What Is EMS Facial Toning & Does It Really Work? (Full Clinical Guide)

Your expert breakdown from Liorae - Australia’s home of advanced beauty-tech.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has quickly become one of the most in-demand at-home skincare technologies for women who want a lifted, sculpted and more defined appearance - without injectables or expensive clinic visits. But what exactly is EMS? How does it work beneath the surface? And does it actually create visible lifting over time?

In this guide, we break down the science, the benefits, the studies, and how EMS devices like the Liorae EMS Facial™ can support more toned, youthful-looking skin at home.

What Is EMS Facial Toning?

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) uses gentle electrical impulses to activate and contract the deeper facial muscles - the same muscles responsible for your natural lift, shape and structure.

Think of EMS as strength training for your face.

Just like you tone the muscles in your body to improve shape and firmness, EMS conditions the 40+ facial muscles that naturally weaken with age. Over time, this targeted stimulation helps:

  • lift sagging areas

  • tighten and firm the face

  • enhance natural contours

  • support facial symmetry

  • improve circulation and skin vitality

How Does EMS Work Beneath the Skin? (Clinical Explanation)

1. Muscle Activation (The Lift)

EMS signals the facial muscles to contract and release, building tone and improving their baseline strength. Stronger underlying muscles = a more “held” look.

2. Increased Circulation (The Glow)

EMS improves blood flow, oxygenation & lymphatic drainage - giving your skin a fresher, more energised appearance.

3. Enhanced Structural Support (The Firmness)

As muscles become more conditioned, they help provide better support for the skin that sits above them.

4. Neuromuscular Conditioning (The Long-Term Benefit)

Repetitive EMS stimulation helps the muscles “learn” a more lifted resting position, contributing to long-term results.

Does EMS Actually Work? (What the Evidence Suggests)

While EMS is not a medical treatment or substitute for clinical procedures, research shows:

✔ Improved muscle tone & firmness

EMS has been shown to enhance muscle strength and endurance, supporting visible firmness.

✔ Smoother, tighter-looking skin

Studies indicate improved elasticity and facial tightness with consistent micro-stimulation.

✔ Visible lifting in cheek & jaw areas

Many users report enhanced definition and contour with regular use.

✔ Facial symmetry improvements

Targeted stimulation can assist with balanced muscle activation.

What Results Can You Expect From EMS?

After 1-3 Sessions:

  • Brighter skin

  • Improved circulation

  • Subtle uplifted feel

  • Tighter, “activated” muscles

After 2-3 Weeks:

  • More defined cheekbones

  • Noticeable firmness

  • Better jawline contour

  • Smoother, tighter appearance

After 4-8 Weeks:

  • Long-term improvements in lift

  • Enhanced facial structure

  • Reduced puffiness

  • A more sculpted, youthful profile

EMS vs Microcurrent: What’s the Difference?

These two terms are often confused - here’s the simple explanation:

EMS

  • Stronger muscle contractions

  • Targets deeper muscles

  • Great for lifting & sculpting

  • “Facial workout” sensation

Microcurrent

  • Very gentle stimulation

  • Targets the superficial muscles

  • Helps with tone & ATP energy

  • More subtle results

EMS = Lift & sculpt
Microcurrent = Tone & refresh

Both are beneficial, but EMS creates more noticeable contouring over time.

Who Is EMS Facial Toning Best For?

EMS is ideal for women who want to improve:

  • softened jawline or sagging contours

  • early signs of aging

  • facial laxity

  • dull or tired skin

  • loss of firmness

  • puffiness or fluid retention

  • asymmetry

  • lack of definition

Perfect for women aged 25-55 looking to maintain or enhance their natural lift - without needles or downtime.

How Often Should You Use EMS?

Recommended Routine:

3-5 times per week
5-10 minutes per session

Muscles need consistent activation - just like a gym routine.

Is EMS Safe to Use At Home?

Yes - at-home EMS beauty devices use low-level electrical stimulation suitable for general skincare routines. They are non-invasive, non-thermal and do not break the skin barrier.

Avoid use if you:

  • are pregnant

  • have epilepsy

  • have implanted electrical devices

  • have open wounds
    (Always consult if unsure.)

Liorae devices use gentle, adjustable cosmetic-level EMS designed for everyday at-home use.

How to Use the Liorae EMS Facial (Step-by-Step)

1. Start With a Clean Canvas

Always begin with thoroughly cleansed, dry skin. This step ensures the patches adhere properly and allows the EMS microcurrents to travel efficiently through the targeted areas.

2. Position the EMS Patches

Place the patches on the zones you want to lift or refine - commonly under the eyes, across the cheeks, along the jawline or over smile lines. Correct placement helps the device activate the specific muscles that support those areas.

3. Power On & Personalise Your Session

Switch on the pods and remote, then choose your preferred mode and intensity. Because everyone’s tolerance is different, adjustable settings allow you to tailor each session to your comfort level.

4. Relax for 10-15 Minutes

Once activated, the EMS patches gently stimulate the facial muscles beneath the skin. This micro-stimulation helps improve firmness, support contour and enhance circulation - delivering that subtly lifted, refreshed look you feel immediately after use.

5. Remove, Clean & Store

After your session, gently peel off the patches. Wipe them clean and store them in their original packaging so they maintain their adhesion and longevity.

For enhanced results, pair EMS with LED or NIR therapy.

The Benefits of EMS Facial Toning 

✔ Lifted-looking skin
✔ Sculpted contours
✔ Improved firmness
✔ Boosted circulation
✔ Increased radiance
✔ Reduced puffiness
✔ Better product absorption
✔ A non-invasive alternative to in-clinic treatments

Benefits For YOU

✨ Confidence in your natural features
✨ A sense of control over your aging journey
✨ A ritual that feels grounding, calming & empowering
✨ A small daily moment to feel lifted - inside & out

⭐️ Final Thoughts

EMS facial toning is a powerful, science-backed way to support facial structure, lift, and definition naturally over time. With consistent use, EMS helps restore youthful contours, energise the skin and create a more sculpted, confident appearance - all without downtime.

For the most effective at-home EMS experience, explore the Liorae EMS Facial™ , trusted by thousands of Australian women wanting clinic-inspired results from the comfort of home.

Shop the EMS Facial Devices Collection

Lift, tone & sculpt with evidence-informed EMS technology designed for visible definition and firmness at home.

EMS Facial Devices → Facial Sculpting & Lifting →