Deborah Tosline published the book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skincare is grounded in a scientific background, a love of research, and over 40 years of DIY skincare experience.
I’ve practiced facial resistance exercises for over 20 years, using my hands as the resisting force. When a hand injury stopped me from doing my facial exercises, I missed my routine. So, I unpacked my Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) device, applied four electrodes to my face, and got back to maintaining my facial muscle tone. It reminded me of something I started nearly 25 years ago… but more on that later.
Both Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units and EMS devices are designed to stimulate nerves and muscles, though they serve slightly different purposes.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tens.jpg, Yeza, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
A TENS unit is typically used for pain relief by stimulating nerve endings, helping alleviate discomfort from muscle knots. It also promotes blood circulation through low-level electrical currents. There are TENS units made specifically for facial use that have smaller electrodes and specialized facial muscle programs.
EMS devices, on the other hand, stimulate muscles to maintain function, retrain the brain muscle connection, and improve strength by delivering intermittent electrical impulses that cause muscle contractions. Research shows that EMS use can improve both static and dynamic muscle strength, resulting in notable gains.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Experiments_in_physiology._Facial_expressions;_Scorn_Wellcome_L0040076.jpg. See page for author, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Back in around 2000, I saw a TV infomercial for a muscle stimulation device and, for the first time ever, felt compelled to buy something from an ad. I didn’t go through with the purchase—and regretted it. Then, at a home show expo, I saw an EMS device for sale and bought it on the spot. I began using it on my face immediately, without instructions. I hid in my bedroom, applied electrodes to my face in various configurations, and experimented with intensity. I was willing to let my face contort to its limits—until tooth pain told me I’d gone far enough. Despite my lack of knowledge, I loved the results. My personal experience showed that, over time, EMS enhanced facial skin circulation and visibly tightened my facial muscles.
My positive results with EMS led me to explore the FlexEffect Facialbuilding program by Deborah Crowley. I’m not affiliated with FlexEffect in any way—I just own the books and have practiced the exercises consistently since around 2002, up until recently.
After years of overworking my hands and wrists (a mix of hyper-focus, poor interoception, and big building projects), and a three-month stint on crutches in 2024, my hands hurt. They’re now healing with rehab and strengthening, but recently I haven’t been able to do my regular facial resistance exercises.
So, I returned to my trusty EMS. Yes, I still have the same two-electrode device I bought 25 years ago, along with a newer four-electrode unit.
I apply the electrodes, set the EMS program, and let it stimulate my facial muscles while I work on the computer. Each session runs for 15 minutes. I use low-level stimulation near my teeth due to sensitivity, and a comfortably strong level elsewhere. I secure the electrodes using a headband or scarf.
Placement of the electrodes: orbicularis oculi (upper left), frontalis (upper right), zygomaticus major (lower left), and orbicularis oris (lower right). Photographs published with permission from the subject. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746809418302799
Here are the general areas where I place the electrodes on my face and neck:
Forehead
Temples
Upper cheeks
Chin and lips
Jawline
Sides of neck
I did a limited internet search on the use of EMS and TENS for facial muscle maintenance. It wasn’t exhaustive, but I found evidence that these devices are being used for facial stimulation. Most research and commentary supported EMS use for facial muscle strengthening and TENS use for conditions like facial paralysis (e.g., Bell’s palsy), though I also found anecdotal concerns on Reddit and Quora about potential risks.
A 2020 article showed that electrical stimulation of facial muscles helps to prevent muscle atrophy, promote healing, and may help mitigate the effects of Bell’s palsy, but more research is needed.
Research published in 2012 found that after 12 weeks of EMS use, facial muscles showed increased thickness and improved appearance. Participants reported improvements in firmness, tone, and lift.
Measurement of the total volume and maximum depth of nasolabial folds was completed using the Antera 3D facial imaging device. (A) Representative photo at baseline and 8 weeks. Depth is indicated by a red grayscale. (right cheek: moisturizer + fNMES, left cheek: (moisturizer only). (B) Total volume of nasolabial folds at baseline and maximum depth at baseline are shown. (C) Changes in the total volume of nasolabial folds from baseline to 8 weeks. (D) Changes in maximum depth of nasolabial folds from baseline to 8 weeks. Error bars represent standard error of the mean. *p < 0.05 compared between moisturizer + fNMES and moisturizer. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16403
A study published in 2024 found that EMS use resulted in:
Improved elasticity across multiple layers of the skin, from the epidermis to the deep dermis
Significant improvement in jawline angle, reduced volume under the chin, and increased cheek volume
My internet search yielded limited scientific research on the use of TENS units specifically for facial applications. However, I did find a journal article that reports positive outcomes when using a TENS unit to treat Bell’s Palsy. Aside from that, most of the TENS information was available on MedSpa advertisements promoting TENS facials. For example, Azurite Medical and Wellness states that a TENS facial increases blood circulation, promotes collagen production, and tightens the skin.
If you are currently under medical supervision, check with your medical professional before using a TENS or EMS device on your face.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, whether I use my hands, a specialized device, or EMS, I plan on exercising my facial muscles—just like the rest of my muscles—consistently, for the rest of my life.
If you need more information about DIY skin care, check out the local library, search the Internet, or check out my past Blog articles. It would be an honor for me if you purchased my skin care book. Thank you!
Take good care of yourselves!
XO Deborah
This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.