Best at-home microcurrent devices & reviews
Super-charged skin...
This round-up is for you if you want to know what microcurrent can do for your skin, how it works, and which are the best at-home options.
Here are the best microcurrent devices I recommend from my thorough testing:
Or keep reading for a concise overview on how at-home microcurrent works, how to stay safe, and what results you can expect.
A quick overiew…
About at-home microcurrent
“Pleasant, soothing, almost-daily routines that gradually heal & refresh for healthy, hydrated, smooth & bright skin.”
Top brands: ZIIP, Nuface, FOREO
Regenerates, heals & protects
Face & neck
All skin tones & types
💰💰 to 💰💰💰💰💰
Based on medical healing therapy
WHAT IS IT?
A very low amp electric current sent into your skin & tissues via a conductive gel.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
As you age, you produce less and less cellular energy, called ATP. Microcurrent stimulation supercharges your skin with ATP.
The current - typically around 400 microamps (μA) - mimics your body’s natural bioelectricity. It fuels electrochemical changes in your cells including cellular respiration which produces energy molecules. This energy is called ATP. Microcurrent radically boosts ATP levels. ATP is vital for all your cellular functions.
TIP: Microcurrent and red & NIR light therapy are complementary technologies. They both work on your cells at different stages of the complex cellular respiration process, which boosts ATP energy. Do red light therapy before your microcurrent session for visibly improved results.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Boosting ATP levels fills your depleted reserves so it’s always on hand to soothe inflammation, boost circulation, help cells detoxify and promote amino-acid and protein production. Important proteins are collagen and elastin. These heal, repair, support and moisturise our skin.
EVIDENCE
Microcurrent’s origins are in professional physiotherapy to heal damaged tissues. Microcurrent healing has plenty of quality clinical evidence proving it works.
At-home microcurrent facials work by the same principle, but there’s very little clinical evidence supporting it. And there's none at all showing it tones or lifts facial muscles.
The FDA indicates cleared at-home microcurrent devices for ‘Facial and neck stimulation’.
Learn even more detail about micrcocurrent in this indepth article.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Key checks ✔️
Before you buy a home use device, check:
- You’re not pregnant. It’s not tested for safety during pregnancy
- Don’t have a history of epilepsy or seizures
- Don’t have an electronic implanted device such as a defibrillator, neurostimulator, pacemaker, ECG monitor
- You aren’t under 18 years of age
- And don’t have active cancer
Do a skin sensitivity test according to the user manual before you do a full session.
Body areas to avoid ❌
DON'T USE the device:
- Over swollen, infected or inflamed areas of skin e.g. phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, broken capillaries or varicose veins.
- Take care over any areas where you lack normal sensation.
- Do not use on mid-line of neck, breast or groin area.
- Do not apply stimulation across the chest.
Talk to your doctor...
Consult your doctor first if you:
- Have suspected or diagnosed heart disease, epilepsy, or if you haemorrhage following acute trauma or fracture
- Had recent facial surgery or laser treatments
- If you’re unsure of any medical conditions it’s best and safer to check with your doctor for peace of mind
WHAT'S IT LIKE?
Ease of use
Requires a water-based conductivity gel
Easy, gliding routines
With app control & guided videos
Pleasant & painless
Zings over spots & blemishes
Very rare side effects
Effort
Typically 5+ mins per session
3 to 6 sessions per week
For ongoing use
More is best!
Results
See results at 4+ weeks
Best results after 3+ months
Your age, genetics, lifestyle & skin condition determine the breadth & significance of your results
Take before & after photos! 📷
Results vary. You may see:
✔️ Clearer & hydrated skin
✔️ Better skin tone & texture
✔️ Less puffiness & inflammation
✔️ Softened fine lines & wrinkles
✔️ Lifted sagging jowls, hooded eyes & brows
✔️ Tighter & firm skin for enhanced facial contour
1. ZIIP GX & OX
"Tight, bright, healthy, dewy & flawless skin."
4.3 / 5
Face, eyes & lips all in one
Microcurrent & nanocurrent
Face & neck
💰💰💰💰
ZIIP GX & OX deals
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Thank you for your support!
BODY5
CurrentBody voucher code
🇩🇪 Deutschland
🇳🇱 Nederland
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
🇸🇬 Singapore
🌏 International
ZIIP GX & OX Review Summary
The ZIIP is a very effective microcurrent and nanocurrent multi-tasking device. I love the stay-wet, nourishing, ZIIP conductive gels. And the easy, varied microcurrent and nanocurrent routines work at different tissue depths and on all areas of your face, including around your eyes and lips. So, you need no additional pricey attachments. It does it all.
Here's a quick summary round-up of my test scores, and pros and cons to help you decide...
Ease of use
👍👍👍👍
Simple operation, easy and quick to get the hang of. Requires focus with several varied length & targeted routines. Choose & follow along with the videos in the App. The nourishing gels don’t dry out, and a pleasant massaging sensation with no pain, irritation or side effects.
Effort
💧💧
A medium effort device you must commit to. Layer multiple routines in a session, 3 to 6 times per week. For ongoing, regular use. Super if you enjoy regular self-care & pamper time.
