Botox and dermal fillers are the gold standard of cosmetic treatments, and they’re not going anywhere. However, the interest in fully non-invasive procedures which don’t involve needles but promise similar results to those of Botox and fillers is on the rise.
This article explains the benefits of one such treatment - the microcurrent facial. Read on to learn how the microcurrent facial works, what results to expect, and how much money to set aside for the treatment.
What Is the Microcurrent Facial Treatment?
The microcurrent facial is a more recent facial treatment on the cosmetic scene. It has risen to fame partly because of celebrities who have expressed their satisfaction with the facial in the media.
It’s a safe, non-invasive treatment that has been touted as “a workout for the face.” It involves the use of low-voltage electricity to tighten the muscles under the skin and improve skin tone and texture.
How Does It Work?
The microcurrent facial device has two handheld probes with opposite electrical charges so electricity flows between them. When they are pressed on the skin, the electricity passes to the muscles below, causing them to contract and tighten. The process also stimulates new cell growth and collagen production in the dermis.
The microcurrent facial provider first cleans the patient’s skin and massages it to get the blood going and prepare it for the electrical stimulation.
Next, the provider applies a water-based gel on the patient’s face and neck to conduct the electricity to the muscles.
The provider then works the probes on the patient’s skin, lifting and holding the skin in areas that are prone to sagging, such as the eyebrows, cheeks, the neck, etc. The provider repeats the movements several times in each area.
In the final stage of the treatment, the cosmetic provider applies skincare products on the patient’s skin to nourish and protect it.
One microcurrent facial session lasts about one hour.
Note: Read about similar noninvasive facials that improve skin tone and texture, such as the Oxygen Facial and HydraFacial.
The Benefits of the Microcurrent Facial
The benefits of the microcurrent facial are not clinically proven, but extensive patient experience supports claims of the procedure’s benefits.
The microcurrent facial helps provide:
- Tighter and firmer skin
- Shrunken pores
- Improved circulation
- Reduced puffiness
- Increased cellular activity
- Naturally lifted facial features
- Refreshed and redefined features
- Reduced appearance of wrinkles
- Minimal or no side effects
- No downtime
Results of the Microcurrent Treatment
The microcurrent treatment lifts, tightens, and hydrates the skin. However, the results after one session are subtle and short-lived. The full effects of the procedure, including increased collagen levels and anti-aging effects, are only achieved with regular sessions.
The frequency of recommended treatments depends on the patient’s skin. Many aestheticians prescribe a monthly treatment.
Safety, Potential Risks, and Side Effects of Microcurrent Facial
The microcurrent facial is a safe treatment for most healthy adults. It is painless and may only cause a slight tingling or prickly sensation. Many patients find the procedure pleasurable.
The microcurrent facial causes no side effects. Expect no redness, swelling, bruising, and pain after the treatment, but only a visibly improved complexion.
Who Should Avoid the Treatment?
Though the electricity used during the treatment is of low voltage, certain groups of people should consult their medical provider about undergoing a microcurrent facial.
The factors that may pose a risk include:
- Heart issues
- Metal implants and pacemakers
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Severe acne
Microcurrent Facial Treatment Aftercare
You can resume your daily activities after the microcurrent facial, including exercise.
However, avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the skin during the first 24 hours of the treatment. Also, avoid skincare products with active ingredients that may irritate the skin. Use cleansing products with mild, hydrating components. As always, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you leave the house.
Can You Do a Microcurrent Facial Treatment at Home?
Some people use at-home microcurrent facial devices.
The difference between in-clinic and at-home devices is in the expertise of the person performing the facial and the electricity voltage. Professional machines typically have various options for adjusting the electric current and wavelengths to tailor the treatment to the patient’s skin type and specific concerns.
Achieving desired results with at-home microcurrent facial devices requires persistence and using the device several times a week. While at-home devices get the job done with regular use, they can’t provide the same results as professional treatments.
Note that poor maintenance of the microcurrent facial device poses a risk of infection. It is essential to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, one microcurrent facial session costs $65.
The experts at Vibrant Skin Bar will evaluate your skin and recommend the optimal frequency of microcurrent facials to achieve those red-carpet results.
Conclusion
If healthier, younger-looking skin is your goal and you are not a fan of needles, consider the microcurrent facial. It is a trendy cosmetic treatment that works on your facial muscles and improves skin tone during an hour of painless, perhaps even pleasant, electrical stimulation.
The treatment is safe, quick, inexpensive, and waiting for you to try it out!