The 7 Best Microcurrent Devices, Complete With Dermatologist Approval
Want sculpted cheeks, a tighter jawline, and a snatched appearance without relying on in-office treatments, injectables, and fillers? Then, welcome to the world of microcurrent devices. These handheld muscle-stimulating tools help tone and lift facial muscles and tissues, making them a must-have when your skin needs a quick pick-me-up. While their results are temporary, the impact is dramatic. With just one use, you'll notice a tighter, more lifted, and better-sculpted appearance. However, if you're unsure where to begin, consider this your ultimate guide to navigating everything you need to know about the best microcurrent devices.
Meet the Expert:
- Dr. Ashley Magovern - Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermtore's Medical Advisory Board
What is Microcurrent Therapy?
Microcurrent therapy is a safe and non-invasive way to stimulate facial muscles, resulting in an overall enhanced appearance. Relying on low-level electrical currents to boost the muscles and skin cells, microcurrent therapy is somewhat like a workout for the skin. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern, M.D., microcurrent therapy promotes skin tightening, lifting, and increased collagen production. "The microcurrent mimics the body's natural electrical currents, helping to tone and rejuvenate the skin."
Key Benefits of Microcurrent Facial Devices?
The main benefit of microcurrent devices is to tighten and tone the skin. But Dr. Magovern says there are plenty of other key benefits of microcurrent facial devices making them a must-have, including:
Skin tightening and firming: "Microcurrent devices help to lift sagging skin and define facial contours," Dr. Magovern says. Improved circulation: According to Dr. Magovern, another benefit of regularly using microcurrent devices is increased blood flow, which promotes a healthy, radiant complexion. Increase in collagen production: Dr. Magovern shares that microcurrent devices support skin elasticity and smoothness. Enhanced product absorption: Using a microcurrent tool on the skin allows it to absorb serums and moisturizers better, Dr. Magovern explains. A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles: "Microcurrent helps smooth the skin over time with consistent use," Dr. Magovern says.
Shop the Best Microcurrent Devices
1. SkinGym Microcurrent Sculpt Bundle
$119.00
Consider this microcurrent wand a must-have if tighter, more lifted skin sits high on your beauty wish list. Perfect for promoting optimal product absorption while increasing skin hydration, use the microcurrent device (and its coordinating conductive gel) on the jawline, laugh lines, and eyebrows for a refreshed appearance.
Key Features: The device is wireless and provides the ultimate solution for a sculpted appearance
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Lifts and tones facial muscles to improve the contours of your face
2. NuFace Fix Microwand
$195.00
In just three minutes, this mini microcurrent wand instantly refreshes the face, giving it a smooth, lifted appearance. Kiss limp lips and tired, puffy eyes goodbye as this low-level tool treats even the most delicate skin for a radiant complexion in a flash.
Key Features: Provides instant results, FDA cleared, uses targeted microcurrent technology
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Depuffs the eyes, smooths lines, plumps the lips, and improves the skin's appearance.
3. NuFace Trinity Complete Set
$595.00
Lift, smooth, sculpt, and tone the skin with this microcurrent plus red light device. A must-have tool for achieving glowy, youthful skin, this two-pronged approach to improved skin health utilizes gentle, targeted microcurrent technology to target aging areas, guided by tutorials that sync up with your smartphone.
Key Features: Features smart microcurrent and LED red light, clinically proven, FDA-cleared, three depths to choose from, includes two attachments, boost button
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Smooths away lines and wrinkles for enhanced skin radiance, firms the skin, instantly sculpts and contours cheekbones and jawlines for a lifted look, lifts the brows and tightens the skin around the lips, deeply tones muscles for long-term improvement
4. NuFace Mini Starter Kit
$220.00
Small in size but powerful in results, this mini microcurrent device is a travel-friendly alternative to contouring and lifting your skin. Used daily for a few minutes each time, this sculpting tool helps visibly tone problem areas, such as the cheekbones, brows, and jawline, for a noticeably improved contour that makes a significant impact.
Key Features: FDA-cleared, clinically proven, travel-friendly size, synchs with the NuFace app for guided routines and progress tracking
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Sculpts, lifts, tones, and contours the skin, tones facial muscles, easy to use on the go
5. NuFace Nubody Skin Toning Device
$399.00
Diminish the appearance of dimpled, crepey skin with this low-level microcurrent device made just for the body. Its unique ergonomic design helps to tighten and tone the skin on the arms, abs, thighs, and butt, thanks to four treatment spheres that deliver a consistent dose of microcurrent to improve the skin's appearance.
