Like microshading, microneedling and LED face masks, microcurrent therapy is another skincare and beauty trend we’ve seen pick up speed over the last few years. 

A treatment that can be done in a clinic or at home, celebrities and dermatologists have extolled the benefits of low-level electrical currents for overall skin health. From increased radiance to plumper and firmer skin, there’s a lot to be said for using microcurrent devices. 

So, to make sure you have all the information, we asked the experts. Here’s what they have to say. 

“A microcurrent treatment is essentially a non-invasive facelift that uses a low-level current of electricity to stimulate, lift and strengthen the facial muscles,” explains Sarah Waterman, senior aesthetician at beauty and skincare studio Young LDN in Notting Hill. 

“It is commonly referred to as a ‘workout’ for the face and has been clinically tested as a safe and efficacious treatment both in-clinic and at home to encourage definition, collagen development and growth of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – a powerhouse molecule that provides energy for key functions, including protein synthesis, which aids in collagen and elastin production.

“It’s an extremely low level of electricity that mirrors the body’s natural electrical current. As the electrical pulses that stimulate the facial muscles are mild, treatments are completely painless and quite relaxing.”

“The benefits of microcurrent are instant, but just like exercise, the best results are achieved after multiple sessions. About five minutes a day or two to three times a week will help to encourage the muscles over time to stimulate collagen growth,” explains Waterman. 

“The benefits of microcurrent go far beyond that of just a non-surgical facelift: it also enhances circulation, boosts the penetration of skincare products, and erases signs of ageing in the epidermis by improving skin texture and tone to help reduce the appearance of sagging skin.

“The beauty of microcurrent is that results are visible in minutes. After just five minutes, you can see a visible difference; the skin is lifted, tighter, brighter and, overall, more glowing. An at-home microcurrent device is recommended in between professional treatments for maintaining the best results.”

“Only with regular use. When people who work out and have great muscle definition stop exercising, their muscle definition will eventually reduce. It’s the same with microcurrent energy and the face. To see long-term results, it needs long-term use,” says Bianca Estelle, skin specialist, medical aesthetician and founder of Bea Skin Clinics.

So, protracted use is key to seeing improvements with this type of treatment but the frequency of use is another key step: “This is a treatment where you will see a marginal improvement after one session, but this should be used frequently for maximum benefit,” says Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics.

“People tend to use this as a form of anti-ageing. Sagging skin, fine lines and general loss of tautness in the facial muscles will see a benefit from regular use. If the skin is looking lacklustre and tired, it will also help overall skin texture by boosting circulation, encouraging the muscles to work harder while stimulating collagen and boosting elastin production.”

“Microcurrent therapy is safe and relatively painless. However, if you have cancer, epilepsy, are diabetic, pregnant or prone to blood clots (thrombosis) or have heart issues (such as a pacemaker fitted) a microcurrent device or facial is not recommended,” says Waterman. 

“Individuals with past or present health concerns or questions not listed must seek medical advice to determine if microcurrent is right for them. 

“Similarly, if you have chronic acne, microcurrent might further exacerbate the inflammation, so it’s always best to speak to a professional before using a device or booking in for a facial.”

Images: courtesy of brands