Mira-skin Anti-aging review: At-home Ultrasound & Hyaluron starter kit

👍 For all skin types & colours, but especially good for more mature skin

Visible effects: Glow, hydrate, plump & smooth skin, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, fade age spots and pigmentation, reduce scars and stretch marks.

Price range £229 to £289 | $286 to $349

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The Mira-skin is an anti-aging system for face, neck and décolletage. It’s a small hand-held ultrasound device and conductive gel, which works in partnership with anti-aging skincare. The starter kit comes with the cordless ultrasound device, conductive gel and trial size Hyaluron serum.

Swiss company Techmira AG manufacture the Mira-Skin system in Germany. Modelled on popular therapeutic ultrasound, the technology is real-world tested at Anni Valentin’s professional aesthetic clinic in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. The excellent results inspired her design of this smaller, same-power but safe for home-use Mira-skin system. It’s also used in beauty spas.

Available in the UK since 2015, it’s kept a low profile but has a strong fan-base in Germany and Switzerland. It’s clinically proven and safe for all skin tones and types, even the most sensitive.

Mira-skin say the regular deep delivery of their serum into the skin, boosted weekly with ultrasound leaves your skin looking and feeling younger by:

• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Visibly plumping & firming your skin
• Brightening and balancing your skin tone
• Visibly fading age spots & freckles
• Fading acne scars and stretch marks

 

Use the serum daily, and with the ultrasound once or twice a week. It’s for regular, ongoing use. Some feel the effects immediately, but results build so they’re noticeable at between 30 to 60 days.

This is an in-depth review. The first half covers what the Mira-skin does and how it does it. This is for you if you want to understand the science behind the claims. The second half is about what it’s like to use,how & when to use it and what to expect. Keep reading to learn if it’s the best anti-aging device for you.

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In this Mira-skin Ultrasound anti-aging review:

• What it does & how: What does it do? | Boosting skincare | Ultrasound boost | Hyaluron serum | Stimulating collagen & elastin | Clinical proof?
• What’s it like? First impressions | Before you start | Contraindications & warnings
• How & when to use Treatment schedule | Simple steps | The routine
• Is it easy to use? ActiveBoost ultrasound wand | Charging | 15ml serum | Ultrasound gel
• What to expect? How does it feel? | When will I see results? | How much effort is it? | Do you need the Mira-skin serum? | Do you need the Mira-skin gel?
• In summary Should I buy it ? | Pros & cons | Where to buy it

— What it does & how —

What does it do?

Weekly use of the Mira-skin ultrasound boosts the effects of your skincare. It does this by getting more product deeper into your skin. Apply an anti-aging serum before, and your favourite skincare products after, the ultrasound session. It gives superior results than serums and creams alone.

The ultrasound also stimulates collagen and elastin production to make your skin fresher and glow.

You can use your own favourite anti-aging serum with the ultrasound. However, it partners perfectly with a special, daily-use Hyaluronic Acid serum also from Mira-skin. The result from the combination is compelling. And if you’re a skin care junkie, it’s irresistible. You’ll want to try it.

It’s a very attractive choice, especially if you love and already invest in effective skincare products.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty. We’ll start with how skincare boosting helps, and how the ultrasound wand does it.

How does boosting skincare help?

To answer this, we need to understand what’s in anti-aging skincare and how it works with your skin.

Anti-aging active ingredients

In your anti-aging skincare are several ingredients. Some give the colour, fragrance, texture, feel and keep them fresh. But others, known as active ingredients, spark specific activity in your skin for lasting anti-aging effects. They help nourish, protect, repair and stimulate your skin.

There are different types of active ingredients doing different things. For example:

• Cell-Communicating ingredients are ‘superstar’ ingredients signalling to our skin cells to “behave better”
• Antioxidants are ‘goodie’ ingredients helping your skin to combat collagen-damaging free radicals
• Skin Brightening are ‘goodie’ ingredients that help to fade brownish spots
• Skin-Identical ingredients are ‘goodies’ because they’re found (or mimic things) found naturally in our skin e.g. Natural Moisturizing Factors
• Soothing ingredients lessen skin discomfort
• Anti-acne ingredients help you fight against acne
  Source incidecoder.com

 

For active ingredients to be effective they must get into your skin. And the first challenge is to pass the protective outer layer.

Your skin’s protective layer

Your skin does an exceptional job of protecting the lower layers.

