Style Test Drive: NuFACE Microcurrent Facial Toning System

I was first introduced to NuFACE, the only FDA-approved at-home microcurrent facial toning device, at the Beverly Wilshire's pre-Oscar poolside soiree a few years back. It is continually demoed at the annual bash, but I never actually had the chance to try it out because there's always such a long line. Now, I understand why.

After connecting with the publicist for the technology at a skincare launch this past summer, where women were once again clamoring to experience NuFACE, I had the fortunate opportunity to avoid the enormous queues and take home the product so that I could witness the anti-aging effects for myself.

The results were astounding, but the application was initially a bit scary. Electrical stimulations? On my face? Without the help of a certified professional? Scary!

The system has three components. There's the Conducticity Gel that you apply to clean, dry skin; the battery-operated NuFACE device that emits low-level electrical microcurrent impulses as you glide it over the contours of the face; and the Optimizing Mist that you spritz on after washing off the gel at the end of the five-minute process.

It's recommended that you use NuFACE on one side of the face (and neck) for comparison purposes. But, for me, that suggested technique was might have been necessary because the left side of my face was extremely sensitive to the electrotherapy. There's a thumbwheel on the gadget that goes up to "8," which allows you to choose the level of frequency that you're most comfortable with. Well, the left side of my face could only tolerate a "2." Anything higher and the facial stimulation felt too prickly. Plus, a setting of "3" and up caused me to see flashes of light from the corner of my eye. Needless to say, I was freaked out. I stopped the treatment and noticed my left cheek was a bit red. That went away after a few minutes. Lesson learned. I stuck to "2" and everything went smoothly. The right side of my face, however, could go up to a "6" and was easier to work with. Go figure.

Right after using NuFACE, my skin instantly felt tighter and firmer. It was as if I had just gotten a facelift! I sprayed the Optimizing Mist, which is intended to hydrate, at the end as instructed, but it dried out my sensitive and normally dry skin, so I took that out of the routine. The unbelievable, pinch-me results came the next morning. My face looked more youthful. It was not only incredibly radiant, but plumper! It was hard to believe the face staring back at me in the mirror was my own. I couldn't help but think that NuFACE was worth it's $325 price tag.

The results only got better with continued daily use (once a day and five minutes is all it takes). It's definitely important to be consistent, because skipping even a day is a giant step back in the reversal of the aging process.

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