These Microcurrent Devices Lift and Tighten Skin in Minutes (2024)

Usually, when we're talking about treatments that can make a noticeable difference in tightening and firming our skin, we're pointing you to in-office treatments like injectables, microneedling with radio frequency, and lasers. But an at-home microcurrent device is a worthy addition, and certainly a less invasive and less expensive method. Of course, these at-home tools are still a splurge, but if you believe in beauty math, then just think of all the money you'll save from not needing some pro treatments in the future. To fully understand what a microcurrent device can and can't do, we interviewed experts and tested the devices ourselves. Here's how they work and which ones are the best to buy.

What is microcurrent therapy?

What are the benefits of a microcurrent device?

Microcurrent stimulates not only facial cells but also muscles, which is something skincare serums and creams don't do. "This helps to visibly define, lift, and tone the areas you treat," says Tera Peterson, an aesthetician and cofounder of NuFace, a popular microcurrent brand. "It also improves skin radiance and the look of fine lines and wrinkles by ramping up collagen and elastin production." That means you'll see both an immediate and long-term effect.

What to consider before shopping for a microcurrent device?

Microcurrent devices do not replace an effective skincare routine, which must include sun protection, says Amin. They also don't compare to the power and results of in-office procedures, such as laser and microneedling treatments. However, with consistent use (we're talking five-minute sessions a few times a week minimum), then a more sculpted, toned, and rejuvenated complexion may be possible to achieve at home.

How to use a microcurrent device

Always read your device's instructions. Each offers its own levels of intensity, modalities, and features. What's true for all microcurrent devices, however, is that you'll need to apply a conductive gel to the skin before you start using your tool. "Conductive gel allows the microcurrent to effectively transfer from the device to the skin and facial muscles," says Peterson. Our skin is made up of dead cells and oils, and it isn't very conductive, explains Suzuki. If you're in a pinch and don't have the gel that comes with your device, "you can use a very hydrating, water-based product," suggests Suzuki.

The experts:

• Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California
• David Suzuki, president and CEO of Bio-Therapeutic
• Tera Peterson, cofounder of NuFace and aesthetician

Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box shares her before and after photos from one NuFace Trinity treatment.

Most microcurrent devices have two probes that target the skin, but this one has four to provide more coverage on the face at once and to help manually lift and target areas. Each treatment takes six minutes; the brand recommends three sessions a week. We like that there are only two settings, which keeps things simple. As the name implies, the lift mode helps lift the skin. There's also a skin mode, which helps your skincare absorb better.

Holly Carter, Oprah Daily contributing lifestyle editor, uses her Ziip for quick lifting sessions before going out.

Oprah Daily wellness director Jennie Tung shows her before and after photos.

Oprah Daily fashion commerce editor Sara Klausing treated one half of her face to illustrate the Foreo Bear's lifting effect.

Microcurrent therapy is just one of the many offerings of this device. It also has a booster mode to help your skincare absorb, a derma shot mode that shifts the frequency of the energy to promote more skin elasticity, an air shot mode, and various LED light therapies.

Our review: "This is an elegant, very quiet choice. I chose and liked the radiance program on the app. Just know that it'll tell you to buy a bunch of their products to use with each program, but you can also use your own," says Oprah Daily books director Leigh Newman.

Leigh Newman, Oprah Daily books director, tested the Medicube's radiance program.

Oprah Daily deputy health editor Rosie Hopegood uses the Joey Healy Face Renovation Device.

This Oprah's Favorite Things winner offers eight different therapies with one tool: Besides the microcurrent attachment, it has percussive massage, cleansing heads, and red, blue, and red-plus-infrared light therapies. "It’s great for anyone looking for lifting and tightening but afraid of needles," Oprah says. Each facial attachment should be used for a maximum of eight minutes.

This wand combines multiple therapies at a more reachable price tag. Besides low-level microcurrent, it uses red light therapy to smooth the look of lines and wrinkles, and facial massage to help depuff. The device feels warm while you use it, which helps soothe skin and give it a little went-for-a-walk glow. For best results, use it for three minutes per area and up to 12 minutes per day. Start from the center of the face and work outward. You can use it with the brand's Skin Therapy Activating Serum or any oil-free serum.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about what to look for in a microcurrent device and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand new tools that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.