Pico Toner--my results
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free skin care · Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:24 pm

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1dX1mUSAKEuJVCwg8ZaAQ1Kl3oSSBDfQ

This is a playlist of moves for using the Pico toner or any microcurrent - moves etc by Christine Buyer~Master esthetician.

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 4:49 am

Nonie aka AD wrote:

jasminerosey 1 wrote:

Nonie,
do you think there are other moves using the pico that are also excersing facial muscles?

jasminerosey 1, I really don't know anything about the Pico to have been talking. I was simply trying to rationalize what may be happening. I have never used microcurrent facial gadgets but in my twenties, I bought one of those machines that has pads that you place on your body and it is supposed to tone your body. It caused muscles to contract and relax alternately and I believe that is what the microcurrent machines do. So in essence, if you are placing the probes or gloves in ways that cause your muscles to contract and relax in their natural direction, then you would be working the face the way face exercises aim to do.

For instance in the video of Sister Sweets at the Emmy's, she was showing an upward diagonal motion of using the gloves--a direction in which some muscles lie--and thus focusing the stimulation along those cheek muscles in order to "exercise" them. When Eva Fraser asks you to smile toward ears or temples or outer corners of the eye, that movement requires gradual contraction of the cheek muscles and then as you return your mouth back to a relaxed state, there is gradual muscle relaxation. So the contraction then relaxation is the exercising.

It seems with microcurrent machines (from some of the posts I have read) that sometimes the trick is to hold the probes at the top and bottom of the muscle to be worked, while at other times sliding along the muscles is the secret. So I think pros like Sister Sweets and Christine Byers might be better at recommending the movements that effect proper muscle contraction and relaxation and therefore good muscle exercising.

I think just like with face exercises, it is the correct combo of movements that will give a nice lift. In other words, if you work one muscle properly, you must work the ones attached to it properly too, which may mean going in a different direction, so that they all get toned more or less uniformly so they support and lift each other. So if facial anatomy and physiology isn't your forte, then getting direction from those who have more experience and good results to show for it is best.

Remember, sometimes how muscles contract may not be obvious just from the shape of the muscle. For instance the eye muscle (orbicularis oculi) is a ring muscle just like the mouth muscle (orbicularis oris), yet contraction of the mouth muscle is inward from all directions toward the center. With the eye muscle being anchored at the inner corner, instead of contraction happening toward the center from all direction, contraction is toward the inner corner where the muscle cannot pull away from. Knowing this is important in deciding on a facial toning program as you need to know that for proper form, how you work the mouth and how you work the eyes cannot be the same. So knowing facial anatomy isn't enough, knowing some physiology so you know how the muscles behave is important too.

Ahem...

A dear friend dropped me a line to inform me that microcurrent gadgets do not actually cause contraction/relaxation of muscles (Shows you how clueless I am on them and why I had no business in this thread). My limited info was from casual reading in which this was suggested (eg: http://www.examiner.com/article/non-invasive-microcurrent-face-lifts; I think the EGG Microcurrent ads talk about muscle contraction/relaxation too) and since I was not planning to use the technology, I never bothered to read much further into it. So I beg your pardon for the misleading info.

So from what I gather from a quick read is that the technology helps relax tight muscles and tighten loose muscles, a procedure referred to as "re-educating the muscles" along with claims of it also increasing collagen and elasticity, lymphatic drainage, blood circulation, product penetration etc. To shorten muscles that were slack, the probes apparently need to be applied at the origin and insertion points of muscles while to relax and lengthen them, the probes need to be applied to the belly of the muscles. If logic serves me right, then applying the probes at the inner corner of the eye then would have the effect of tightening the orbicularis oculi which in effect is the what face exercises aim to do in firming up the eye area. So perhaps even with my erroneous understanding of how microcurrent machines work, by fluke I may not have been so far off in my relating the toning of the eye muscle by Sister Sweets' placement of probes to the toning that happens with face exercises. In both cases a firming up of slack muscles effects a lift and smoothing out of the area under the eye.