The outer most layer is the stratum corneum. It’s typically only 10–20 μm (micrometres) thick. But the cells (called keratinocytes), are tightly-packed, bonded together and surrounded by a stacked lipid bilayer. These water-insoluble lipids glue the keratinocytes together forming a highly impermeable ‘brick wall’ pattern. This keeps water in and all harmful things out.

No surprise then, many skincare molecules have trouble passing this protective layer. It slows or stops some entirely. Smaller molecules can sink to the lower layers. But others are too big so they stay on the surface. Skincare brands spend big money developing formulations that get deeper into your skin because they’re more effective.

With regular use results are slow and subtle. And because they’re gradual it’s often hard to detect change. Therefore, the cost of premium formulations sometimes doesn’t seem worth it.

But, if you could get more concentrated ingredients deeper in your skin, you’d notice the difference.

And this is what the Mira-Skin ultrasound does. I love it promises to get even more from the skincare you’ve already invested in.

Let’s learn how it works.

How does the Mira-skin ultrasound boost work?

Ultrasound is a sound pressure wave. It oscillates back and forth like a vibration. The human ear can hear sound with a frequency between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles per second. Ultrasound frequency is higher than this so we can’t hear it.

The Mira-skin ultrasound wand uses high frequency ‘soft’ ultrasonic waves at 1 MHz (1 million oscillations per second). It’s painless and gentle on your skin. This is the same frequency as commonly practised in physiotherapy for a procedure called phonophoresis (also know as Sonophoresis).

What’s phonophoresis?

Phonophoresis helps your skin better absorb molecules from creams and gels applied to the surface. First studied in the 1950s, it’s an established, safe procedure in physiotherapy. It typically uses ultrasound frequencies of 1 MHz to 3 MHz.

The ultrasonic vibrations temporarily disrupt the protective outer layer of your skin. This creates bigger gaps so larger and more molecules can pass through. In physiotherapy it sends helpful medicine molecules such as pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs to the source of pain.

The Mira-skin uses phonophoresis to send skincare active molecules deep into your skin where they work harder. But how exactly does phonophoresis do it?

How does phonophoresis work?

The skin barrier disruption occurs because of acoustic cavitation. It’s thought the ultrasound vibrations form tiny bubbles in between the keratinocyte cells. These then vibrate to jumble it all up and create tiny openings. Skincare molecules then have easier passage through the stratum corneum to the lower skin layers.

The effects are temporary, but the pathways stay open for a while. With the Mira-skin it’s around 30 minutes. So, you can apply skincare serum before and immediately after the ultrasound treatment. It gets more and much deeper into your skin.

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You can buy other ultrasound phonophoresis devices. But there’s more about Mira-skin that makes it special. Learn about this next.

The Mira-skin difference

Mira-skin say other ultrasound devices aren’t as powerful. This means you must use them much more frequently to get results. Treatment guidance ranges from 4 times a week to up to daily use.

Mira-skin explain they use more expensive quality components. This packs the same power as salon devices into the small ActiveBoost wand. You need only one 10-minute session a week to see boosted results from your skincare products.

N.B You can do more for faster results, but don’t exceed 3 sessions a week. The ultrasound is powerful and overuse can tire out your muscles and skin tissues for the opposite effect!

But that’s not the only thing that sets it apart.

The key difference is a specially formulated anti-aging serum to use daily and partner with a weekly ultrasound boost.  You get 15ml of the Mira-skin serum to try in the starter kit.

So, why are they such a powerful duo?

What’s in the Mira-skin Hyaluronic serum?

Mira-skin provide an explanation of the key ingredients. However, I checked with an objective source at incidecoder.com. It’s an excellent (rather addictive) website to decipher what’s actually in your skincare products.

Here’s the ingredients list:

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

 

Several of the serum ingredients moisturise and make our skin feel nice and soft, and others are there to mix the product together and make it feel good.

But according to the decoded ingredients list from incidecoder.com, the key goodies and superstar actives are:

• Retinyl Palmitate: or Vitamin A, a cell-communicating ingredient
• Ascorbic Acid: an antioxidant, skin brightening ingredient
• Tocopheryl Acetate: or Vitamin E, an antioxidant
• Ubiquinone (Q10): an antioxidant
• Thioctic Acid: an antioxidant
• Sodium Hyaluronate (aka Hyaluronic Acid): a skin-identical ingredient, and a moisturizer/humectant

 

There’s a good mix of anti-aging actives in this single multi-concern serum. The actives help with reducing wrinkles, skin brightening (dark spots and redness), protecting collagen, smoothing and firming skin. This sounds good to me and I like.

