EMS devices for the face are now everywhere: in drugstores, in online shops and in social media videos with impressive before-and-after pictures. But the devices differ a lot: in the number of levels, in their shape, in their accessories and above all in how honestly they are described. Here you'll find out what really matters when buying, how to judge test-winner badges and reviews, and when you're better off skipping EMS. At the end there's a checklist to tick off.
In short
A good EMS face device has several intensity levels, a timer with automatic switch-off, a head that adapts to the contours of your face and clear instructions in your language that tell you when not to use it. You also need a water-based serum or gel as a contact medium. Light and warmth are nice extras. Be wary of promises that sound like a medical procedure.
In this article
01
What an EMS device does for your face and what it doesn't
EMS stands for electrical muscle stimulation. The device sends gentle electrical impulses into the skin that engage the muscles underneath. You feel this as a light tingling or twitching. On the face, EMS is usually used as part of a skincare routine, together with a serum, for a fresher, firmer-looking complexion.
Important for your expectations: an EMS device for home use is a cosmetic device. It does not replace medical or aesthetic treatment. How your skin develops over the weeks depends on your skin type, age, skincare and consistency. That's why reputable brands don't promise fixed results.
02
9 criteria to consider when buying
01Adjustable intensity
Everyone experiences the impulses differently, and they feel different on your forehead than on your jawline. So look for several intensity levels. That way you can start low and increase slowly.
02Timer and automatic switch-off
More doesn't help more. A built-in timer that switches the device off after a set time limits the length of the whole session. A signal that tells you when to move on to the next area of your face helps you avoid staying too long in one spot.
03Shape of the head
Your face isn't flat. A curved, ergonomically shaped head sits better against your jawline, cheeks and forehead than a flat surface. The device should feel good in your hand so you can guide it steadily for six minutes.
04A suitable contact medium
EMS needs good contact with the skin. On dry skin the device judders and the impulses arrive unevenly. So you need a water-based serum or gel. Check whether the manufacturer recommends a suitable product and whether it suits your skin, for example fragrance-free. According to the instructions for our device, essential oils are not suitable as a contact medium.
05Light and warmth as extras
Many devices combine EMS with LED light in several colours, some with warmth too. That feels pleasant and makes your routine more versatile. Check whether the instructions explain which colour is meant for what and how warm the device gets. You can read what the colours mean in Red, green, blue light: which LED colour for what?.
06Battery and charging
Cordless is much more convenient in the bathroom. Look for details on the battery and charging time and for a common connection such as USB-C, so you don't need yet another charging cable.
07Cleaning and splash protection
Because serum goes on the head, the device should be easy to wipe clean. The IP rating shows how well the device is protected against water. With IPX6, for example, splashes and even a jet of water are no problem. Still, you should never submerge an electrical device.
08Safety and instructions
Look for CE marking, complete instructions in your language including contraindications, and a seller you can reach with questions, with a legal notice (imprint) and customer service. If there's no information on when you shouldn't use the device, that's a warning sign.
09Face only or body too?
Some devices are designed for the face only, others can also be used on your neck, décolleté, arms, stomach or legs. If you want both, you save yourself a second device. Find out more in EMS device for the whole body.
03
Test winners, reviews, before-and-after photos: how to judge them
If you're looking for an EMS device, you'll quickly come across test-winner badges, star ratings and before-and-after pictures. Here's how to judge them:
- Test-winner badges: Check who did the testing, when, how many devices were compared and by which criteria. A badge without a traceable source, or a test that only compared devices from one shop, doesn't tell you much.
- Reviews: The most helpful reviews describe specifically how the session feels, how well the device sits in your hand, how long the battery lasts and how customer service responds.
- Before-and-after pictures: Lighting, camera angle, facial expression and the sheen of freshly applied serum change a photo a lot. A single picture taken straight after a session doesn't show how the skin develops over weeks.
- Big promises: Phrases like “replaces cosmetic surgery” or “results like at the doctor's” are not credible for a cosmetic device for home use.
We deliberately don't name a test winner here and don't compare other brands. Instead, in the next section we show you how our own device meets the criteria, so you can compare it with others.
