Layering on a microcurrent device may be the next step to improve and refine your skin care routine. These at-home tools are designed to deliver a lifting and firming effect to skin in a way that’s inspired by professional-grade microcurrent treatments. With the help of board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger, we’ll answer some common questions about these popular skin care tools, such as:

• What does a microcurrent device do?

• Where can I use microcurrent devices?

• What are the best microcurrent devices to use at home?

• How do I use a microcurrent device at home?

What does a microcurrent device do?

Facial toning devices use microcurrent to help stimulate muscles in the face, which can help give your skin a more toned, lifted appearance. “The toning effect provided by a microcurrent device is temporary,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, LovelySkin CEO. “But just as most people realize the benefit of working out regularly to maintain the muscle tone in your body, your face can also use the same stimulation. In order to make this happen, you may want to consider using a facial toning device to achieve consistent results.”

In addition to a temporary lifting effect, microcurrents can also provide long-lasting benefits when used consistently over a longer period of time. “The basic principle here is that microcurrent can increase your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, which can yield benefits over time in the form of smoother, firmer-looking skin,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, LovelySkin Medical Director.

Where can I use microcurrent devices?

Facial toning devices with microcurrent are certainly the most popular, but they’re not the only option out there. Some microcurrent devices are designed to be used on the face only, or both the face and neck. Other facial toning devices are shaped to deliver microcurrent treatments to specific parts of the face, such as the lips or eyelids. There are also microcurrent devices on the market that can be used on the body and are intended to help increase firmness on arms, abs and legs.

The best microcurrent devices to try at home

FOREO BEAR 2

Created by Swedish skin care tool brand FOREO, the BEAR 2 is one of the best microcurrent facial devices. It can be used on the face and neck and delivers 680 uA of microcurrent to help tone facial muscles for a firmer, more contoured look. It also features a sonic massage to help promote lymphatic drainage in your face, which can help reduce puffiness. In a clinical trial, 95% of users reported that their face looked younger and their cheekbones looked more lifted after one week of use.

FOREO BEAR 2 eyes & lips

If you’re looking to specifically target visible signs of aging around your eyes and lips, such as fine lines and loss of firmness, this specialized microcurrent device from FOREO could be a good match for your skin care goals. It delivers 270 uA of microcurrent and features a smaller size that’s designed to deliver a temporary plumping effect to lips and reduce hollowness under the eyes.

FOREO BEAR 2 body Advanced Microcurrent Body Toning Device

Another innovation from FOREO, this microcurrent device for the body was created to tone the muscles and firm skin on the arms, abs and legs and reduce the appearance of cellulite and loose skin. The FOREO BEAR 2 body delivers 960 uA of microcurrent with every treatment, and like the FOREO BEAR 2 facial toning device, it also delivers sonic massage to help promote lymphatic drainage.

Skin Gym Microcurrent Wand

This facial toning device from Skin Gym features a wand-like shape with two metal prongs to deliver microcurrent treatments to your face to help tone, lift and sculpt skin along your jawline, forehead and cheekbones. It features five different intensity levels, ranging from 10 nm to 550 nm, to stimulate muscles in your face with every use.

Tips for using a microcurrent device at home

Depending on the maker and model, at-home microcurrent devices may work differently, so you’ll want to consult the instructions on your device before diving in for your first at-home treatment. Generally speaking, using a microcurrent device starts with the first step of applying a conductive gel.

“The gel is a necessary companion to a microcurrent device because it acts as a barrier between the device and your skin, and it’s what actually conducts the microcurrent, allowing it to flow between the tool and your skin,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “Full disclosure, you won’t want to use a microcurrent device without that conductive gel because it will zap your skin with a very mild electric shock. It’s not extremely painful, but it’s not pleasant either.” Some microcurrent devices are sold in a set with a conductive gel, while others may require you to purchase it separately.

Are you curious about other skin care treatments such as microneedling? You can learn more about microneedling and its benefits on the LovelySkin Blog.