NuFace Microcurrent Facial Device Review – my before & after

I’m obsessed with beauty gadgets and NuFace has been on my wishlist for a while. I must say that I barely knew the benefits of the device – I know, shame on me – but I couldn’t help myself when I had a chance to buy it with a great discount during a Space NK sample sale two years ago. I also bought the two attachments because you know, I couldn’t miss that opportunity – of course, I’m being ironic right now, you know how our brain works, right? Truth to be told, I put the boxes somewhere and I was always lazy to start to use it. I remember that, at some point, I thought that I should probably sell everything and trying to get some part of my money back. I’m glad I didn’t. And today I’m gonna share my results and my opinions with you.

What is NuFace?

NuFace is a microcurrent device. Ok, what is a microcurrent? Microcurrent is a clinically tested therapy treatment, and one of the hottest innovations in the anti-aging industry. It is used in top spas and medical offices for facial contouring, toning and firming of aging skin. Microcurrent is a low-level current that mimics the body’s natural current, while also providing both instant and cumulative anti-aging results. Because microcurrent works sub-sensory, the treatment is soothing and most clients feel nothing at all.

Microcurrent is capable of facial stimulation, sending soft, gentle waves through the skin, tissues and down to the facial muscles. Microcurrent has been shown to increase ATP concentration and protein synthesis while promoting amino acid uptake. ATP is known as Adenosine triphosphate which drives the creation of key structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin, and is the biochemical way to store and use energy. Collagen makes up one-third of a total protein and its auxiliary job can be promptly valued by its bounty in skin, tendon, bone, and cartilage. Elastin provides the recoil necessary in tissues such as skin, and certain ligaments. This increased ATP also energizes the facial muscles, similar to how exercise energizes the muscles of our bodies. Unlike anywhere else on the body, the facial muscles are directly connected to the skin, so the result of energizing the muscle is often an improved, lifted appearance.

You can try microcurrent at some spas, where the treatments are more intense and also using the at-home versions. The device can be used to help get a better definition in the jawline and firm the skin, but it’s not going to happen right away.

My experience

Last May, after keeping avoiding opening the box and assembling the device, I finally decided that it was time to start my treatment. Remember that I have the NuFace Trinity, the NuFace Fix, and the Wrinkle Reducer and Effective Lip & Eye Attachments

After charging the device, I searched for videos on Youtube about NuFace, to learn more about how to use it and see some results. For me, it was like a motivation, because I found a lot of positive videos and I then I became really excited to start my treatment. Below, I link some of the videos I’ve watched:

So, let’s start with my routine. As I mentioned, I had no idea of the benefits of NuFace, and I had no idea about how to use it. So, I was very surprised when I was reading the instructions and I found out that you need a gel in order to use the device. My NuFace, came with a gel, but because I kept stored for TWO years, of course, it was not good to use it anymore. Just so you know, using a gel allows the microcurrents to penetrate deep into the muscle beneath the skin, toning and tightening up the contours of the skin. If you don’t use the gel, the currents would simply bounce off your skin (and the tiny electrical shocks would be very uncomfortable!). So, yeah, that’s it, you need the gel.

The NuFace Gel Prime is U$14 (2fl) – it is not super expensive, but either way, I wanted to find another option. And, of course, Google saved me, lol. One of the most popular dupe products for the Gel Prime is pure aloe vera gel and I found a lot of great reviews about it. So, I bought a big bottle from Amazon, and then I finally started my treatment. (Still, I prefer the NuFace gel, lol)

First of all, I have to tell you: remember to take pictures of your “before”. Trust me: you will regret it if you don’t do it. In fact, this should be something that we do every time we start a new treatment at home. Let’s get back to my routine: as I mentioned, I bought some attachments as well, which I’m gonna talk about later. As a beginner, I start my treatment following the simplest routine, which is demonstrated in this video. I didn’t apply to my neck. Before this, I also applied the NuFace Fix on my laugh lines. I started my treatment on May 22nd and on July 6th these were my results, using it every single day.

I took more than one shot for the after picture because it is so hard to find the same angle! Plus, it is good to remember that I was also using 10% Niacinamide Serum Booster from Paula’s Choice – hence my even skin tone. So far, I think these first results were very impressive. And I have to tell you: that’s why the “before” pics are so important because you are not gonna notice the changes in your daily routine. I think my skin looks firmer and the jawline is more defined, plus, I think the laugh lines are smoother as well.

Just so you know, this was my routine:

• Cleansing;
• NuFace routine; then washing off the gel
• Following by toner, serum, and moisturizer.

I know it sounds like a lot – and I’m not gonna lie: it is. But, I always do my skincare routine while I’m watching a TV series. For me, it works!

Next steps

After my first results, I’ve decided to start using my attachments. But I got a little bit confused on how to combine the attachments and my two devices, so, I found out that NuFace was offering virtual consultations and I scheduled one, so I could learn more about it. Kelly, the NuFACE Aesthetician, was really kind and helped me to figure out the best routine. Some of her tips:

• The NuFace Fix microcurrent is very low, so, you can’t overuse. She suggested that I would use it in the morning or maybe before makeup;
• She also showed me how to use the Effective Lip & Eye Attachment – on my brows and undereye area, plus the mouth area, always applying the gel;
• So, my routine would be: using the Effective Lip & Eye Attachment + the default attachment, following by my skincare routine.
• She also showed me how to use the Wrinkle Reducer, but I must confess that I didn’t start yet.

Since the beginning of July, I’ve been using the Effective Lip & Eye Attachment every day as well and I noticed that it lifts my brows! I love the effect! Also, because of the consultation, I got a $25 credit to use on NuFace website and I purchased a Primer and I have to tell you: the consistency is much better than the Aloe Vera gel – but either way, I’m not planning to buy more lol. And it lasts a lot: almost two months!

Another option: BEAR from Foreo

FOREO, one of the world-leading brands when it comes to beauty gadgets, also offers a microcurrent option. BEAR™ from FOREO is the world’s first FDA-cleared medical microcurrent device with Anti-Shock System™. The device combines anti-aging microcurrent tech with T-Sonic™ massage to safely & effectively train & tone the 65+ muscles in the face & neck. According to the brand, BEAR™ helps improve facial contour, sagging & the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles in just 2 mins. The device is more compact compared to NuFace.

BEAR™ offers an ultra-wide range of 10 microcurrent intensities, allowing you to personalize your facial workout routines perfectly to your preferences, for each area of your face & neck. I’m currently testing BEAR and I’m gonna publish a review soon – stay tuned! The microcurrents alternately tense and relax muscle fibers and the result is a lymphatic drainage cumulative effect. The skin vessels are in good shape again, the skin texture is evened out, and swelling is reduced. Also, microcurrents give a lifting effect, smoothing wrinkles, and tightening the oval of the face.

The best result will be noticeable if you use this device every day for 14 days. I’m currently testing this device – so stay tuned for my review!

My opinion

NuFace is a high investment – and, as every skincare routine, you need to be consistent in order to see results. Plus, keep in mind that it is like a workout – you can’t stop. The brand recommends that you use the device every day during the first two months, and then you can use it 3 times a week. Remember: we are aging, every day. As I said, it is a workout – for the face. If you are used to working out, you will accept this fact, lol. For me, it works like this: I would rather use a device like this than spending a lot of money on facials and invasive treatments. I know that it is not the same – but I think it can be very effective if you are really disciplined and take care of your skin! Also, it can be very helpful if you read more reviews and also watching some videos on Youtube so you can make your decision! I’m very happy with the results and I wanna start using the Wrinkle reducer soon – I can update this post later!

Laura Peruchi

Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!