But the key ingredient here is Hyaluronic Acid.

Next, we’ll learn why it’s so special, and why Mira-skin partner it with the ultrasound boost.

What’s Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in our bodies, in our joints, ligaments, skin and eyes.

Despite the word ‘acid’, it’s actually a sugar. And a clear gel-like goo and a water-loving super-sponge!

Various internet sources say it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. No surprise then our bodies use it to hydrate tissues and lubricate joints. 50% of yours is in your skin. It’s found throughout your skin in the dermis (lower) and epidermis (outer) layers.

Along with collagen and elastin (more on those later), it’s the main molecule in your skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). This is the scaffold that supports and nurtures your skin cells and keeps it looking young. The water Hyaluronic Acid holds keeps skin firm, smooth and plump. It’s the reason babies and children have such perfect, soft skin.

It’s a very good thing.

Unfortunately, from early adulthood your Hyaluronic Acid starts a steady decline. This contributes to the first signs of aging in your 30s and 40s. Eventually, it disappears from your epidermis entirely. Yikes. Skin becomes dry, dull, sagging and wrinkled. Boo.

So, replacing what’s lost as we age is a neat idea. And skincare can help.

Hyaluronic Acid is an ‘IT’ ingredient in skincare right now. What does it do?

How does Hyaluronic Acid work in skincare?

Hyaluronic Acid is a repeating molecular structure (called a polymer). The subunits can repeat many times as long-chain (or high-molecular-weight), or just a few times as short-chain (or low-molecular-weight).

In its high-weight, long-chain format it’s too big to absorb into your skin. Therefore, it sits on the surface drawing moisture from the air to hydrate and smooth the outer skin layers. It’s an excellent moisturiser. In the world of skincare ingredients, it’s a humectant.

Advanced Hyaluronic serums

You can formulate Hyaluronic Acid to be shorter chain. And clinical research shows medium and short-chain molecules sink deeper into the skin. The shorter the chain the deeper they go. They then attract and hold onto more water in the skin. And soap and other cleansers can’t wash them away. Therefore, with daily application it builds in your skin.  

But it takes time. The Hyaluronic Acid molecules stay inside your skin for about a day. Then enzymes break them down. So, it’s a slow-refill process as the molecules steadily increase. This gradually plumps the skin making it firm and bouncy. And over time it subtly fills out fine lines and reduces wrinkles. So, a good hyaluronic serum needs molecules of different chain lengths.

And this is what the Mira-skin Hyaluron serum has. It’s made of Sodium Hyaluronate with a mix of long, medium and short chain molecules in it to absorb to different depths in your skin. Mira-skin have good clinical data showing the effects of daily application of the serum alone.

But the clever bit is it’s engineered and tested to partner with the ultrasound boost for even better skin-plumping results.

The Mira-skin Hyaluron boost

Mira-skin say use the serum daily, morning and night. Then, at least once a week, combine the Mira-skin serum and ultrasound in a quick 10-minute treatment.

Each weekly ultrasound boost is a super-quenching energy drink. It deep-fills Hyaluronic Acid in your skin. So, along with daily application of the serum, the Hyaluronic Acid builds much deeper and faster. With even more plumping water. Therefore, your skin gets noticeably plumper and smoother. Fine lines and wrinkles reduce over 1 to 2 months of use.

And don’t forget, the ultrasound boosts other anti-aging goodies from the serum and your skincare. They reach more of your skin for a magnified effect. You’ll feel and see the difference there too.

The clinical test data (discussed later) includes the Mira-skin serum. It’s impressive, and based on this alone, the serum sounds like a great addition to your skincare routine. But read the rest of the review to learn more.

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Next, learn about the ultrasound stimulation of collagen and elastin.

Ultrasound stimulation of collagen & elastin

Most other home anti-aging devices focus on increasing collagen and elastin. That’s because they refresh and rejuvenate your skin. The Mira-skin ultrasound does this too.

What are collagen & elastin?

Collagen and elastin are the mesh of fibres supporting your skin. Along with Hyaluronic Acid, they’re mainly found in the deeper dermis skin layer. Fibroblast cells produce both collagen and elastin.

• Collagen makes your skin strong and firm
• Elastin keeps your skin tight

 

And from around age 30, you produce less and less collagen and elastin each year. And what’s left is sluggish and weak too. This is known as ‘atrophy’. The result is dull skin, rosy-redness and darker spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

Kickstarting our cells to produce stronger and reinvigorated collagen and elastin is therefore a good thing.  And this is what the Mira-skin ultrasound starts.

