Facial Exercisers
The devices give you a non-surgical face-lift by using light electrical currents to passively contract the muscles of the face and neck. The contractions cause the muscles to tighten, as if through exercise. Facial exercisers are widely available for home use through the internet and infomercials.
Salons offer facial exercise treatments using more sophisticated and expensive equipment. Single sessions at the salon can range from $50 to 100 dollars. Home equipment prices start at about $100 and go to about $200 dollars.
Many dermatologists recommend the use of home facial exercisers. They agree that the facial muscles get shorter and rounder after use, which is a characteristic of a younger face.
Many dermatologists disagree. There are no studies to support the claims that facial exercisers work. Certainly, electrical current can stimulate the muscles, as electrical stimulation is used to help bones heal and promote skin growth. But many experts state the facial exercisers cannot deliver a non-surgical face-lift.
According to the product claims, facial exercisers:
Provide a non-surgical face-lift with regular use.
Are safe to use.
Reduce double chins, forehead furrows, crow's feet, sagging
jaw line, and creases under the eyes.
Don't hurt.
The Pros:
Facial exercisers are inexpensive compared to a surgical face
lift.
Some dermatologists and skin care technicians advocate their
use.
They can be highly effective for tightening the muscles and
reducing lines, wrinkles, and sags.
The Cons:
Few facial exercisers are approved by the FDA.
The devices can hurt and sting the face.
They can create broken capillaries on the surface of the skin.
The device needs to be used two or three times a week to
maintain results
Sessions take about 15 minutes. They aren't effective for exceedingly loose or sagging skin.
