I’m not particularly interested in chasing every new beauty trend that comes along. As you know, I’m more into a longterm skincare approach and rather effortless beauty techniques. At this point in my 40s, I’d much rather have a smaller routine filled with products and tools I actually use consistently, that actually work. But I am always curious when new technology comes along that might make a meaningful difference in my skin.
That’s what interested me about the ZIIP Halo, an at-home facial device that uses microcurrent and nanocurrent. I was gifted the device to try, and I’ve been especially curious about using it for the things I’m noticing more in my 40s: fine lines, my 11s, under-eye puffiness, marionette lines and some softness around my lower face and jawline. I have to be honest, I had been seeing people share this device online and raving about it and I 100% did not expect this to do anything at all, but figured it was worth a try.
So, does the ZIIP Halo work? And perhaps more importantly, does it work well enough to justify adding another step to a beauty routine? Holy cow, I was impressed from Day 1. It’s a big YES in my opinion and I’m sharing my full experience with it here, along with what I’ve learned about how to use it and what I think you can realistically expect from an at-home microcurrent device.
I was gifted the ZIIP Halo, but this post is not sponsored, I chose to write this review because I truly was so shocked and impressed by this device and thought others may be as interested in it as I was. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through one of my links.
ZIIP Halo Discount Code
If you’ve been considering trying the ZIIP Halo yourself, you can use my code ZIIPASHLEYS for 10% off your purchase. I always appreciate a discount code or promo code when I’m investing in a beauty device like this, so I’m happy that the team at ZIIP Beauty offered this for me to be able to share one with you!
Use code ZIIPASHLEYS for 10% off the ZIIP Halo
What Is the ZIIP Halo?
The ZIIP Halo is a handheld facial device that delivers electrical currents through two metal contact points that glide across the skin. Unlike many at-home devices that rely solely on microcurrent, ZIIP uses both microcurrent and nanocurrent in different waveforms and combinations depending on the treatment.
Microcurrent has been used cosmetically for years and is intended to help create a more lifted, toned appearance. ZIIP’s nanocurrent technology uses even lower electrical currents and is incorporated into treatments aimed at the overall appearance and health of the skin.
The ZIIP Halo can be used by itself for a quick pre-programmed facial, or you can connect it to the ZIIP app for guided treatments targeting specific areas and concerns. I like the latter because I’m not particularly interested in figuring out where I’m supposed to move an electrical device across my face on my own, I love a step by step plan and the way it syncs with your phone to walk you through the tutorial is great and so easy.
Does the ZIIP Halo Really Work?
This was obviously my biggest question before trying it. I’d be lying if I told you that I thought this was going to work. I didn’t. I had zero expectations honestly. But most importantly, I was thinking this would be just another thing I had added to my routine that took so long and that I had to be super consistent with to see any results at all (patience is a virtue). Instead, I saw results instantly after the very first use.
I think it’s important to separate what an at-home device like this can realistically do from the dramatic expectations we sometimes have for beauty technology. I’m not expecting a microcurrent device to give me the same result as Botox, filler, lasers or a surgical procedure. I’m looking for subtler changes: a more lifted and defined appearance, less puffiness, softer-looking lines and skin that generally looks a little better. Adding any benefits at all would have made me happy. Instead, I was thrilled.
And I’m particularly interested in whether those results are significant enough that I want to keep using the device consistently.
I decided to do one of the basic allover facial videos for my first treatment instead of focusing on a problem or specific area. I lightly coated my face and neck area with the gel where it showed me, synced the device to the app on my phone and pressed play. The whole thing took only about 5 minutes and walked me through different sweeps across areas on my face, telling me where to go, when to go and the pressure. It was kind of fun following along but what I noticed when I was done, after 5 minutes, was an instant depuff and sliming of my face, especially in the lower cheek / jawline area. It was noticeable to me instantly and the guide talks you through how this is similar to a gua sha / lymphatic draining routine, but with the added benefit of the two current types to boost your results. I also noticed that my skin was glowing and more dewy and even toned than it normally was. I wiped the gel with my washcloth to see if that made any difference so I could see the fresh skin. It was more glowing, dewy and had an almost rosy glow. I also noticed my undereyes were also less puffy (a big problem area with me and my autoimmune issues) and that my cheekbones were more noticeable and defined. I wanted to do it again but called it a day. Day 1 was a success and I was hooked.