How does it do it?

Boosts cell metabolism

I can’t find clinical studies about ultrasound skin rejuvenation. But there are several therapeutic ultrasound healing studies. These explain the effect on our skin cells.

Physical therapy commonly uses ultrasound to treat pain, and heal muscles joints and tissue injuries. Although open to some discussion, it’s thought the ultrasound gently heats tissue. This doesn’t hurt or damage the skin. But it does increase blood circulation to the cells.

Blood removes waste from your cells. Therefore, increased blood flow detoxes them. It also delivers more oxygen and nutrients. The cell power generators, called mitochondria, use these to create more Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP powers cell metabolism, so with more fuel they get faster.

Stronger collagen & elastin

The result: your sluggish skin cells ‘wake-up’ and start working harder. Each ultrasound session energises them. They create new cells and produce stronger collagen and elastin fibres. Gradually, it refreshes your skin making it brighter and more radiant.

Your energised skin cells also work with the deeply-diffused nutrients from the serum and your own skincare products. It all combines. Regular weekly treatments gradually repair and revitalise the layers of your skin.

Phew. So, if you’re still here, you’ve now got the full explanation of what the Mira-skin does! Here’s a quick summary.

Summary of what it does

To recap, it’s the combined effect of the ultrasound phonophoresis, the actives-packed Mira-skin Hyaluron serum and your own skincare which work together to:

• Deeply replenish your lost Hyaluronic Acid
• Invigorate your skin cells, renewing collagen and elastin
• Diffuse anti-aging active ingredients deeper into your skin fuelling repair and rejuvenation

 

This hydrates, plumps & smooths, brightens tone, and reduces pigmentation, scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

Let’s look at the proof now.

Clinical proof

Mira-skin commissioned a clinical trial in 2016. The trial had 40 subjects and lasted 4 weeks.

• 20 subjects used just the Mira-skin hyaluronic serum daily
• 20 more used the serum daily and with ultrasound once or twice a week

Measurement

The assessors used facial 3D imaging software. At the trial start they recorded skin wrinkle depth and facial texture for each subject. They then recorded and compared at the end of the 4-week trial.

The study focused on anti-wrinkle effects of the Mira-skin. So, the results shared are the average % decrease in wrinkles and increase in skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness.

Wrinkle-fighting results

The following shows results of the 4-week trial for the 2 test groups:

1. Mira-skin Serum only: daily application of the Miraskin Hyaluron Serum
2. Mira-skin Serum & Ultrasound: daily application of the Mira-skin Hyaluron serum, and with ultrasound once or twice per week

And shown visually in this chart:

My thoughts on the study

The trial has a good number of subjects and a thorough, accurate way of measuring results.

Specific & transparent

I like it a lot. It’s transparent. Other brands don’t always share such specific results. Therefore, it’s hard to understand how dramatic results will really be. But this gives a specific idea by how much it works. There’s approximately a 30% improvement on average using the serum and ultrasound.

Mira-skin are obviously confident in their product. I’m feeling it too.

Also, I’m encouraged by the results of the Hyaluronic Serum by itself. But the ultrasound boosts some by 50%, That’s very persuasive. I also like the reassuring ‘before and after’ wrinkle reduction photos from the study (see the website here)

Age spots and scars?

However, the study doesn’t address the other advertised effects. Namely fading age spots & freckles, dark pigmentation reduction and minimising scars and stretch marks.

Mira-skin advise that since the 2016 study, they’ve seen excellent results on age spots, pigmentation and scarring. And they’ll shortly share data specifically on scarring, acne scarring and stretch marks.

For pigmentation and skin tone concerns they stand by their claims. But they highlight it’s primarily down to the powerful ingredients in the serum and mask, then boosted by the ultrasound. So, try the full system for these benefits.

Clinical vs “off label”

Independent clinical verification always gets my vote, but I appreciate there are other ‘off label’ benefits of home beauty devices. I’m excited for the new supporting data Mira-skin shares soon.

For clarity, I’ll now confirm the clinical results and the ‘off label’ results below:

Clinical results

• Decreased wrinkles: Faded fine lines and reduced depth of wrinkles i.e. crow’s feet, smile lines, forehead
• Better skin hydration: Plumped, bright, firm and smoother skin
• Better skin elasticity: Reduced skin creping and sagging
• Smoother skin: exfoliated, plumped skin

 

“Off label” results (not clinically tested / proven)

• Fades age spots & freckles
• Improves skin tone, brightens and evens out pigmentation
• Reduces scarring i.e. acne scarring, stretch marks

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Now, lets’ move onto what it’s like to use the Mira-skin.

