The principle of microcurrent beauty can be summarized as follows: microcurrent stimulates the muscles of the skin, increases cellular ATP levels (direct energy supply to cells), and stimulates the production of collagen. Additionally, electrical stimulation of the muscles can be seen as a form of “exercise” for the muscles, resulting in lifting effects. Nuface, a US company that specializes in microcurrent beauty devices, has conducted thorough research on microcurrent technology. On the Nuface official website, tests were performed on facial contour, firmness, and wrinkles of users who continuously used Nuface products for 30 and 60 days. The results showed improvements in facial contour, firmness, and wrinkles after 30 and 60 days. Firmness increased by 73%, and facial contour improved by 86%.
A Korean YouTuber shared the results of using her Refa device, showing a reduction in nasolabial folds and a smaller face size. However, it’s important to note that immediate effects do not necessarily indicate long-term skin improvement. Certain massage techniques can also contribute to facial lifting. Currently, there are two main issues with microcurrent beauty:
- The duration of the lifting effect is very short, typically less than one day.
- There is limited research in the academic community on the effects of microcurrent on protein production and anti-aging. Most studies have focused on muscle stimulation and muscle strengthening.
One reputable paper I have come across dates back to 1982, titled “The effects of electric currents on ATP generation, protein synthesis, and membrane transport of rat skin” by Cheng N, Van Hoof H, Bockx E, et al. This study demonstrated that microcurrent stimulation promotes collagen production in rats. Electric currents ranging from 10 to 1000 microamps were effective, with 50 microamps showing the maximum effect. Increasing the current intensity beyond 50 microamps did not yield further benefits (although this finding is specific to rats).
Nuface operates at an intensity of 338 microamps, while Refa operates at approximately a few tens of microamps. Due to a lack of controlled human trials, it is difficult to determine the optimal current value and whether products with lower current values like Refa can truly promote collagen regeneration (this partially answers the question for the YouTuber). However, one thing that can be determined is that using Nuface at its current intensity can be somewhat painful, while Refa is generally less noticeable.
In a 2012 study, a group of 40-year-old women underwent EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) treatment. After 12 weeks, the participants showed increased thickness of the cheekbone muscles, tighter skin, and more pronounced facial contours. However, this study still does not directly verify the relationship and mechanism between current intensity and protein production.
Personal experience:
From my own experience, I have used Refa, purchased Nuface Mini, and also tried microcurrent treatments at beauty salons. The effects I have observed are limited to visible immediate facial lifting, but I haven’t noticed significant collagen regeneration. Nuface’s official recommendation is to use their products for at least 60 consecutive days, for 5 minutes each day, but it’s difficult for the average person to adhere to this regimen. I used it consistently for a period of time, but eventually stopped using it.
My suggestion: Microcurrent beauty devices have noticeable immediate effects, but don’t expect significant long-term results. They can be used as massage tools to improve the immediate condition of the face. No.2 Ion import is a commonly used method in medical settings for enhancing permeability. In the medical field, ion import is more common than microcurrent. As early as 1900, a foreign doctor named Leduc attempted to use a current of 40-50 mA to introduce strychnine into the body of rabbits. This resulted in the death of the rabbits, but it led to the discovery of the use of ion import. Currently, Japanese brands like Yaman and Hitachi are popular for their ion import devices.
Yaman’s ion import device, priced at 2999 yuan, is commonly used in clinical settings. However, in the home-use market, the main concern is that inexperienced users may not have suitable substances for import and may end up using harmful ingredients from skincare products. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether the import function is ultimately beneficial or harmful to the skin.
Of course, this issue can be mitigated by accumulating knowledge of ingredients. One popular import liquid found online is “Dr. Cheng’s Pore Convergence Control Oil Toner,” but it still contains a significant amount of emulsifiers, fragrances, and preservatives. To avoid this issue, I personally use Natural Philosophy’s vitamin C powder along with Avène’s thermal spring water spray, which has a simple ingredient list without preservatives. The purpose is to help the vitamin C penetrate the skin and achieve whitening effects. If you decide to try it, you may consider using this combination as a reference.
Personal experience:
Usage experience: I have a Hitachi import/export device that I used intensively three years ago but later stopped using. Effects: I used the device with a combination of vitamin C powder and Avène thermal spring water spray. After using it 2-3 times consecutively, I noticed that my complexion appeared brighter and fuller compared to when I used only the vitamin C powder, and the results were achieved much faster.
My suggestion: Although ion import devices are effective, they can be cumbersome to use, requiring cotton pads and liquid preparation for import. Before purchasing, evaluate your patience and willpower, and also make sure to research the ingredients in skincare products before using the import function. No.3 Radiofrequency (RF) has become very popular in the field of medical aesthetics in recent years, with the well-known Thermage being one type of RF treatment. I am currently undergoing a new 6-week medical aesthetic treatment based on RF technology, and the results are good. The principle of RF technology is that it converts electrical current into heat energy, which tightens the skin by acting on the dermis and fibrous septa, and stimulates collagen production.
A search in the medical literature database for “radio frequency” yields 12,711 results, with the majority of papers published after 2010. A study from 2013 concluded, based on clinical trials on human subjects, that RF can effectively tighten the skin: “Noninvasive radio frequency for skin tightening and body contouring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1)”. In the field of beauty devices, the most well-known brands of RF devices are TriPollar and Yaman (surprisingly, it’s Yaman again).
Personal experience:
Usage experience: I am currently undergoing a multi-polar RF treatment, similar to Tripollar. I can share my experience. Effects: There is a noticeable reduction in nasolabial folds, and the effects are long-lasting. Even 1-2 weeks later, there is still a feeling of facial firmness.
My suggestion: If you must choose one device, I personally recommend getting a device with RF functionality. On one hand, RF has solid clinical trial support for its effects, and on the other hand, it provides immediate and noticeable results, making it less likely to be unused. Additionally, after using RF, be sure to pay attention to moisturizing the skin.
Post time: Dec-16-2023
