The Role of Piezoelectricity in Microcurrent Devices: Generating Electric Fields for Skin Toning

Are you looking for a non-invasive skin treatment that will give you a facelift? Microcurrent facials are the buzz and have proven effective in toning and lifting the skin. 

Using current for skincare may sound intimidating; however, it is a non-invasive treatment compared to a surgical facelift. The device uses weak electrical signals to target the muscles and skin for rejuvenation. 

It may potentially reduce the visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and dullness. Keep reading as we discuss the science behind microcurrent and how it may be an effective anti-aging solution. 

How do Microcurrent Devices Work?

Microcurrent devices work on low-level electrical impulses. These impulses reach the skin cells deep and stimulate the facial muscles. In addition, the treatment enables the cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which has regenerative properties. It acts as a food source for the cells to repair and revive the skin. 

The goal of using microcurrent is to take care of the skin at a cellular level. Thus, the stimulation of cells and tissues leads to more collagen formation. Collagen is essential as it holds the skin structure together and keeps it tight. 

The microcurrent is delivered to the skin surface using a wand passing current at a very low level, so it does not hurt even a little. In addition, there's no downtime or side effects during or after the treatment.

This device contains electrodes that are electrically operated, battery-operated, or solar-chargeable. Essentially, the current is like a workout for the skin muscles, resulting in electrical building up muscles in the face and toning the skin.

For the microcurrent facial effect to be permanent, you must be consistent, just like any other skincare regime. The results may vary depending on the type of wrinkles and fine lines. The earlier you start, the better it is when you notice signs of aging. 

Piezoelectricity in Microcurrent Devices

Piezoelectricity is the type of electric current derived from asymmetrically lumped crystals. The structure of these crystals is not symmetrical; however, they exist in a neutral charge state. 

When mechanical pressure is applied to these piezoelectric crystals, they create small currents as they are good conductors. This reaction is interchangeable. On applying current to the piezoelectric crystals, they convert electrical energy into mechanical energy by expanding and contracting. 

These crystals are placed between metallic plates that work as good conductors to derive electric current. Mechanical pressure acts on the plates, passing through the crystal to balance the charge. The negative and positive charges are released from either side of the crystal. 

Skin Toning with Microcurrent Therapy

Microcurrent facials' consistency helps tone the skin, build collagen, and tighten the muscles underneath our skin. Surface-level skincare works just on the outer layer. As we have over 30 muscles on each side of the face, microcurrent adds an extra boost to the cells. 

Microcurrent wands on the face encourage the muscles and cells to repair faster with ATP and fibroblast formation, which are essential for collagen production. 

In a study, microcurrent was used to promote wound healing in the skin. Microcurrent dressing (MCD) was used for advanced wound healing solutions. Twenty-two subjects were given microcurrent therapy in the lumbar region inflammation. 

Ultraviolet irradiation was used to create this inflammation in the skin before microcurrent therapy of an intensity of 50 μA. It was noted that the skin healed at a rapid rate in comparison to standard wound dressing. 

Electric current therapy also has inflammation-reducing effects as the positive polarity counterbalances the negative charge of the wound. In another test, the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were neutralized using the current's positive nature.

Another benefit of microcurrent is that it encourages blood circulation in cells and tissues. This enables wound closure and quick healing by extending and bifurcating capillaries. The exact response was studied in the in vitro mature endothelial cells.

Microcurrents also stimulate granulation via an increase in collagen. The granulation in the tissues creates fibroblasts to secrete more collagen protein for skin rejuvenation. As we know, microcurrent plays a significant role in the fibroblast release. Fibroblast migration and protein synthesis occur when wounds are exposed to 40 to 200 mV/mm of the electric field. 

In a study regarding healing, gene expression was compared to dermal fibroblasts, which were exposed to a 100 mV/mm electric field for 1 hour. The result of the study was an increase of 162 transcripts, and a decrease of 302 transcripts was observed. 

In addition, a 50-300 μА current led to collagen synthesis when applied to a 0.3 mm excisional wound. Therefore, the current application implies a massive role in fibroblast activity in the cells. 