Now before I hurt myself messing with stuff I know nothing about, I shall quit while I am ahead (or think I am ahead), tiptoe right on outta here, and crawl back under the rock from whence I came. Embarassed

Sorry again y'all for meddling. I promise to try and stay in my lane from now on. And thank you Friend

for setting me straight. Wink

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:56 am

If the link to the misleading article I gave as an example^^ does not work, it is because the ; at the end of it is being treated as part of the link. It isn't. This is the way the link should've appeared http://www.examiner.com/article/non-invasive-microcurrent-face-lifts

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 8:57 am

jessicantique wrote:

could i use liquid serum instead of gel for micro current treatment?

thanks

If it's a water soluble serum, I think it would work OK.

I am no expert but I do recall watching one of Christine Byers helpful videos on YouTube where she show microcurrent traveling through water vs microcurrent not traveling through oil, so if your serum has oil in it, I'd pick something else.

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 3:12 pm

stardustgirl wrote:

jessicantique wrote:

could i use liquid serum instead of gel for micro current treatment?

thanks

If it's a water soluble serum, I think it would work OK.

I am no expert but I do recall watching one of Christine Byers helpful videos on YouTube where she show microcurrent traveling through water vs microcurrent not traveling through oil, so if your serum has oil in it, I'd pick something else.

For conduction purposes you want a water soluble product/gel. (Microcurrent and Merbe). If you're looking for penetration of a product I'd say you could use an oil-based serum first and then maybe sink it with a light water-based gel. (This would be experimental obviously).

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 7:54 pm

Just got my Pico today!

One issue..there's was NO instruction manual or DVD included? After watching videos on the Pico on YouTube it seems you should receive this? I tore through every inch of my shipment, looked through everything inside, no DVD?

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 8:07 pm

carlingus wrote:

Just got my Pico today!

One issue..there's was NO instruction manual or DVD included? After watching videos on the Pico on YouTube it seems you should receive this? I tore through every inch of my shipment, looked through everything inside, no DVD?

Car - You must call them. They will probably send it out right away.

In the meantime - this is one of FAQ's sent by NeurotriS and it will be helpful - along with Philips blog and the on-line from Christine:

The protocols of the Pico Toner are as follows: The Pico Toner has two 20-minute programs (P1 & P2). P1 reduces fine lines & wrinkles, tones, tightens, produces a lifting effect, improves overall skin radiance and more! P2 also improves skin radiance and increases the production of ATP (adenosine triposphate) fibroblast activity of (collagen) and elastin.

Within each 20-minute program for both P1 & P2, there are two different signal protocols. The only difference between the two protocols is the depth of the signal. The first 10 minutes of each program targets the deeper tissue layers and the last ten minutes targets the more superficial layers.

We have found that we want to target all layers of the skin, as everyone has different skin types. After the first ten minutes, the Pico Toner automatically switches to a different signal on both P1 and P2. The combination of both signals for each program completes the protocol for that program. So to get the most benefit from each program, it is recommended that you complete the full 20 minutes. If however, you are pressed for time that does not mean you won’t receive any benefit by using the Pico Toner for the first ten minutes only. The beauty of the Pico Toner is its unique flexibility. As with all devices, it’s best to experiment with what works best for you."

To get the most out of each program see instructions below:

Facial Protocols for P1:
a) Two different protocol sessions (20-min. or 40-min. sessions)
b) Four Basic movements (Glide, Sinch, Erase & hold)

20-Minute Basic session (Movements)

a) Set and increase the intensity level just below to where you can feel the current.

b) Complete 5 minutes on one side of the face using the Glide, Sinch, Erase & hold

movements and then move to the other side of the face for 5 minutes, then repeat again for a total of 20 minutes.

40-Minute Advanced session (Movements)

a) Set and increase the intensity level just below to where you can feel the current.

b) Do 20 minutes on one side of the face using the Glide, Sinch, Erase & hold then move to the other side for 20 minutes for a total of 40 minutes.

Facial Protocols for P2:

a) Set and increase the intensity level just below to where you can feel the current.
b) Place one glove on the right side of the face and the other on the left side. Start at the jaw line or neck and sweep upward with firm pressure for 20 minutes

*** Alternate P1 and P2 every other day***

Philips blog - he tells you how to use the machine.
This should really get you going right away.

http://homebeautydevices.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/pico-toner-glove-movements/

Get going on that Pico! Smile

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 8:38 pm

I called!

Tony apologized! He said he'd email it to me.

I just need to make sure...do you keep the black glove above the red?

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 8:54 pm

Quote:

I just need to make sure...do you keep the black glove above the red?

Yes, that's correct.

