Ageing. The word we all love to hate. It’s something we do our best to avoid, yet still seem to obsess over as soon as the fine lines start to appear. For centuries, we’ve experimented with different trends and tactics, all in the name of looking (and feeling) younger. Some weird, wild, and some truly wonderful. And in today’s modern world, we’re blessed with science and technologies that achieve outstanding results.

I’ve long been a champion of many, and tried most, yet I do find that they tend to come in and out of vogue. Now, more than ever, a clever combination of product and carefully chosen technology is the answer to achieving the best facial. Especially as more and more of us are conscious of ageing well, without the need for invasive procedures or plastic-looking results.

Each advancement has its own unique effect, range of benefits, and results, which can be combined into bespoke facials. One of these which has stood the test of time is the use of microcurrent technology. One of the brand names you may have heard of is CACI however there are many more manufacturers with modern advancements within this area. For decades, microcurrent has been used as a safe and effective facial rejuvenation technique, earning itself the nickname the non-surgical facelift.

Loved by many famous faces, it’s something I have incorporated into my facials for many years but what exactly is it?

WHAT IS A MICROCURRENT FACIAL?

Microcurrent is essentially very low levels of electrical current. It’s not unlike the body’s own bio-electrical field, making it fantastic for use within facials. However, its roots aren’t found in aesthetics. In fact, microcurrent technology was originally developed to treat conditions such as Bell’s Palsy. It’s widely used in physiotherapy clinics for speedy wound healing (thanks to a super collagen boost). It’s simple to see why microcurrent is a hit within the medical world – and among skincare experts too!

When used within aesthetic and beauty treatments, microcurrent technology re-educates muscles to lift, tone, and re-energise, also stimulating cellular activity and boosting product penetration, it’s a radiant skin must. So, of course, it’s in my top 5 favourite technologies to use in the clinic.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Microcurrent takes the low electrical current to really tackle the visible signs of ageing. It gives a beautiful, natural lift and healthy radiance to the skin. It’s a great tool for treating the appearance of fine lines, boosts the skin’s vibrancy and improves texture too. I find it makes the skin look dewy and healthy helping to restore cellular health. It’s perfectly safe and effective to start having microcurrent facials in your twenties and continue throughout your adult life.

I’m often asked whether it’s an alternative to Botox, and for some clients, it will enough however it really depends on your expectations. Microcurrent doesn’t stop muscles from moving, it improves the quality and tone on muscles, so it won’t give the effect of Botox. If you’re looking for a natural, healthy glow for your age, then it can definitely do this. It works well in conjunction with other treatments. Botox is preventing a muscle from moving whereas Microcurrent is activating it, like taking it to the gym, working in a very different way to rejuvenate and stimulate cells. Some of my clients have Botox, so we combine microcurrent along with other methods to rejuvenate the whole face and keep the muscles, tissue and blood flow healthy, and make product absorption much more effective.

HOW DOES IT DO IT?

Now you know that microcurrent is essentially electrical current, you may be wondering how exactly this cutting-edge treatment gets its infamous results –  the science behind it is fascinating.

As we’re reducing the visible signs of ageing, we’re toning the face. This involves re-educating the muscles – 32 of them, in fact! However, it isn’t actually the low-intensity microcurrent that does this alone. Such a minute amount is used, that it’s not capable of manipulating the muscles by itself, which is why probes (or sometimes eclectic gloves, which are amazing for hands-on lifting and product penetration) are used. The probes physically move the muscles into the correct position, lengthening or shortening as they go. And this is the process known as re-education.

It works in a similar way to facial massage, by lengthening the muscles that have contracted and shortened, due to years and years of varying facial expressions, and shortening those that have elongated as a result of age and gravity.

During the treatment, I use two probes, a positive and a negative – between which, the current flows. I work around all of the facial muscles, lifting and holding the probes, letting the microcurrent technology do its thing.

THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF MICROCURRENTS

This is my favourite part. Because microcurrent facials really do offer so many long-lasting and amazing benefits. I personally find microcurrent effective at boosting radiance and all-round skin health, not just firming the muscles. Its main benefits go far beyond that of just a lift, it boosts circulation, enhancing penetration of skincare products, stimulates collagen and elastin production, as well as ATP.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is essentially muscle energy, and is responsible for a number of key processes, such as photosynthesis, muscle re-education, and protein synthesis, to get technical. And microcurrent gives it a much-needed boost!

So, with a microcurrent facial, not only are you really working the visible signs of ageing on the outside, you’re correcting them on the inside, and preventing more lines from setting in.

IS IT SAFE?

Microcurrent facials are a safe way to get a really effective skin boost – but they may not be suitable for everyone. If you have epilepsy, are diabetic or pregnant, or have heart issues (such as a pacemaker fitted), microcurrent facials would not be suitable. Likewise, if you have chronic acne, microcurrent may stimulate the inflammation you have. However, a small spot here or there can be fine.

There is a slight tingling sensation. You can also experience a metallic taste as the current has an impact on the enzymes in your saliva! Clients often find there is more of a sensation around the eyes and bonier parts of the face. You will also feel a lifting of the facial contours with the probes, but it’s not an uncomfortable treatment.

WHAT MICROCURRENT FACIALS CAN BE FOUND IN THE CLINIC?

I love adding in microcurrent technology for a safe, effective skin treatment and it’s great when combined with the other methods used in my bespoke facials, such as peels, LED,  radiofrequency, high frequency, facial massage, and it’s perfect for aiding serums in penetrating the dermis (and being more effective) – the list is endless.

Microcurrent is often offered as a course. Every aesthetician may suggest different, from two sessions per week for 4 weeks, or adding it into your regular facial once every 4 to 6 weeks. Adding microcurrent to your facial can mean your treatment time is anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. It depends on the exact machine used, the facial area being focused on, and other methods that are used within the facial.

Microcurrent is something I use with my Wow Factor Facial, Hero facial and Hero Lift. Find my full treatment menu here. And if you’re ready to give microcurrent ago, book a facial here.