ZIIP Halo has also conducted a clinical study of the Halo over 42 days. The study included adults ages 35 to 55, which I appreciate because that makes the results more relevant to someone in my stage of life than a study conducted primarily on very young skin withouth the same problem areas of natural aging that I experience. The company reported improvements in measurements including forehead wrinkle volume and skin elasticity after the six-week period.
For me, though, the most useful test is going to be my own face. I plan to continue photographing my skin in the same lighting and conditions so I can see whether the changes I’m noticing are actually there over time.
My ZIIP Halo Review
One of my first impressions of the ZIIP Halo is that it feels surprisingly easy to incorporate into a routine. Again, I have tried so many things so my morning routine, while I love it, can feel like a process some days. But this was something I enjoyed, even after a few weeks of use it’s something I look forward to because the results keep showing up. That’s important to me because I know myself well enough to know that a beauty device requiring an elaborate 30-minute process every morning isn’t going to last very long in my bathroom.
The device itself is small and simple, and there is a quick treatment programmed directly onto it. If I want to target a particular concern, I can open the app and follow one of the guided treatments instead.
You do need to apply a conductive gel before using it. The gel allows the electrical current to travel properly between the device and your skin, so this isn’t a step you can skip and must be part of your purchase. But a little goes a long way so start with a small amount and spread it across your skin, you can always add more if needed.
While I saw noticeable results from Day 1, I also think consistency is going to be key. I was going to wait a full month (at least) to post this but decided to go ahead since I saw immediate results, however I’ll continue updating with a before & after (yikes). The nature of the device and the way the current works, it does offer temporary as well as lasting results over continued use, so I’m super excited to see the fine lines and wrinkles start to fade a bit more over time.
What Does It Feel Like to Use the ZIIP Halo?
One of my questions before trying the ZIIP Halo was what microcurrent would actually feel like on my face. I didn’t really think about this before, I was thinking it would feel like nothing aside from the device moving across your face. Which, for the most part, using it feels surprisingly gentle and just like that. The device glides over the conductive gel, and during most treatments I feel very little at all. In certain areas or with certain treatments, I can feel a slight tingling or little electrical sensation, but I haven’t found it painful or uncomfortable at all. But sometimes you get to a spot or if you have less than desired amount of gel coverage, you can feel a little vibration-like feeling.
You may also notice tiny involuntary muscle movements depending on where you’re using it, which feels a little strange the first time but quickly becomes something you expect. I actually find the whole process very relaxing, especially because the treatments are short enough that it doesn’t feel like another big commitment in my routine. I prefer it now to my gua sha simply because I see more immediate results.
I’ll also say that the gel itself seems to leave my skin feeling very hydrating, refreshed and moisturized, so that is another added “feeling” benefit I didn’t expect.
Does ZIIP Halo Work on Older Skin or Mature Skin?
YES, and honestly this is who I think would see the best results. This was one of the searches I made myself because I’m much more interested in how microcurrent performs on skin in your 40s and beyond.
At 45, my concerns are different than they were at 25 or even 35. I’ve noticed my skin has changed so much in the last five years and especially in the morning, I’m just so puffy and this feels like an instant facial, in just a few minutes. I’m noticing changes in firmness and facial contours along with fine lines and tone and texture of my skin. I’m also much more aware of my eye area and the lower portion of my face, around my jawline.
ZIIP’s published ZIIP Halo study included adults between 35 and 55, with an average participant age in the late 40s. That makes the data particularly interesting to me. I also think expectations matter here. I’m not trying to make my face look 25 again. I want my skin at this age to look healthy, rested and as good as it can. If microcurrent can subtly improve firmness and definition while fitting into a routine I can maintain, that’s a much more realistic reason for me to use it. And, if I can freshen up instantly before the day or a big event, all the better for a quick boost.
Does ZIIP Halo Work for Jowls?
The lower face was one of the areas I’m most interested in treating with the ZIIP Halo. This is the area I have seen the absolutely largest benefit from. The amount of facial puffiness this takes away from me, immediate after use, is what has impressed me the most about the device.
The app includes treatments that concentrate on the lower face, jaw and mouth area. Microcurrent is often used to create a temporarily more lifted or defined appearance, which makes the jawline a natural place to focus. It is consistent with a gua sha which focuses on this this area.
