Microcurrent Skin Care Devices Have Been Blamed For Facial Paralysis. Here's What Experts Know. (2025)

Microcurrent Skin Care Devices Have Been Blamed For Facial Paralysis. Here's What Experts Know. (1)

High-tech, at-home skin care tools like LED masks and microcurrent devices are gaining popularity over the past several years, but not every product on the market gets glowing reviews.

For example, a popular Korean beauty brand recently went viral for all the wrong reasons. The Medicube Booster Pro is a device that uses both microcurrent and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) that’s well-loved online, and has been lauded by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Khloe Kardashian. A recent video, however, showed a customer claiming to have gotten Bell’s Palsy after using this device twice, despite following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is it possible that popular devices that target and exercise the facial muscles could cause droopy eyelids and even Bell’s Palsy? While Medicube was quick to deny these allegations on their official TikTok page, we asked some experts about the potential side effects of such devices and whether they can cause facial nerve damage in the long run.

How do these devices work?

Both EMS and microcurrent technologies are widely popular in beauty tech devices suitable for at-home use. Some microcurrent products that are highly rated include the NuFace Trinity, Ziip Halo and Theraface Pro, as well as Foreo Bear, which uses both microcurrent and EMS, like Medicube, but there are many more on the market.

While EMS helps to tone facial muscles via mild contractions, microcurrent helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production, and minimize wrinkles.

Usually, at-home devices deliver currents in the range of 200-400 microamps. In contrast, professional treatments are much stronger, up to 800 microamps, and have to be used by trained professionals in order to avoid overstimulating the muscles. Overstimulation has many side effects, like muscle twitching and drooping — we’ll talk more about that later. To note, at-home devices won’t provide the same efficacy as in-office treatments due to their strength and technology, but are a more affordable and easy-to-use alternative.

“[At-home devices] are supportive but not transformative, especially after the age of 30. They can be preventative when used in conjunction with good skin care in your 20s and 30s to boost collagen and improve circulation,” said Dr. Azza Halim, a multi-specialist physician.

Can at-home microcurrent and EMS devices cause drooping or paralysis?

It has not been scientifically proven that there’s a direct correlation between microcurrent/EMS devices and facial nerve damage, explained the experts. Some research shows that, in conjunction with exercise, microcurrent on the body can help with muscle recovery and regeneration in healthy adults. Another study from 2021 noted no adverse side effects when microcurrent was used to target musculoskeletal pain in adults.

However, there hasn’t been sufficient research on facial devices that use microcurrent or EMS, and there are only a few studies conducted on the topic. Further research is needed to establish the safety of such devices.

Bell’s Palsy is an idiopathic (unknown underlying cause) facial palsy that most often occurs in relation to viral infections (like the herpes simplex virus) or the reactivation of a virus in the body. It can cause facial muscle weakness or paralysis.

Microcurrent Skin Care Devices Have Been Blamed For Facial Paralysis. Here's What Experts Know. (2)

But although Bell’s Palsy is mainly linked to viral infections, a 2021 study found that on rare occasions (in this case, getting slapped in the face), it can be connected to minor trauma. However, there is no specific mention of devices in the study.

“While the risk is very low, improper use of the devices (such as over-stimulation or incorrect placement) could potentially lead to temporary facial nerve irritation and issues similar to Bell’s Palsy. To avoid this, use any given device with proper technique and avoid overstimulation of facial muscles or nerves by using appropriate energies and proper technique,” said Dr. Bradley Glodny, a cosmetic and general board-certified dermatologist at Park Avenue Dermatology.

What are the real risks associated with these devices?

“Beauty devices, microcurrent or EMS, aren’t known to cause this condition directly, but there are theoretical risks if the facial nerve is overstimulated or irritated, especially if someone is already predisposed to nerve issues,” Halim explained.

If you have any past nerve damage issues, you should avoid using such devices altogether. This includes anyone with preexisting muscle conditions like drooping or ptosis, where a consultation with a medical professional is needed before using any device of that kind, Halim said.

Also, devices should be used on a lower setting for some areas of the face, due to the delicate blood vessels: “Some of these areas include around the eyes, over the thyroid gland (on the neck) and near the ears. That being said, if the device is used correctly, any of these areas could be treated safely with any given device,” Glodny explained.

Also, you should avoid these devices in the following cases: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (due to a lack of studies on safety), if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices (avoid going over that area), and if you have any active inflammatory or infectious skin conditions like acne, eczema or psoriasis flare-ups. Lastly, anyone with a history of seizures or neurological conditions should check with their neurologist, Glodny advised.

The side effects that can occur may include: “Swelling, pain, skin irritation, muscle fatigue/strain and nerve irritation. Generally, these effects are not permanent but could absolutely lead to pain and dissatisfaction,” said Glodny.

Is FDA approval essential for such devices?

While FDA approval isn’t always essential for beauty devices, it can offer peace of mind in terms of safety and efficacy. Still, you can also check the clearance of other official bodies, like CE approval in Europe or KFDA in Korea, if the devices are produced outside of the U.S.

“Generally, FDA approval is a positive thing, and while not entirely foolproof, it is somewhat helpful in telling if a device is, at the very least, dangerous. Whether or not it is effective is an entirely different consideration,” added Glodny.

The following devices hold FDA approval: NuFACE Trinity, Foreo Bear, Ziip Halo, TheraFace Pro.

Do a little research before using your device.

If you are considering purchasing a new device, first ensure it works for your skin type and any pre-existing conditions, then read through reviews and clinical studies.

“Look for evidence of efficacy and safety that are not published or paid for by the company manufacturing the device,” Glodny said. “If you dig even a little bit, you can typically find who funded the study or report and what their intentions might be.”

Always start slowly, using the lowest settings, and test it on a small area first. When in doubt, consult with a board-certified professional before use.