Does Microcurrent Actually Work?

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Dubbed the &#;non-invasive facelift&#; microcurrent facial devices are fast emerging into the beauty tech landscape - but what are these medical-looking devices and can they really help reverse visible signs of aging? Let&#;s find out.

A microcurrent facial operates by running a gentle electric current through different probes. The electrical currents support muscle re-education by lifting and toning the facial muscles. The impulses also work on the skin cells to boost the production of ATP for cell rejuvenation. ATP (adenosine triphosphate), responsible for providing energy to skin cells, supports the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Think of it like a facial workout - imagine a workout routine that consistently tones the body &#; the same principle applies to facial muscles when they are repeatedly engaged. Microcurrent facials are typically delivered in a clinic-like setting by an aesthetician. But the rise of at-home microcurrent devices means we can incorporate this beauty tech into our daily skincare routines.

What are the Benefits of Microcurrent for Skin?

- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Boost collagen - increased skin elasticity
- Tightens and tones facial muscles for a more lifted appearance
- Boosts circulation for an increase in cell oxygenation and nourishment
- Aids lymphatic drainage
- Tones jaw, and neck area for a more contoured appearance
- Non-invasive rejuvenation

How does Microcurrent Work? The Science

Microcurrent is a type of electrical current that disrupts the cell membrane to allow positively charged ions to enter the skin cell. It is a low-frequency, low-intensity pulsed direct current. The positively charged ions trigger a range of intercellular reactions including increased ATP. The electrical currents also cause mild stress or damage to the cells and this triggers the skin&#;s natural repair process to regenerate cells and tissues.

Microcurrent is unique in that it affects all skin cell types plus muscles for advanced results.

It impacts:

- Fibroblasts to boost the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid
- Sebocytes to regulate oil production
- Keratinocytes and melanocytes to repair the outer skin layer for a brighter and more vibrant complexion
- Muscles to tighten lift and support lymphatic circulation

Are Microcurrent Devices Safe?

Microcurrent is a very safe and effective treatment method and has been cleared by the FDA for use in skin treatments to reduce fine lines and promote a brighter complexion. While it is considered safe for most people, some exclusions apply. Including if you have a pacemaker or metal implants, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have severe acne or other exposed skin conditions such as active eczema.

Can You Use Microcurrent with Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Filler?

Yes, you can, but it is advised to wait at least two weeks after your injectable treatment before using a microcurrent device. Always consult your aesthetician before combining the treatments. It is also advised to stop applying topical retinol for about 5 days prior to treatment.

Does Microcurrent Hurt?

Microcurrent treatments are generally not painful and are often described as a mild tingling sensation on the skin. The low-level electrical currents used in microcurrent devices are typically well-tolerated by most individuals. If you experience discomfort during the treatment, you can adjust the intensity settings to a more comfortable level. In-salon treatments may produce mild twitching, but it should never be painful or intolerable.

What Is the Difference Between an At-Home Microcurrent Device and an In-Salon Treatment?

A microcurrent facial delivered in a clinic environment will typically use a higher level of electrical current than that approved for home use. The muscle contraction will be more intense (but not painful) and results may last a little longer than immediately seen from an at-home device. For more severe cases of sagging and wrinkles, an in-salon treatment may be added along with the use of an at-home device.

An at-home device allows for repeated treatments at a once-off cost and is great for both preventative and therapeutic anti-aging. Microcurrent offers instant results, even with an at-home device - and the face looks more lifted and firmer even after just one treatment. For sustained results, and to allow the skin time to boost the production of collagen and other key firming proteins, repeat sessions are required. This is why most people now opt for an at-home device as frequent salon treatments may be costly and impractical. Depending on where you are on your skin journey, you may incorporate salon microcurrent facials with top-up at-home treatments using a microcurrent device.

How to Use an At-Home Microcurrent Device?

1. Cleanse your face 
2. Apply a conductor gel
3. Roll the probes over the face and neck in an upward and outward motion for 10-15 minutes in total
4. Apply the rest of your AM or PM skincare routine

*Always follow personalized instructions for your specific device.

Devices

Vora | Mild Microcurrent Facial Roller

Firm facial muscles our advanced microcurrent facial roller for radiant, youth-enhancing skin results

The Takeaway: Are Microcurrent Devices Worth it?

