“At Redeeming Thyme, we recognize how important it is to understand exactly what a service or treatment does before you apply it to your body.”
-Dale Carney, Owner
What is Microcurrent Facial Rejuvenation?
A microcurrent is a very mild (one millionth of an ampere) electric current, which feels like a gentle tingle at most. It works by re-training the muscles of the face for lasting, real results. This current, which runs through two Q-tip based probes (pictured on the right) is applied to the face, which stimulates the muscles, making them more taut or loose depending on the desired results (thicker skin, increased collagen, more rapidly healing tissues, and a general healthy glow). The current is also used to treat acupuncture points to enhance health, rejuvenate the body, and improve natural energy flow. With this treatment both women and men can look and feel younger, have more energy, feel more relaxed, and come away with an overall sense of improved health.
What are the cosmetic benefits?
Cosmetically, microcurrent works on two levels: the facial muscles and the facial skin. The reason our skin wrinkles as we age is because the facial muscles attached to the skin gradually lose their tone and resting muscle length. Fine lines from repetitive facial expressions grow deeper with time, creating grooves in the skin that most commonly affect the eyes, cheeks, jawline and neck. The use of microcurrent on specific muscle groups at varying frequencies creates a reaction in the spindle cells, as well as the golgi tendon organ, causing muscles to rest at a shorter length. When this happens the face is lifted, firmed, and toned for a more youthful appearance. At the skin level, microcurrent improves circulation and reduces inflammation, which stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin, in turn improving the tone and texture of the skin (eliminating fine lines and wrinkles in the process). A younger face is not just about lifting, but also the “glow” of youthful skin. Microcurrent facial rejuvenation delivers on both these aspects, resulting in a more youthful face!
Rosacea and acne treatment
Both rosacea and acne can be triggered and aggravated by many different factors such as alcohol consumption, hot liquids, spicy food, exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures, alcohol-based skin care products, stress, or vitamin deficiency. Poor dietary habits can also play a role and, since the skin has a role in detoxifying the body, if the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and the liver can eliminate, the skin takes on the overflow and the body’s health integrity is disrupted.
Microcurrent treatment is effective because it addresses the multiple contributing factors that lead to the development of both acne and rosacea. It reduces skin inflammation, reduces scarring, and promotes tissue regeneration which enhances healing by 150% to 300%. Specific nutrients are also important for the management of acne and rosacea, therefore diet and lifestyle guidance is recommended.
What are the health benefits?
Research has shown that microcurrent stimulation increases ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which results in improved cell metabolism, injury repair, and soft tissue cell regeneration. Specific research on microcurrent and skin by Dr. Chi (2003, U of Washington’s Pathology Department) showed: a 10% increase in collagen thickness in connective tissue, 35% increase in the number of blood vessels, 45% increase in the number of elastin fibers in the dermis, and a 35% increase in blood circulation in the tissues, improving the health, colour, and condition of the skin. Microcurrents have even been used to treat Temporomandibular Syndrome (TMJ) and Bell’s Palsy. Clients with TMJ syndrome have reported a reduction of headaches, ear pain, ringing in the ears, pain from chewing, and more. Bell’s Palsy clients may experience enhanced recovery of the paralyzed side of their face.
What is included in the Microcurrent Protocol?
There are seven components included in Redeeming Thyme’s facial rejuvenation protocol, with twelve sessions as the full program. All the program’s sessions are one hour in length.
Microcurrent rejuvenation techniques on facial skin and muscles
Meridian balancing (a centuries-old technique used to harmonize and balance your entire body)
Therapeutic-grade essential oils, used to support the health of skin
Facial massage to increase blood flow and relax facial musculature
Acupuncture point treatment (using only microcurrents; no pain and no invasion of the skin)
Topical skin care
Personalized guidance on making healthy lifestyle choices including supplements, nutrition, and more
How does microcurrent treatment differ from other procedures?
The key difference between microcurrent facial rejuvenation and other procedures is that there is no surgical component. It is non-invasive, completely safe, totally pain-free, relaxing, and has no known risks or side effects. Many procedures like laser resurfacing, botox or surgical facelifts involve significant pain and often require medication (pain relievers, anti-inflammatory, or antibiotics) that can compromise your health. Some surgical procedures also result in an unnatural look, meanwhile microcurrent facial rejuvenation leaves your skin looking natural, with a healthy and youthful glow.The reason this results in a natural look is because microcurrent treatment fosters a gradual transition, it uses the ancient wisdom of acupuncture in non-needle application, which produces total body changes such as increased energy, stress reduction, a sense of well-being, improved sleep, and more. The facial rejuvenation process also incorporates the use of essential oils and natural skin products, along with personalized guidance to encourage you to adopt a healthier lifestyle.