Isabel’s Blog #11: Micro-Current Equipment: Then & Now
#11: Micro-Current Equipment: Then & Now
HEALING ZONE WORLD distributes various kinds of aesthetic equipment including Microdermabrasion systems, Power Cupping units and L.E.D. masks. However, there is a lesser-known type that is incredibly effective called MICRO-CURRENT. This technology has a deep history and has been growing in popularity due to its ability to tone skin and the body.
The basic idea is that by sending electrical current to muscles of the face, it safely tightens and rejuvenates the skin. This promotes deep cellular regeneration which makes the skin healthier immediately after the treatment. It is a non-surgical option that creates a higher level of receptivity in the cells making it a great complement to use with other skin care therapies.
For 15 years I owned and operated the HEALING ZONE SPA & WELLNESS CENTER in New Jersey. There we focused on skin care therapies that also provided wellness benefits. I have always been impressed by the results our clients received. After treatments, their skin looked fresh, eyes were bright and many mentioned a feeling of clarity afterwards.
Antoniette Barnado (Co-Founder of YORA Skin Science) highlighted the connection between collagen and this technology in one of her blog posts:
"“According to a 1975 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, your skin's collagen content decreases by 1% every year. Microcurrent enhances your skin's adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which in turn, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis. As a result, this facial treatment helps to slow down and replenish the loss of natural collagen in your skin. Research has shown that microcurrent technology increases elastin production in the skin by a whopping 45% and collagen thickness by 10%. This is why the efficacy of microcurrent facials in reducing fine lines and wrinkles has been widely praised.”
What is Micro-Current Technology?
The facial muscles are the only muscles in your body that are attached directly to the skin. With age these muscles become weaker, and the skin begins to sag.
MICRO-CURRENT facials have been widely recommended by aestheticians and facialists to reduce and delay visible signs of aging. Given the low-voltage current (i.e. micro-current) that mimics the body's natural electrical current, it's a safe yet effective anti-aging treatment.
Due to the fact that current applied during therapy travels across the body's inner electrical systems, it also offers total body benefits. It is the direct focus of the waveforms that deliver specific results. The greatest benefit is when these treatments can be done in a series, yet still impressive results can be seen after one treatment.
Radiology Key summarized one important aspect very well: "MICRO-CURRENT creates a replenishing current to the cells that stimulate production of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). This leads to the creation and stimulation of structural proteins like elastin and collagen. Collagen is the main protein that helps generate a supportive cushion to help skin look fuller and more youthful."
In a 2016 interview with InStyle Magazine, Jennifer Aniston (People Magazine's 2-time "Most Beautiful Woman in the World") was asked about her anti-aging secrets, and she said:
"Many people 'lose perspective' and go too far with Botox and plastic surgery. Why would you want to atrophy muscles anyway? If you don’t workout, eventually everything drops. To keep skin taut and smooth, I swear by microcurrent facials. It’s like a little workout for your face."
History of Micro-Current Technology
- 430 BC - Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, notes the use of neuro stimulation among the ancient Egyptians which is supported by their artwork depicting neurological patients. There were Egyptian practioners who specialized in head diseases and were the first to describe the brain, migraine, epilepsy, strokes, head trauma, etc.
- 1830s - Dr. Carlo Matteucci develops MICRO-CURRENT and was able to prove biological tissues generated direct electrical currents. It was through his work in Bioelectricity that the healing and rejuvenating effects of this therapy were first recognized.
- 1970s - Chiense physician Dr. Thomas Wing introduces MICRO-CURRENT as a form of electrotherapy to the United States. He originally used it to treat Bell's palsy, a condition that paralyzes the facial muscles on one side of the face. He also discovered other skin benefits to his patients such as a smoother skin tone and a younger-looking visage.
Dr. Carlo Matteuci
Dr. Thomas Wing
Dr. Robert O. Becker
- Early 1980s - Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approves the first use of MICRO-CURRENT as a muscle stimulator in treating medical issues such as muscle rehab, spasms and increased mobility. The expansion of use into aesthetics would take longer to recognize.
- 1985 - Dr. Robert O. Becker, who is considered the father of electromedicine, published his book regarding the body energy system entitled The Body Electric which explained how Direct Current (DC) is an essential part of any healing process in the body.
