to see my before and afters.

Embedded content: https://youtu.be/pJ4RoW-db2w

My New NuFace

The NuFace microcurrent device promises to reduce puffiness, decrease the appearance of wrinkles, and tone, lift, and firm the neck and facial muscles through consistent use over the span of two months. What can&#;t it do? I was about to find out.

At-home beauty devices have become the norm with editors, beauty specialists, and skincare experts, but I hadn't ventured any further than gua sha and jade rollers. After doing my research on the microcurrent market and reading reviews, I decided that this ergonomic gadget would be my tool of choice for it&#;s multifunctional capabilities. The ball attachment can be detached and replaced with other accessories such as an LED light (dubbed the Trinity Wrinkle Reducer) or the Trinity Effective Lip & Eye (ELE), a smaller microcurrent appendage to target those hard-to-reach areas. As someone who loves her beauty tools, this felt like a no-brainer.

Needless to say, the at-home version of any in-office treatment isn&#;t going to be as potent, but that&#;s not to say you can&#;t achieve a similar result. All it requires is a bit of consistency and patience, which leads us to...

How to Use the NuFace Trinity

For optimal results, NuFace recommends using the Trinity five times a week for the first 60 days and two to three times per week thereafter to maintain results. I decided that to truly make this a sustainable part of my routine, I would use it once a day, every day, for 30 days. Sure, it was a little high-maintenance for my liking, but it&#;s certainly more time-efficient and budget-friendly than a &#;lunchtime procedure&#; (here&#;s looking at you, Botox®), so I&#;m not complaining.

The device comes with a charging station and the signature NuFACE Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer that is formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin and the Optimizing Mist to soothe it. After reading the instructions, the tool was out of the box, charged up, and I was ready to zap.

The Process

While there is some trial and error to figure out the best routine for yourself, using the NuFace requires just three steps:

1. Start with a clean, dry face
2. Apply the gel primer
3. Massage the device in upward motions over the specified areas

According to the instructions, the tool should be used along each side of the neck, cheeks (this includes the jawline), and forehead. Each section requires three sets of three repetitions, which are timed by the device. The NuFace has several settings that will allow for gradual build-up of microcurrent intensity, and it makes an automated noise to signify that it&#;s time to move on to the next section. Simple enough, right?

If I&#;m being honest, it took me a few tries to get the hang of using it. I found out the hard way that the primer should be applied liberally over the entire treatment area to allow the device to glide smoothly and prevent it from drying out. When the cylinders don&#;t have the lubrication to glide along the skin, it creates an electro-tingling sensation that you may find uncomfortable. This is not meant to be an example of &#;beauty is pain,&#; and, without proper priming, the device may irritate the skin.

Fortunately, the growing pains were short, and it only took a couple of days to get familiar, if not dependent, on &#;Trinny&#; (as I lovingly started to call her). After a week, I was able to build up to the highest strength and make it a daily bedtime ritual. However, the additional step to my evening beauty routine did lengthen the overall process. Not to mention, applying the primer individually between sections added extra time. Each rep takes approximately five seconds, so, overall, each section should be less than a minute. By taking a break and applying adequate primer to ensure a pleasant microcurrent experience, it lengthened my treatment by a few minutes. Not a problem for me, but, for the sake of transparency, it should be noted that this takes longer than the promised five minutes.

According to NuFace, leaving the primer on after the treatment is fine because the ingredients are beneficial, but I preferred removing it after each facial massage to proceed with my regular routine.

The Results

I tried this handheld gadget for a total of 30 days, and, while the before and after photos below may not show it, I noticed improvements within the short timeframe. My brows arched higher, cheeks felt firmer, and my nasolabial folds were no longer distracting me during my Zoom calls. I felt a boost of confidence and satisfaction in my appearance around the two-week mark, and I can feel the results even more than I can see them. This device may not provide the instant gratification its in-office counterpart does, but, when in lockdown, this facial massage tool felt like the self care moment I needed in my daily routine.

A look at the writer's skin before using NuFace (top and bottom left) and after 30 days of regular treatment (top and bottom right).

A look at the writer's skin before using NuFace (top and bottom left) and after 30 days of regular treatment (top and bottom right).

Disclaimer: At nearly 30, I am aware that my skin&#;s laxity and muscle firmness are still in good condition. My approach to beauty has always been preventative, and I know that genetics have sagging jowls in store for me. So, rather than starting to save up for a facelift in 20-years time &#; not something I am opposed to in the future &#; I decided to splurge a little now (and maybe buy myself a few more years before that surgery).

The price tag is a hefty $325, but the battery life is extraordinary and the benefits, while subtle, may prolong the time before I try Botox®. I could go weeks without recharging my Trinity, and, since electric plugs and space are scarce in my New York apartment, these are big incentives.

The Takeaway

Overall, the pros of the NuFace Trinity outweigh the cons. It&#;s light, adjustable, and I could see results after a short period of time. The downsides are the time commitment required to maintain results, the cost, and the need for recurring purchase of the primer once it runs out.

Would I recommend it to a friend or loved one? Yes &#; I&#;ve already purchased the NuFace Wrinkle Reducer attachment for myself and the NuFace Mini for my mother.

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