Today we're talking about electrifying your skincare routine. No, I don't mean trying some wild new product — I mean integrating tried and true devices that utilize electricity to level up your typical routine. What are these treatments that have started trending once again? EMS and microcurrent devices!
What Is EMS?
EMS stands for "electrical muscle stimulation." I think what confuses many people about the two technologies is that EMS does use low-level "micro" currents to do its thing. However, they differ from each other in several ways — primarily, the amount of current used by each type of device.
EMS's electrical impulses primarily physically exercise your facial muscles. It provides deep stimulation of a highly targeted area through expansion and contraction of small portions of the muscle. This is known as "passive exercise." The stimulation induces strengthening of those delicate face muscles, promoting a more sculpted face and helping produce face-lift-type results.
What Is Microcurrent?
Microcurrent treatment is also a form of electrotherapy. However, it does not send the current as deep as EMS treatments do. Instead, microcurrent devices use a low electrical impulse to stimulate a broader range of tissues in your face, mimicking your skin's own natural electrical impulses. The human body uses bioelectricity, particularly during healing processes in your body. Microcurrent is well-suited to more sensitive areas of the face with smaller muscles and muscle groups, including the eye area and across the forehead.
What Are Their Benefits?
While the two treatments accomplish similar things, there are some differences that might be important to you when looking at EMS vs. microcurrent.
Benefits of EMS Treatments
EMS focuses on enhancing muscle strength and endurance. It triggers similar results as working out at the gym for the rest of your body. Doing this routinely (as long as you don't overdo it!) will result in stronger facial muscles for a longer time, a natural way to lift and sculpt your face.
EMS is more commonly used for the lower, more muscled parts of the face in areas more prone to sagging as we age, like the jawline. EMS works to improve facial contours and even out skin tone. Most notably, as it strengthens facial muscles, the skin stretches slightly to become more taut, minimizing the appearance of fine lines. EMS can also leave you with a brighter, more youthful complexion by boosting circulation as it travels through your skin.
Benefits of Microcurrent Facials
Microcurrent facial treatments don't cause the same types of muscle contractions as EMS, but they do stimulate the muscles, helping to visibly reduce signs of aging in a similar way. Microcurrent also sends more blood flow to the skin, which has an overall effect of improving the health of your skin cells and can even stimulate faster wound healing.
A primary reason to incorporate microcurrent into your skincare is that it simulates our body's natural bioelectricity, which stimulates collagen and ATP production — processes that slow down as we age. Introducing a simulation of this current boosts the production of collagen, resulting in a more filled, plump look to your skin.
Pro Tip: Microcurrent stimulation can also reduce the facial pain that comes from sinus congestion for up to 6 hours. Consistent daily use may even ease congestion over longer periods of time! It's truly a powerhouse treatment.
Can They Be Used At Home?
If you don't want to break the bank by getting treatments done professionally, I have good news: You can also use a microcurrent or EMS device at home! In fact, I often recommend alternating between both types.
The Best of EMS
One of my all-time faves is the Time Master Pro (now updated with a 2024 model!). This EMS face device also incorporates LED and ultrasound to really pack a lot of treatment options into one little device. The ultrasound combination offers a plumping effect, using vibrations of up to 90,000 waves per second to stimulate the regeneration of skin cells and activate the skin's metabolism. The LEDs' mixture of blue, green, red, and infrared light penetrate each layer of the skin, helping smooth the complexion and trigger skin rejuvenation and healing. Best of all, this device is only used for 10 minutes twice a week — so easy to work into your routine.
My Favorite Microcurrent and Hybrid Devices
One of my favorite NEW devices is the Hybrid Lift Pro. It might be small, but it is a feature-rich, advanced little device: cordless, rechargeable, with three versatile treatment modes. Best of all there is no app so it is easy to get started!
You can also harness the power of microcurrent with the Clareblend Mini. This is great option I like to recommend for a newbie because it's easy to use, but its simplicity doesn't take away from its functionality. It lifts my client's eyes even more effectively than my $7,000 pro device! It uses randomized, variable current that can provide noticeable results within only two weeks of use.
Anything Else to Know?
It's essential to use both types of devices after applying a conductive gel. That could be something like the NeoGenesis Glide Gel, which also enhances the absorption of any of you other products. You can also use CBE Botanicals Hydrate + Conduct Gel and Mask, a hydrating mask that soothes sunburns and harsh skin treatments while doubling as an effective conduction gel for these devices.
While you may feel a difference even during treatment, you will often start to see the most significant changes to your facial structure after using your EMS or microcurrent devices a couple of times a week for a few weeks. Be aware that because of the higher strength of the current in EMS devices, these often feel a bit "zappier," but should never feel painful or uncomfortable.
Pro Tip: To get the best results from both EMS and microcurrent, follow the natural vectors of your face. I go into more detail in this video!
Electrify Your Skincare Routine
Introducing a new device into your routine can be daunting, from choosing the right one to figuring out how it works with your other everyday products. If you need support, join me at the Christine Byer Beauty Club! I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. Get personalized support for your questions and have access to savings and the opportunity to win a free consultation! If you don’t find value in your membership, cancel within the 14 days at no charge.