Microcurrent vs Red Light Therapy
Microcurrent vs. Red Light Therapy: Key Benefits, Differences, and How to Leverage Multiple Modalities for Your Skin
In 2023, we’re all about non-invasive modalities for treating and transforming your skin. In particular, two of the best options on the market are microcurrent and red light therapy, which can be used to address many skin conditions and are known to produce amazing results with no downtime.
However, what many people want to know is which works best, and is there any advantage to choosing over the other? The short answer to this question is that there’s no need to choose! Both microcurrent and red light therapy can be beneficial to include in your routine. It’s more a matter of knowing how they work, and what they can specifically do for your skin. Here’s a closer look at the specifics:
The Many Benefits of Microcurrent
Microcurrent is a modality that uses low level electrical current to stimulate the skin and facial muscles. It is sometimes referred to as a non-surgical facelift, due to its ability to lift, tighten, and tone the skin. With just one treatment, it can create results such as more definition in the cheekbones and contouring of the jawline.
Because microcurrent encourages the production of new collagen, and rejuvenation at a cellular level, it can be effective for reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin. It can also work to promote lymphatic drainage, which can be helpful in healing acne, and reducing fluid retention in the face.
Results With Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is similar to microcurrent in that it is gentle and non-invasive. When used to treat the skin, it works by exposing the skin cells to red LED light wavelengths, which are believed to reduce inflammation, and energize the skin. As a result of having more energy, the skin is then able to function at optimal levels, completing cellular turnover processes, producing new collagen, and repairing damaged cells at an increased rate.
Much like microcurrent, red light therapy can be used to address aging skin, however, a key difference is that it lacks the ability to stimulate lymphatic drainage or muscle movement in facial muscles and therefore doesn’t produce the same sculpting effects as microcurrent.
The Best of Both Worlds: Microcurrent + Red Light Therapy
Of course, if you can’t decide between the two, the great news is that microcurrent and red light therapy are complementary and can be easily combined for enhanced benefit. It's also worth noting that because both microcurrent and red light therapy produce cumulative results over time, the best routine is one that incorporates one or more of these on a consistent basis, ideally at least once per week.
You can do this by using both modalities back to back, or alternating them on different days. You can also vary your routine to include both professional and at-home treatments for, depending on your preference.
