Anyone who read my previous blogs will know that I am all about gentle, non-toxic, all-natural, plant-based skincare. Getting rid of harsh chemicals from my vanity and my bathroom cabinets has been one of the priorities in my journey from cancer to vibrant health.
There are however two additional modalities that I started incorporating into my routine recently: microcurrent therapy and micro-needling. Both therapies are non-invasive, there are no chemicals involved, and they are safely performed at home.
Let’s chat about microcurrent therapy.
There is a bit of initial investment in the tools but the cost pales in comparison to Botox or fillers or even the same therapies performed at a doctor’s office. And, neurotoxins like Botox come with their own set of downsides and potential risks, whereas microcurrent is completely safe and non-invasive.
The results are great: toning, sculpting, increased plumpness, more even skin tone.
So, if you’re looking to add an extra oomph to your skincare routine without resorting to the dermatologist’s interventions like Botox, keep on reading.
Willingly Electrocuting My Face
We are electric beings. Electricity has been used as a healing device for millennia since the use of electric eels some 2750 BC! Isn’t that amazing?
Luckily, we don’t have to use eels anymore to get the benefits of electric microcurrents nowadays. There are treatments offered in doctor’s offices and beauty salons. And – and this is my actual topic in this post – there are devices that let you perform a microcurrent facial at home.

What is Microcurrent Therapy
Microcurrent therapy as skincare has been discovered rather accidentally. Late in the 19th century, microcurrents were used to treat conditions that required muscle stimulation such as Bell’s Palsy.
Once the toning effects of the microcurrent on the face were noticed, the microcurrent for skincare was here to stay.
What Is Actually Happening During A Microcurrent Therapy Treatment
Basically, a two-pronged device attached to a source of electricity is placed on the face in strategic places. When the device is on, electrical currents start going back and forth between the two prongs.
And since the skin is between these two prongs, the microcurrents start stimulating the top layer of the skin and the muscle.
In order for the electricity to actually enter and stimulate the skin, a conducting medium has to be used. It can be as simple as aloe vera gel, a conductive gel used for ultrasound imaging, or a specific gel for face treatments with additional skin-loving ingredients.
The results of the treatment are immediate and cumulative. In other words, you’ll see a “lifted” appearance right after the treatment. And, when used regularly, the microcurrent therapy will show continued effects on the appearance and health of the skin – increased tone and glow.
What Are the Benefits of Microcurrent Therapy
There are a number of things that microcurrents can do for beauty. Many of the claims are proved by clinical studies specifically on the uses of microcurrents for skincare.
Here are the clinically proven benefits:
- lessening of wrinkles
In one randomized clinical study, the researchers found that microcurrent helps relax the wrinkles, especially in the forehead area.
The best results belonged to forehead 18.37% in first step (before and after treatment) and 21.18% in second step (after treatment and one month later)
Life Science Journal
- toning by muscle stimulation
- a natural lift
- promoting cell growth in skin
- collagen development in the dermis on the face
- tightening skin appearance
- improvement in the treatment of acne and infectious acne
- lessening of scarring
An important finding in this study was an improvement of scars, acne (especially infectious acne) and skin rashes in the face of subjects.
Consider of Micro-Current’s effect to variation of Facial Wrinkle trend, Randomized Clinical Trial Study
However, while it works well on an occasional zit here and there, people with chronic acne should proceed with caution as the current might stimulate more inflammation and do more harm than good.
That same study also points out over 70% level of satisfaction amongst the participants. That’s pretty impressive I’d say.

