In the latest episode of What the Wellness, video producer Ella Dove visits SB Skin for a microcurrent facial to see if it will have her walking out sculpted and more radiant than when she walked in. “Microcurrent is electricity, and we use it to stimulate the muscles in your face,” says Shamara Bondaroff, founder of SB Skin. She explains that the current is super small (or, erm, “micro”), and mimic the current of your body so that you don’t really feel it while it’s happening. “It stimulates your muscles, stimulates collagen, elastin, amino acids, ATP, cell turnover—it does so many different things.”
The cool thing about microcurrent is that it has both short and longterm benefits, so it can be used as both a treatment and for preventative measures. “It’s not just the contouring—it’s also re-educating the muscle,” says Bondaroff. She notes that she gives microcurrent facials to patients ranging from 18 to 80, all of whom have different skin needs that they’re looking for the treatment to help with. During the facial, an esthetician will slather your face in conductive gel and then gently massage it with a device that emits positive and negative charges to stimulate things under the surface. Though getting your face zapped with currents might sound scary, Dove describes the experience as “smooth and cool and lovely.”
But, uh, does the treatment actually work? Watch the video to find out, and don’t forget to subscribe to Well+Good’s YouTube channel to watch Dove test out more WTF wellness treatments.
Seriously—facial workouts are so good, they can potentially take the place of Botox. And here’s what happened when one Well+Good editor tried to literally freeze her face with a cryofacial.
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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