The Evolution of Microcurrent Therapy

The first microcurrent instrument was introduced in the late 1970s by Dr. Thomas W. Wing, a pioneer in the development of microcurrent therapy. During the 1980s, physicians began using microcurrent to treat patients with Bell's Palsy, a neurological condition that causes facial paralysis, and received the first FDA approval. Doctors found that using microcurrent could help re-educate the muscles and reverse the drooping of the face. It also became an effective physical therapy tool, as microcurrent aids in healing injured tissues and provides pain relief from chronic conditions.

At the time of inception, technology was limited, and the equipment used was bulky and expensive. However, as developments were made, microcurrent treatments became more accessible, and the equipment became smaller and more affordable. By the 1990s, it had worked its way into the cosmetic industry and, over the last few decades, has advanced beyond the treatment room and into the comfort of your own home!

While most skincare products care for your skin from the outside, microcurrent focuses on improving the skin from within for a holistic approach. Simply put, it is a non-invasive treatment involving low-level electrical currents that mimic the body's electrical pulses, increasing ATP (or the cell's energy), encouraging collagen and elastin production, and moving lymph to help reduce the signs of aging.

Like all living things, our bodies are full of energy that depletes over time. Microcurrent helps slow this process and keeps your skin looking healthy and vibrant.

As I mentioned, I have seen firsthand how underutilized microcurrent therapy is. Often, folks aren't adequately educated on using the devices and may be discouraged by their lackluster results. While dreaming of a more advanced at-home microcurrent device, I met Pooja Johari, founder and creator of 7E Wellness. Highly accredited, Pooja has a master’s in biomedical engineering from USC and is the second generation of FDA medical device creators and manufacturers. Pooja and I had a mutual desire to find a more flexible and holistic approach to aging, which inspired the creation of the MyoLift TriWave .

This device uses three unique waveforms to address a wide range of skin concerns right from the comfort of your home. It increases blood flow and stimulates the structures within your skin to detoxify, smooth, and strengthen from the inside out. The customized approach the TriWave offers makes it beneficial for all skin types and adults of all ages.

1. Rejuv - stimulates the movement of lymph to cleanse and nourish skin health, while adding plumping and re-densifying benefits.
2. Erase - encourages the release of chronic tension that leads to lines and wrinkles.
3. Educate - strengthens the integrity of the skin and underlying structures to firm and lift.

Microcurrent devices require a conductive gel to be effective. Conductive gels are essential for helping the electrical currents travel throughout the skin. When choosing a gel, finding a water-based formula with plenty of added nourishment is crucial to help feed the skin. Here are a few of my favorites.

•  Le Mieux O2 Calming Gel : This gel has an affordable price tag and a long resume. This soothing gel is an excellent conductor and is also great for calming, soothing, and hydrating dry or irritated skin. Hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, allantoin, and goldenseal extract are just a few of the nourishing ingredients packed into this gel hydrator. *Pro tip: we also find electrodes adhere best with this gel
•  NeoGenesis Glide Gel :  NeoGenesis formulas are known for their thoughtful ingredient deck and luxurious feel, and this gel is no different. Safe for all skin types, this soothing conductor provides plenty of slip for your device and layers perfectly under your other products without pilling.
•  HOP+ PLLA Promoter Collagen Gel :  This formula is packed with transformative ingredients, like Poly-L-Lactic acid, that plump the skin and boosts collagen production. Epidermal growth factors stimulate cell regeneration and healing, helping to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This gel is perfect for skincare overachievers.

It may seem intimidating at first, but the beauty of microcurrent is that, unlike many surgical procedures, such as facelifts and fillers, there are no side effects! However, all bodies are different, and what might work well for others may not be suitable for you. If any of the following apply to you, I recommend finding an alternative solution. When in doubt, check with your primary care provider.

You should avoid microcurrent if you:

• Have a pacemaker or any heart condition
• Have a cochlear ear implant
• Have active cancer
• Have epilepsy
• Are currently pregnant

All in all, microcurrent therapy is a powerful yet underutilized treatment. Microcurrent technology has made exciting advances in recent years, now having the ability to choose specific wave patterns to address different concerns. The revolutionary MyoLift TriWave offers us three unique waveforms with tremendous versatility to boost the health of our skin on a