Microcurrent Facial: What It Does and How It Differs From EMS

Quick definition: A microcurrent facial uses very low-level electrical current, measured in millionths of an amp (microamps), delivered through probes or a handheld device to the face. It is marketed for a more lifted, toned look. It is related to, but distinct from, EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), which uses stronger current to make muscles visibly contract.

What is microcurrent?

Microcurrent is a type of electrical stimulation that uses extremely small currents. Wikipedia's entry on microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulators (MENS) explains that these devices apply currents below 1 milliamp (mA), in the microamp (μA) range, through electrodes on the skin.

"a device used to send weak electrical signals into the body" — Wikipedia

For scale: one microamp is one-millionth of an amp, and one milliamp is one-thousandth. The same Wikipedia entry notes that TENS units, the familiar pain-relief devices, run in the milliamp range, making microcurrent roughly a thousand times weaker. Microcurrent is used in physical therapy settings as well as cosmetically, and at these levels many people barely feel it.

What does microcurrent do on the face?

In a microcurrent facial, a practitioner (or you, with an at-home device) glides two conductive probes along the face, usually over a water-based gel, following the direction of facial muscles. The current passes through the epidermis, which is why a conductive gel or serum is needed.

The theory, as summarized in Wikipedia's cosmetic electrotherapy article), is that low-level current passing through muscle tissue may influence cellular energy (ATP), muscle tone, and structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. That mechanism has not been firmly established in human skin. Cosmetic microcurrent is commonly described in the typical range of about 300–500 μA and marketed as a "non-surgical facelift."

It is worth being clear about where the evidence stands:

• Clinical research is limited. Many microcurrent studies are small, industry-sponsored, or combine microcurrent with other technologies, which makes it hard to isolate its effect.

• Combination devices show mixed results. A 2022 split-face study in the Thai Journal of Dermatology tested a home-use device combining radiofrequency, LED, and microcurrent on 24 participants twice a week for 8 weeks. The researchers found no statistically significant improvement in wrinkle size or depth, but did find statistically significant improvement in skin texture.

• Results, when seen, are generally described as temporary and dependent on regular use.

Microcurrent benefits: what people use it for

Commonly cited microcurrent benefits include:

• A more lifted or contoured look, especially along the brow, cheeks, and jawline

• A temporarily "toned" or refreshed appearance

• Smoother-looking texture

• A relaxing, low-sensation treatment with no downtime

Treat these as reported uses rather than guaranteed outcomes. Consistency matters, and so do realistic expectations.

Microcurrent vs EMS: what is the difference?

Both microcurrent and EMS are forms of low-level electrical stimulation applied through the skin, and both are used in beauty devices. They differ mainly in current strength and purpose.

EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), also called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), is defined by Wikipedia as:

"the elicitation of muscle contraction using electrical impulses" — Wikipedia

EMS uses pulses in the milliamp range, strong enough to trigger muscle contractions you can often feel and sometimes see. In physical therapy and fitness it is used for muscle training and rehabilitation. In beauty, an EMS facial aims to exercise facial muscles for a more toned-looking face.

What the EMS research says: A 2023 integrative review in Fisioterapia e Pesquisa searched multiple databases for studies on NMES and facial aging and found only two relevant publications. The authors concluded that NMES is theoretically promising but that there are no conclusive results on its clinical effectiveness for facial rejuvenation, and more rigorous studies are needed.

The takeaway: neither technology has the depth of evidence that, say, sunscreen or retinoids have. Both are best viewed as complements to a solid skincare routine.

Microcurrent and EMS in beauty and personal care

• In-office microcurrent facials: Performed by estheticians, often as a series of sessions followed by maintenance.

• At-home microcurrent devices: Handheld tools with two rounded probes, used with a conductive gel.

• At-home EMS devices: Often built into multi-function wands or masks, used over a toner, serum, or gel to conduct current.

• Combination devices: Many tools now pair electrical stimulation with LED light therapy, warmth, or massage.

Safety notes: Wikipedia's overview of cosmetic electrotherapy notes that people with pacemakers or heart conditions, and those who are pregnant, should avoid electrical stimulation treatments. Avoid use over broken or irritated skin, and check with your doctor if you have implants, epilepsy, or other medical concerns.

How Reseen fits in

Glow does not have a microcurrent mode. It has an EMS mode, which uses gentle electrical muscle stimulation, used over a toner or a water-based serum to help conduct current across the skin. Glow pairs this with VIPE™ precision light at 460nm blue, 660nm red, and 1064nm near-infrared, plus 108°F warmth and a gua sha-inspired glide.

Glow is designed for 5-minute sessions, 3 to 5 times a week, on areas like the forehead, crow's feet, smile lines, and neck, to help skin look firmer and more radiant. If you are specifically looking for microcurrent, Glow is a different tool. If you want EMS combined with light and warmth in one short routine, that is exactly what it is built for.

Frequently asked questions

What does a microcurrent facial do?

A microcurrent facial applies very low-level electrical current to the face with the goal of a more lifted, toned look. Evidence is still limited, many studies are small or test combination devices, and any visible effects are generally described as temporary and dependent on regular use.

Is EMS the same as microcurrent?

No. Both are low-level electrical stimulation, but microcurrent works in the microamp range and is often barely felt, while EMS uses stronger milliamp-range pulses designed to make muscles contract. They are marketed for similar cosmetic goals but work differently.

How often should you do microcurrent?

Protocols vary by device and provider. In-office treatments are often done as a series followed by maintenance sessions, and at-home devices are typically used several times a week. Follow the instructions for your specific device.

Who should avoid microcurrent or EMS facials?

People with pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices, heart conditions, or epilepsy, and those who are pregnant, should avoid electrical stimulation unless a doctor approves it. Don't use it on broken, irritated, or infected skin.

Browse every term in the Reseen glossary.

Sources

1. Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulator — Wikipedia

2. Electrical muscle stimulation — Wikipedia

3. Electrotherapy (cosmetic)) — Wikipedia

4. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Facial Aging: an Integrative Literature Review — Fisioterapia e Pesquisa, 2023

5. Efficacy and Safety of a Home-Use Combination of Radiofrequency, Light-Emitting Diode, and Microcurrent Device for Skin Rejuvenation: A Split-Face Study — Wanitphakdeedecha R, et al.; Thai Journal of Dermatology, 2022

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Reseen devices are cosmetic devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a skin or scalp condition, talk to a board-certified dermatologist.