To be honest, 80 percent of my fascination with David Bowie is due to his cheekbones and overall sharply angular and contoured face. So you can imagine why in-home microcurrent devices like the famous NuFace and Foreo appeal to me. With non-invasive, at-home treatments, I'm one step closer to the David Bowie jawline of my dreams."

But let's face it: home microcurrent equipment is expensive. If I'm going to spend a few hundred dollars, I want to make sure the equipment is worth the hype and that I know exactly how to use it. To get an answer to whether microcurrent equipment is really worth the high price tag, I visited Dr. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist and skin truth teller. In the following, I will explain in detail how microcurrent devices work, who they are best suited for, and how to incorporate them into your skin care routine.

In short, microcurrent therapy is a facial exercise. Microcurrent therapy uses low-level voltage to stimulate facial muscles," Dr. Lull explains. Just as time spent at the gym can make your face look tighter, constant use of microcurrent equipment can lift and tighten the jawline and facial contours."

While you can get the treatment at a spa or dermatologist as part of a facial, there are also many portable devices that can provide the same effect from the comfort of your own home.

Over time, the muscle system that regulates facial expression weakens, leading to sagging and drooping. This therapy stimulates this system and activates the muscles." This therapy is often used in physical therapy and studies have shown that it promotes wound healing," says Dr. Lal.

The use of microcurrent facial devices varies from product to product, but there are some commonalities. Always start with clean skin. After cleansing, apply the conductive gel that comes with the tool. The jelly-like activator is key and helps the microcurrent reach the muscles.

It is important to manage expectations when using microcurrent devices. Continuous use over a long period of time will give the appearance of a lift, but the effect is not permanent. If you are looking for a one-time solution or dramatic correction, a facelift or injections are likely a better option.

"Most facial massages will reduce inflammation and swelling and provide some lift, but these are all temporary," says Dr. Lal.

"Just like exercise, the effects don't happen overnight; it's important to keep at it."

"In-office treatments are expensive and the results are transient," Dr. Lull warns.

"Most doctors recommend a series of initial treatments and subsequent maintenance, which can be expensive."

Home devices are not as powerful or targeted as in-office facials, but they are likely to save money in the long run. Says Dr. Lal, "For the patient, it may prove more economical than in-office treatments."

Microcurrent therapy is considered "relatively safe" and virtually painless, according to a 2021 study. However, it is important to continue with the rest of the skin care routine. Says Dr. Lull, "Anyone who has perfected a skin care regimen that includes SPF, retinoids, and antioxidants and is looking for a low-risk way to improve skin firmness is a good candidate for microcurrent therapy."