Results
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some may see an immediate lift. Otherwise, subtle effects build over time and differ by person. See noticeable anti-ageing results around 4 weeks, reduced pigmentation & acne at around 3 weeks. Best results after several months of regular use. Tightens, tones & clarifies for fresh, healthy & younger-looking skin.
Pros
- Target several skin concerns in one compact device
- Treat all facial areas (including lips & eyes) with one device
- Pampering & energising facial massage
- No pain or skin irritation
- Simple, robust & easy to use
- Nourishing gels don’t dry out & last months
- No additional costly attachments
Cons
- Gels are expensive (but last ages)
- Results may take longer than advertised for some
- Not everyone sees their sagging skin lifted
- Very little clinical data on nanocurrent
- No money-back guarantee
You can learn more about the ZIIP GX & OX in the full review here. But if this review has helped you decide, please support my future reviews and shop via my links. I earn a small commission, but your price stays the same. I really appreciate your support 🙏!
2. Nuface Trinity
"Tight, bright, healthy, dewy & clear skin"
4.2 / 5
Best daily pamper
Microcurrent
Face & neck
💰💰💰 to 💰💰💰💰💰
90-day money back guarantee
Nuface Trinity deals
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Thank you for your support!
BODY5
CurrentBody voucher code
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
🌏 International
Nuface Trinity Review Summary
I love my fresh, tight, smooth, dewy and incredibly healthy skin results from the Trinity. I’m happy to ditch the perfecting foundation now. It’s one of my favourites for the healthiest, freshest version of your face. But only if you can commit and make the time for this almost daily, pampering, self-care ritual.
Here's a quick summary round-up of my test scores, and pros and cons to help you decide...
Ease of use
👍👍👍👍
Very easy to use, requires gel. Soothing pamper time. Use morning or night. No pain or side effects.
Effort
💧💧💧
It’s a commitment! 10 to 20-ish mins per day, 5 days a week for 60 days. Plus more for ELE & LED. Continue if needed (more is best) or switch to 2 or 3 times a week to maintain your results.
Results
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some people see an immediate lifting effect. But mostly subtle effects build over time and differ by person. Results get better and last longer with long term use, or fade if you stop. Refreshes, smooths, hydrates and tightens for a healthy, younger appearance.
Pros
- Soothing, pleasant pamper time
- You can do it whilst watching TV
- No pain or skin irritation!
- Comfortable, robust & very easy to use
- Nuface leave-on gels double as nourishing skincare
- Aloe Vera gel works as a cheaper alternative
- Excellent battery life
- Clinically proven & FDA-cleared
- 90-day money back guarantee (from CurrentBody.com)
Cons
- High-effort start-up phase & maintenance schedule
- Even more effort for ELE & LED attachments
- Not everyone sees their sagging skin lifted
- Nuface gels are expensive (you can use cheaper alternatives)
- Expensive for all the attachments
- The App doesn’t include the neck routine
- It can leave a metallic taste in your mouth
You can learn more about the Nuface Trinity in the full review here. But if this review has helped you decide, please support my future reviews and shop via my links. I earn a small commission, but your price stays the same. I really appreciate your support 🙏!
3. FOREO Bear
"Tight, bright, healthy, hydrated & clear skin."
4.2 / 5
Fast & no faff
Microcurrent
Face & neck
💰💰💰
FOREO Bear deals
I earn a small commission when you shop via my links. Thank you for your support!
BODY5
CurrentBody voucher code
FOREO Bear Review Summary
The FOREO Bear is a fast and no-faff at-home microcurrent device. Spend just a few minutes daily compared to much more time-intensive rivals. It's easy to fit in and stick with. I love the mess-free nourishing & absorbent serum (although you can use any water-based serum) and the bright, compact design is super-cute. Freestyle in upward & outward glides along your neck and face, or follow along to 3x routines in the App.
Here's a quick summary round-up of my test scores, and pros and cons to help you decide...
Ease of use
👍👍👍👍
Compact & very simple with excellent battery life. Grip it on the sides so as not to accidentally switch it off. Get acquainted with 3x follow-along 2-minute routines in the FOREO App, then freestyle it as you watch TV. Customise your microcurrent intensity & vibrations. The serum drys quickly, so apply a gel for better & longer slip. A pleasant gliding sensation with no pain, irritation or side effects.
Effort
💧
Very low effort taking just a few minutes daily. For ongoing, regular use.
Results
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some may see an immediate lift. Otherwise, subtle effects build over time and differ by person. Feel smoother skin at first, then more noticeable results after 2+ months of use. Best results after several months of regular use. Tightens, firms, brightens and clears for fresh, healthy & younger-looking skin.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Fast & easy daily sessions
- Easy to stick with
- No pain or skin irritation
- Quality, robust & tactile materials
- Use any water-based serum
- No messy gels (unless you need more slip on your skin)
- No additional costly attachments
- FDA-cleared & CE certified
Cons
- Not clinically tested
- FOREO Serum is expensive
- No targeted eye area routine in the App.
- Not everyone sees their sagging skin lifted
- No money-back guarantee
You can learn more about the FOREO Bear when I finish the full review. But if this short review has helped you decide, please support my future reviews and shop via my links. I earn a small commission, but your price stays the same. I really appreciate your support 🙏!
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