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:01 pm

sister sweets wrote:

The protocols of the Pico Toner are as follows: The Pico Toner has two 20-minute programs (P1 & P2). P1 reduces fine lines & wrinkles, tones, tightens, produces a lifting effect, improves overall skin radiance and more! P2 also improves skin radiance and increases the production of ATP (adenosine triposphate) fibroblast activity of (collagen) and elastin.

Within each 20-minute program for both P1 & P2, there are two different signal protocols. The only difference between the two protocols is the depth of the signal. The first 10 minutes of each program targets the deeper tissue layers and the last ten minutes targets the more superficial layers.

We have found that we want to target all layers of the skin, as everyone has different skin types. After the first ten minutes, the Pico Toner automatically switches to a different signal on both P1 and P2. The combination of both signals for each program completes the protocol for that program.

So according to the manufacturer, the Pico Toner is designed to "target all layers of the skin"; nothing to do with working the muscles ... right?

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 9:21 pm

Lacy53 wrote:

sister sweets wrote:

The protocols of the Pico Toner are as follows: The Pico Toner has two 20-minute programs (P1 & P2). P1 reduces fine lines & wrinkles, tones, tightens, produces a lifting effect, improves overall skin radiance and more! P2 also improves skin radiance and increases the production of ATP (adenosine triposphate) fibroblast activity of (collagen) and elastin.

Within each 20-minute program for both P1 & P2, there are two different signal protocols. The only difference between the two protocols is the depth of the signal. The first 10 minutes of each program targets the deeper tissue layers and the last ten minutes targets the more superficial layers.

We have found that we want to target all layers of the skin, as everyone has different skin types. After the first ten minutes, the Pico Toner automatically switches to a different signal on both P1 and P2. The combination of both signals for each program completes the protocol for that program.

So according to the manufacturer, the Pico Toner is designed to "target all layers of the skin"; nothing to do with working the muscles ... right?

This is part of training materials NeurotriS sent out. I'm sure they'd be glad to answer your questions if you really want to know.

free skin care · Thu Jan 02, 2014 10:38 pm

sister sweets wrote:

Lacy53 wrote:

sister sweets wrote:

The protocols of the Pico Toner are as follows: The Pico Toner has two 20-minute programs (P1 & P2). P1 reduces fine lines & wrinkles, tones, tightens, produces a lifting effect, improves overall skin radiance and more! P2 also improves skin radiance and increases the production of ATP (adenosine triposphate) fibroblast activity of (collagen) and elastin.

Within each 20-minute program for both P1 & P2, there are two different signal protocols. The only difference between the two protocols is the depth of the signal. The first 10 minutes of each program targets the deeper tissue layers and the last ten minutes targets the more superficial layers.

We have found that we want to target all layers of the skin, as everyone has different skin types. After the first ten minutes, the Pico Toner automatically switches to a different signal on both P1 and P2. The combination of both signals for each program completes the protocol for that program.

So according to the manufacturer, the Pico Toner is designed to "target all layers of the skin"; nothing to do with working the muscles ... right?

This is part of training materials NeurotriS sent out. I'm sure they'd be glad to answer your questions if you really want to know.

Sis, didn't you just offer to help educate on 2nd gen microcurrent on the 12 day challenge thread?

I think people are just trying to get genuine info since all previous answers have been contradictory or ambiguous. Now that you are fully educated, it sure would be appreciated if you could help other EDS members get a better understanding. Learning and sharing is why we are all here, right?

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:47 am

2nd generation microcurrent is one of the things I have never understood about Pico. For example if Apple comes out with a new phone, they are screaming from the rooftops what is different about it. Why is it so hard to get information on what is different about this?

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 8:21 am

CookieD wrote:

2nd generation microcurrent is one of the things I have never understood about Pico. For example if Apple comes out with a new phone, they are screaming from the rooftops what is different about it. Why is it so hard to get information on what is different about this?

Is it because the constant waveform philosophy doesn't necessarily jive with the product claims? Ex: how can you tone muscles (I assume that includes growth) without a contraction? And if you have constant waves do you get a contraction? Other literature online says no. Of course if it is patented, there is no need for all the secrecy because....it's patented!

But hopefully Sis or Christine can explain that to us.