Microcurrent devices seem to hit the mark as both firming, lifting, and toning the facial muscles while simultaneously supporting the production of new collagen, and other key skin building blocks. This duality of purpose makes it a very appealing choice for anti-aging and skin health. For very severe sagging and harsh static wrinkles, you may want to break up your at-home treatments with a microcurrent facial in a clinic as the amount of electrical current used will be increased. For both at-home and in-clinic treatments, consistency of treatment is key to sustained results, so bear this in mind when deciding whether to invest in an at-home device.

 written by Olivia Khader

Despite the variety of home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation available in the market, corresponding research reports are limited. Existing studies suffer from issues such as small sample sizes and short follow-up periods, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive efficacy evaluation system. Furthermore, the physical stimulation of meridian acupoints by home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation may meet the multi-dimensional anti-aging needs of patients, suggesting a potential direction for future research.

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After screening, a total of 18 clinical studies were included. A comprehensive analysis of the experimental results and adverse reaction indicators from existing literature revealed that home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation can improve skin aging to a certain extent. Apart from transient redness and swelling, no other adverse reactions were observed.

A systematic search of PubMed and web of science was conducted to include original research literature on the efficacy of home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation over the past two decades. The selected literature was processed and analyzed based on efficacy evaluation indicators such as sample size, follow-up period, experimental results, adverse reactions, and others.

Home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation utilizing technologies such as radiofrequency, microcurrent, and light emitting diode have gained widespread attention due to their claimed ability to improve skin tightness and elasticity, making them popular among consumers. However, there is controversy within the industry regarding the effectiveness and safety of these devices.

In total, we found three clinical trial reports on home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation based on the combination of multiple technologies ( Table 4 ). In an experiment using the TriPollar beauty device combining radiofrequency (1MHz frequency, maximum power of 50W) with dynamic muscle activation (DMA) using microcurrent, 11 participants showed significant improvement in facial skin fine lines, tightness, and brightness after 6 treatments. 34 In two studies using home beauty devices combining radiofrequency with LED red light, the YA-MAN device (1MHz RF + 630 nm light source) was used in a randomized controlled trial with 33 participants receiving treatments five times a week for 12 weeks. Blind assessments using a 0&#;9 scoring system at baseline, second week, fourth week, eighth week, and twelfth week follow-ups showed significant improvement in facial wrinkles and sagging in the experimental group after treatment. 35 In another non-randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the Silk&#;n beauty device, 30 participants were assessed using blind Fitzpatrick scores after 21 treatments. The results showed an average decrease of 1.49 points in scores after treatment compared to before treatment. 36

Although microcurrent technology has been widely used in home anti-aging beauty devices, there are relatively few research reports specifically focusing on its application in these devices. In a randomized controlled trial using the portable microcurrent beauty device Slendertone Face ( Table 3 ), 56 participants were included in the NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) group, while the remaining 52 participants were placed in the control group. After 12 weeks of treatment, five times a week, participants in the NMES group showed significantly higher facial radiance, skin tone, and reduced wrinkles compared to the control group. Additionally, at weeks 5&#;6 of treatment, participants in the NMES group exhibited an 18.7% increase in muscle thickness compared to baseline, while the control group showed no significant change. 30 A few participants experienced slight skin redness during treatment, with no other reported adverse reactions.

Microcurrent utilizes low- to medium-frequency pulsed electric currents to generate an electric field as it passes through the skin. This stimulation affects the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles, achieving anti-aging effects such as skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and improvement of facial contours. 30 Low-intensity electrical currents accelerate the repair of connective tissues in the dermis and subdermal layers. Microcurrent stimulation, being compatible with endogenous electrical currents at the cellular level, promotes tissue repair and has positive effects on fibroblast quantity, neovascularization, and epithelial thickness. 31 Microcurrent stimulation at the Shenmen acupoint can effectively stimulate changes in the activity of the brain&#;s sleep and positive emotion centers. 31 In a study involving 34 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain, standardized microcurrent stimulation at back acupoints resulted in an average pain reduction of 80%. 32

