Microcurrent Masterclass: Lift, Sculpt and Glow Your Way to Great Skin
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by Arabella Roden & Iain Jeffery
Originally published on | July 15
MECCA HQ’s microcurrent device of choice? The NuFACE Trinity+ – if it features in the routine of ever-youthful Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, Margot Robbie’s makeup artist Pati Dubroff, and, reportedly, Bella Hadid herself, it’s good enough for us!
Naturally, we had to turn to NuFACE’s co-founder (and second-generation aesthetician) Tera Peterson for the lowdown on how it works to sculpt the face, and how she uses it for truly red carpet-ready, no-filter-necessary results.
"Microcurrent goes beyond the surface, down to the muscle... Think of it like 'fitness for your face'."
Tera Peterson
FaceTuning – without FaceTune: what is microcurrent?
“Microcurrent is a low-level electrical current,” Peterson explains, adding, “While traditional skincare only treats the surface, microcurrent goes beyond the surface, down to the muscle.”
While that might sound intimidating, microcurrent is non-invasive and pain-free. Instead, Peterson likens it to a toning workout or “gentle massage”: “Think of it like ‘fitness for your face’,” she laughs.
Because it works on the facial muscles, microcurrent is “ideal for those looking to sculpt, lift and smooth skin without downtime… Whether you’re 78 and hoping to address loose jowls or 28 and [wanting] to look snatched,” says Peterson.
For best results, Peterson recommends the “all-in-one, comprehensive, rejuvenating” NuFACE Fitness For Your Face 10/10 Facial Workout – which is guided by the brand’s app – “two to three times a week”.
Before she even picks up her NuFACE Trinity+ Complete Facial Toning Kit, Peterson starts with quick skin prep. She advises cleansing “with an oil-free cleanser” to remove dirt and debris, before “quenching with the NuFACE Supercharged IonPlex® Facial Mist” (“Hydrated skin conducts microcurrent better!”).
While optional, Peterson also recommends three to five drops of a water-based booster serum to further “target your treatment to your unique skin concerns”.
Next, it’s time to microcurrent! Key to using any NuFACE device is applying the activator – the Hydrating Aqua Gel. Peterson applies a “mask-like layer”: “This ultra-hydrating gel works to conduct the microcurrent, allowing it to travel from the device down to the facial muscles,” she explains.
Once the activator is applied, your lifting and toning ‘workout’ can begin. Not sure how fast each stroke of your NuFACE should be? It’s 10 seconds – and your device will guide you with a beep.
Peterson starts at her jaw, followed by her cheekbones and finally the brow, working each area in upwards motions. Make sure you glide slowly, with medium pressure, repeating each movement three times. Use the Facial Trainer attachment – that's the classic two-bulb shape – "or you can swap to the Effective Lip & Eye Attachment for more precision,” Peterson explains.
Want to amp up results? Hit the ‘Boost’ button to instantly define cheekbones and lift brows (this is a game-changer before special events!); don’t glide, just hold your microcurrent device under your cheekbone and on your brow bone to zap them into shape.
Finally, Peterson finishes with the Wrinkle Reducer Attachment, which uses LED light therapy for a “smoothing and radiance-enhancing treatment".
Expert tips from Tera
Alongside staying hydrated, like any skincare expert, Peterson has one non-negotiable: “Always use an SPF as part of your daily skincare routine! UV exposure is one of the main causes of skin ageing. These two steps, along with NuFACE treatments, will help you achieve smooth, radiant skin.”
And finally, “You can do your NuFACE routine whenever works best for your lifestyle,” she says, adding, “If you like to pamper in the morning, then that’s a great time to use your NuFACE. I love to do my routine while in bed at night because I find it extra relaxing.
“Whatever you decide, consistency is key to long-lasting results!”