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 12:53 pm

I sense that some of the interest in second generation technology is for reasons that go beyond genuine curiousity about the Pico toner and what it can do. (Bet I'm double-dog right about that one Razz

) I doubt my explanation is 'really' what is being asked for.
To keep harmony and not become a part of a brouhaha, I will be staying out of this discussion. Laughing

Have fun ladies!!!

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 1:11 pm

Quote:

One of the things that has worked for me is: I use it with black glove on top at place where nose and corner of the eye meet (more on inner nose) and then red glove about 3-4 inches below. I hold this for about 20 seconds. Also do the erase motions under the eye will help with tightening and wrinkle reduction. Also lifting and holding at the outside corner and eyebrow area will give you an open eye look. Always remember to do the holds. Very important.

I got my Pico Toner yesterday and used it for the first time last night. I don't see any lifting yet, but the dark circles under my eyes were much better. Sis Sweets, I love the move you mentioned above. That is my worst area. This morning, I didn't have to cover the dark circles. It must have improved blood flow. Unfortunately, I looked in the mirror around noon and the effect had worn off. lol I'm sure it will last longer with time. I think it is a great sign for what I can expect with continued use.

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 1:18 pm

Tonia wrote:

Quote:

One of the things that has worked for me is: I use it with black glove on top at place where nose and corner of the eye meet (more on inner nose) and then red glove about 3-4 inches below. I hold this for about 20 seconds. Also do the erase motions under the eye will help with tightening and wrinkle reduction. Also lifting and holding at the outside corner and eyebrow area will give you an open eye look. Always remember to do the holds. Very important.

I got my Pico Toner yesterday and used it for the first time last night. I don't see any lifting yet, but the dark circles under my eyes were much better. Sis Sweets, I love the move you mentioned above. That is my worst area. This morning, I didn't have to cover the dark circles. It must have improved blood flow. Unfortunately, I looked in the mirror around noon and the effect had worn off. lol I'm sure it will last longer with time. I think it is a great sign for what I can expect with continued use.

The lifting effect can be subtle, especially in the beginning. The overall effect is more of a sum total vs an individual thing, although my eyes responded pretty quick.
The move in the eye area is one of my favorites and it helps with sinuses also and mine sure need help!!!. It's the drainange that works so well and I can see that would be good for dark circles.
The effects will be cumulative. P2 can be done in the evening/bedtime - even for 10 minutes. It is a relaxing mode. P1 is more energizing and better done earlier in the day. Even if you can only fit in 5 minutes.
You're on your way!

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:12 pm

sister sweets wrote:

I sense that some of the interest in second generation technology is for reasons that go beyond genuine curiousity about the Pico toner and what it can do. (Bet I'm double-dog right about that one Razz

) I doubt my explanation is 'really' what is being asked for.
To keep harmony and not become a part of a brouhaha, I will be staying out of this discussion. Laughing

Have fun ladies!!!

Well being that I am not manufacturing any competing products in my garage, my question was genuine. But as always, thanks for an entertaining non-answer, lol.

Hopefully Christine will be able to represent Neutrotris in a more informed manner here...I for one am greatly looking forward to an educated opinion.

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:50 pm

I'm sure you didn't intend for that comment to sound ill-willed and mean spirited. Laughing

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 6:36 pm

sister sweets wrote:

I'm sure you didn't intend for that comment to sound ill-willed and mean spirited. Laughing

Nope...just factual.

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 8:53 pm

Tony gave me a link that I viewed tonight-mainly just basic set up info and then basic moves.

I noticed significant difference after 10 minutes total, 5 on face and 5 on body. I'm too young to go real hard on the face and don't want to over do anything (I've got the nuface for a quick 5 minute mon-fri treatment) so I'll use it on face only briefly & occasionally but GEEZ the eye move SS talks about made my eyes look less dark underneath and my face just in general looks fresh, toned. I am real excited by the body moves, that was originally why I bought it, wanting to help keep stuff tight as I (hopefully) continue to drop a couple pounds. Maybe help on cellulite too.
(One note: I felt vertigo while using it around my eyes? Kinda scary.)

SIsSweets: Do you think I'm missing anything by not having the physical book that is supposed to go along with kit? All I've seen is that 30 min video. Also, some people might not share their favorite 'moves' but you seem to enjoy sharing, that's pretty cool of you.

Microcurrent is...amazing. I just thinks it's the best part of my routine. Glad to have picked this puppy up to add to the collection.

