The science behind microcurrent devices like the NuFace for facial rejuvenation | Ask Doctor Anne

[@DoctorAnne]

Are you using microcurrent devices? If so, which one?

[@susovan97]

Hello Dr. Anne, thank you for your informative video (BTW, is the accent from Scandinevia (Sweden?)... just curious :) ) I'm a 38 year old male, and I started using NuFace Mini about 5 days ago with a hope to contour my face and tone my facial skin. I think I'm seeing an instant but temporary tightening of my face that lasts a few hours I'd think - I don't think it lasts for a day. I was using this at the highest setting for ten minutes once to twice a day. However, today (25/09/2022) morning I had an event to attend and so I went a bit overboard with it - I did for 15 minutes, and I started having dizziness afterwards that lasted about two hours, forcing me to change my plan and not attend the event :( It seems I'm not the only one, see e.g. this report on the FDA site - www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfmaude/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=5694397&pc=NFO. If you could, I'd greatly appreciate any potential explanation behind the dizziness. Is applying microcurrent (350 amp I think for NuFace) for 15 minutes too much so that it can alter the signals from the brain, causing dizziness? Also, I wrongly used it a few times on the middle of my neck, directly over the thyroïd gland, I'm putting a stop to doing this right away, but in what ways can microcurrent harm my thyroid glad and thus hormone productions? Thank you in advance, and sorry for the loaded questions - you could only answer at your own convenience :)

[@DoctorAnne]

@@susovan97 First things first: The accent is German, I am German and live in the southern parts here. Regarding your questions: Using the Nuface close to the eyes can lead to light flashes, which in some people prone to that might trigger a migraine, maybe that is an explanation for your dizziness. The microcurrent on the surface should not get deep enough to alter your brain waves, but as you feel the way you feel (or hopefully have been feeling, I do hope the dizziness passed) it might be a good option to see a doctor in person and talk about your concerns. The potential harm done to the thyroid gland through using the device directly over that area is also something you should discuss with a doctor as the hormones might need to be checked depending on the symptoms you have or start to develop, although I personally wouldn't be too worried. More than the current, massaging the thyroid gland for prolonged periods of time, as you do when you glide the device over it, might be uncomfortable for many people and lead to unwanted sensations.

[@waleskaaddams]

I LOVE the Myolift Mini. I can't wait to graduate from esthetic's school so I can get their more advanced microcurrent devices. BTW, I thought you were British, because that's how your accent sounds to me, lol. 💖

[@DoctorAnne]

@@waleskaaddams Thank you for that. My godmother is from London, so maybe I got a little influence there. Or I watched too many British films lol.

[@waleskaaddams]

@@DoctorAnne Hehe, that's cool!! 🇧🇪🇬🇧😊 One question: In the video you said that microcurrent is more effective done in the morning. Why is that?

[@lucillebluth1737]

Thank you for your honest opinion and research! I use the mini and like the results (plumper looking skin, eyebrow lift, I don’t think you need the ele for this area, I‘m late 39) It feels very good to have trust in somebody here, thank you!

[@DoctorAnne]

Thank you for adding your experience, that is really helpful.

[@melissastanton2789]

I love facts and it is super helpful to know more, but I have to add that I have been using foreo Bear for eight months now and the results are visible, I can see and feel lifted tone, easier make up routine and boosted confidence too

[@DoctorAnne]

That is amazing to hear. May I ask how old you are and if you had a lot of sagging before?

[@melissastanton2789]

@@DoctorAnne 34 and sagging kind of kicked in a short period of time 😐 Not sure why, I'm taking good care of myself

[@DoctorAnne]

@@melissastanton2789 Maybe genetics - how did the women in your family age?

[@melissastanton2789]

@@DoctorAnne gracefully 😃 and I do my best to live healthy, but I just needed some help and it works great for me. It is easy to use and safe..

[@DoctorAnne]

@@melissastanton2789 That is what counts.

[@MK-qf7mj]

Yes please show us your routine ⚡

[@DoctorAnne]

Noted.

[@annemuller4499]

I use microcurrent since about 5 years, since 3 years no office treatment but at home with the myolift mini. The first office treatments looked good but now I see zero benefits even though I do it every other day for 80 minutes. *I read today, that microcurrent even can cause fat loss in the face* What do you think about it?

