FOREO BEAR™ Review with Dermatologist Cara McDonald

A non-invasive yet hyper-effective microcurrent toning device, BEAR™ revolutionized at-home skin tech and put you in charge of how you age. This safe, painless alternative for those reluctant to get cut into provides an intense yet pleasant 2-min microcurrent treatment, increasing the production of collagen and elastin to firm, lift, and contour, improving deep wrinkles, fine lines, firmness, and elasticity in just 1 week. But if you're old enough to consider a microcurrent facelift, you're old enough to know that not all you read is true, so we put it to the test and talked to a very respectable and hard-working lady, dermatologist Dr. Cara McDonald, asking for her honest FOREO BEAR™ review+ gathered some clinical results and before and afters.

Before we dive in, here is some general information on microcurrent technology that will be handy. The more we know, the greater our responsibility to do better for ourselves. 

How do microcurrent facial devices work?

Once reserved for beauty clinics and well-furbished salons and available exclusively to those who could pay for repeated visits (microcurrent needs consistency), microcurrent facial toning has now been democratized by the emergence of at-home microcurrent facelift devices. Going under the "Non-Surgical Face Lift" or a "natural alternative to botox and fillers" pseudonyms, microcurrent facials do just that. 

They are an anti-aging treatment that uses low-grade electrical current to "train" your facial muscles into their younger selves just as you would with your body muscles after returning to the gym after a long hiatus. Muscles need to be challenged, or else they will just waste away. Electrical stimulation challenges the musculature of the face and neck, contracting and releasing the 69+ muscles, which rapidly tone and tighten, contouring your features, and visibly firming and lifting the skin above the muscle for a fresher and younger-looking face. The energy introduced into the skin and muscle will also boost declining collagen production, cell turnover, and microcirculation, and all of that with no zaps, pain, or painful recovery and hiding.

What is FOREO BEAR™?

It is a 3-minute non-invasive facelift (and a second step of The Swedish Beauty Routine) and the world's first FDA-approved microcurrent device featuring the patented Anti-Shock System™ for the ultimate comfort of use and no zaps. BEAR™ is also clinically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, skin firmness, and elasticity in just 7 days. 

Key technologies and benefits of FOREO BEAR™

KEY TECHNOLOGIES

• 5  microcurrent intensities strengthen the muscle and tighten the skin above the musculature, to lift, contour, plump, firm, and sculpt the facial features - at the comfort level you choose yourself. Start at a low level and gradually increase as you are ready for more.

• T-Sonic™ pulsations are a very pleasant and effective way to relax facial muscle tension points, smooth the appearance of expression lines, improve microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, increase radiance and skincare absorption, and reduce puffiness.

• The Anti-Shock System™ scans and measures the skin's resistance to electricity every 0.002 seconds, automatically adjusting for an unwavering quality of treatment and the most comfortable microcurrent of your life.

+ Ultra-hygienic silicone

+ Waterproof design

+ Up to 90 uses per USB charge

+ Single-button interface

+ Ergonomic & lightweight

+ App connected

BENEFITS

- Stimulate Collagen & elastin

- Improve ATP production on a cellular level

- Improve blood circulation

- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

- Tone & tighten sagging

- Remove toxins from the skin

- Plum up thin skin

These are the basic facts so you can make an informed decision. But when handed to a dermatologist, does it truly hold up to its standards? After putting the device to the test for 1 month, Dr. Cara McDonald gives us her FOREO BEAR™ review. 

About Dr. Cara McDonald

Co-director & Principal Dermatologist at Complete Skin Specialists, Dr. Cara McDonald, is a highly trained specialist dermatologist and cosmetic injector who got her medical degree with First Class Honours and specialized everywhere from Melbourne's best hospitals to the UK's Oxford. A fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr. Cara also loves color and design and is an amateur painter. In the clinical setting, she specializes in full facial rejuvenation and will relentlessly work to make your before and after photos look as natural as possible while thoroughly educating you on what will happen every step of the anti-aging way and never ever compromising on safety. With all this expertise up her sleeve, we’ll let Dr. Cara McDonald dive into her BEAR™ microcurrent facial toning assessment! 

Dr. Cara's FOREO BEAR™ review

Thoughts on microcurrent therapy

I’ve spent the last month or so trialing the FOREO BEAR™ microcurrent device. Microcurrent devices have been used for in-clinic facials and treatments for many years but are now more readily available to use in the comfort of your own home. Microcurrent devices have become extremely popular for a good reason, as they are a safe and non-invasive facial therapy with no real risk or downtime, and they provide immediate benefits for all skin types. 