-Car

free skin care · Fri Jan 03, 2014 9:30 pm

carlingus wrote:

Tony gave me a link that I viewed tonight-mainly just basic set up info and then basic moves.

I noticed significant difference after 10 minutes total, 5 on face and 5 on body. I'm too young to go real hard on the face and don't want to over do anything (I've got the nuface for a quick 5 minute mon-fri treatment) so I'll use it on face only briefly & occasionally but GEEZ the eye move SS talks about made my eyes look less dark underneath and my face just in general looks fresh, toned. I am real excited by the body moves, that was originally why I bought it, wanting to help keep stuff tight as I (hopefully) continue to drop a couple pounds. Maybe help on cellulite too.
(One note: I felt vertigo while using it around my eyes? Kinda scary.)

SIsSweets: Do you think I'm missing anything by not having the physical book that is supposed to go along with kit? All I've seen is that 30 min video. Also, some people might not share their favorite 'moves' but you seem to enjoy sharing, that's pretty cool of you.

Microcurrent is...amazing. I just thinks it's the best part of my routine. Glad to have picked this puppy up to add to the collection.

-Car

Car - you don't need the book but if you want one - tell Tony to send you one. Laughing

PQ: Philips blog (If you don't know I'll get you a link)... His blog used the NeurotriS booklet info and he explains all the moves and uses their diagrams. It's worth a look. He shows the glide, cinch, erase and hold.

Your best bets are youtubes by Christine Buyer and Philips blog to start. (I'm sure April will share some of her favorite moves - you just have to let us know what you're working on!). You'll be covered. The more you use it, you'll get to know your face better and will be able to adapt all the moves for your own needs.

I suggest to turn the power down about 10 points from where you had it until you adapt. It sounds like you are experiencing lymphatic drainage and possibly opening some sinus blocks. This happens to me. Sometimes if my sinuses are acting up I turn it down to about 30 and sometimes I can use it much higher. (On P1).

If I hear of any good body moves I'll let you know.
~Sis

free skin care · Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:38 pm

carlingus wrote:

Tony gave me a link that I viewed tonight-mainly just basic set up info and then basic moves.

I noticed significant difference after 10 minutes total, 5 on face and 5 on body. I'm too young to go real hard on the face and don't want to over do anything (I've got the nuface for a quick 5 minute mon-fri treatment) so I'll use it on face only briefly & occasionally but GEEZ the eye move SS talks about made my eyes look less dark underneath and my face just in general looks fresh, toned. I am real excited by the body moves, that was originally why I bought it, wanting to help keep stuff tight as I (hopefully) continue to drop a couple pounds. Maybe help on cellulite too.
(One note: I felt vertigo while using it around my eyes? Kinda scary.)

SIsSweets: Do you think I'm missing anything by not having the physical book that is supposed to go along with kit? All I've seen is that 30 min video. Also, some people might not share their favorite 'moves' but you seem to enjoy sharing, that's pretty cool of you.

Microcurrent is...amazing. I just thinks it's the best part of my routine. Glad to have picked this puppy up to add to the collection.

-Car

Hey Car,
If you have difficult areas that you want to work on, let me know and I will try and find you videos that will be helpful to you. Do you also have the probes? Christine Byer is awesome and from what I understand now that she has a Pico, she might be doing a training video for the company. It will be a win-win for everyone because Christine knows microcurrent like the back of her hand! Best, Aprile

free skin care · Wed Jan 08, 2014 8:55 am

is this ebay unit any good or I should just get the pico toner price is difference is making me look for a cheaper alternative.This comes with gloves as well with all the other wands and stuff...please advise ..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141008587869?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D141008587869%26_rdc%3D1

free skin care · Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:12 pm

simpleMD wrote:

is this ebay unit any good or I should just get the pico toner price is difference is making me look for a cheaper alternative.This comes with gloves as well with all the other wands and stuff...please advise ..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141008587869?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D141008587869%26_rdc%3D1

This link didn't work. Can you repost? I bought one that was awful! I want to make sure you don't purchase the same one. Mine was from ebay and it literally left burn marks on my face, even at a low setting. It's nothing like the Pico Toner. I also have the Nuface. It was OK, as in no burning, but it wasn't effective enough for me. Honestly, I should have saved my money and just bought the Pico. Between the two useless devices I bought and the horrid filler, I could have just bought the Pico to begin with. Oh well, live and learn. Very Happy

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