Is a microcurrent facial right for you?

The short answer

For many people, yes. A microcurrent facial is cosmetic skin care, and the current it uses is very low-level. But because the treatment is electrical, a few health details matter before you book: an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker, epilepsy or seizures, pregnancy, recent surgery, and some skin conditions. If any of these applies to you, check with your doctor first and tell the studio when you book.

What a microcurrent facial is

Microcurrent facials use a professional device, usually applied with handheld probes, that passes a very low-level electrical current through the skin. It is not a medical treatment. In the United States, some microcurrent devices are cleared by the FDA for home use as cosmetic devices: the 2007 clearance for one well-known facial toning device, for example, describes it as intended for facial stimulation and indicated for over-the-counter cosmetic use.

Who should check first

Makers of microcurrent devices publish lists of situations in which their devices should not be used. The user manual for one widely sold home device, for example, says not to use it if you:

• have an implanted electronic device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator
• have a history of epilepsy or seizures
• are pregnant
• have had recent facial surgery or another surgical procedure
• have active cancer, or would use it over a suspicious or cancerous lesion

It also says not to use the device over swollen, infected or inflamed skin. A medically reviewed overview from Medical News Today gives a similar list of people who should avoid microcurrent: those with epilepsy, heart conditions or implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, and pregnant people.

A professional studio device is a different product with its own instructions, and these lists are general information, not a judgement about your health. They are a good guide to what to mention. If any of them applies to you, or you are not sure, ask your doctor before booking.

What to tell the studio when you book

At RRYL, please tell Bouchra about pregnancy, any implanted medical device, and any recent injectables, peels or laser treatment, so she can confirm the Microcurrent Facial suits you. It also helps to mention any skin condition, allergy or prescription skincare. If you are unsure, get in touch before booking.

If you have had injectables or another cosmetic procedure, ask the clinician who performed it when facial treatments can resume.

If you are pregnant

Device makers list pregnancy as a reason not to use their microcurrent devices. If you would like a facial during pregnancy, the RRYL Pregnancy Facial is a gentle facial for pregnancy: Bouchra uses products and techniques chosen for pregnancy. Please let us know you’re pregnant when booking, and check with your doctor if you have any concerns. Our guide Can you get a facial while pregnant? explains what changes in the appointment.

What it feels like

The current is very low-level. Medical News Today says microcurrent should not hurt when used correctly, and that people can go back to their normal activities straight afterwards. It lists tingling, discomfort and skin sensitivity among the effects people report. If anything feels uncomfortable during the facial, tell Bouchra at once.

What to expect afterwards

Be wary of anyone who promises a particular result. The same Medical News Today overview notes that there is little evidence on how effective, reliable or safe microcurrent facials are over the long term. RRYL does not promise specific or lasting results; how skin looks after any facial, and for how long, varies from person to person.

The Microcurrent Facial at RRYL

• 60 minutes with Bouchra Sfakes, one-on-one, in her private studio at 501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 707.
• Low-level microcurrent, applied over the face with a professional device.
• Listed at $250. Also available as a package of 4 or 6 sessions at the listed price per session; ask when you book or call the studio.
• In the booking calendar, choose the facial by name: RRYL Microcurrent Facial.

Read more on the Microcurrent Facial page. If you would rather have hands-on work with no device, the Gua Sha Facial is also 60 minutes with Bouchra, listed at $250.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a microcurrent facial if I have a pacemaker?
Device makers list pacemakers and other implanted electronic devices as a reason not to use microcurrent. Please speak to your doctor, and tell us about any implanted device when you book.

Does a microcurrent facial hurt?
It should not. Some people notice tingling. Tell Bouchra straight away if anything is uncomfortable.

Is this medical treatment?
No. RRYL Skin Spa provides cosmetic skincare services and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. For a skin condition, see a dermatologist. If breakouts are your concern, our guide Acne facial or dermatologist? explains the difference.

Sources

• US Food and Drug Administration: 510(k) K072260, NuFace Facial Toning Device (2007), indications for use
• NuFACE: mini facial toning device user manual (2016), contraindications and warnings
• Medical News Today: Microcurrent facial: benefits, risks, and results (medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, April 2022)