I Swear, These Microcurrent Devices Are Like An Instant Face-Lift (2024)

Dr. Glodny and Dr. Garshick both recommend this device. "This microcurrent device is FDA-cleared, helps to tone facial muscles, and improves the overall contour and appearance of the skin," says Dr. Garshik, adding that it can help rejuvenate the skin and improve skin laxity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

As an added bonus, this device comes with a lip and eye attachment, so you can easily work on every little nook and cranny of your face where you'd like to see a lift.

According to our tester, this device fits perfectly in the palm of her hand, which makes it very easy to use for the full five minutes of the treatment. She also told us that the periodic beeping was helpful in knowing when it was time to move the device to another part of the face. Finally, it doesn't sting or tingle, as long as you use enough of the gel primer is comes with. She noticed results after just a few five-minute uses, which only got better after several months of consistant treatments.

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Chances are that you likely recognize FaceGym from your TikTok or Insta feed. The face-fitness studios are all about working out the facial muscles, tightening and lifting the skin. But if you can't make it to one of their iconic boutiques, snag this device to get the benefits at home. With three different frequencies, you can slowly build intensity as you continue using it.

"It's my job to test products, so I've gotten hundreds of facials and tested thousands of products," says contributor Neha Tandon, who says she has ever seen such instant results than with this device. "It's a five-minute face lift that makes my face look contoured sans makeup." She uses it before any big event or time when she wants a confidence boost. Plus, she recommends it to all her friends before they get married.

From the very first use, the WH team immediately understood just how powerful this device was. We felt and saw the involuntary muscle contractions, which indicated that the microcurrent frequency was quite high and was able to penetrate deep into the facial muscles, causing it to contract and relax. We noticed a visible lifting and firming effect from the very first use. We wish it worked faster, as Face Gym recommends using it for 10 minutes every other day, which is a significant amount of time to dedicate to a facial treatment regularly. However, if you want to see results fast, this is the microcurrent device our team would recommend using.

The TheraFace PRO, which Dr. Glodny recommends, is also loved by testers. It has a four-star rating on Amazon and WH associate fashion & commerce editor, Lily Wohlner, is a fan, too. She and hundreds of online reviewers love the different attachments that come with it, like the cleansing ring, percussion attachments, and colored LED light rings that address other skin concerns like acne, fine lines, and more.

"I love that this tool combines microcurrent, LED therapy, and cryotherapy in one," Wohlner adds. "It seems intimidating if you’re a beginner, but this tool truly makes my life so much easier for bashing acne, tightening my skin, and waking me up when I didn’t get enough sleep the night before.”

When we saw that this one device offers eight treatments in a single device, we were initially skeptical that the microcurrent attachment wouldn’t be up to par with some of the other devices we tried. But, after some of our testers gave it a whirl, we were pleasantly surprised by how effective it was. One of our testers even saw a difference in her face shape after using the microcurrent for just a few minutes.

While some microcurrent devices also relieve jaw tension, when using the percussion attachments in this device in conjunction with the microcurrent, testers found that their jaw muscles felt more relaxed and looked more toned than ever. The combination of the two treatments in this one device really makes it stand out from the rest in terms of effectiveness.

Dr. Glodny recommends this pencil-sized microcurrent device—it's great for helping to maintain your face-lifting routine if you're a frequent traveler. Our testers also say it also helps with TMJ, or Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which can cause pain in the jaw joint area.

And get this: You don't even have to charge this device to get all the microcurrent benefits. There's actually an extra large solar panel embedded in the handle, which generates a super powerful microcurrent when applied to the skin.

Many WH editors have tried this device, and we love its petite size, which makes it easier to glide over the browbones and the cheekbones. We also found that the push-point tip is incredible at smoothing and de-puffing around the delicate eye and lip area. The handle is comfortable to hold and it’s one of the most relaxing devices we’ve tried. We love to take the two rollers and press them gently between the brows to release any tension in the forehead. It’s so relaxing to use that it’s actually something we look forward to using every day, which only enhances the results over time.

Both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Glodny recommend this cute little palm-sized device, which firms and tones skin with T-sonic pulsations. It even helps to relax tension in the face while helping to promote blood flow.

"This FDA-cleared system uses the anti-shock system to make the experience comfortable and effective, as it adjusts the microcurrent to optimize safety and results," says Dr. Garshik. She adds that it's easy to use and is rechargeable with 90 uses per single charge (!!).

We love that a treatment with this device only takes two minutes, although you can always go back in with another treatment to target specific areas of the face. It’s great for travel, and our testers found themselves using this device more regularly than other devices because the treatments are so quick.

It does tingle quite a lot, even if you use plenty of conductive gel, which means it’s working but can also be a little uncomfortable. After a few weeks of regular use, our tester's face felt tighter and she says her eyes looked more lifted and awake. Not only did her skin look better, but using this device also helped with relieving tension headaches. It holds a charge well, so you can take it on the go without worrying about charging it every few days.

WH senior deputy digital editor Maridel Reyes adores her ZIIP, which uses both microcurrent and nanocurrent. You can choose from seven different facials from the app, all ranging from four to 14 minutes-long. Some focus on sculpting, while others zap acne, brighten your complexion, or smooth out fine lines. All you have to do is sync your device with the app to unlock all the available treatments.

"I used it every night, and after a few days, my husband noticed that my face looked more contoured," says Reyes. "The day after I use it, my skin looks smoother and glowier." She adds that she uses it right before an event for more chiseled cheekbones, a sharper jaw, and a slightly lifted brow because it provides instant gratification and is "way less spendy than getting a microcurrent facial at a spa."

This device legit does it all. It has microcurrent, red light therapy, a facial massage setting, and therapeutic warmth. It's great for anti-aging and skin tightening, as well as reducing the look of dark spots and blemishes. Plus, using this in the morning or before bed is the perfect self-care moment.

"Combining microcurrent, facial massage, light therapy, and warmth, this at-home treatment helps to stimulate the muscles, reduce puffiness, improve the appearance of breakouts and blemishes, boost collagen, and enhance penetration of other skincare products," says Dr. Garshik. She recommends this device to her patients when they're looking for something slightly less expensive than some of the other options on this list.

It's not uncommon for your brows to start sagging with age, making your eyes appear more droopy and closed off. If you have hooded eyes, this effect is even more pronounced. This microcurrent device is made specifically to target the eyebrow area and tighten the skin around the browbone, which gives hooded eyes a lifted, more awake appearance.

Our tester, who gave this device a solid five stars, has one eyebrow that is slightly lower than the other, and it makes her one eye look more closed. However, she started to notice such a difference when she used this. Even after her first go, her droopy eyebrow was even with her other one. She tells us that this device is super powerful, she can't even fathom using the highest level. The only downside she noted? It uses batteries, but she wishes it was rechargeable.

Are at-home microcurrent devices worth it?

Microcurrent devices aren't exactly cheap—the most affordable ones are still over $100, though the best ones tend to be around $300. Just be sure to use your device consistently at least three times a week, as Dr. Garshick mentioned.

If you're hesistant, she recommends chating with your dermatologist about your skincare concerns and goals—they can help you come up with a treatment plan to supplement the use of your microcurrent device, optimizing the benefits of it.

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