Nowadays, skincare goes beyond just cleansers and toners, with a range of treatments that beauty enthusiasts use to enhance their appearance, from weekly facials to skin-plumping injections, fillers, and lasers. I've never ruled out Botox in the future, but after using a microcurrent-firming device, I don't think it's necessary.
Plug-in beauty gadgets are gaining popularity, from laser hair removal kits to LED face masks that address a variety of issues, from blemishes to glow, puffiness, and even gym-like toning devices. But what about devices that send microcurrents into the skin to help plump, tone, and lift?
For the past two weeks, I've been testing the Magnitone London Lift Off Microcurrent device, a non-invasive treatment on many shoppers' lists. And I've already started to see some surprising results. Similar to the £300 NuFace toning device or cheaper alternatives available at Boots, I've ditched the facial salons and tried out this at-home version for five minutes each day.
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Previously sceptical of just how effective these often pricey gadgets can be, it's fair to say I've been converted, especially since LookFantastic's Black Friday sale has reduced the price to a more reasonable £63 - down from £90. The side of the box claims that "results can be seen in just two weeks", although I started to notice mine after only a few days of use, reports the Mirror.
The most noticeable changes were a tighter jawline, under the chin, and cheekbones.
All you need is five minutes a day
The device is safe to use every day at home, but it would be slightly different if you were going to a salon and getting it done professionally, as the higher currents here have to be spaced out across weeks.
In full transparency, I've not had a microcurrent treatment done in a clinic, but I do feel as though I'd prefer the quick (and cheaper) at-home option. It's been easy to add to my nightly skin routine.
A step which I now do after taking off makeup and cleansing. You'll want a dry, clean face when using the device.
It's easy to add to your skincare routine
The Magnitone London Lift-Off device also comes with a Prepare + Glide Gel - as the name suggests this helps the device go across the skin and enhances the delivery of the microcurrent pulses. I think it's pretty normal to have an area on our face we aren't too happy with, you know the one place you fixate about even though it's likely no one has ever spotted.
For some it's their under-eyes and forehead lines, for me, it's under my chin. I've focused each day on the lower half of my face, and I found the microcurrents to be the most tolerable here. And it's a reason I've not done much around the eye area, it can be slightly painful in sensitive areas.
Results after two weeks
I took the above photo on day four to document how it was working, at this stage I had started to notice the skin around my cheeck bones and lower chin felt firmer to touch, although visibly at this stage there was little to notice, which certainly changed on day 13.
After using the Lift-Off for a fortnight, I snapped the below photo on day 13. Not only did I feel a difference in my face, but I also think it was visibly noticeable. As time goes on, this will become more apparent.
Even after a short period, I'm confident that these clever toning gadgets do make a difference... and I'll be back in a few months to share more. I'm eager to try it next on my forehead and around the eyes, although as previously mentioned, it isn't the most comfortable as it seems to be a sensitive area for me.
So, how does the microcurrent work?
The Lift Off device sends small doses of electricity into the skin (which you can barely feel), stimulating muscle contraction. Putting the scientific jargon aside, this essentially helps to strengthen and firm the deep muscles, making the top visible layers of skin appear more toned and plump.
Microcurrent beauty treatments are also said to boost blood flow and circulation, which helps to plump up and give the skin a healthier appearance. Alternatively, shoppers could look at the CurrentBody Series 2 LED Facemask or the new Shark CryoGlow Mask, which uses InstaChill Technology to help repair blemishes.
