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Open up TikTok, and you’ll probably have seen a microcurrent review of some variety on the app. NuFace, Foreo, FaceGym, Ziip, and Theraface are just some of the most popular facial microcurrent devices around right now. Microcurrent treatments were mostly exclusively used in clinics, but their popularity has soared since lockdown, with many claiming that they are beneficial in helping to lift, sculpt and tone the skin at home—with some even experiencing instant results. Sounds good pretty good for an at-home skincare tool, right?
So, let’s get into the science for a moment; how does microcurrent work exactly? The electrical microcurrent that runs through the device helps to target the facial muscles underneath the skin to help lift, de-puff and contour, too. Several microcurrent devices come with dedicated treatment videos that you can follow along with, or sync with an app on your phone to start your treatment. You’ll find that most microcurrent kits include a “conductive serum” which is used to allow the current to pass through your skin. Using a microcurrent device for the first time can be an unusual experience to say the least (expect involuntary lip twitches or weird twinges on your skin as the device moves over the skin). As long as you are applying a generous amount of conductive serum before your treatment, you’ll find it to be a far more comfortable experience, and you’ll get used to the sensation after a couple of goes.
Many also tout microcurrent as a Botox alternative, however, it’s worth remembering that microcurrent will give you results, however, they are temporary, and aren’t really comparable to more invasive treatments (like Botox) in-clinic. Like training your muscles at the gym, regular practise and consistency is key to maintain the results with microcurrent. If you’re thinking of investing in a device, do bear this in mind.
Microcurrent devices definitely fall into the investment purchase scale in terms of affordability. You can expect to pay at least a couple hundred pounds, with some stretching to the £500 mark. Some devices offer microcurrent as their all-star technology, whereas other devices offer it as one of several alongside nanocurrent, LED or facial massage modalities. To find out which microcurrent facial devices are the best (and worth the money) I recruited some of Who What Wear UK editors and our beauty crew contributors to test the best microcurrent devices around right now for a solid week. Ahead, you’ll find our unfiltered thoughts to help you decide on the best microcurrent device for you.
This is my first time using a microcurrent device, and at first it’s an unusual sensation. It takes a couple of sessions to get used to and to understand how to best use it, where it glides smoothly and where you need to ensure there’s plenty of gel (without this, it can cause friction on the skin and be a little uncomfortable). As long as you start on the lower level and gradually build up, the feeling is pretty unnoticeable. If you’re impatient like me, and try a higher level too soon, then it’ll feel like a minor electric sting on the skin. But once you’ve had a couple of sessions, it’s super easy.
The pros: After using the device for the first time, I couldn’t see any noticeable changes—this device requires regular usage to see results. After a week, however, my skin feels a little less ‘saggy’ so to speak, I feel like my brow arch is slightly higher, and my forehead lines are slightly shallower, but for more noticeable results, I think a month of usage would be required.
Once you know what to do, the device is easy to use. It can be a little tedious on the lower levels waiting for the device to beep, so you know to move again, but you definitely get used to it. I felt like after a few more weeks the results could be equivalent to more invasive treatments, and I’d rather not have procedures that require incisions or anaesthesia. If you’re considering expensive in-salon treatments, then it’s definitely worth trying, even with the cost of the Hydrating Aqua Gel that’s used as a primer, it’s cheaper to do it at home, and I like the ease of working it into my beauty routine and busy schedule.
The cons: The sensation when you go to a higher level can feel a little scary, it is electrical current after all. If you don’t use enough gel, the friction can be painful, and I wondered how long the gel would last that comes free with the device. Replacing it with a big bottle when it runs out is quite expensive.
Rating: 7/10
The many promises made by beauty brands always leave me a little sceptical. From LED face masks to rose quartz rollers, and celebrity skincare ranges to hair stylers, the beauty market has seen an influx of new tools over the last few years and even months. In comes FaceGym Pro, a device that is meant to have the same beloved effects of FaceGym’s famous facial workouts, but in the comfort of your own home.
The pros: Initially, I incorporated this into my morning skincare routine normally during the time (ideally 10 minutes) I spent standing in front of my wardrobe deciding what to wear. However, I think it works better as part of a nighttime routine. Despite the clear instructions, I have to admit, I still needed clarification during my first try with this skincare device. I turned the device on just to see how it works, and while stroking it along my cheekbones, I wondered why I wasn’t feeling anything. I could hear the frequency, but couldn’t really feel anything at all.That was until I used it in conjunction with the conductive serum it came with and I was wowed by how the small silver electrodes could transform my skin.
I wouldn’t say I saw noticeable results straight after using the the device, it’s one of those things that takes time for the results to come in. One did I did notice and love after using the device was how soft my face felt.
After a week of testing, I was wowed by how effective this skincare device was. As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always careful with what I use, so I was hesitant to try the Collagen Infusion Gel that comes with the device. However, I was really pleased with the results. The conductor gel is packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin and is infused with collagen to help with skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase blood flow to the skin (note: When there isn’t enough serum on the face, the device will beep to let you know!) The results from this treatment are not instant, but with consistency and long-term use, I believe it can achieve its goal of delivering a toned finish to the skin.
