Frequently asked questions
How do facelifting devices work?
“ Depending on the technology, at-home devices may help improve the appearance of firmness, facial contours, and overall skin quality, particularly with consistent use,” says Dr. Engelman. “I view them as a complement to professional treatments rather than a replacement, and I always remind patients that subtle, cumulative improvements are the goal,” she notes. “In-office treatments can deliver energy at greater depths and intensities to stimulate collagen remodeling and address skin laxity, while at-home devices are designed to work more gently,” she adds.“For an at-home device, I think the most meaningful benefits are improvements in the appearance of firmness and skin quality that can be maintained through a consistent routine.”
What is microcurrent and what does it do?
Microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive cosmetic and medical treatment that delivers very low-level electrical currents through the skin to stimulate underlying muscles and tissues, notes a 2022 study. Electric currents stimulate the skin, tissue, and muscle for multiple benefits, including contouring, skin tightening, and a lifted appearance. The stimulation is using low to medium frequency, so the muscles, tissue, and skin require consistent use to see noticeable benefits. There are also nano and pico currents, which can work at the skin’s surface level, says Medina-Cleghorn. (Nano current is used cleverly in the ZIIP device.)
How do I use a facelifting device?
First and foremost, you’ll want to study the brand’s user guides and manuals to follow exact guidance. Secondly, you’ll most likely use a conductive gel (although not all devices require one), which allows the device to properly penetrate the deeper tissue and muscles. Another alternative to conductive gel is aloe vera gel, says Medina-Cleghorn. “It tends to dry down faster than the conductive gels that come with the devices, so keep that in mind that you may need to reapply or just apply to half the face at a time,” she says. No matter what gel you use, always apply it on clean, freshly washed skin so the device can penetrate the face properly. In the mirror, watch how you move the gadget, aiming for areas you’d like to target, like forehead and cheekbones. (This is why follow-along videos, like those in the ZIIP app, can be helpful, allowing you to use the tool precisely.) Follow the exact cadence and usage the brand recommends so as not to overwhelm or harm the skin.
Is stronger always better when it comes to a facial lifting device?
“My biggest advice is to prioritize consistency over intensity,” says Dr. Engelman. “Using a device more than recommended or at a higher setting than recommended won’t necessarily produce better results and may increase the risk of irritation,” she adds. “Follow the manufacturer’s directions, use gentle upward movements when appropriate for the device, and be patient because visible changes are often gradual.”
Also, remember that devices are only one part of a comprehensive approach to skin aging, says Dr. Engelman. “Daily sunscreen, a well-formulated skin-care routine, and realistic expectations are just as important for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin,” she says.
Do facelifting devices work?
The dermatologists we spoke with note that facelifting devices offered in office that feature radio frequency and high-intensity electrical stimulation have strong evidence of success. “When both RF and electrical stimulation are combined, there is a noticeable increase in muscle thickness in zygomaticus major, the large muscle that runs along your cheek. This creates a lifted, more youthful appearance,” says Maryam Safaee, MD, FAAD, an LA board-certified dermatologist and founder of ManeRx. At-home devices have more limited evidence, but improvement in skin resilience is noticeable. A 2024 study involving a multi-energy device that integrated microcurrent, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and low-level light therapy reported enhancements in wrinkle volume, skin elasticity, and hydration after an eight-week period, says Dr. Safaee. This particular study was done on a Korean skincare device that’s not currently offered in the States, so the jury is still out on whether these devices in the US provide long-lasting benefits versus temporary effects.
Can you use a device like this every day?
Check the instructions, says Dr. Safaee. “Most devices are not made to be used daily, but rather a few times a week,” she says.
What should you avoid doing when using a facelifting device?
Overuse. It’s best to follow instructions and stick to the allotted treatment times so as not to injure skin or cause irritation. Also, consult your dermatologist after an in-office treatment. “Avoid use for two weeks post-Botox and fillers, and don’t use on broken skin,” says Medina-Cleghorn.
We tested facelifting devices by evaluating their type, experience while using, and final results. Testers between the ages of 30 and 60 put about 12 devices to the test and narrowed it down to six that were the very best for lifting, sculpting, tightening, and boosting collagen. We evaluated their type, whether they had features like LED light, red-light therapy, or microcurrent features. The best ones were user-friendly and quick, and didn’t break our wallet. The ones that made the cut left our skin feeling smooth, more resilient, and firmer than before, and have become everyday staples in our respective anti-aging skincare routines.
- Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, esthetician and co-founder of RAQUEL New York
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue
- Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group
- Maryam Safaee, MD, FAAD, a LA board-certified dermatologist and founder of ManeRx