— What’s it like? —

First impressions

The Mira-skin starter kit comes in a small neat white box with ‘mira-skin’ printed on the front. It’s covered by a green, grey and white slide off information sleeve.

The sleeve front is simple and uncluttered. It states ‘Tighter skin and younger appearance with Hyaluron and ultrasound”.

On the back, it explains Mira-skin fights wrinkles using ultrasound to deep-fill your skin with Hyaluronic Acid molecules. Plus other anti-aging actives from your skin care. The ultrasound also stimulates cell metabolism and collagen production to give radiant skin.

The results of the 2016 clinical test are clear along with a reassuring ‘clinically tested’ badge. The starter kit contents are clear and there’s a compelling quote to grab your attention.

“A mini skincare miracle” Alison Blackman, Editor in Chief, AdviceSisters.com

It’s clear, straight-forward, and with a clinical feel. It looks very professional.

Inside the box

The inner white box opens from the side with a magnetic clasp. It’s perfect to store everything in if travelling.

Underneath those, is a moulded- plastic tray holding the ultrasound wand, small glass jar of the Hyaluronic Serum and a larger jar of ultrasound conductive gel.

There’s also a USB charging cable under the plastic tray.

What’s in the box

The Mira-skin starter kit comes with:

• Mira-Skin Ultrasound ActiveBoost wand
• Mira-Skin Ultrasound Conductive Gel (50ml)
• Mira-Skin Hyaluronic Serum (15ml)
• USB-Charging Cable
• User Guide

The Mira-skin ActiveBoost wand is small, lightweight and easy to hold.

The bottom half is metallic silver embossed with a ‘mira-skin’ logo. The top is soft white. There’s a 3.5cm diameter circular treatment head made of surgical steel. It’s curved away from the straight wand, and angled back at around 45 degrees.

On the back is a single power button, with four illuminating indicator lights above it. Each has a transparent silicone layer over them. The charging cable fits snug in the rounded metallic base. It rests safely on its side and the tip of the treatment head.

The USB cable provided plugs into any USB mains adaptor, such as those from your mobile or laptop. I like that there’s no separate charging cradle or bulky charging cable and plug needed. I also like it comes with a full charge.

You also get 15ml of Hyaluron serum and 50ml of ultrasound conductive gel in glass jars with silver pumps. Plus 1x facial treatment mask. There’s not much serum and I wonder how long it and the conductivity gel will last.

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Before you start

Start by reading the user guide.

User manual

The user guide is an informative, easy and quick read with helpful diagrams and pictures.

It starts by explaining ultrasound and notes you must use the conductive gel with the ultrasound wand. Then how it works with phonophoresis to diffuse vitamins and nutrients in your skin, and when to expect results. It explains the active ingredients in the Hyaluron serum, how to operate, the technique and areas to avoid with the ultrasound wand. Reassuringly, there are no skin reactions to the ultrasound.

Towards the back, the guide lists important reasons you shouldn’t use it, plus safety and warning information, as follows.

Contraindications, safety & warnings

The user guide sensibly stresses you should consult your doctor before using the Mira-skin if you’re currently under medical care for a skin condition.

It also states, DON’T use the ultrasound as follows:

• Internally and avoid the eyes, eyelids, ear and throat (Adam’s apple area)
• More than 10 minutes per treatment. Overuse of ultrasound cleansing tires out the muscles and tissues, and produces undesirable results
• On open sores, wounds or infected areas. Consult a doctor prior to use
• If you are pregnant
• If you have a pacemaker, heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias or other serious medical condition
• If you’re under 18 years of age
• Stop if you experience any irritation, rash or sunburn like sensation
• Don’t immerse it or place it under running water
• And don’t drop it (obvious that one!)

Some skincare ingredients with ultrasound could cause side effects or skin reactions, therefore don’t use any product with:  

• Nanoparticles
• Essential oils
• Fruit acids
• Enzymes

It’s quick to get started because there’s no faff of a sensation test or test patch before using it.

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It’s simple to use and rather pleasurable! Learn more in the next sections.

— How & when to use it —

Treatment schedule

Mira-skin advise daily application of the Hyaluron Serum either once or twice a day in the morning and / or evening. Use the ultrasound boost for between 5 to 10 minutes 1 or 2 times a week.