In a clinical study involving a home beauty device combining local serum, LED, and massage ( Table 2 ), subjects experienced a reduction in facial wrinkles, with a significant enhancement in skin density and radiance after continuous treatment for 28 days. 25 In a non-randomized controlled trial lasting 8 weeks, the Para. L Dema LED Mask portable LED beauty device ( Table 2 ), combining 637nm and 854nm, was used to treat the left side of the faces of 24 participants twice a week. Results showed that the skin elasticity and moisture on the LED-treated left side were significantly higher than the control group, with improvements in skin texture. 26 Additionally, three clinical studies focused on the Omnilux handheld LED beauty device combining 830nm and 633nm red lights ( Table 2 ). In a study where 22 participants alternately received a total of 8 exposures of near-infrared light at 830nm and red light at 633nm over 4 weeks, 74% reported significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, 84% reported improved skin tone, and over 70% reported improvements in smoothness and clarity, with 68% reporting improved tightness and 47% reporting enhanced elasticity 27 . In a randomized trial where 23 participants received treatment on one-half of their faces using Omnilux, blind photographic assessments showed 59% of patients with clinical improvement, along with changes in skin texture, tone, and fine lines. However, no changes in skin hydration or elasticity were observed. 28 After 9 sessions of 20-minute continuous light treatment, 91% of 13 participants with wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes and nasolabial area reported improved skin tone, and 82% reported enhanced smoothness in the treated area. The study suggested better results in the periorbital region compared to the nasolabial area. 29 A few participants experienced transient erythema after the initial use of the device, with no other reported adverse events.

The therapeutic potential of light has long been established. Photobiomodulation involves the activation of cellular mitochondrial respiratory pathways, stimulating fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and the generation of growth factors and extracellular matrix. 22 LED photomodulation has been shown to mitigate UVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expressions through mitochondrial retrograde signaling. This, in turn, enhances antioxidant enzyme expression in a peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha-dependent manner, improving skin aging conditions. 23 In a 10-day study, using 635nm LED light on the acupoints Dazhui and Mingmen of rats with Kidney Yang Deficiency, similar therapeutic effects to moxibustion were observed. This suggests that LED can act on acupuncture points in meridians and have positive effects. 24 Since LEDs operate at power levels below what the FDA considers to be medically harmful, they are not subject to the regulations of medical device laws. 2

In experimental studies on home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation, four studies employed the TriPollar portable RF beauty device ( Table 1 ). A randomized controlled trial divided skin samples from the neck or abdomen into groups: samples without UV aging and RF treatment, samples with UV aging and no RF treatment, and samples with both UV aging and RF treatment. Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in collagen in the dermal layer of samples treated with TriPollar for 5 minutes compared to the control group (p<0.05). 13 Another study using TriPollar on 12 subjects for personalized home RF treatments (4&#;11 sessions) showed regeneration of collagen and metabolic effects on fat, achieving skin tightening and body contouring. 14 A randomized controlled trial found that using the home RF device TriPollar improved abdominal and thigh circumference. After the sixth and twelfth weeks of follow-up, adipocyte appearance and collagen increased by 34% and 31%, respectively, and average abdominal laxity decreased from 1.4 to 0.8, with an average reduction of 2.4 cm in thigh circumference without significant weight changes in the subjects. 15 Two additional non-randomized controlled trials using the home RF beauty device TriPollar demonstrated positive effects on facial wrinkles 16 and facial skin firmness. 17 Three studies using the portable RF beauty device Newa in non-randomized controlled experiments for facial aging showed improvement ( Table 1 ). In a study involving 45 participants receiving RF treatment five times a week for the first four weeks and twice a week for the next eight weeks, statistically significant improvements were observed in skin tightness and radiance, with some improvement in jawline, skin elasticity, and wrinkles, though statistically insignificant (P>0.05). 18 Another study with 62 participants receiving RF treatment five times a week for four weeks showed significant improvement in facial wrinkles. Blind assessments by three non-participating physicians based on Fitzpatrick scores revealed a significant improvement in facial wrinkles (P<0.05). However, a three-month follow-up revealed a decline in facial wrinkle scores after treatment cessation. 19 Results from another Newa study showed improvements in pigmentation, periorbital wrinkles, and facial sagging after treatments twice a week for four weeks. No significant changes were observed in melanin and erythema levels. 20 In a randomized controlled trial using the unipolar home RF beauty device DermaWand for eyebrow lifting ( Table 1 ), subjects in the experimental group showed a statistically significant average reduction of 1.338±0.170 cm in the distance from the eyebrows to the hairline after a 3-minute treatment, while the placebo group showed no significant change. 21 In these studies, some subjects experienced short-lived erythema or swelling after treatment, disappearing within an hour, with no other adverse reactions.

