How to Incorporate EMS for Face and Body Sculpting

EMS or Electrical muscle stimulation is a treatment that is ideal for muscle toning, facial sculpting and achieving a tightening effect. It works through the use of electrical impulses that target muscles to give them a mild workout. This treatment can work well with others including Red Light Therapy and microcurrent and is beneficial for aging skin as well as overall skin health maintenance on the face and body.

What Is the Technology Behind EMS?

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a treatment that causes muscles to contract through the use of electrical impulses. These impulses target muscles to provide the area with a mild workout. These expansion and contraction of the muscles through this treatment work to enhance strength and tone for a more defined look especially when done on the face.

How Does EMS Work?

EMS works by sending electrical impulses at a low frequency to specific muscles. Its purpose is to mimic the natural nerve signals in the body therefore forcing the muscles to contract. The science behind this is that by forcing these muscles to contract they hope to improve circulation, build strength and in the case of many athletes who utilize this method, speed up muscle recovery. In fact, a 2023 study concluded that “EMS seems to be a safe and reasonable modality for improving physical fitness in healthy individuals.” When it comes to EMS for the face, this treatment can help boost collagen, decrease puffiness, improve circulation and tone facial muscles for a tightening effect.

What Are the Benefits of EMS?

There are many benefits of EMS on the face and body and some even call EMS facial treatments a “non-invasive face lift.” At-home EMS devices can be very important tools for maintaining a tight and youthful appearance since they have the ability to target deep facial and body muscles. They’re an ideal tool for rejuvenating aging skin.

• Overall sculpted appearance: The electrical impulses are actually giving the muscles a workout therefore improving muscle definition and skin firmness
• Smoothens fine lines: When it stimulates collagen this can help to smooth out fine lines and mild wrinkles
• Improved blood flow and circulation: EMS helps to increase boost circulation therefore increasing blood flow to the skin and leaving a radiant glow
• Decrease puffiness: EMS can provide lymphatic drainage effects to release fluids in the lymph areas therefore reducing swelling and puffiness

EMS vs Microcurrent

While they might seem similar, there are many differences with how EMS and Microcurrent work and the results they’re both able to achieve.

EMS works by stimulating muscles through contractions giving them a workout. This helps to firm and lift the muscles on your body and face to achieve a tightening effect.

Microcurrent uses electrical currents to stimulate collagen production, tighten the skin and smooth out fine lines on a cellular instead of muscular level. It essentially helps with skin rejuvenation.

EMS uses stronger currents compared to Microcurrent and therefore it’s able to lift the face's structure, not just the skin. When comparing the two it’s important to know what skincare goals you want to achieve. EMS is best if you want to address muscle toning and structural firmness and microcurrent is best if you want to reduce fine lines and boost skin health. Therefore, they actually work well together to achieve a comprehensive skincare routine.

How Can EMS Work with Red Light Therapy?

EMS is gentle enough to work well with other treatments including red light therapy. While the EMS can work for facial sculpting, skin tightening and a facial toner, red light therapy can be used to address more skin and cellular concerns. If focusing on the body, at-home tools like the LumaLux Face Neck and Dec and the LumaLux Dome Face and Body both cover a broader surface area than just the LumaLux Face Mask (which is great for after a facial toning treatment). For something that works deeper into the skin tissue to also address the muscles and even bones, the Alora Age Renewal LED Panel offer deep cellular penetration and the LumaLux Face + Pro LED Red Light Therapy Face and Neck Mask offers more deep infrared light therapy. These are all great options to use after an EMS treatment to gain deeper healing and rejuvenation for the skin.

EMS Face Sculpting Routine

For at-home use, an EMs device will typically be a handheld device like this Instant Age Renewal Wand. Here’s a suggested face sculpting routine to try at-home for anyone curious about integrating EMS into their skin health routine.

1. Make sure your face and the device are clean
2. Focus on one area of the face at a time
3. Use one hand to hold your skin taut and in place before using the other hand to sweep the wand over the area. You can find examples of EMS facial movements here.
4. Avoid sensitive areas like the front of the neck and never use on broken or inflamed skin.
5. Post EMS treatment, you can even combine treatments and use a red light therapy device of choice to further enhance skincare benefits and reduce inflammation to the body.
6. Once finished apply your skincare routine as usual include a gentle serum and moisturizer of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EMS safe for everyday use on the face?

EMS is safe for home use when used as directed, but daily treatment isn't necessary and can cause muscle fatigue. For optimal results, use EMS 3 to 4 times a week, allowing your facial muscles time to rest and recover. Always apply a water-based conductive gel to prevent skin irritation.

Do you need a conductive gel for EMS devices?

Answer: Yes, a water-based conductive gel is necessary when using an EMS device. The gel acts as a bridge, allowing electrical impulses to pass smoothly through the skin barrier to reach underlying muscles. Using EMS without gel can cause unpleasant prickling sensations, reduced device effectiveness, and potential skin irritation or minor burns

Who should avoid using EMS sculpting devices?

Answer: EMS is unsafe for individuals with cardiac pacemakers, implanted electronic devices, or heart conditions. Pregnant women should avoid using EMS, particularly on the abdomen or lower body. Additionally, avoid treating areas with active acne, open wounds, epilepsy, or over major blood vessels without consulting a medical professional first.

Facial Wand

REVA | Instant Age Renewal Wand

5-in-1 skin tightening tool for the ultimate at-home facelift with LED light therapy

View product

LED Mask

LumaLux Face | Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask

Our most advanced LED mask for deeper skin renewal - fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin texture

View product