Benefits of Microcurrent on Skin

With consistency, your skin may benefit significantly from microcurrent therapy.

Muscle toning

Microcurrents tone muscles underneath the skin and offer an overall toning effect. It lifts the muscles without causing any discomfort and pulls the skin together, making it more flexible yet tight.

Tightening and lifting

With age, the skin may get saggy and have a downward droop. Collagen production and muscle toning enhance the facial structure, leading to a tight and lifted look. 

Increased cell turnover

As seen in wound healing, microcurrent will create more fibroblasts to heal and rejuvenate the skin by increasing cell turnover. The body has its bioelectrical processes for each function. Hence, delivering a microcurrent to the skin will encourage the cells to multiply quicker. 

More collagen and elastin

Collagen is crucial for the skin to appear firm and younger. With the increase in collagen and elastin synthesis, microcurrents are ideal for anti-aging. Moreover, it may delay the formation of new wrinkles and fine lines. 

Smooth texture 

If your skin has texture and bumps, microcurrent facials may reduce the texture due to photoaging or acne breakout. This pain-free facial will improve the overall appearance of the skin. 

Reduced fine lines and wrinkles

The ATP in the skin cells may produce more collagen and elastin, diminishing the appearance of existing fine lines and mild wrinkles. Besides collagen, ATP helps the skin retain moisture, giving you a radiant and even-toned complexion.

How to Use Microcurrent Devices for Skin Toning?

You'll find several microcurrent devices in the market or professional-grade therapy at a dermatologist's clinic. The technician will inspect your skin and suggest the right treatment course. You may not see instant results as cellular activity is not visible. Thus, you'll need a few sessions to see improvement in the skin. 

At-home microcurrent devices are excellent for those who wish to eliminate the hassle of constant scheduling and clinic visits. Try the EvenSkyn® Phoenix Face Lifting Microcurrent Bar, designed to deliver massage to the face and the neck.

It has four alloy rollers to give a deep-kneading massage to the skin. The bar has a sturdy metallic body and an ergonomic handle to glide it across the face. You do not need to charge the device as it is self-charging using light or solar power. It charges in just half an hour of light exposure and generates a 15uA microcurrent.

Begin the treatment by washing your skin to remove any moisturizer or makeup. Use it in a well-lit room for 15-20 minutes per area. You may use it on the face and neck, targeting the eyebrows, forehead, cheeks, jawlines, and mesolabial folds. 

Wrapping Up

Now you know how to retain the youthful glow without invasive surgeries. With the advanced use of technology, skin care has become convenient with at-home devices. The piezoelectric microcurrent devices will rejuvenate your skin and lift facial muscles. Massaging your face with a microcurrent wand may give you a facelift by bringing blood flow to the skin and increasing collagen formation. You may start slow at first and see how your skin responds to the therapy. Increase the frequency of the microcurrent therapy as your skin becomes more used to treatment.  

References: 

1. Aton M Holzer, Richard D Granstein. "Role of extracellular adenosine triphosphate in human skin." 2004 May 3.
2. David M. Reilly, Jennifer Lozano. "Skin collagen through the life stages: importance for skin health and beauty." 2021.
3. Jiechen Zhang, Wei Hou, Suying Feng. "Classification of facial wrinkles among Chinese women." 2017
4. B. Chandra Sekhar, B. Dhanalakshmi, B. Srinivasa Rao, S. Ramesh. "Piezoelectricity and Its Applications" September 8th, 2021.
5. Katherine E. Westbrook; Trevor A. Nessel; Marc H. Hohman; Matthew Varacallo. "Anatomy, Head and Neck: Facial Muscles." September 19, 2022.
6. Chao Yu, Zong-Qian Hu, corresponding author, and Rui-Yun Peng. "Effects and mechanisms of a microcurrent dressing on skin wound healing." November 2014
7. Mary K. Dick; Julia H. Miao; Faten Limaiem. "Histology, Fibroblast" May 2023.