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Over the last few years, I have tried a lot of skin care products. Viral Solawave Red Light Therapy WandI pride myself on being a healthy skeptic when it comes to skincare products and devices, but NuFACE Trinity+ had me excited (and nervous) to try this celeb-favorite product. I’ve had a little experience with microcurrent devices in the past, but trying something and using something long-term are two completely different things.
Plus, what, something you’re trying costs nearly $400? I was naturally skeptical.
How does NuFACE work?
The NuFACE Trinity+ is an FDA-cleared facial toning device that uses microcurrent technology to “lift, contour and firm” the face for a firmer, more contoured appearance — at least, according to NuFace. WebsiteThe device works by emitting low-level radio waves that mimic the body’s bioelectric field to smooth and strengthen facial muscles, stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and also improve lymphatic drainage.
And research suggests that it actually works. NuFACE fans say: TikTok,but, study I used the microcurrent technology for 20 minutes, 30 consecutive sessions, and found that it really worked to reduce wrinkles around my forehead.
Featuring three intensity levels, the Trinity+ also features a “boost” button that increases the strength of the microcurrent, which can be used whenever more stimulation is desired in a particular area. The device also adds Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to the NuFACE app for exclusive tutorials, custom reminders, and a “selfie tracker” for monitoring results. The sturdy plastic device is also customizable, allowing users to remove the metal top and replace it with additional attachments, such as NuFace’s red light therapy attachment and attachments for the lips and around the eyes.
The NuFACE Trinity+ comes with a microcurrent attachment, but other attachments can be purchased separately.
Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable
First time using NuFACE
I’ll be honest, waiting for the NuFACE Trinity+ to charge was a torture. Since I first saw the device on Instagram back in 2019, I was eager to try it out and hoped it would be worth all the hype. Once I was ready, I watched a few tutorials on the NuFace website and started using it right away.
NuFACE recommends first washing your face with an oil-free cleanser and thoroughly drying your skin, then applying a thick “mask-like” layer of their Aqua Gel or Silk Cream Activator to the areas you want to treat. After that, turn on the device, set it to your desired intensity, place it on your skin, and glide upwards using light to medium pressure.
I am NuFACE 5 Minute Facial The tutorial recommended starting at your neck, slowly moving the device upwards, and repeating the process three times on the desired area. All in all, it took just over five minutes to complete and was mostly painless apart from a slight tingling sensation in certain areas.
At first I didn’t like NuFACE very much.
After my first NuFACE treatment, I noticed a slight improvement in the firmness of my skin, especially under my cheeks, but I didn’t notice a huge change. I was a little sore after the treatment, especially around my cheeks and jawline, and just generally felt a little off for an hour or so afterwards. Although I continued to use the device daily (NuFACE recommends five days a week for the first two months, then two to three days as maintenance after that), the strange sensation persisted and I stopped using the device after a few days.
A few weeks later, I decided to give NuFACE another try. I had read some reviews from people who hadn’t used it on their neck (which the company recommends if you have thyroid problems). I’ve never had thyroid problems before, but I wanted to see if it would help. And it certainly did.
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I cautiously resumed my routine, prepared to ditch the NuFACE if any further issues arose, but with continued use I began to notice a gradual improvement in my skin’s elasticity. Everything felt a bit tighter, my face looked a bit more defined, and although my cheekbones still felt a bit sore after using the device, a quick Google search revealed a surprising answer. the study Microcurrent technology has been shown to be able to be used to reduce sinus pain, and the FDA has approved the use of another microcurrent device to treat sinus congestion, a problem I have suffered with for years. Of course, I’m not a doctor, so I can’t say for certain that NuFACE produced the same results as an FDA-approved device, but the absence of sinus headaches was definitely a nice perk, whether that was due to NuFACE or a placebo effect.
I was fascinated by NuFACE
Actually, I love NuFACE. I’ve been using the device for a few months now and I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my face while using it. I’m a little less puffy and my cheeks are fuller. I also like the idea of doing a little exercise on my facial muscles a few times a week.
That being said, I’m still on the fence about whether it’s worth the $395 price tag. On the plus side, it worked: It lasted a surprisingly long time on a single charge, it was easy to use, and it seemed to be more effective at firming and lifting my face than other microcurrent devices I’ve tried.
However, I did have some issues. Both activator products were uncomfortable to use, and I quickly found Aloe Vera to be a much more affordable alternative. Additionally, I didn’t find the NuFACE companion app that useful, and I struggled so much with the Bluetooth connectivity of the NuFACE Trinity+ that I stopped using it altogether. While my initial issues with the device were eventually resolved, I didn’t really use the device for long periods of time. I used it for a few days when I was feeling puffy and anxious, and it definitely made a difference, but just like going to the gym, the effects will wear off if you’re not consistent.
Is NuFACE worth it?
For some, NuFACE may be worth the investment, especially for avid skincare enthusiasts who have mastered the art of sticking to a routine and who are tired of spending money on microcurrent facials. But for those interested in more casual skincare, the device may not be for you. From my experience, if you have sinus or thyroid problems, I recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist before trying NuFace, because, as the saying goes, beauty shouldn’t be painful.
If you’re on the fence like me, you could opt for the NuFACE Mini instead: it’s smaller, cheaper, doesn’t offer the option to swap out different attachments, and considering that each extra attachment costs $160, it’s not a bad idea for beauty fans on a budget.
Overall, I like the NuFACE Trinity+ and will likely continue to use it from time to time. I can certainly understand why it’s a holy grail product for some people. It may not be for me, but it might be for you.