Radiofrequency delivers high-frequency electric currents to the skin tissue, generating intense heat due to the skin&#;s impedance. 7 The localized increase in skin temperature induces changes in the helical structure of collagen in the skin. This, in turn, stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen and elastic fibers. Heat shock proteins (HSP) such as HSP72, HSP47, transforming growth factor-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor show significant increases after RF treatment, effectively tightening the skin and reducing wrinkles. 8&#;10 Given the challenge of controlling the high energy of monopolar RF, home RF beauty devices often use bipolar or multipolar RF, eliminating the need for additional cooling and effectively preventing overheating of the epidermis, reducing the risk of burns during use. 11 However, multipolar RF may have a weaker therapeutic effect than monopolar RF due to its shallower energy penetration. 9 Currently, there is no literature reporting on the application of RF technology to acupuncture points in meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion, a commonly used method, achieves the function of warming and promoting the flow of meridians by locally stimulating acupuncture points with heat, activating specific receptors, heat-sensitive immune responses, and heat shock proteins. 12

According to &#;GB/T- Household and Similar Use Skin Beautifying Apparatus&#;, a &#;home beauty device&#; is generally designed for the general public to use at home to improve their own skin aesthetics, with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for household and similar-use skin beautifying apparatus. 5 Home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation specifically refer to a category of devices that utilize radiofrequency, laser, phototherapy, and other photoelectric principles to improve skin aging. 6 As laser-type beauty devices are currently less common and intense pulsed light (IPL) beauty devices fall under medical device regulations, this study focuses only on facial rejuvenation beauty devices primarily employing radiofrequency, LED, and microcurrent technologies.

With the increasing aging population and rising consumer demand, there is significant attention on strategies to delay the characteristic signs of skin aging, including sagging, deepening wrinkles, and reduced elasticity. 1 Home anti-aging beauty devices have gained widespread popularity among consumers due to their low cost, convenience, and personalization advantages. These devices utilize technologies such as radiofrequency, LED, and microcurrent to achieve the improvement of skin aging through the effects of light, heat, and electric stimulation on different layers of the skin ( Figure 1 ). However, as these devices are primarily intended for individual or household use and lack professional medical supervision, their energy output levels are lower than those of medical devices. 2 Consequently, the effectiveness of these devices in effectively improving facial aging is a contentious issue. Furthermore, some news reports have indicated potential risks, such as excessive levels of harmful metal content and the risk of low-temperature burns. 3 , 4 Therefore, the safety of these devices must be considered. This paper summarizes and analyzes original research literature related to home radiofrequency, LED, and microcurrent beauty devices for improving skin aging, using efficacy assessment indicators including experimental methods, sample sizes, experimental results, adverse reactions, and others. This analysis aims to validate the effectiveness and safety of home anti-aging beauty devices in improving skin aging.

Conclusion

This study summarizes 18 relevant clinical studies on home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation, focusing on evaluation indicators such as whether the experimental methods are randomized controlled trials, experimental sample size, follow-up period, experimental results, adverse reactions, and patient subjective assessments.