[@DoctorAnne]

80 minutes a day? wow, that is a lot. I am not aware of fat loss through microcurrent, bt it can happen with radiofrequency and/ or ultrasound.

[@sherrybusche4075]

I'm using the mcsypoal microcurrent device and a gel specifically made for these devices but I am getting many shock like feelings! But when the gel dries it no longer shocks. Am I supposed to feel this feeling?

[@DoctorAnne]

I can't answer that as I don't know the device. But using it shouldn't be painful. Have you contacted the company?

[@RobertoRiosbiz]

You have Doctor Abs 0:54 saying don’t waste your time and Doctor Anne saying give it a go….. It’s so hard to make a decision when you have two professionals disagreeing.

[@DoctorAnne]

Doctor Anne also says: The foundation of a good skincare routine is not devices, so only give it a go when you a) will use it consistently, b) have the money to spare, c) are okay with subtle results: It is certainly not something everyone needs.

[@RobertoRiosbiz]

@@DoctorAnne I’m using the Medicube Booster Pro and Medicube Age R Usserra Deep Shot I live in New York I’m turning 62 I would normally pay the same amount for a facial worst thing that can happened is more circulation to my face and neck which is not a bad thing 🤣i’m also doing derma roller once a week plus tretinoin, every other day and as of now no filler or Botox.

[@DoctorAnne]

@@RobertoRiosbiz Okay, living in New York expensive surely means something else to you than it does to me living in Germany! I assume if you use the Medicube Deep Shot, you won't be seeing much additional effects with microcurrent. I have that one too and it made quite a difference (for an at home device at least).

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Dr Anne although these devices are super popular on youtube, I'm not really desperate to buy one. If I'm going to spend that much I think I would get a red light mask tbh - although neither are in my budget right now. I also think that I would struggle to use it consistently enough as I'm disabled and some days my body is so sore that doing my skincare is exhausting enough. It's not for me and my circumstances all in all. I think though if I was to invest in one, then perhaps the myolift is a better buy with different attachments for different areas etc. These skincare devices are interesting, but many are very time and labour intensive (as well as really expensive). I do use a retinoid and spf on my 50 year old fully menopausal skin, but I'm ok about getting older and having wrinkles - I have an expressive face that has smiled and laughed throughout my life (with a few frowns along the way). I just want to look like me and like I've made some effort with my appearance - not given up due to health issues etc. I am interested in whether you think it has worked for you and if you feel it's worth the money, but truthfully don't think it's something that would be for me. Best wishes.

[@DoctorAnne]

I will one day rank the different devices I have (I am testing a third one after the microcurrent and the LED one, apparently there are endless options) and as of now the LED mask would rank above the NuFace, just because it is SO much easier to use. It is a good thing that you can judge the commitment you are willing to make honestly, because I think many of these devices will end up as expensive clutter for people thinking thy'd be able to commit.

[@sanelajusufovic588]

Hi! Thank you for sharing. I wonder what your opinion is about the fact that no one talks about overworking muscles and those that actually need to be targeted and how to do that. I’ve purchased nuface fix and don’t want to overwork wrong muscles.

[@DoctorAnne]

I don't think that is an issue unless you have a preexisting spasm or something like that. But if you want to make sure you are working the right muscles, you could consult an anatomy book to identify the ones you want to target I guess.

[@taratata4723]

@@DoctorAnne hello is it possible to create marionnette lines by overworking the muscles responsible for them please ?

[@DoctorAnne]

@@taratata4723 The lines develop with time, gravity and movement, but the everyday movement your face does. Not the short stimulation from a device.

[@taratata4723]

@@DoctorAnne OK thanks for your answer !

[@DoctorAnne]

@@taratata4723 You are welcome.

[@anastasiazazulina6111]

Hello, Doctor Anne! What’s your opinion on Myolift? Though it is also a microcurrent device, it has two probes, which allow not only to train muscle but to relax it

[@DoctorAnne]

I have heard about it but not looked into it or tried it myself, so I don't really have an opinion. It sounds great though.

[@marthanguyen2533]

Bravo! Excellent information,

[@DoctorAnne]

Thank you!

