People Are Calling This Facial a Workout for Your Face

After getting a facial, your skin may feel energized and refreshed. It’s a similar sensation you may experience after a particularly successful workout. So what if you could combine the benefits of a standard facial with the adrenaline rush of a workout to curate an elevated facial? That’s exactly what skin care experts did, and it’s called the microcurrent facial. Whether you’ve seen a microcurrent facial conducted in person, on your Instagram feed, or never before, the fact of the matter is that microcurrent facials are currently trending. What makes a microcurrent facial different than your typical facial? We tapped board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Joshua Zeichner for the scoop on microcurrent facials.  

What Is a Microcurrent Facial?

A microcurrent facial delivers low levels of electrical energy directly to the skin, which mirror your own body’s electrical currents on a cellular level. According to Dr. Zeichner, the intensity is so low-voltage that it would take one million microcurrent machines to light a small lightbulb. The treatment is often referred to as “facial toning” and a “face workout,” because the aim is to strengthen skin cells, the same way muscles are targeted during a workout. 

“The goal of treatment is to help stimulate activity of skin cells to promote healthy collagen and elastin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Microcurrents have long been used in medicine to help strengthen muscles.” While microcurrent facials are currently trending, the technology isn’t necessarily new. The electrical stimulation technology behind the microcurrent facial has been used for years, often in partnership with various treatments for patients with muscle disorders. Now, that same technology has been revamped for the cosmetic industry.

 The goal of treatment is to help stimulate activity of skin cells to promote healthy collagen and elastin

How Does a Microcurrent Facial Work?

A microcurrent facial often begins similarly to a standard facial, with the application of moisturizers and peels in addition to a facial massage. Next, two handheld prongs are applied to the skin to deliver particular amounts of energy. “During the facial, many people report a metallic taste in the mouth caused by the current itself,” Dr. Zeichner says. “After the facial, oftentimes the skin may look rosey in color, but otherwise there should be no downtime.”

Who Can Try a Microcurrent Facial?

According to Dr. Zeichner, microcurrent facials are recommended for people who are beginning to develop skin laxity. “By helping to stimulate skin cell activity, the microcurrent may help tighten and strengthen the skin,” he says. However, a microcurrent facial is not the best choice for everyone. Women who are pregnant or anyone with a heart condition should avoid microcurrent facials.

To find out if you’re the right candidate for a microcurrent facial, speak to your dermatologist or skin care provider.