Endless Beauty sat down with Austin-based Esthetician, Natalie Seguin, to find out about Microcurrent, the latest pain-free technique to achieve younger looking skin, commonly referred to as "the non-surgical face lift".
Microcurrent is a technology widely used and supported by over 30 years of research. Clinicians first used Microcurrent in the Medical and Physiotherapy fields treating Bell's palsy, TMJ, bone fractures, and more. Microcurrent, more specifically, is an electronically controlled current that can alternate between negative and positive controlled by a frequency. A Micro Amp is a measure of current otherwise known as (one millionth of an amp).
During treatment, a series of manipulations are preformed on the face resulting in a more contoured and lifted effect. The skin is able to be sculpted into a new position and the increased Elastin, Collagen, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), allow the skin to hold that position for longer. The body's ATP grows with every session and becomes stronger each time. In 1982 Dr. Ngok Cheng revealed that the Microcurrent increased levels of ATP, or cellular energy, promote ion transfer through cell membranes, and release amino acids from damaged cells. These are all key factors in repair at a cellular level.
The effects with the Microcurrent are cumulative, therefore a series of treatments is recommended. Because the Microcurrent stimulates circulation more oxygen is available to the skin and increases cellular turn over. This in turn restores a healthy, youthful appearance as well as restoring firmness with increased fibroblast activity (collagen) and delays premature aging.
Microcurrent is a safe, painless procedure as the current works best at a sub-sensory level. A client can expect to feel a slight "buzzing" or "tingling" in the skin that can be quite relaxing. Microcurrent can also benefit other surgical procedures as it promotes the healing process and reduces scar tissue.
Benefits of Microcurrent are vast. Expect improved circulation, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, reduction of sagging on the neck and improved firmness of the skin. Microcurrent stimulates cellular metabolism by increasing the production of collagen and elastin, assists in the treatment of acne, and reduces puffiness in the face and around the eyes. Microcurrent is also used for lymphatic drainage and is sometimes used for post surgical facelifts to extend the preservation of said procedure.
Being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to anti-aging is always good! One can begin treatments from the ages 20-30. This is usually a more preventative treatment to slow the aging process. However, depending on the amount of skin damage, a minimum of 10 treatments is suggested from ages 20-40, and more may be done depending on the desired result of the client. For clients that are 40 and older 15-20 treatments are suggested. Usually doing two sessions a week for the first 10 treatments is recommended for best results. Microcurrent slowly builds so the effects are cumulative and a series is therefore suggested. There are many factors to consider such as age, skin damage, etc. and each client will respond differently. Maintenance treatments may be done once a month to every three months or longer depending on individual clients needs.
Natalie Seguin is an Austin-based Esthetician currently working at Castle Hill Fitness. Castle Hill spa offers great skincare treatments and organic products.