[@maretabester9784]

My device name without any instructions. Could you please give instructions for the whole face. Thank you 🙏

[@DoctorAnne]

I have filmed my full routine to follow along here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYCsqJymnbKhhck

[@littlebear853]

I love your reviews.

[@DoctorAnne]

Thank you!

[@tulpenballerina]

I´ve got the Nuface too. Do you think it works on skin which is dempened with Face tonic or face Spray because I don´t find any gel respectively I don´t want ultrasound gel on my face.

[@DoctorAnne]

As long as it isn't an oil, then yes. It should be able to glide over the face and not be uncomfortable. Did you know that there is also spray-on conductive stuff for electrodes?

[@tulpenballerina]

@@DoctorAnne Thank you for answering my question!💜 No, it doesn´t contain oil. Spray-on conductive stuff - I didn´t know that!😃 Is it common to have a metallic taste in the mouth while using microcurrent divices? Could this have something to do with my amalgam fillings?

[@DoctorAnne]

@@tulpenballerina No, nothing to do with your fillings, it is a fake taste that you get through nerve stimulation. I do experience it sometimes too.

[@tulpenballerina]

@@DoctorAnne Interesting, thanks. I get that taste every time. 😝

[@DoctorAnne]

@@tulpenballerina I get it only occasionally, but almost all the time sizzling around my hair line.

[@CGLiz]

What gel do you use? I don't trust most Amazon products 😅

[@DoctorAnne]

Whatever is on offer, to be honest. Some have worked good, others haven't, so when I find one I like I buy a backup. The prorelax gel was the last one I liked and that worked well for me.

[@marleenscholte2738]

Dr. Anne what are you're personal findings? I got an Nu face 6 months ago and I'm using it 5 times a week I thought that I saw some improvement in sacking in my cheeks but seeing photo's from the holiday I'm not so sure that there is any improvement, sadly...would like seeing you using the Nu face.

[@DoctorAnne]

I think the results are very subtle and do not show up very well on camera, but I will share my personal before and after in my review.

[@Nany5312]

I love your accent, very beautiful

[@DoctorAnne]

Thank you. It is a German accent.

[@Okolominq]

Thank you for å critical review 😊

[@DoctorAnne]

You are welcome. Do you use any devices?

[@III-mu4yn]

Can this cause facial fat loss?

[@DoctorAnne]

Microcurrent does usually not cause fat loss, that is a risk with radiofrequency.

[@Basit759]

​@@DoctorAnne what is facial fat loss?

[@DoctorAnne]

@@Basit759 When your face gets slimmer because the fat cells are destroyed.

[@PenelopeRose238]

I'm selling my NuFace - PM me if you want to buy it. It probably works but I just never use it. Good point is that you have to enjoy using it enough to make a long term committment.

[@DoctorAnne]

That is the key point - it takes a lot of commitment to use it regularly. I hope you will find someone that wants to give it a go.

[@isabellavantichel4459]

Hi Dr Anne, thank you as always. I am using the Tripolar Stop Vx but mostly for the Radiofrequency option. It has a DMA (Dynamic Muscle Activation) option as well, which I think is the same as microcurrent. I use microcurrent less because it feels kind of prickly to my skin. Hearing about the benefits maybe I will try this again excluding my Masseter because I've had some botox done there. Btw I've tried buying a cheaper conduction gel for the session because the company gel is (in my opinion) overpriced for a conductive gel. (It's €35 for 100mL and it's basically glycerin with some preservatives and lots of fragrance.) But the alternative gel doesn't last long enough and dries up within 3 minutes and I need it to last 5. Do you have any recommendations for a nice conductive gel?

[@DoctorAnne]

No, I don't. The gels I use don't last as long either, so I apply them in sections.

[@isabellavantichel4459]

@@DoctorAnne thanks, I'll try that out :)

[@Sirvivhor328]

I'm so glad to have discovered this video Doctor Anne. Thank you so much for the thorough information. Based on what I've heard I'm not going to spend this kind of money on this device. Not looking for subtle results at this stage ;-)

[@DoctorAnne]

I am glad I could be of help. To be honest, most devices and products won't offer much more than subtle results.

[@victoriaxa]

❤️❤️❤️

[@DoctorAnne]

🙂