Do I think it’s good value for money? The jury is out on this one. Yes, if you’re a FaceGym frequenter looking to emulate or maintain the studio experience at home and are willing to make the investment. If you’re looking for low-lift instant results? No. Another potential downside is that the device doesn’t work without the activator gel so you’ll need to keep repurchasing it. At £515 the price is steep, but I can tell you now that the results are worth it.
The cons: I wasn’t keen on the size of the device, I wish it was a little more compact so it’s easy to carry around and I really, really wish it came with a case you could pop it in.
Rating: 10/10
I have to admit, despite coming into this with doubts, I actually really loved using this device. The Solawave is really a four-in-one device, combining microcurrent, light therapy, facial massage and therapeutic warmth into one little wand. These four therapies help to define the face, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes, help with hyperpigmentation and decrease puffiness.
The pros: For me, the biggest draw is how straightforward the wand is.There’s no room for error, which is important for someone like me who is a complete novice when it comes to tools like this. I also love how compact the device is, which meant it was really easy to pack when I went away for a few days. There is a recommended serum to use with it, but the brand also says you can use whatever, so you’re under no obligation to purchase it in order to use the device.
I think this device is really good value for money, considering you effectively get to benefit from four therapies. It is also a great entry-level price point compared to other microcurrent devices, so is a good option if you’re new to the world of facial tools like me and want to start off with something straightforward.
I used it in the evening as part of my night time routine, but there’s no recommended time so you can use it whenever it works best for you. It’s very simple to use: Charge the device up using the cable provided before applying serum or moisturiser to your cleansed skin. This is a really important step as the wand won’t work on dry skin. It literally will not turn on! The brand recommends their own serum but you can use anything you already own already. Once you’re lathered up, pop the device on your face and it will automatically turn on. You then follow the handy instruction booklet (you’ll only need to read this once and it is really brief yet comprehensive) and effectively pull the wand up and out towards your cheekbones/top of your forehead. You should aim to use the wand for five minutes in total a day. It doesn’t hurt (you can’t feel it at all actually apart from a little warmth) but if your skin is a bit dry you’ll feel a little bit of tightness. If this happens, just whack on some more product!
After using the device for the first time, I felt my skin looked plumper and brighter after the first use. After a week, my skin just felt and looked healthier in general. My eyes looked less puffy and my complexion looked brighter, with less redness and blemishes. Lastly, I think it was a great idea that it comes with a charging cable, but not a plug. We all have random plugs from phones lying around, and I thought this was a good way to minimise waste and packaging.
The cons: Sometimes the device would turn off even when I had a lot of serum/moisturiser on, and when it did that it was really hard to get it to start again.
Rating: 9/10
Coming from the brand that produces the much-lauded Theragun, the Theraface is as slick to use as you’d expect. With multiple attachments (the microcurrent device being one of them), I found it so easy to switch between them thanks to the seamless magnetic features. Plus, there’s so many handy video tutorials on the brand’s dedicated YouTube channel that explain exactly how to use each attachment-helpful for a beauty tool novice like me to watch on repeat.
The pros: To use the microcurrent tool, you add the required head to the device, apply a mask-like layer of the conductive gel (which comes included) to your face, set your strength (a nice feature that allows you to build up the current as you become more familiar and experienced with the feeling) and then follow the very clear and simple video instructions for guiding the device, which feels a lot like a facial massager, across the face. The whole process takes little more than five minutes, and you can repeat this every 24 hours.
As for what it feels like—honestly, the first time I used it I felt nothing at all. Worried I wasn’t doing it right, I turned up the strength and even then I only felt slight twinges on the skin where there was no conductive gel, or where the gel had dried up, so I’d recommend applying liberally or in sections as you go to avoid this.
I didn’t notice any dramatic results after the first use, but there certainly wasn’t any negative side effects and very little noticeable redness or irritation. After a week or so, though, there was definitely a feeling of having more tighter, brighter skin in areas like the jawline and cheekbones, where I often would feel swollen or puffy, especially in the mornings.
The device is so easy to use. As I say I’m a complete tools and beauty novice and I found it effortless to use with the help of the guidance videos. I also loved how slick it was to use, and how adding such an easy step to my evening routine came with actual results. You can also use it in the morning but I found it so easy to do sat in front of the TV, once I had the instructions down.
I loved that this wasn’t only a microcurrent device, and for your investment you actually end up getting multiple different attachments that all target different concerns, from rejuvenating LED light therapy to cleansing rings and percussive facial massaging. All of which can cost a lot if you were buying them as individual devices alone.
All in all, I’d say if you’re looking for a do-it-all device that feels a little indulgent (I.e. it can help create that moment of much-needed self-care), but that’s also results-driven, Theraface makes a smart investment. It works well both as an introductory, easy-to-use device that beauty novices will love, but also as an advanced tool that’s at the forefront of the industry with its technology and multiple attachments, so beauty obsessives will love to play around with its features too.
The cons: There’s not much to not like about the Theraface device. Sometimes there are twinges using the microcurrent attachment which, if you’re nervous about it, can feel uncomfortable. But it’s momentary and you can very quickly add more gel or turn the strength down accordingly. If you’re a traditionalist, it could also be a little frustrating to have to go online to find all the instructional videos, but I liked having the visual examples.
Rating: 8/10 for the microcurrent tool, but 9/10 overall for all the great attachments.
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