“These technologies aim to improve the absorption of active ingredients, enhance radiance, support skin elasticity, help with facial contouring and improve pore texture,” explains Dr. Hall.
As Dr. Hall points out, “the use of electroporation is particularly impressive – it allows deeper penetration without permanently compromising the epidermis, which is something we usually only see in advanced in-clinic treatments. That level of innovation is still relatively rare in the Western at-home beauty market.”
What exactly does each mode do?
“Each of the four modes targets a specific concern, which is what makes this device so versatile,” Dr Hall said. But what does each mode actually do?
Booster mode, which uses electroporation, is best suited for dull or dehydrated skin,” Dr. Hall explains. “It works by temporarily creating microchannels in the skin, significantly enhancing the absorption of active ingredients. It works particularly well when paired with a high-performance serum,” she adds. You can shop our edits of hyaluronic acid serums and niacinamide serums to pair with your device.
Elsewhere, Dr. Hall recommends microcurrent mode for mature skin types, as “it’s ideal for softening fine lines and addressing volume loss, especially around the eyes, smile lines and mouth.” Think of it as a workout for your face. If you’re interested in more mature skin content, we reviewed the best moisturisers for mature skin and foundations for mature skin last month.
Elsewhere, the derma-shot mode (which uses mid-frequency EMS) is also a great fit for “facial contouring and improving skin elasticity, which is ideal for mild sagging.” It’s kind of like a super-charged version of the microcurrent mode, using electrical pulses to improve skin laxity and firmness.
Finally, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Hall suggests trying the air-shot mode, which “employs electric needle technology to refine skin texture and improve pore elasticity, helping to tighten enlarged pores without causing damage or irritation to the skin’s surface.”
How I tested the medicube Age-R Booster Pro:
Full disclosure: I’m no stranger to testing skincare tools. Better yet, I do it for a living. Over the course of my career as a beauty journalist, I have written for GLAMOUR UK, Marie Claire UK, Cosmopolitan UK, Refinery 29 UK, Vogue Arabia, Glamour US and British GQ. And for each of those titles, I’ve tested upwards of at least 20 different devices (be it radio-frequency tools, gua sha stones or microcurrent devices).
Naturally, while testing the medicube Booster Pro, I was determined to uncover its true potential and separate fact from fiction. I’ve been testing it for over three months now and I also made sure not to swap out any of my usual skincare heroes so as to ensure that my results aren’t coming from any other intervention. I used the device twice a day alongside my hydrating serums and right before locking everything in with my nourishing moisturisers.
I also teamed up with Ariana Yaptangco, the Senior Beauty Editor at GLAMOUR US. She also tested the device, to ensure it had been tested on more than one skin type.
How to use the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro:
Given all of the different settings and modes involved with the medicube Age-R Booster Pro, I was a little nervous that the device would be overcomplicated for beginners to skincare devices. But actually, it’s anything but.