The way microcurrent devices work is that they pass a low-strength electrical current across the skin tissues between a positive and negative conductor on the device. The electrical stimulation has a number of apparent effects on the skin, including stimulation of cellular turnover, increased collagen production, and improved tone of the facial muscles. They have been shown to promote wound healing and have several other benefits, including reduced inflammation, increased circulation, and improved muscle function. People notice a tightening and lifted appearance due to changes in muscle tone.

FOREO BEAR™ is super user-friendly

After reviewing the FOREO BEAR™ microcurrent device, I believe it has a host of great features. One thing I love is that it connects via Bluetooth to an app on your phone, which guides you through various treatment protocols. This makes it super user-friendly and helps you know that you’re doing it correctly, ensuring you’ll get the most out of your device! 

The device also has an Anti-Shock System™, which means that the electrical current adjusts in 0.002 seconds to ensure no discomfort while you are using it. Another unique feature is the T-sonic™ pulsation, which adds a massage-like component to your treatment, giving added benefits such as decreased puffiness and increased circulation.

I committed to using the device every day for a month to really see the benefits. I added it into my evening routine when I brush my teeth and put on my skincare so that it seemed easy. The treatment literally only takes a few minutes, which is brilliant for me because anything more than that sometimes feels like too much to fit into my day! It actually felt like a bit of a treat rather than a chore. 

Use with a conductive serum

The procedure itself is very easy and can be modified and done freestyle if you don’t feel like using the app every time. The most important thing is that the skin is cleansed prior and is then nicely hydrated with a water-based conductive serum, like the FOREO SERUM SÉRUM SERUM. 

Get your SERUM SÉRUM SERUM now!

Oil-based products will inhibit the flow of the current through the skin. I used the FOREO SERUM SÉRUM SERUM, which is loaded with hyaluronic acid and, therefore, is perfect for hydration and conducting electrical currents through the skin. From here, you just follow the directions and glide the device upwards and outwards, addressing the neck, jawline, cheeks, and forehead.

Long-term benefits of microcurrent

Personally, I felt that there was some immediate tightening effect after using the FOREO BEAR™. I think this is the perfect device for those of us that are a little bit skin-obsessed, and keen to optimize the appearance of our skin. My motto with skin treatments is that a little bit of everything is best, but most importantly, consistency will get you the best results. 

CONCLUSION: I finish my FOREO BEAR™ review convinced that this is a quick and easy procedure you can incorporate into your skincare routine. With ongoing use, you will more than likely see some cumulative, long-term benefits.

Get your BEAR™ now!

How to use FOREO BEAR™

1. Download the FOREO For You app. Activate Bluetooth on your phone and turn on your BEAR™. The app will discover it, and then you can just sync.

2. Cleanse your face with an oil-free cleanser to remove all makeup, oils, and impurities, regardless of the time of day you use your device. The skin needs to be totally clean before applying the conductive Serum. Apply a thin layer of FOREO's conductive Serum to all areas you wish to treat.

3. Select your pre-set routine and microcurrent intensity via the app or manually with the universal button and glide BEAR™ across your skin in upward motions (or follow the chosen app program) until BEAR™ turns off.

4. There is no need to wash off your Serum. Continue with your regular skincare routine on top of it, and enjoy living in your skin.

Can you use BEAR™ if you have dental implants?

You've been asking about this a lot. We don't recommend using the device with any kind of metal dental implant. However, we don't know your situation and the type of implant you have, so you might be able to use all of the devices from the BEAR™ and BEAR™ 2 collections. Please contact your dentist or orthodontist and consult with them about whether it is fine for you to use the microcurrent in your concrete case. 

FOREO BEAR™ results

If you decide to undergo an invasive cosmetic procedure, acknowledging and accepting all of the risks is completely up to you. You will most likely get a more radical result faster, so we see the appeal of a quick fix. However, if you'd rather stay away from the scalpel and are leaning towards a gentler solution that works with the body's natural processes, here are some photos to show you what is possible in a month with BEAR™ so you can keep your expectations realistic (and optimistic). 

Where to get your FOREO BEAR™?

You can find your BEAR™, its younger sister BEAR™ 2, and an entire specialized extended family from the second generation—BEAR™ go, BEAR™ eyes & lips, and BEAR™ 2 body—on FOREO.com. Consistency is key, and the most effective treatments are those you stick to. You do you and enjoy living in your skin, dear friends.