We’ve all seen it, we’ve all thought about it—the NuFace. Suddenly, we’re all interested in science as soon as it gives us an FDA-approved way to make us hotter. Microcurrent technology tools have dominated the market in the last few years, with the introduction of Solowave, Theraface, and the lesser-known Mylolift.
To me, NuFace was the standout, the most results-driven and posh option out of all the facial toning devices. But I’ve caught wind of more NuFace dupes on TikTok than I have proper NuFace results, so I had to do some digging—is microcurrent technology effective? Safe? Actually, results-driven? Or is it just another spectacularly advertised and mostly groundless TikTok fad?
We spoke with dermatologist Dr. Hadley King and NYC-based esthetician Taylor Worden to answer this question: is this $400 facial toning technology a sound investment, or should I stick to a humble gua sha?
TRINITY+ Starter Kit
Best For: This set is best suited for those who’d like to see a lift in their neck and cheekbones and eliminate wrinkles in those areas.
What We Like: Well, primarily, that it works. The results of the NuFace are, as they promise, instantaneous, and with a focused routine (they recommend five times a week), the results stick. The effects were indisputable and mesmerizing—I suddenly looked like I’d done a Pilates face routine. I looked less dehydrated, more toned, and a little less exhausted.
What We Don’t Like: Spreading the silk crème or the aqua gel on first is, as it turns out, essential. I had anticipated that was more of an extraneous aspect of the kit, like if you were feeling particularly fancy, you could professionally goop yourself with the crème (with a `, mind you) and elevate the experience, but actually, without the cream, the microcurrent technology damages your skin—the crème or aqua gel work as conductor gels that move the microcurrents gently through your face and into your muscles without creating damage. You apply it in multiple strokes and gradually as you move throughout your face. It’s a lot of work for an Aquaphor kind of girl, is all I’m saying.
How does microcurrent technology work?
Microcurrents are very gentle electric currents that stimulate blood flow and cause our muscles to contract when applied to our face. NuFace says these currents “mimic the body’s natural ionic flow.” Says Worden, “It’s like lifting weights at the gym…but for your face. You need to do it a couple of times a week to keep up the results”. While the toning and sculpting results are nearly instant, Dr. King reminds us that there isn’t a lot of scientific data to support the anti-aging claims. “These devices are often recommended more for ‘prejuvenation’ and maintenance.”
What are the benefits of microcurrent?
The muscle contractions caused by microcurrents lift and tone the jawline. Microcurrents can also stimulate collagen and elastin and increase blood circulation.
Are there any risks?
Microcurrent technology is not suitable for those with cardiac pacemakers, if you have metal implants in the face/jawline area, epilepsy, a heart condition, if you are prone to seizures, or if you are pregnant. If you don’t use a conductor gel or lotion before applying microcurrents, you can expect to feel some potential stinging.
How to use an at-home microcurrent device
First, apply a conductor gel, and then apply light pressure on the skin to ensure the microcurrents are reaching through your skin to the musculature below. You should move the device slowly along your jawline and use lifting movements from the jawline toward your cheeks. NuFace outlines best practices for their five-minute facelift here. Both Dr. King and Worden suggested using the device for five to 10 minutes, upwards of three times a week, to see the best results. Make sure to apply a moisturizer afterward!
My Experience
I was thrilled to find the NuFace lived up to its hype—something that seems harder and harder to distinguish these days. It was easy to use, instantaneously effective, and I felt fancy as hell using it. It felt very reminiscent of the dopamine boost after a yoga class, where you swear you have little abs poking out after six hellish minutes of plank poses. But this was completely painless—just a little face paint and meditative buzzing, and suddenly, I had a snatched jawline.
Is NuFace Worth It?
If you’re a committed skincare routine person—yes. Worden agrees—“It’s an at-home gadget, so it's not nearly as strong as the professional microcurrent you have done by an esthetician, but it still gives you a nice lift!” Dr. King recommended, if not the NuFace, an alternative called Tripollar Stop VX, which “offers a safe and effective at-home option for delivering targeted radiofrequency energy to the skin to stimulate collagen production and produce anti-aging results.”