After using the NuFACE Trinity+ for a few months, my skin is less puffy and more defined

Over the last few years, I’ve tried a lot of skincare products. While I loved the viral Solawave red light therapy wand, I pride myself in having a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to skincare products and devices, but the NuFACE Trinity+ had me excited (and nervous) to put this celeb-favorite to the test. I’ve dabbled in microcurrent devices in the past, but trying something is a lot different than sticking with something over the long term. 

And when the thing you’re trying is almost $400? I was obviously skeptical. 

How does the NuFACE work? 

The NuFACE Trinity+ is an FDA-cleared facial toning device that uses microcurrent technology to help “lift, contour, and tighten” the face, giving a more toned and contoured look — at least according to NuFace’s website. The device works by emitting a low-level electrical wave that’s supposed to mimic the body’s bio-electrical field to help smooth and strengthen facial muscles, stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even promote lymphatic drainage. 

And according to research, it actually works pretty well. Not only do fans of the NuFACE show jaw-dropping before and after results on TikTok, but one study found that microcurrent technology used for 20 minutes for 30 consecutive sessions was actually effective at reducing wrinkles around the forehead area.

With three different levels of intensity, the Trinity+ also features a “boost” button that increases the intensity of the microcurrent whenever you want to give an area some extra love. The device also adds Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to the NuFACE app and unlock exclusive tutorials, custom reminders, and a “selfie tracker” to monitor results. The sturdy plastic device is also customizable, allowing users to pop off the metal top and replace it with additional attachments like NuFace’s red light therapy attachment or the lip and eye area attachment. 

The NuFACE Trinity+ comes with the microcurrent attachment, but others are available as a separate purchase.
Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

Using the NuFACE for the first time 

Not gonna lie, waiting for the NuFACE Trinity+ to charge felt like torture. I’d been eager to try the device after first seeing it on Instagram back in 2019, and I wanted it to be worth the hype. Once it was ready, I watched a few tutorials on the NuFace website and jumped right in.

NuFACE recommends cleaning your face first with an oil-free cleanser, drying your skin thoroughly, then applying either their Aqua Gel or Silk Crème Activator in a thick, “mask-like” layer to the area you’re going to treat. After that, it’s time to turn on the device, set it to your desired intensity, and place it against your skin before gliding it upward with light to medium pressure.

I started with NuFACE’s five-minute facial tutorial, which recommended starting with your neck and gradually moving the device upward in separate strokes before repeating the process over the desired area three times. All in all, it took me a little longer than five minutes to complete, and — aside from a slight tingling sensation in certain areas — it was pretty much painless.

I kinda hated the NuFACE at first

While I noticed a slight improvement in the tightness of my skin, especially below my cheeks, I didn’t notice a massive difference after my first NuFACE treatment. My face did feel a little sore afterward, especially around my cheeks and jawline, and everything just felt a little off for the next hour or so. I kept using the device daily — NuFACE recommends using it five days a week for the first two months, then switching to two to three days for maintenance — but the odd sensations convinced me to stop using the device after a few days.

A couple of weeks later, I decided to give the NuFACE one more try. I’d read some reviews from users who didn’t use the NuFACE on their necks (something the company recommends if you have any thyroid issues), and — while I haven’t had any thyroid problems in the past — I wanted to see if it made a difference, and it absolutely did. 

I cautiously restarted my routine, ready to toss the NuFACE if it caused any more issues, and started noticing slight improvements to my skin’s elasticity the longer I used it. Everything felt a little more taut, my face looked more defined, and — while my cheekbones still felt a bit sore after using the device — a quick trip to Google gave me a surprising answer. As it turns out, research shows that microcurrent technology can be used to help reduce sinus pain, and the FDA had even approved the use of another microcurrent device for the treatment of sinus congestion — something I’d struggled with for years. Obviously, I’m not a doctor, nor can I conclusively say that the NuFACE produced the same results as an FDA-approved device. However, my lack of sinus headaches was definitely a nice perk, regardless of whether they were eliminated by the NuFACE or placebo effect.

The NuFACE won me over

Here’s the thing, I actually like the NuFACE. I’ve had the device for a few months now, and I have definitely noticed an improvement in my face when I’m using it. I’m a little less puffy, my cheeks are more defined, and I like the idea of giving my facial muscles a mini workout a few times a week. 

That being said, I’m on the fence about whether or not it’s worth the $395 price tag. On the upside, it worked. A single charge lasted for a surprisingly long time, it was easy to use, and I felt like it did more to lift and tighten my face compared to other microcurrent devices I’d tried in the past. 

On the other hand, I had some issues. I didn’t love using either of the activator products, and I quickly found out that aloe vera was a much more affordable alternative. Plus, the NuFACE companion app didn’t feel super useful, and I struggled with the Bluetooth connectivity feature on the NuFACE Trinity+ so much that I stopped using the app entirely. And while I eventually sorted out my initial problems with the device, I haven’t really kept up with using the device long-term. I’ll break it out for a few days when I’m feeling puffy or insecure, and it does make a difference, but — like going to the gym — your results fade without consistency. 

Is the NuFACE worth it?

For some people, the NuFACE might be worth the investment, especially if you’re a diehard skincare aficionado who has mastered the art of sticking to a routine or you’re tired of splurging on microcurrent facials. However, if you’re more into casual skincare, it might not be the right device for you. Based on my experience, I’d also recommend talking to your doctor or dermatologist before trying the NuFace if you have any sinus or thyroid issues because, unlike the phrase goes, beauty should not be pain.

And if you’re on the fence like I was, you can always opt for the NuFACE Mini instead. It’s smaller, cheaper, and lacks the option to swap out different attachments. And, considering the additional attachments are $160 each, that’s not the worst idea for beauty fans on a budget. 

All in all, I like the NuFACE Trinity+, and I’ll probably keep using it occasionally. I can definitely see why it’s a holy grail product for some people, and — while I don’t think it’s one of mine — it might be one of yours.