In the search for a technology that would compliment my approach to skin, I’ve been hesitant to jump on any band wagons and/or introduce high risk treatments that require a long recovery period. While in some cases, a more invasive approach may be necessary to achieve a result, my wheelhouse encompasses methods that harness the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself rather than shocking it or imparting a temporary fix.
My pursuit of a treatment that fits with my ethos has led me to microcurrent. This safe and effective technology provides age defying results that enhance the potent, professional formulations and therapeutic massage that are signatures of my treatments.
I love this technology because it is tried, tested and true – having been in use since the 1970s in disciplines such as physiotherapy for its tissue healing benefits. It is incredibly safe and doesn’t pose any discomfort or downtime. Read on to learn more about what microcurrent is and how it can benefit your skin!
What is microcurrent.
Microcurrent delivers a low intensity current into the skin and muscle tissue. Because of its low intensity, the current is subsensory, so there isn’t a physical or visible manipulation of the muscle tissue (side note/ bonus: there is no discomfort). During the treatment, electrical probes are placed at specific points to re-educate the muscles of the face. Methods are employed to either lengthen or shorten the muscle tissue depending on the desired effect. For instance, the cheek muscles that have become elongated can be shortened to reduce sagging and improve the definition of the jawline. Conversely, shortened muscles that lead to permanent expression lines can be lengthened to smooth out wrinkles.
In addition to the muscle re-education benefits, microcurrent has been shown to increase the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecule levels in tissue by 500%. ATP is known as the “energy of life” and drives a number of biological processes such as photosynthesis, muscle contractions/re-education, protein synthesis, and membrane transport. The idea that ATP can be stock piled or stored is the reason why microcurrent treatment results are cumulative and results become better over the progression of a treatment series. The increased ATP levels allow the muscles to stay in their new re-educated position for longer periods of time.
Microcurrent has also been shown to increase the density and thickness of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, as well as an increase in the number of blood vessels leading to improved skin firmness and skin tone.
The benefits of microcurrent for the skin.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improved muscle tone in face and neck
- Enhanced circulation
- Lift of jawline and brow
- Product penetration
- Smoother, firmer skin
- Hydrated and revitalized skin
- Improved elasticity
While a microcurrent treatment offers a perfect quick instant lift with results lasting up to two days, prolonged results are best achieved through a series of treatments. The number of treatments required will depend on age and skin condition. Here are some general guidelines for recommended treatment series:
- 20 – 30 years old: Quarterly treatments as a preventative measure to slow down the aging process
- 30 – 35 years old: An initial series of 6 weekly treatments with maintenance to follow every 8 weeks
- 35 – 40 years old: An initial series of 8-10 weekly or twice weekly treatments with maintenance to follow every 8 weeks
- 40 – 50 years old: An initial series of 10-12 weekly or twice weekly treatments with maintenance to follow every 6 weeks
- 50 – 60 years old: An initial series of 12-15 weekly or twice weekly treatments with maintenance to follow every 6 weeks
- 60 plus years old: An initial series of 15-18, ideally twice per week with maintenance treatments every 4 weeks