You can use the ultrasound boost with the Mira-skin serum and hyper-hydration mask, or your own serum and sheet masks. It’s for ongoing use.

NOTE: Don’t use the ultrasound boost more than 3 times a week as it can tire your facial muscles for the opposite effect.

The sessions are quick and easy.

Simple steps

Each session takes 5 to 10 mins. Find a comfortable spot in front of a mirror with somewhere safe to sit the ActiveBoost wand and gel. Have a towel handy too.

1. Wash and dry your face
2. Apply the Hyaluronic Serum, let it soak in
3. Apply the ultrasound gel. You need enough (1 or 2mm thick) so the treatment head glides smoothly over your skin
4. Turn the device on
5. Apply the ultrasound device flat against your skin and glide it in slow smooth strokes. Apply to each side of your face 3 times. See below for technique
6. Once you’re done, wipe off the gel on the treatment head
7. Wipe off your face with a damp flannel if needed. Dry and apply your own anti-aging skin care products within 30 minutes

The ActiveBoost wand automatically shuts off if not used for 5 minutes.

TIP: The gel can dry out quickly. Try applying it on one section of your face at a time, glide 3 times, then turn off the wand whilst you apply more gel to the next area. Repeat until you’ve done all your face and neck.

The routine

There’s a handy visual guide on page 19 of the manual, and a video tutorial on the Mira-skin website. They explain how to glide the Active Boost wand over your face.

This is how you move it across your skin:

Apply 1 to 2 mm of gel and cover all your skin with the treatment head.

Start with your forehead: With gentle pressure apply the treatment head flat against your forehead between your eyebrows. Move slowly in circular motions, or smooth swipes across and down the left side of your forehead towards your temple, avoiding your eyes. Repeat 3 times.

On your cheeks slowly glide the wand from your nose along your left cheekbone toward your temple with multiple swipes to cover all the skin, but avoid your eyes. Repeat 3 times.

Glide down your left lower jaw to your chin. Repeat 3 times.

Glide down your neck from your left jawline, avoid your throat / Adam’s apple. Repeat 3 times.

Repeat on the other side of your face.

• Don’t treat your eye area, ears or your throat / dam’s apple as pictured above. Glide the wand, don’t stop in one place. And glide it in one direction only, not back and forward.
• Don’t use the Active Boost ultrasound more than ten minutes per treatment or more than 3 times a week. This can tire out your muscles and tissues and make your face look worse.

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Next, let’s see how easy it is to use.

— Is it easy to use? —

Now let’s look at the serum, ultrasound wand and gel in more detail.

ActiveBoost ultrasound wand

The cordless wand is very comfortable to hold and easy to grip. With just one button to power on and off, it’s super simple to operate too. The indicator lights illuminate bright green when it’s powered on.

The newer design (as of 2018) has a 3.5cm diameter circular treatment head that’s curved away from the straight wand, and angled back at about 45 degrees. This means with the head flat against your face it’s comfortable to grip the wand and easy to glide across your skin.

Note: the previous design was straight and held at a right angle to your skin.

It feels quality, durable and well-made. Mira-skin highlight the treatment head is surgical steel. And this is a good thing because, compared to cheaper alternatives made from aluminium, there’s no chance of trace metal leakage into your skin. Yikes.

Test the wand

You can’t hear or feel anything from the wand when it’s on. But you can test it to see if it’s working.

With it powered on hold the treatment head facing up and on it place a few drops of water with your finger. You’ll see the water droplets dance and vibrate around on top.

Charging

The wand comes fully charged so there’s no waiting around.

The battery life is excellent. Each charge lasts for several ultrasound sessions.

When the indicators flash yellow, this means it needs charging. Always use the charging cable provided to charge it. The USB cable fits any mains plug adaptor though so there’s less to carry with you if you use it on the move.

The cable is short so find somewhere safe to sit it while it charges. The indicator lights slowly pulse yellow as it charges. When it’s fully charged, they flash green and you can disconnect the wand from the mains. Each full charge takes up to 8 hours.

15ml Hyaluronic Serum

Mira-skin include a 15ml tester in the starter kit so you can try it out.

I like that it’s got no nasties because it’s free from chemical preservatives, colouring, parabens, silicones and mineral oils. It’s vegan and it’s not tested on animals 👍.

The packaging is simple but clearly labelled. Mira-skin use glass bottles they say, to prevent hazardous plastic leakage into the product and into your face. They’re also recyclable.