Regarding experimental methods, home beauty devices do not necessarily require rigorous double-blind randomized controlled trials, as medical devices do, to validate their effectiveness and safety. While non-randomized controlled trials provide reference values for the efficacy and safety of home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation, their evidence strength may be lower than that of randomized controlled trials. Out of the 18 studies on facial rejuvenation home beauty devices, only five were randomized controlled trials.13,15,21,25,35 The sample size directly influences the accuracy and reliability of research results, and some studies suffer from the limitation of having a small sample size, with only three studies19,21,30 having a sample size exceeding 50. A short follow-up period cannot verify the sustained efficacy of these devices, and the longest follow-up time in these studies was 12 weeks.15&#;19,27&#;30,34,35

The experimental results show that home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation can positively impact various aspects of facial aging, such as wrinkles, facial sagging, skin tightness, and radiance. Test reports14,16,17,19,25,30,36 indicate that during the treatment process and subsequent follow-up, subjects experienced only temporary redness and swelling, with no reports of serious adverse events. These experiments were conducted under the supervision of professional dermatologists, allowing for timely intervention and management of any severe incidents. Some reports14&#;17,28,30 also mention subjects&#; satisfaction with the trial results, scored on a 5-point scale, with satisfaction averaging around 3. Additionally, user experience is crucial for the use of home beauty devices, as a comfortable experience and visible results are essential for user adherence.

However, there are also negative reports about home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation, such as false advertising. Some businesses mislead consumers by suggesting that higher radiofrequency levels yield better results, although there is no supporting evidence. The first generation of Stop Eye home radiofrequency beauty devices by the Initial Pufbrand was recalled due to the potential risk of high temperatures in the device probe leading to low-temperature burns. Improper use of laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) beauty devices can also result in eye injuries.

In conclusion, the limited number of research reports results in insufficient efficacy data, and although dermatologists have released the &#;Consensus on Selection and Use of Home Anti-Aging Beauty Devices&#;6 to guide consumers in the effective and safe use of these devices, it is still limited due to the diversity of products and a lack of long-term high-frequency clinical studies. Therefore, improving the efficacy evaluation system will help provide a more realistic and effective data foundation for home anti-aging devices. In April , the China National Medical Products Administration released the &#;Guiding Principles for the Registration Review of Radiofrequency Beauty Devices&#;, further regulating the management of radiofrequency beauty devices. This indicates that, in the development of home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation, safety standards and supervision standards will become more complete and rigorous.

The theory of meridian acupoints, guided by the holistic principles of traditional Chinese medicine, has the potential to improve and delay the morphological appearance and symptoms manifested in the internal organ systems due to aging. This aims to enhance the aging state and slow down the aging process.37 A study demonstrated that using methods like moxibustion to regulate the immune function of aging mice significantly improved their immune degeneration. This was evident through a marked reduction in serum IL-2 levels and spleen lymphocyte transformation rates, while IL-6 levels increased.38 Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) can lower the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the skin of aging mice induced by d-galactose, enhance the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), increase hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, improve skin tissue metabolism, raise telomerase activity, reduce epidermal thickness, and suppress the proliferation and inflammatory response of hair follicles and sebaceous glands.39,40 According to Chelsea Ma&#;s research, acupuncture can significantly alter facial elasticity, performing well overall in treating conditions such as chloasma and mild pigmentation. Acupuncture is also effective in clearing most acne lesions.41 Yoshiyama, M found that after facial acupuncture treatment, facial moisture and sebum content increased, and the values of the Facial Check Sheet (FCS) improved.42 Thread embedding at facial acupoints can effectively improve facial wrinkles, with fewer side effects and no bleeding or swelling observed.43 By injecting hyaluronic acid at facial acupoints such as Dicang and Cheqiao, it is possible to reduce blemishes, eliminate facial swelling, achieve a fairer and more radiant complexion, and downgrade the severity of nasolabial groove grading (WSRS) from the third level before treatment to the second level during continuous improvement.44 In summary, facial acupoints are distributed abundantly, and by stimulating these acupoints, it is possible to regulate and balance the body&#;s qi and blood, nourish organs, improve bodily functions, and achieve the goal of beauty and anti-aging. With advancing technology, an increasing number of physical stimuli (such as sound, light, and electricity) are being used for acupoint stimulation.45 Some research reports12,24,31,32 confirm that technologies like microcurrent and phototherapy can effectively act on acupoints. The combination of acupoints with home anti-aging devices can address both external and internal aging, achieving multi-level rejuvenation and becoming a new trend in home anti-aging devices. Currently, there is no research report on the combination of home anti-aging devices and meridian acupoint theory. Further research is needed to explore how to safely and effectively stimulate facial acupoints during the use of home facial anti-aging devices.