The Impact of Microcurrent on Skin Barrier Function: Improving Hydration and Integrity

Human skin is the largest external organ and offers protective insulation for the body and all vital organs. Therefore, it’s not just for appearance but also has significant functions. Skin integrity, hydration, and appearance are crucial to prevent allergies, free radical damage, and aging signs. 

With aging, the collagen and fibroblast activity in the skin reduces. This causes fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin. Skin rejuvenation treatments to combat these signs may also prevent new wrinkles from forming. 

Microcurrent is one such therapy that has gained popularity as it is non-invasive. It may help in improving collagen production and tightening the saggy skin. Keep reading to know how microcurrent impacts skin barrier functions for maintaining a healthy dermis. 

Why is Skin Barrier Function Important?

Our skin acts like a barrier protecting the organs and muscles from outer environmental factors like UV radiation, pollution, heat, infections, toxins, and physical trauma. You may consider the skin barrier to be the first defense of the body to protect against external threats. The epidermal barrier keeps the skin intact and also regulates the temperature. With an elastic ability to repair and regenerate, the skin barrier maintains homeostasis.

Some crucial elements to maintain skin barrier function are collagen and hydration in the dermis. In addition, protecting the skin from long cold and hot exposure helps to maintain the skin barrier. Experts advise not to use physical and chemical exfoliants in excess as they damage the skin barrier.

Microcurrent Impact on Skin Health

Skin health is a major concern for many to delay aging signs and minimize the environmental impact on the surface. Our skin works on a cellular level to regenerate and repair itself. Therefore, the application of surface skin care and rejuvenation therapies makes more sense instead of just focusing on one solution. 

Microcurrent is among the most effective ways to replenish collagen in the skin and retain barrier health. The use of a small voltage current to stimulate the dermis triggers collagen production and increases blood circulation. This leads to skin rejuvenation while bringing suppleness to the surface. 

We’ll discuss the science behind the working of microcurrents for improving skin integrity. 

What do the studies say?

In a recent study, 30 women up to 45 years of age were included. They all had visible wrinkles and no other skin issues. The study was conducted to learn about the impact of microcurrent therapy on wrinkles and skin appearance. 

Before starting the non-invasive microcurrent treatment, observations such as photographs were taken to compare after the therapy. Each participant was given microcurrent therapy for twenty minutes for 30 consecutive sessions. 

During the therapy, none of the participants registered any pain or side effects. After the treatment was over, the pictures were taken for comparison. Three blinded reviewers were appointed to compare the photos. The maximum positive outcome was on forehead wrinkles. This was followed by mouth and nose wrinkles. 

The forehead wrinkles improved from 18.37% to 21.18%. There was an improvement of 7.61% in the mouth and nose wrinkles. Moreover, the participants were asked to rate their skin after the treatment. Over 70% were satisfied with the results. 

They were asked questions such as if they were satisfied with the smoothness and softness of the skin. 89% of participants gave a positive answer. 69% of participants saw an improvement in the skin complexion.

Improving and Maintaining Skin Hydration and Integrity

There are some ways that you may keep in mind to take care of skin hydration and integrity. 

Microcurrent Therapy

As you read, microcurrent therapy can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make skin smoother. It supports collagen production and blood circulation in the skin. This helps retain the skin’s health and replenish new skin cells. 

The best thing is that you can benefit from microcurrent therapy using at-home devices. We recommend investing in a premium build, professional-grade device for maximum benefit. You may try the EvenSkyn Phoenix Face Lifting Microcurrent Bar, which is designed with deep kneading massaging rollers. 

The four rollers are made from sturdy and durable alloy material angled at 115 degrees for maximum contact with the skin. With microcurrent passing through the rollers, the dermis is able to regenerate collagen. It works on solar or artificial light and generates a 15 uA current, which is undetectable and painless. 

With consistent use, the wand may improve blood circulation and the texture of the skin. The device is FDA Registered, Health Canada, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 certified for safe use. To use the wand, apply a conduction gel for easy gliding and use it in a well-lit room.

Start with fifteen-minute sessions per area. You may use it on the forehead, eyebrows, neck, cheeks, and jawline. The device is safe to use every day for youthful-looking skin. 

Lifestyle Changes 

It has been proven that lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking have an adverse effect on skin integrity. These may result in premature aging, resulting in the development of wrinkles. If you are someone who is struggling to give up these habits, start by reducing and then eliminating them. Besides, include a nutritional diet and supplements in the routine to maintain skin health.

Skin Protection

Sun’s UV radiation and pollution are some significant factors affecting the skin barrier. The damage from the sun can lead to photodamage and sunspots. In addition, exposure to harsh pollution damages the skin barrier and reduces hydration levels. 

It’s ideal to use a high SPF sunblock in the right quantity for protection from UV rays. You may also wear a sun hat and a scarf if you’re stepping out in the sun. Also, avoid extreme sun exposure whenever possible. Ensure you use an anti-pollution cleanser and follow with a hydrating product to soothe the skin. 

Maintaining pH

Maintaining the skin’s pH may sound insignificant; however, your skin thrives around a pH of 4.7. Skincare products have varying pHs ranging from 3.7 to 8.2. It’s best to use skincare that comes close to the natural pH. You may cleanse your skin with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0.

One major benefit of choosing the right pH is the reduction in bacteria. As a result, your skin will have fewer acne breakouts and dermatitis. 

Right Skincare Ingredients

The skin barrier and hydration may be maintained with ingredients such as hyaluronic acids, ceramides, aloe vera, and glycerin. These ingredients have a calming effect on the skin. You may also try ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide, AHAs, and BHAs to improve cell turnover. 

However, before incorporating new active ingredients, always do a patch test. Sticking to a skin regime that works for your skin type and age will ensure your skin has improved hydration and a protected skin barrier. 

Wrapping Up 

With the awareness of maintaining skin hydration and integrity, you can have glowing skin. It may also help in preventing early signs of aging and photodamage. Skin hydration and sun damage are determining factors in the development of wrinkles; therefore, paying attention to skin integrity may go a long way. 

Apart from using the right skin care products, add skin rejuvenating therapies such as microcurrent and radio frequency to your daily routine. Adding all these steps to your skincare may aid in protecting and maintaining the skin barrier. Once your skin barrier is strong and healthy, the overall appearance of the skin may improve. 

References: 

1. Fatemeh Saniee, Khosro Khademi, Shahid Beheshti, and Parviz Yazdanpanah. “The effect of microcurrents on facial wrinkles.” September 2012
2. Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A, Pronk H, Finkel P. “Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 October
3. Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J. “The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer.”. 2020 Dec
4. Gromkowska-Kępka KJ, Puścion-Jakubik A, Markiewicz-Żukowska R, Socha K. “The impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin photoaging - review of in vitro studies.” 2021 November
5. Poljšak B, Dahmane R. Free radicals and extrinsic skin aging. Dermatol Res Pract. February 2012
6. Rosso JD, Zeichner J, Alexis A, Cohen D, Berson D. “Understanding the Epidermal Barrier in Healthy and Compromised Skin: Clinically Relevant Information for the Dermatology Practitioner.” 2016 Apr
7. Goodman GD, Kaufman J, Day D, Weiss R, Kawata AK, Garcia JK, Santangelo S, Gallagher CJ. “Impact of Smoking and Alcohol Use on Facial Aging in Women: Results of a Large Multinational, Multiracial, Cross-sectional Survey.” 2019 Aug
8. Swann G. The skin is the body's largest organ. J Vis Commun Med. 2010 Dec