However, the silver pumps are small, fiddly and slippery and ‘click’ down abruptly. So, some product can shoot out and miss the target. It’s the same with the conductivity gel.

Mira-skin say to apply it every morning and / or evening. Apply it after cleansing but before your usual anti-aging skincare potions. It’s easy to make part of your skincare routine and is pleasant to use.

It’s bright yellow with a slippery consistency. 2 pumps of it slips over my face and neck easily for even coverage before it sinks in. It’s neither greasy nor drying and it has a sweet, rose scent. It’s invisible once applied.

I’ve used other premium skincare serums and it’s similar. It doesn’t feel immediately moisturising on your skin so follow it with a day or night moisturiser. Since using it our tester doesn’t feel any of the dryness they felt before.

But there’s just 15ml.

You get around 20 applications from the 15ml jar. Using it twice daily that’s up to 2 weeks, or 4 weeks if using it just once a day. Personally, I don’t think 15ml is enough to test it properly. I’d like to get double that.

However, I do think it’s good value and worth buying more. Keep reading to learn more.

Faffy gel?

You must use ultrasound conductivity gel with the ultrasound ActiveBoost wand. It’s necessary to pass the ultrasound waves from the treatment head into your skin. Otherwise, they’ll have no effect.

I admit, I don’t like the sound of applying gel to my face. However, it doesn’t smell, it’s a good consistency and it feels pleasantly cool on your skin. The gel dries slowly enough too (if applied in sections) and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.

2 pumps from the 50ml bottle covers a section i.e. one side of my forehead, my cheek, jaw / chin etc.

You don’t need to wash it off. Most of it is dry by the time you finish. But I still wipe around my face with a damp flannel to remove any wet bits. Then immediately apply your own moisturiser.

The 50ml gel in the starter kit lasts 35 sessions or just over 2 months using it for 3 treatments per week. 

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— What to expect? —

So, how does it feel to use the Mira-skin?

Calming pamper time

At least once a week, use the serum and the ultrasound for a super-boosting facial treatment. Try picking an evening when you know you’ll be at home and you’ll have plenty of time. Like a Sunday or Monday evening.

It’s quick, easy and calming. And although there are a few steps with gels and what-not, it’s very easy and intuitive.

The gel feels pleasant and cooling, and as the ultrasound wand works, the temperature of the treatment head warms to the same as your skin. It has a safety control so the temperature never gets hotter.

There’s no sensation from the ultrasound at all. You can’t feel any vibrations.

It doesn’t take much concentration, save to remember how many glides you’ve done per area. And the gliding motion is slow and soothing. I find my mind empties as I follow the methodical routine. It’s a pleasant bit of pampering down-time to look forward to.

Treatment Tips

• Evenings work best. Make time before bed so there’s no rush.
• Treating before sleep is a helping hand for your skin’s natural overnight regeneration too.
• Try scheduling a relaxing evening each week.
• Use the Mira-skin serum or your favourite Hyaluronic serum
• Don’t forget to apply your daily anti-aging skincare within 30 minutes
• You can even pamper your significant other too.
• Use it 2 times a week if you feel the benefit, but never more than 3 times in a week.

When will I see results?

With daily application of the Mira-skin serum and 1 or 2 weekly ultrasound sessions you’ll likely feel some quick effects from the mega-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid. Such as relief from dryness, softer and smoother skin.

Then, over the next month or two the Hyaluronic Acid builds, replacing what you’ve lost. Your skin gets plumper and fine lines and wrinkles reduce.

You’ll also see changes from your skin’s increased collagen and elastin. And from the other serum actives too. As your complexion gradually refreshes, age and dark spots start to fade, your tone brightens and scars fade.

Thus, hydrated, plump, bright, supple and smooth skin with reduced wrinkles.

TIP: If you use your own serum and not the Mira-skin serum your results will vary depending on the specific active ingredients. There’s more on this later.

Effortless commitment

The Mira-skin is ridiculously easy. The sessions are short and pleasurable.

There’s no increased effort upfront then a switch to maintenance. It’s just one simple, consistent routine from the start. Therefore it’s easier to adjust and make time for it making it a habit.

Daily use of the serum keeps the pools of Hyaluronic Acid topped-up. And at least one serum and ultrasound session per week keeps the lower levels hydrated and your skin cell metabolism in high gear.

Not only is it pampering to use but it’s just 10 to 20 minutes maximum a week. So if it takes 2 months to see noticeable results, then it takes only 1:20 to 2:40 hours of your time.

