I Tried a Popular At-Home Microcurrent Device, and the Results Were…Interesting

What I Tested…

• Skin Gym Microcurrent Sculpt Bundle ($119)

Why I Tested...

How I Tested...

For about eight weeks, I used the microcurrent wand after washing my face at night, before applying my skincare, a couple of times per week. I took note of the ease of use and lifting effect, both immediately and over time.  

Test Results…

• Results. Let’s get this out of the way: I didn’t see the results I wanted out of this. I could detect a lift right after I used the wand, but that disappeared within a few hours. I wasn’t specifically expecting a professional-level snatch, but in order to add another step to my already-full skincare/maintenance routine, this would need to make a substantive difference in how my skin looked. The key to seeing results with any skincare device is consistency, but I was underwhelmed with what I saw to keep using it — unlike, for instance, my red light therapy mask, which is an overall more pleasant experience and genuinely transformed my skin within the first week of use.      

• Feel. Another reason why I kept putting off using this: I disliked the way it felt. Again, I’ve gotten microcurrent treatments in the past, so I wasn’t surprised by the weird feeling it gives you — the painless rubber bands snapping along your scalp, the lip twitch, the odd taste in your mouth. But the fact that I, not a professional, was wielding this tool in my own home…it just put me off.   

• Ease of use. On the plus side, this could not be easier to use, even for technophobes like myself. It’s very lightweight, has an ergonomic handle, and only one button to turn it on and off, and to toggle amongst the strength levels. The included conductive gel helps the tool glide smoothly over your skin. I also appreciated the included booklet that models exactly where and how to use it on your face — and that you only need to use it for five minutes. The one leg up it has on my RLT mask.  

• Price. At $119 for both the wand and conductive gel (or $99 for just the wand), this is the most affordable microcurrent device I’ve come across.

Sidenotes…

• Use cases. I don’t want you to be entirely put off by my experience. One of the main reasons I didn’t want to continue is because I’d feel more comfortable having this done in a professional setting, but this is a personal preference. Based on the affordable price and short-term effects, I do think this is a nice option for those who are interested in at-home microcurrent treatments who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars. It’s also a good option to have on hand for special events, since you can use it for a quick tune-up. I can see this coming in handy for a destination wedding, for example, especially since it’s so portable.

• Other options. If you are willing to spend extra on a higher-performance microcurrent device, try NuFace. One editor on our team has used it on and off for years and absolutely swears by it. She says that when you use it regularly, you see truly lasting results. Even when she’s less consistent with it, she’ll use it for as little as two days and start to see the lifting and tightening effects, so it’s a reliable tool for those special occasions.  

The Fine Details…

• Skin Gym Microcurrent Sculpt Bundle ($119)

• Comes with the Microcurrent Wand and Microcurrent Conductive Gel.