Key Features: FDA-cleared, clinically proven, syncs with guided tutorials in the NuFace Smart app
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Smooths and firms the skin, tightens dimples, improves skin tone
6. Foreo Bear 2 with Serum
$399.00
Featuring four types of microcurrent technology in a handheld microdevice, this anti-aging tool works to lift, firm, tighten, and tone the face and neck, resulting in a more defined contour. A smart alternative to more invasive treatments, this easy-to-use device enhances the skin's appearance in just one week without the risk of downtime or side effects.
Key Features: Uses up to 680 uA of microcurrent and anti-shock to tone muscles in the face and neck, T-Sonic massage to improve lymphatic drainage, stimulates microcirculation, and delivers oxygen to the cells
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Tones, lifts, and contours the face, reduces puffiness, eliminates toxins, improves the skin so it appears brighter and healthier, improves wrinkles and sagging by increasing collagen and elastin production
7. Therabody Theraface Pro Device
Improve the skin's appearance and tone with this LED plus microcurrent and facial massage device. Perfect for lifting and firming the skin, the more you use this power-packed tool, the healthier and more youthful the skin becomes.
Key Features: FDA-cleared, percussive attachments, red, blue, and infrared light, Bluetooth connectivity with routines
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Lifts and firms the skin, improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles, enhances the skin's texture, leaving it radiant and more glowy
How to Use an At-Home Microcurrent Device
While the idea of using an at-home microcurrent device may be intimidating, it's easier than you think.
Step 1: Cleanse the skin
Start by cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and product residue. It's best to perform a microcurrent treatment on clean skin, allowing the currents to penetrate the skin effectively.
Step 2: Prep the skin
Apply a conductive gel primer to the skin. Dr. Magovern says that a water-based conductive gel helps deliver the microcurrents to the skin. Most devices come with a conductive gel, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase one or use aloe vera gel with a pinch of salt. "Just make sure to avoid using oil-based serums, which can block the current's flow."
$198.00
$65.00
$55.00
$49.00
Step 3: Use the device
Before starting your treatment session, select the correct setting for your skin to ensure the device feels comfortable. Then, Dr. Magover says to slowly glide the device along target key areas including the jawline, cheeks, forehead, and the lower eyelid area. “Each session typically lasts five to 20 minutes, depending on the device.” Expect some facial twitching and tingling, which indicates that the device is working correctly.
Step 4: Post-care
Once you have completed the treatment, clean your microcurrent device with an antibacterial cleansing wipe. You'll also want to remove any remaining gel from the skin. Then, Dr. Magovern recommends applying a hydrating serum and moisturizer with calming ingredients, such as aloe vera or peptides. “While microcurrent therapy itself doesn’t increase photosensitivity, the skin may be slightly more prone to irritation post-treatment. It’s best to wear broad-spectrum SPF and minimize sun exposure.”
$185.00
$150.00
$164.00
$130.00
FAQs
Do At-Home Microcurrent Facial Devices Work?
At-home microcurrent devices provide instant results, but the key to reaping their benefits is to use them regularly. Just like working out at the gym, these tools help stimulate muscle tone and boost collagen for improved results. "When used consistently and correctly, at-home microcurrent devices can offer visible skin improvements," says Dr. Magavern. "While results are often subtler than in-office treatments, they can still help tone and lift the skin with regular use. Usually, results vary but typically last a few days after each session."
Can You Overdo Microcurrent Therapy?
Any beauty treatment can be used too much and cause undesirable results, but the good thing with microcurrent technology is that most devices contain a shut-off feature, so you shouldn't be too worried about overtreating the skin with a single session. Still, using the device more than once per day (or as instructed) can cause issues. Dr. Magovern shares that overusing a microcurrent device can lead to muscle fatigue and skin irritation. "Most dermatologists recommend starting with 3-5 sessions per week for the first month, then reducing to 1-2 sessions weekly for maintenance."
Who Should Not Use Microcurrent Therapy?
For the most part, all skin types and tones can benefit from using a microcurrent device at home. But you'll want to steer clear of it if you have a pacemaker or electronic implants, deal with epilepsy or seizure disorders, are pregnant, or have active infections or open wounds on the face.
The Bottom Line
Adding any of our recommended best microcurrent devices to your skincare routine is a surefire way to improve the appearance of your skin, making it look lifted, tighter, and better overall. These easy-to-use, low-current handheld tools are an effortless way to stimulate muscle tone and skin cell activity, resulting in a boost in collagen production and, consequently, more radiant-looking skin. While the microcurrent device category is expanding with more options to choose from than ever before, the best one for you is the one that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle, allowing you to use it regularly for visible results.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