It’s quite possibly the easiest and lowest effort anti-aging system there is.

Do you need the Mira-skin serum?

Using an anti-aging serum with ingredients focusing on your areas of concern is vital. But you don’t have to use the Mira-skin serum. The ultrasound boosts the effects of all good anti-aging skin care.

Mira-skin do a convincing job selling the benefits of the Hyaluronic serum. And if you buy premium skincare the price is about right too. It’s available in 15ml (£49) and 50ml (£119) glass jars. But cheaper serums are available. So, is this the best choice?

Why it’s good

To start, it certainly feels premium. I love how easily it slips across your skin and then sinks so it’s invisible.

Next, it’s a good all-rounder with a selection of antioxidants, skin brightening and rejuvenating actives. Plus, the super-plumping short-chain Hyaluronic Acid. Mira-skin say it’s got the most on the market, which is 8,000 times more Hyaluronic Acid than other 1% serums.

And of course, it’s all formulated to get deep into your skin with the phonophoresis ultrasound boost. With impressive clinical proof. So, taking it at face value it’s super value and a superb choice.

But what if you already have a favourite serum, or you don’t use a serum at all? How does it compare to others and should you choose it?

Compare & test

The anti-aging serum is a vital step, so if you don’t use one now try the 15ml Mira-skin tester. It should last for around 2 weeks. You may see the benefits during this time. However, investing in the 50ml bottle for around 2 months of product is ample time to test it out.

If you already have a favourite serum, or want to try a cheaper alternative, then check the ingredients to see what effects the ultrasound will boost for you. You can check the ingredients here. If it’s missing Hyaluronic Acid you may not get the plumping effect so consider if you need a separate Hyaluronic Acid serum too.

Although the end results are noticeable, the changes during the journey are subtle. So, you may miss them without a comparison. Therefore, I strongly suggest you take some before and after photos and keep a simple diary of the changes in your skin. Test over 1 or 2 months. Repeat with different products (as many as you like) then you can compare them and choose what’s best for your skin.

Next, what about the gel?

Do you need the Mira-skin conductive gel?

You must use a water-based conductive gel for the ultrasound to work. It transfers the ultrasonic waves into your skin.

You get a 50ml conductive gel in the starter kit. It lasts around 2 months if using it 3 times a week. You can then buy a Mira-skin 200ml replacement gel.

So, what’s special about it?

Why it’s good

It’s a good consistency, it’s not sticky, it dries slowly and it’s got more Sodium Hyaluronate (aka Hyaluronic Acid) in it. It has moisturising and humectant ingredients too, so it’s going to help seal in goodies after ultrasound.

Here’s the ingredients list:

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Why it’s not so good

It’s very expensive. At £69 for 200ml it’s £3.45 per 10 ml. Wow-ser.

What about other gels?

You can buy much cheaper alternatives.

Amazon lists medical grade ultrasound conductivity gel for £2.50 for 250ml. That’s a massive price difference at just 10p per 10ml.

Many are hypoallergenic and medical grade. They’ll conduct the ultrasound waves but may not contain the added moisturisers and humectants. However, you’ll apply your own moisturising skincare after ultrasound anyway so you don’t really need the added ingredients.

I’d rather spend my cash on the Hyaluronic serum. It’s a bit much to fork-out so much for the gel too.

Our tester has plenty of gel left from a 200ml refill so we’ve not yet tested an alternative.

Prices & Buy Now

 — In summary —

Should I buy it?

Yes. The Mira-skin gets a big smiley-grin thumbs-up.

It’s a fantastic choice if you love and use good quality anti-aging skincare products. That’s because it boosts their effects and you get more from the money you’ve invested in them.

It’s very easy to use, there’s no pain and it’s soothing and relaxing. And at just 10 minutes a session, it’s easy to make time for it. In fact, it becomes a calming weekly ritual and a bit of pampering me-time.

Use it just once a week to see results after 1 or 2 months. You need to keep going but that’s easy because it’s the least effort anti-aging device there is.

The Hyaluronic serum is excellent and gives super plumping effects. Try the mask just once and you’ll be hooked too.

It’s for you if you’ve perfected your skincare routine but want it to work even harder. It’s for all skincare junkies. It’s for your mum, your sister, your gran. It’s your new best friend.

Here’s a round-up of the pros and cons to help you decide.

It’s awesome.

Check prices and buy the Mira-skin anti-aging starter kit below

WHERE TO BUY THE MIRA-SKIN ULTRASOUND & Hyaluron STARTER KIT

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