I’ve seen the benefits of amicrocurrent devicefirsthand.
They can lift and tone aging skin, leading to fine line reduction and a more sculpted look.
But they’re also investmentfor both your time and moneywhich makes finding the right option that much more important.
While there are plenty of great microcurrent devies on the market,NuFaceandZIIPlead the category.
And youre just in luck, because Ive tried both.
Here’s what to know about these two high-tech handheld tools before making your purchase.
Plus, which tool I’d recommend based on my tenure as a beauty director.
Microcurrent devicessend small (micro) electrical currents into the skin and facial muscle.
Microcurrent tools are typically hand-held devices, but professional-grade ones can be much larger.
They also must be used with water-based conductor gels.
And in stimulating the muscles through these tiny currents, a few things happen.
The first is thatthe muscles are engaged and strengthened.
This is why microcurrent devices often get billed as workouts for your face.
But it also stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.
ATP is essentially the cells energy currencytransferring and moving energy throughout the body.
ATP production declines with ageand so with it, a decline in overall cellular energy.
More and more,beauty toolsand topicals are being designed to up-regulate ATP production because of this.
Including, yes, microcurrent devices.
That being said, I already own the ZIIP so I don’t have a NuFace in my collection.
Instead used the NuFace on numerous occasions while testing for stories or attending events.
The unit has an oval shape, with two spheres on top that hug the face.
Currents are emitted from the two spheres, and there’s a noticeable weight to the rig.
The sleek hand-held comes in only one version, TheHalo, which effortlessly cradles in your palms.
Its gently curved with two spheres are on the inside.
To use, its gripped almost like a cell phone.
WhileZIIPdoesnt offer multiple versions or attachments, it does use bothmicrocurrentsand (even smaller)nanocurrents.
This dual-wave technology means that its more effective at the cellular level.
While microcurrents can improve ATP production, the main benefits aremuscle-toning.
Whereas with nanocurrent, youre more effectively targeting the cellular changes.
Nanocurrents are also usually better suitedfor those with sensitive skin.
On the app youll find six full facials, 6 targeted treatments, and 3 treatment plans.
The brand offersfour different conduction gels.
The base is an Electric Complex Gel, which is a very simple and gentle conduit gel for currents.
Use-ability
NuFace
Products and tools wont work if you dont commit to them.
This is true of all skin care, but especially true of microcurrent devices.
TheNuFace Trinity+has an oval base (where you grip it), and the two spheres on top.
If you get the attachments, youd pop them over the spheres.
When using, youll hold the gadget at the bottom and move it around your face.
But its a bit bulky, which isn’t ideal for taking on the go.
The solo button lets you easily adjust the intensity of the microcurrent to suit your needs.
Recommended usage is 5 minutes per day for at least 5 days per week for best results.
ZIIP
TheZIIP HALOhas a naturally smaller design thats just about the size of an average palm.
Its curved with the spheres on the inside and a single button.
I think the best way to hold it is like a cell phone.
Compared to the NuFace, it’s super lightweight and compact.
Plus, the ergonomic and familiar design moves around the face very easily.
Again, this should be paired with the user-friendly app.
If you want thecomplete set(it includes the works), its $595.
So all-in-all you should expect to pay anywhere from $165 to $595 when choosing something from NuFace.
Attachments are $160 each.
The skin care products are much more affordable, ranging from $12 to $65 per item.
TheZIIP, offering only one item, is much more straightforward:The HALOis $399.
Each attachment costs $160 or can be purchased as part of the brand’s set.
On the other hand, the eye and lip attachment is an interesting addition.
TheZIIPdoes not have any extras or attachments.
They both also feature a complex that uses glacial water and ions to help enhance the microcurrents.
As for the boosters, theres avitamin Cconcentrate, an antioxidant concentrate, and a peptide concentrate.
The basic conductive gel is relatively light, and it doesn’t feel heavy on your face.
TheGold Gelis the most luxurious, and it uses 5 types of peptides and gold extract.
I find theSilverandCrystalformulas are more reasonably priced, with hyaluronic acid,aloe vera, and other botanical extracts.
I’ve used both the baseline formula and the Silver.
My partner also commented on how my cheeks looked more chiseled, and I promise it was unprovoked.
TheZIIP HALOis a bit stronger, with the upper threshold of power being about 400 microamps.
In addition, theHALOalso uses nanocurrents alongside the microcurrent technology.
Nanocurrents are even smaller electrical currents than microcurrents.
This can help drive more long-term skin care-focused results, rather than just improving facial muscles and overall toning.
Theyre two of the highest quality microcurrent makers on the market, and I back both of them wholeheartedly.
ZIIP, however, stands out with power and nanocurrent technology.
For those who are serious about their microcurrent devices, this is a worthy fit.
You should also avoid it if you have a pacemaker.
In addition, they may cause increased flushing or redness in individuals who have rosacea.
So proceed with caution, and avoid using it during flare ups or on areas prone to redness.
They should also not be used on open wounds, acne liaisons, or areas experiencing a breakout.
Finally, they wont be effective on areas where you have facial hair.
As weve noted above, microcurrents help enhance ingredient penetration.
This is a good thingexcept for when its not.
If you pair your microcurrent with too powerful or potentially irritating ingredients, it can trigger inflammation.
AvoidAHAs, BHAs,retinols, as well as any ingredient you know to be personally irritating to you.
FAQ
What is the difference between nanocurrent and microcurrent?
Nanocurrents are even smaller electrical currents than microcurrents.
Does ZIIP and NuFace stimulate collagen?
Both theNuFaceand ZIIP can stimulate collagen production thanks to their ability to enhance ATP production.
However, ZIIP is likely more effective at it given the gear utilizes nanocurrent technology.
How does ZIIP compare to NuFace?
Both are excellent microcurrent manufacturers, and worth of an investment.
You cant go wrong with whatever one you pick!
But withZIIP, youll reap the benefits of nanotechnology, which is better suited for targeting cellular health.
TheZIIP HALOandNuFace Trinity+are two of the best options on the market and are highly effective.
All in all, both are excellent.
But if variety is what youre looking for,NuFace Trinity+might be the better selection.
However, I personally use theZIIP HALOso I can reap the benefits of nano tech.
