Missing your regular microcurrent facial? Our Head of Partnerships, Emily, shows you how to tone and tighten skin with an anti-ageing facial you can do from the comfort of your sofa.
Since we’ve been at home more I’ve reignited my anti-ageing routine. It’s perfect because I can complete these treatments quite effortlessly while sitting on my sofa, watching TV or reading a book - with a drink in hand too of course!
This routine is particularly effective as it combines 3 different anti-ageing technologies. Combining different technologies is the optimum way to see the results you want, and there’s no better time than now to invest in your skincare regimen.
Target your eyes
The eyes are a telltale sign of ageing, so it’s good to deliver a targeted treatment to this area. I use the Nira Skincare Laser to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, it’s a handheld laser device that uses non-fractional laser to penetrate below the skin’s surface. The laser beam kick-starts the natural production of collagen without damaging the upper layers of the skin. It works by heating the skin to the point where dermal cells send out Heat Shock Protein Formation (HSP), stimulating the skin cells to rejuvenate and in turn, increasing the amount of collagen that is produced.
Collagen is the protein that is responsible for your skin’s elasticity and strength, so when this begins to deplete (which starts happening from around the age of 25!), your skin loses its suppleness and wrinkles start to form. So boosting the production of collagen is important to help retain a youthful complexion.
Laser devices in the past have been known to be very painful, but it's a completely painless procedure, the device has been developed so that the laser beam is fired into the skin just below the pain threshold. It’s non-invasive too and there’s no downtime either so it’s a treatment you can do any time of day.
Treatments only take 2 minutes so I’ve started using this twice a day to boost the results. I’ll use it once during the day and then again in the evening as part of my extended anti-ageing facial. My top tip is to leave the device out somewhere as a reminder to pick it up every day. For example, I leave mine at my desk and then I’m reminded to pick it up on my lunch break and do a quick 2 minute treatment.
Lift and tone
Now that I’ve targeted wrinkles I move onto lifting and toning my face with a microcurrent facial, using the NuFACE Trinity Facial Trainer Kit. Microcurrent facials are often referred to as the ‘natural’ facelift, think of them like a workout for your face. Microcurrent mimics the body’s natural current to improve muscle tone and strengthen the skin. It works by energising the facial muscles, stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin and erasing signs of ageing in the top layer. You can expect to see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus some skin elasticity will be restored which lifts and sculpts the complexion.
Before using any NuFACE device, you first need to prep the skin with a NuFACE Primer. It’s really important to always use a primer when completing your microcurrent treatments. Not only will it prevent any tingling sensations, it also provides optimal conductivity to boost your microcurrent results. NuFACE have a choice of a few primers, each with slightly different formulas for combating various skin concerns.
For example, I use the NuFACE 24K Gold Brightening Gel Primer. It’s enriched with Niacinamide and Licorice Root which help to combat other signs of ageing such as dark spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation. I also love this primer because it has a handy brush applicator which makes applying it really easy. You could also use an old (but clean of course) makeup brush to apply the primer.
So to start my microcurrent facial I do the 5-minute facial lift routine. I apply a thick layer of primer to the section I’m going to be working on, starting with the left side of my neck. I then switch the device on and select an intensity, I recommend starting low for your first few treatments until you're used to it. I slowly glide the device upwards until I hear the device beep, then I take the device a step up and repeat. I move the device a step up for a final time and then repeat the whole process on this area of the neck another two times, so I treat this area 3 times in total.
I then repeat this sequence of movements on my left cheek and then the left side of my forehead and brows. I'd highly recommend treating one half of your face first, as then you can see the instant lift compared to the side you haven't treated.
After repeating the process on the right side of my face, I'm now ready to move onto a more targeted routine. I’m focusing on the advanced 15-minute facial lift at the moment, which is really helping to sculpt and contour my face. It includes lifting and holding the NuFACE Trinity for several beeps to really contour areas like the neck, cheek and brows.
I’ve been using my NuFACE Trinity for around 5 years now, so I really know how to get the most out of my treatments with different routines. If you want to find out more about how to use your NuFACE device, visit our YouTube channel where you'll find lots of videos, like how-to guides and tips and tricks.
Once I’ve completed my treatment, I’ll then massage any remaining essence from the primer into my skin to reap the additional skincare benefits.
Boost collagen production
Finally I complete my anti-ageing facial with LED light therapy, using the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask. The mask combines Red and Infra-Red Light to penetrate deep into the skin, working below the skin’s surface to rejuvenate the complexion. Red Light stimulates the production of new collagen, calms redness and evens the skin tone. The Near Infra-Red Light works by increasing circulation, improving blood flow and boosting oxygen to the skin’s cells.
The flexibility of the mask ensures that the dual LED lights can penetrate every area of the skin, resulting in an instantly glowing complexion. To reap the long-term anti-ageing benefits, you only need to wear it for 10 minutes a day 3-5 times a week, to see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks.
I like to supercharge my LED treatment by using a CurrentBody Skin Hydrogel Mask underneath. It’s a gel sheet mask that has been designed to enhance phototherapy. The LED light is transferred through the mask, penetrating the skin directly and accelerating its results. You can even massage any remaining essence into the skin after treatment for extra firming power.
Apply the Hydrogel Mask to a thoroughly cleansed face, then apply the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask over the top. Turn the device on and then simply leave it on for 10 minutes. What I love about this mask is that it’s lightweight, flexible and hands-free, so I can get on with things around the house as normal. Although I normally just like to relax and read a book, or catch up with TV while I have 10 minutes to myself!
After 10 minutes the device will switch off completely. After I’ve removed the LED Light Therapy Mask and the HydroGel Mask, I massage any remaining essence into my skin which helps to boost the treatment and gives me a radiant glow.
This is definitely my favourite skincare regimen, I can see the results instantly and it doesn't feel like a chore when you can do it all from the comfort of your sofa!