Who Should Not Use It
Microcurrents can be used by people of all skin types. It is considered safe and it is absolutely non-invasive with zero downtime.
However, there are a few contradictions to consider when going for a microcurrent treatment at a salon or using a home device.
Patients with pacemakers, metal implants, or who have open sores, such as severe acne, should avoid the microcurrent facial].
Healthline
Also, anyone with Botox won’t see much benefit from microcurrent as the muscles are literally frozen by the neurotoxin and so the microcurrent will not be able to stimulate them.
And pregnant or nursing mothers should consult their physician before using microcurrents as there are no clinical studies to demonstrate the safety of the device and the potential risks to the baby.
Microcurrent Facial at Home
Okay, so, as a skincare enthusiast, I had to try it of course. However, I was not willing to cough up over 200 USD per treatment at a salon.
Enter a home device! Of course, I realize that an at-home-microcurrent will not be as potent as one given in the controlled environment of a doctor’s office or a beauty salon.
But, I can use it as much and as often as I wish. Comparing the costs, I would get less than two salon visits for the price of the at-home device. The math was easy!
At-home beauty devices – including high-tech gizmos – have been touted by beauty specialists and skincare experts for a while. But I have not tried anything beyond micro-needling, my jade rollers, and the rose quartz gua sha.
When Christmas sales hit the market, I bit the bullet and got myself the ZIIP device – which is FDA approved and beloved by celebrities and regular folk like me alike.
Best Microcurrent Device
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I got a chance to try two other at-home microcurrent machines that my friends have, but for me, the ZIIP device is really the best microcurrent facial device.
I have to say, this little device is a marvel of technology. It fits in the palm of your hand, it operates on a Bluetooth connection, and it connects to multiple facials and targeted treatments.
Also, the treatments are of varied length and intensity so I can pick whatever suits me on a given day. It is recommended to alternate between the treatments, so I can do eyes and forehead one day, and lower face on another, and a full-face-energizing treatment on still another.

Here is why I think ZIIP is the best microcurrent device on the market:
- Multiple treatment options to choose from
- Varied intensities
- Bluetooth connection to your phone
- Battery-operated
- Long-lasting battery
- Comes with conductive gels that have some amazing ingredients in them like gold or crushed pearls, peptides, hyaluronic acid, growth factors, and more
- Comes with amazing support and knowledge base on their website
Here is a video of a bit of one of my sessions. Check below to see the before and after photos.
Results
I’ve been using my ZIIP for a month now, every other day. I can report:
- diminished wrinkles on my forehead and the crows feet around the eyes
- less sagging around the jowls
- better jaw definition
I used it on an occasional pimple and maskne, and a few blemishes disappeared after one or two uses. A more pronounced blemish dried up much faster than usual.


The Final Word
I can understand that the ZIIP device might seem pricey at 495 USD. Surely it is on the expensive side!
But, if you consider that the salon treatments can cost upward of 250 USD per 30-minute treatment and you need a series to see lasting results, the math starts making sense.
I love my ZIIP and will keep using it. Not that I care so much about aging, but I want to age gracefully and if there is a technology to help me achieve it, then I’m all for it!
If you’re interested in getting your own ZIIP device, go here and use the code GETZIIP to get $50 off!

Before you go, check this out:
I had never heard of this before I read your post, intriguing concept. Now that I am 50+ I am always on the lookout for skin enhancing treatment.
I hear you! I’ll be turning 53 in a couple of weeks and I’m definitely in need of all the natural help I can get. Clean skincare and a few high-tech, safe beauty devices can make so much difference.
Watching sagging and wrinkles appear sometimes is a little hard to bear and hoping they don’t get worse. I don’t do the botox and never will, so I am glad to read an article for an alternative that obviously works because your before and after pictures show results.
Thank you! I’m with you on Botox. Too many unknowns I think, and I would not enjoy that frozen look anyhow.
Have you continued to see a difference? I would love to have something like this at home.
Yes, I definitely think so. Especially in my forehead area (the 11 lines) and the jowls. I was starting to see that turkey neck showing up but the device is really helping to keep it at bay.
Wow. I could see such an amazing difference between the before and after effect.
Yes, that zapping really gives an instant lift.
interesting product, Ive seen a few microcurrent devices but skeptical which one to use thanks for all these informations
I was on the fence too and research a couple that were FDA approved and this one really seems to be the best.
I’ve heard of Ziip before and its benefits. I see why it is a good investment in the longer run. Something to consider when I am asked “what do you want for your birthday”!
That’s exactly what I did for Xmas! Beats a blender or food processor as a gift from hubby, lol!
I have never heard of microcurrent therapy, and I’m a dermatology nurse! What an interesting idea, I’m definitely going to look further into this! Thanks!
Yeah, my derm offers it in his office but it’s really pricey. The home device is a much better option:)
Wow! I’m definitely thinking this will be my next “splurge” item! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge!
I know it’s a bit pricey but really worth the splurge. Enjoy!
This is interesting. I just heard about micro-needling but had no clue what that is about. The microcurrent sounds like something I should do and have looked at the device you recommend.
I hope you’ll like it as much as I do.
interesting post!
this is interesting heading towards my 60+ years of life…will definitely be considering this thank you again for such a thorough review…
It’s definitely worth trying:)