04
Our device put to the test
An overview of the EMS & Light Therapy Device by The House of Legs, based on its instructions for use:
| Criterion | EMS & Light Therapy Device |
|---|---|
| Intensity | 5 EMS levels |
| Timer | 6 minutes, a beep every minute to move on to the next area of your face, then automatic switch-off |
| Head | 3D-shaped massage head |
| Light and warmth | LED in red, green and blue, constant warmth of 42 °C |
| Contact medium | water-based serum, for example the fragrance-free Lifting Glow Face Serum |
| Battery and charging | 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery, charging time up to 3 hours via USB-C |
| Protection against water | IPX6, not for submerging |
| Use | Face, jaw area, neck, décolleté and body |
| What's included | Device, USB-C charging cable, cleaning cloth |
| Marking | CE, Designed in Germany |
You can also use the serum with niacinamide, a peptide and hyaluronic acid on its own, morning and evening. We show you how to use both step by step in EMS for the face: how to use the device and serum correctly and in our video guide for the device.
05
How often and for how long?
Follow the instructions for your device. For our EMS & Light Therapy Device we recommend a six-minute session two or three times a week. Start on a low level. A light tingling is normal. If it becomes uncomfortable, burns or your skin stays red afterwards, lower the level or stop the session. Don't leave the device on the same spot for long, and keep the light and the device away from your eyes.
06
When to skip EMS
EMS isn't suitable for everyone. According to the instructions for use, you should not use it in these cases, among others: during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you have a pacemaker or other implants, if you have metal dental implants, if you have cancer or skin changes that may be precancerous, on injured, irritated or inflamed skin, on sunburn, and after skin surgery or cosmetic procedures in that area; in this case, according to the instructions, wait at least one month. Never point the light or place the device directly on your eyes. The device is not intended for children. If you have any other medical condition, talk to your doctor first. Please read the complete instructions for use before using it for the first time.
07
Buying checklist
- ✓Several intensity levels, possible to start on a low level
- ✓Timer with automatic switch-off and a signal to change areas
- ✓Curved head that sits against your jawline and cheeks
- ✓Suitable water-based serum or gel, ideally recommended by the manufacturer
- ✓Clearly described light and warmth functions, if available
- ✓Cordless, common charging port such as USB-C
- ✓Easy to clean, IP rating for water protection stated
- ✓CE marking and instructions in your language including contraindications
- ✓Reachable seller with legal notice and customer service
- ✓Honest description without promises that sound like a medical procedure
If you'd like to try the device and serum together, the set is the easiest choice:
The House of Legs
Signature Face Lift Duo
EMS & Light Therapy Device and Lifting Glow Face Serum as a set: the 6-minute ritual for your face, better value than buying them separately.
The deviceEMS & Light Therapy DeviceEMS, LED in three colours and warmth, for face and body.
The serumLifting Glow Face SerumFragrance-free and water-based, on its own or with the device.08 · FAQ
Frequently asked questions about EMS face devices
Is an EMS face device worth it?+
If you enjoy having a set skincare routine and regularly take a few minutes for yourself, an EMS device can be a lovely addition. But don't expect results like those of a medical or aesthetic treatment.
Are there any side effects?+
During a session, tingling, slight muscle twitching and a feeling of warmth are normal. Afterwards your skin may be slightly red for a short while. If it becomes uncomfortable or burns, lower the level or stop the session. If skin irritation persists, have it checked by a doctor. Observe the contraindications in the instructions for use.
Is EMS on the face dangerous?+
An EMS device for home use is designed to be used according to its instructions for use. What matters is a low starting level, the specified duration, keeping it away from your eyes and not using it in the cases mentioned, such as if you have a pacemaker or during pregnancy.
How often should I use EMS on my face?+
Follow the instructions for your device. For our EMS & Light Therapy Device we recommend six minutes two or three times a week. More often and for longer doesn't bring more.
How quickly will I see results?+
That varies from person to person. Straight after a session, your skin can feel cared for thanks to the serum. How your complexion develops over weeks depends on your skin, age and consistency.
Can I use a normal cream instead of serum?+
Better not. On a water-based serum or gel the device glides well and the impulses are transmitted evenly. According to our instructions, essential oils are not suitable.
Can I also use the device on my body?+
With our EMS & Light Therapy Device, yes, for example on your arms, stomach and legs. For your legs we recommend pairing it with the LymphGlow Leg Serum. Some other devices are designed for the face only; you'll find this in their instructions.
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