But I would keep expectations realistic. An at-home microcurrent device isn’t physically removing loose skin or replacing a surgical lift. Not by any means. I’m looking for something much more subtle: does my jawline look a little more defined and does my lower face look a little less heavy after consistent use? Yes.
I also have some tugging down at the ends my my mouth and some marionette lines so I do a lot of work in this area and across the lip (which also gives them a fresh look – just don’t get the gel in your mouth). These are lines I am hoping continue to soften and reduce.
This is also one area where I think before-and-after photographs will be much more useful than relying on memory. I’m taking mine in the same position and lighting so I can make a fair comparison as I continue using it.
ZIIP Halo for Under-Eye Bags
Under-eye puffiness is one of my biggest beauty concerns, so naturally this is one of the first areas I wanted to target. It was one of the first specific treatment videos I tried.
ZIIP Halo has a guided eye treatment that concentrates around the eye area, it’s just a few minutes and sometimes I use it as an add-on to the general 4-minute quick facial when I need a little extra focus there. For me, the goal isn’t necessarily to erase every line around my eyes. I’m much more interested in whether the area looks less puffy and more awake.
It’s also important to recognize that under-eye bags can have several causes, including genetics and structural changes that happen as we age. No skincare device is going to correct every cause of under-eye bags. But it helps and that’s what I’m here for.
If this ends up being one of the areas where I see a consistent difference, it may actually be one of the biggest reasons I continue using the Halo.
Can You Use the ZIIP Halo on Your Neck?
Well, the answer is yes and no, but not really like you’re hoping probably, the ZIIP Halo can also be used on parts of the neck, and there are guided movements available to show you how to use it correctly.
I like the idea of treating my face and neck as one rather than having an elaborate skincare routine that abruptly stops at my jawline. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more conscious of bringing skincare down onto my neck & chest as well. The only thing I was kind of sad about is that I have some fine lines appearing on my neck and you must keep the device to the sides of your neck and not over your thyroid, so the neck and chest are really not areas that you can use this device. It’s not where it’s intended to be used.
There are areas of the neck where electrical stimulation shouldn’t be used, so this is one place where I would follow ZIIP’s current instructions rather than making up your own movements. This is not a problem area you’re really able to help with the ZIIP, along with the chest unfortunately so stick to the face itself.
Can ZIIP Help With 11 Lines and Fine Lines?
My 11s are another area that is starting to pop up on me as a age. I can tell I carry my stress here and it’s starting to show. Because of my autoimmune issues, especially lately, I have stayed away from any botox or fillers simply because I react to everything so the thought of injecting something in my skin made me nervous. But this area is one I’m particularly interested in watching.
ZIIP Halo clinical testing included measurements of forehead wrinkles, so there is some data specifically looking at this area. But again, I think it’s useful to distinguish between improving the appearance of a line and expecting a microcurrent device to work like an injectable that temporarily limits muscle movement.
For me, the question is whether consistent use makes those lines appear a little softer and whether the skin around them looks better overall. I’ve only been using it a few weeks so because the 11’s are a deeper, longer wear and tear kind of area, I think this will be one of the longer results I will likely see and not something I’ve noticed big improvement in a day or two.
Can You Use ZIIP Every Day?
ZIIP Halo recommends using the Halo several times per week rather than assuming more is always better. The company’s current guidance allows fairly frequent use, with treatment schedules varying depending on the routine you’re following. The materials say 5-6 times per week, so at least one off-day.
I’ve found that the bigger question for me is not can I use ZIIP every day, but how often will I realistically use it consistently?
Because of the kids schedules, I try to use mine 5 weekdays and then if I get an extra one in on the weekends it’s a bonus. I’d rather follow a routine I can maintain for months than use it enthusiastically every day for a week and then forget about it.
Always follow ZIIP’s current instructions for treatment frequency rather than increasing the number or length of treatments on your own.
Do You Have to Use the ZIIP App?
No. One thing I like about the ZIIP Halo is that you don’t necessarily have to get your phone involved every time you use it. Once you get the hang of it, you know what you’re doing and you can knock through it quickly if you’d like. But personally, I love using the app and following a routine (for all things, really).
There is a short facial treatment programmed directly onto the device for days when you simply want to apply your gel and get it done. The app becomes more useful when you want to target a specific area or concern.
For someone just starting out, I think the guided treatments are helpful. You can watch exactly where the device should go, which direction to move it and how long to spend on each area rather than guessing. Also, the currents change and she talks you through what the device is doing and when it’s changing from micro to nano current, so I like knowing what’s going on. I feel like without the app videos, you’re just not getting the most out of the device personally.