- Present Day - Diamond® continues to be a leading manufacturer of this technology, and the FDA has remained very specific in its regulation of recognized uses in the world of aesthetics.
My Experience with Micro-Current Technology
I was first shown the uses of MICRO-CURRENT technology in 1996 by Ronald & Helen Greenberg. They had flown all the way from Australia to the Miami Esthetique Convention for a big meeting with me regarding their aesthetics company, Diamond®. I had already been researching the cellular connection between phytotherapy (use of plant-derived medications in the treatment of disease) and aesthetic equipment, so I immediately became intrigued by this new technology.
I saw how MICRO-CURRENT could work together with so many powerful aesthtic products to penetrate deeper into the cells, naturally expanding their potency. The meeting with the Greenbergs obviously went well because I soon became the President of Diamond Aesthetic Systems, and was tasked to introduce the technology to the United States aesthetic community.
The original unit I brought to the industry was the DIAMOND® MEDILIFT (1ST VERSION). It offered face and body treatments using a combination of lifting and tightening hand tools as well as electrotherapy pads for sculpting and toning. It used MICRO-CURRENT for the face, and a stronger Faradic current (an interrupted direct current with a frequency of 50:100Hz and a pulse duration from 0.1-1MS.) for the body.
Diamond® Medilift (1st Version)
Soon thereafter we added a basic face unit called the DIAMOND® DUOLIFT.
Diamond® Duolift
Next up was the DIAMOND® MEDILIFT (2ND VERSION). The original was a very powerful, effective unit designed primarily for medical uses. This updated equipment had a greater emphasis on aesthetic treatments, and a new current was specifically added to help break down adipose tissue (body fat).
Eventually around 2012 this unit was even approved by the FDA!
Diamond® Medilift (2nd Version)
Diamond® expanded to include two (2) more units in 2017 and 2018:
- DIAMOND® ULTRALIFT - a modern replacement to the Duolift.
- DIAMOND® MEDI SCULPT - combined this exciting technology with the sculpting benefits of Power Cupping.
Diamond® Ultralift
$4,000.00
Diamond® Medi Sculpt
$6,500.00
MICRO-CURRENT offers great support to many modern aesthetic therapies. By working to create a strong dermis, there is a more sustained environment for injectables, peels and other anti-aging treatments. It's effect on cellular regeneration and the natural detox of cells is unmatched. I believe its popularity has not even come close to peaking yet. This non-surgical option is a holistic alternative as a stand alone therapy, or as a support to other healing treatments. New innovations, such as home use devices, have only increased knowledge and awareness of its benefits.
The use of electrotherapy pads has always been associated with the application of current for medical uses. The evolution of this science in aesthetics has resulted in effective and innovative hand tools to deliver focused attention to the sensitivities of the face along with the muscles, intricate curves and structure of the face.
Check out the gallery below showing all the different MICRO-CURRENT HAND TOOLS:
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Diamond® Flat Disc Wand
$120.00 -
Diamond® Single Face Roller
$150.00 -
Diamond® Single Sphere Wand
$175.00 -
Diamond® Double Face Roller
$200.00
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Diamond® Body Roller
$300.00 -
Diamond® Toning Wand Set
$300.00 -
Diamond® Double Sphere Wand
$295.00 -
Diamond® Dual Prong Wand
$240.00
10 Benefits of Micro-Current Technology
- Releasing muscle spasms provides an immediate benefit in reduction of lines and wrinkles, as it allows the natural tone of the facial muscles to return.
- Removes adhesions in the muscle, allowing fine lines to recede and disappear.
- Lengthens the relaxed position of facial muscles, allowing the face to relax and no longer hold the skin in a position that will cause wrinkles.
- Stimulates the lymph to reduce facial puffiness and swelling.
- Lifts and tones the face for a fresher and more vibrant appearance.
- Reducates the muscles of the face and neck.
- Increases blood circulation to ensure essential ingredients reach the cells.
- Builds Collagen to support bones, muscles and connective tissue.
- Anti Inflammatory benefits that also help reduce redness and skin irritation.
- Fights Free Radicals that can degrade collagen proteins.
And videos usually speak louder than words, so here is the HZW training video for the DIAMOND® ULTRALIFT which shows this amazing tech in action...
