Okay, so like thousands of others, you've been browsing beauty blogs, scrolling through Instagram, maybe watched a couple of YouTube videos on what exactly Microcurrent is and what it does. You've seen the science, the clinical research, and case studies behind what's quickly becoming the hottest skincare trend of 2022. So now the question becomes, how do you know if Microcurrent is right for you?
The truth is, as much as we love Microcurrent and the amazing results it can produce, it's not the right treatment for everybody. There's so many different Microcurrent devices to choose from, and some of them can be a little pricey.
Knowing whether or not Microcurrent is right for you in the first place will save you time and money, and make sure you're setting the right expectations if you do decide to buy a Microcurrent device or try a Microcurrent facial.
In today's blog, we're covering how to decide if Microcurrent is right for you, or if you should skip out on Microcurrent in favor of other skincare treatment alternatives.
By the end of this blog, you'll know exactly whether or not Microcurrent will help you in achieving your skincare goals.
What does Microcurrent do?
In short, Microcurrent uses low-voltage electrical currents which target the muscles deep beneath the skin's surface. These electrical currents mimic the body's natural ionic flow and have been clinically tested to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Microcurrent enhances your body's production of adenosine triphosphate or (ATP) which is the main source of energy in your cells. This has a variety of benefits which we cover more in depth in our other blog here, but at a glance, the boost in ATP production results in:
- Increased collagen and elastin production
- Increased blood circulation
- Re-energized facial muscles
Now that we know exactly what Microcurrent does, let's cover what it's best used for and who should be using Microcurrent.
Microcurrent is for you if your skin goals include...
Toning, lifting, and contouring sagging skin
Did you know the facial muscles are the only muscles attached to your skin? As we age, these muscles become weaker, leading to sagging skin.
If there are areas of the face that you'd like to contour, or give that natural lift, then Microcurrent is definitely the most suitable treatment for you. The low-voltage electrical currents stimulate the facial muscles, causing them to contract and strengthen. As silly as it sounds, think of it like a workout for the face! It re-trains the muscles to to maintain their firmness and tightness.
Also, remember when we said Microcurrent also boosts ATP production? ATP is the primary energy source for muscle movements. Increasing the amount of energy sent to the facial muscles firms and tightens the muscles, providing better facial contour and reducing sagging skin.
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Collagen is the foundation of youthful, elastic skin. It is a protein that the body naturally produces. Collagen is important because it is the main structural protein in our skin, which is what keeps our skin from sagging and giving us that plump youthful look. The loss of collagen is also one of the primary drivers for the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
As we age, our body's ability to naturally replenish collagen slows down. Microcurrent enhances your ATP production, which in turn helps your body produce more collagen, and thereby decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and giving the skin that firm, youthful, and plump look.
Research has shown Microcurrent technology to increase collagen thickness by 10% and increase the number of elastin fibers in the skin by up to 45%. (Logan and Ring, 2013).
Using Microcurrent is one of the best ways to increase collagen and elastin production, and by extension, treating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reducing facial puffiness
Aside from enhancing collagen and elastin production, and muscle tone, Microcurrent facials also increase the amount of circulation to the face. What this means for the skin is an improved nutrient and oxygen supply that gives the skin a more radiant and healthy complexion.
The low-voltage currents travel through the skin to the facial muscles, making contact with lymph nodes along the way. A 2016 study showed the efficacy of Microcurrent in improving lymphatic drainage.
Improving lymphatic drainage is the primary way that Microcurrent facials help reduce facial puffiness and swelling.
You should pass on Microcurrent if your skincare goals include...
Reducing acne and preventing breakouts
If your primary skincare goal is to reduce acne and prevent breakouts, then Microcurrent is probably not your best option.
In this case, we would recommend you try Red LED light therapy. Research has proven the efficacy of Light-based therapies in treating acne, so if you're someone looking to treat this, you should definitely pass on Microcurrent as it probably won't give you the best results.
Treating oily skin and clogged pores
Again, similar to preventing acne and breakouts, Microcurrent is definitely not the right tool for the job when it comes to treating oily skin and clogged pores.
Your best bet here is going to be finding suitable cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliators with specific ingredients that treat oily skin. One of the most common skincare ingredients to watch out for is Salicylic acid, which is great for reducing oily skin.
Truth be told, Microcurrent has not been shown, and is not administered professionally for oily skin, so if you buy a device or get a Microcurrent facial looking to treat this, you'll likely be very disappointed.
In Conclusion
Microcurrent is one of the most powerful and effective skincare technologies available to people today. But it's not the right treatment for everyone, and it's important to know whether it fits your skincare goals BEFORE you buy an at-home device or try your hands at a professional facial.
Microcurrent therapy is right for you if your skin goals include:
- Tightening, lifting, and toning sagging skin
- Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Reducing facial puffiness
There are more effective treatments than Microcurrent if your skin goals include:
- Treating the appearance of acne
- Preventing breakouts
- Treating oily skin and clogged pores
Sources:
DH;, Na JI;Suh. “Red Light Phototherapy Alone Is Effective for Acne Vulgaris: Randomized, Single-Blinded Clinical Trial.” Dermatologic Surgery : Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [Et Al.], U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903156/.
EV;, Aleksanyan TA;Kazantsev. “[Treatment with the Use of Microcurrent Lymphatic Drainage Physiotherapy during the Postoperative Period Following Rhinoplastic Surgery].” Vestnik Otorinolaringologii, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27876738/.
“Microcurrent Technology: Latest Trend for Improving Patient Wellness.” Dynamic Chiropractic - Chiropractic, News, Articles, Research & Information for Chiropractors - Find a Chiropractor, 1 Aug. 2013, https://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=56592.
Pei, Susan, et al. “Light-Based Therapies in Acne Treatment.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439741/.
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