Microcurrent Facial: Benefits, Risks and Results
A microcurrent facial uses weak electrical signals to stimulate the muscles and skin. Some claim this can reverse the visible signs of aging, such as drooping skin and dullness. However, the effects are not as dramatic as other procedures, such as a facelift.
ResearchTrusted Source suggests that microcurrent stimulation has several benefits, including promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, boosting circulation, and improving muscle function. Additionally, unlike other more invasive procedures, microcurrent facials involve no incisions or anesthesia.
People can purchase microcurrent devices to use at home or receive professional treatments with a dermatologist or esthetician. However, there is little evidence to show how effective, reliable, or safe microcurrent facials are long term.
How do microcurrent facials work?
Microcurrent devices work by delivering an electrical current to muscles and skin cells. The idea behind this is that the electrical current will build up muscles in the face, lifting and tightening the skin.
Some companies also claim that microcurrent facials stimulate collagen production. At present, there are no studies that confirm this. However, anecdotal reports suggest that people can notice an immediate difference after sessions.
Benefits and effectiveness
Limited scientific research suggests that microcurrent treatments may:
Stimulate facial muscles
One of the main benefits of microcurrent therapy is that it stimulatesTrusted Source facial muscles. Stimulating them may help the face look tighter and reduce the visible signs of aging.
Improve blood circulation
Electrical stimulation can improveTrusted Source blood flow to the skin. This may improve the health of skin cells, make the skin look healthier, or increase plumpness.
Speed wound healing
Some researchTrusted Source suggests that microcurrent stimulation may help promote wound healing. It may increase blood circulation to the area or reduce inflammation. This may help with chronic wounds and ulcers. It may also help with certain types of acne.
Other health benefits
Microcurrent stimulation may also offer other noncosmetic health benefits. For example, a 2019 studyTrusted Source found that daily self-administered microcurrent therapy could reduce facial pain from sinus congestion for up to 6 hours. It also reduced pain and congestion over 4 weeks of use.
Animal researchTrusted Source also suggests that electrical stimulation may help improve the functioning of atrophied muscles. More research in humans is necessary to determine if this might be a viable treatment for muscle weakness or muscle loss.
Professional vs. home microcurrent devices
Professional microcurrent devices tend to be more powerful than at-home devices. This makes them unsafe to use at home but also means they may create more pronounced results.
Dermatologists and estheticians may also combine microcurrent treatments with other services, such as face masks, serums, and massages. They can tailor this to someone’s particular needs to achieve their desired results.
People using at-home microcurrent facials may need to use them consistently to experience results. It may also take longer to notice equivalent results due to weaker currents.
Are microcurrent facials safe?
Research from 2021Trusted Source states that microcurrent treatments are “relatively safe” and have few side effects.
Microcurrents are not strong enough to cause injury, so when a person uses these devices correctly, they should not hurt or cause skin damage. However, some people should not have microcurrent facials. This includes people with:
- epilepsy
- heart conditions
- implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers
Many microcurrent clinics also recommend against treating pregnant people. This is because doctors do not know if treatment is safe for a developing fetus.
Another potential risk comes from unregulated or untested microcurrent devices. When trying a microcurrent facial at home, a person should always use a device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Alternatively, people should seek treatment from a licensed professional.
Side effects of microcurrent facials
There is limited research on the potential side effects of microcurrent facials. Some of the effects people report include:
- tingling
- discomfort
- skin irritation or sensitivity
- skin dryness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- facial twitching
A person should consult a doctor about any side effects, particularly if they are severe or do not improve.