Using the ZIIP Halo as a Spot Treatment
One feature I wasn’t really thinking about when I first started using the ZIIP Halo was the Spot Treatement / Problem Solver treatment for the occasional breakout. I used to break out frequently when I was younger and thankfully that’s not a huge concern for me these days (but trust me, I have plenty others). But, I happened to have a blemish on the crown of my forehead the week I receieved this so I decided to do the spot treatment, which is only like 2 minutes.
I would recommend having adequate gel on the treatment area for full coverage. I will say this was the only treatment I have done where I had a small amount of discomfort. Perhaps that area was just sensitive to start with, but I felt a little warming and when I hit the center of it repeatedly it was a little uncomfortable, like a warm burning almost that I hadn’t felt previously. BUT I will say, this blemish was gone in one day. I cannot certainly tell you 100% it made it go away (I used no other treatment aside from gentle cleansing and moisturizing my skin) but it disappeared so quickly. I wonder if this could be something to try on my teenagers for a spot treatmement.
Rather than doing a full-face treatment, you can use this targeted treatment on a blemish or problem area. I love that the Halo isn’t only focused on lifting and fine lines, especially because I can absolutely still get the random zit in my 40s. The currents have a healing effect also. I’ve been trying it as a quick spot treatment when one pops up, and I’ll continue to update this section with how much of a difference I notice in redness, inflammation and how quickly the blemish seems to clear.
Which ZIIP Gel Should You Use?
ZIIP Halo requires a conductive gel to work properly, and there are several different formulas available. I have multiple ZIIP gels to try, so I’m testing them alongside the device rather than assuming they’re interchangeable, but I tend to reach for the restorative, Hyaluronic acid. Also, I noticed after recieving mine it looks like they have upgraded and simplified their gel options so my kit is a little different than what you can get now.
What I’m most interested in is whether I notice enough of a difference between the gels to justify choosing one over another, and whether there’s one I consistently prefer for my particular concerns. I’ll update this section as I use them more or try the new ones.
Is the ZIIP Halo Worth It?
This is ultimately a more important question to me than whether I can see a temporary difference immediately after a treatment.
The ZIIP Halo is an investment, and there is also the ongoing expense of conductive gel. For it to be worth the money for me, I need to see enough of a difference that I’m motivated to keep using it.
My honest opinion is YES. I would purchase this device. Honestly, the price to own it and use it daily is less than a single treatment (or honestly, much less for most spa/medical treatments). I think if you’re someone that enjoys the satisfaction of seeing immediate results, is puffy and has some fine lines, doesn’t mind a few minutes of a treatment or routine, and can be consistent with it. I think it is effective, it’s something I enjoy, and it was something I was immediately impressed with results wise.
My standard for beauty products has changed quite a bit in my 40s. I don’t want drawers full of gadgets or a ten-step routine simply because those things exist. I’m much more interested in figuring out which few things actually make a difference for me and then sticking with them. If it’s not working, I’m not using it.
So far, that’s how I’m approaching the ZIIP Halo. I’m giving it enough time and consistency to decide whether it deserves a permanent place in my routine rather than making that call after a handful of uses. I’ll continue updating this post as I use it longer, particularly with what I notice around my eyes, 11s, jawline and lower face.
What to Know Before Using the ZIIP Halo
Because ZIIP uses electrical current, this isn’t a device everyone should use. ZIIP lists contraindications for certain medical conditions and circumstances, including pregnancy, some implanted electronic devices and other health conditions. I’d check the full warnings out ahead of time just to be certain it’s for you.
Read the manufacturer’s current safety instructions before using the device, and if you have a medical condition or aren’t sure whether microcurrent is appropriate for you, ask your healthcare provider before using it.
My Final Thoughts
I’m still much more interested in a great moisturizer, sunscreen and a simple skincare routine than collecting every beauty gadget that hits the market. And I’m here for a big treatment if I need to invest in that also. But I also don’t think a thoughtful approach to beauty means ignoring genuinely useful new technology.
If consistent microcurrent treatments can make my skin look firmer, less puffy, smoother and more defined without requiring an unrealistic amount of time, that’s something I’m interested in continuing.
And I’ll keep updating this post with the part that matters most: what I actually see after living with it for a few months.
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