Despite of being a natural physiological process, aging is considered a degenerative process with evident effects on aging skin, such as reduced elasticity, wrinkles, reduced facial fat and muscle tone, sagging, changes in facial contour, and sarcopenia on the face. These changes can generate social stigma, suffering, and psychological discomfort for the patient. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation NMES , a technique used in physical therapy for muscle training, in attenuating the signs of facial aging.
The scientific literature regarding the use of NMES to attenuate the signs of aging is still very scarce. The survey showed the need to discuss the current state of knowledge.
Our results suggest that, theoretically, NMES could be a promising method to attenuate the signs of aging; however, there are still no conclusive results regarding the clinical effectiveness of using NMES in the facial muscles since few studies relate NMES to facial rejuvenation. More studies are needed, with greater methodological rigor and low level of bias, using precise techniques in the evaluation and allowing to interpret with greater scientific commitment of the physiological mechanism of the muscular stimulus and its interrelation with the integumentary system, proving its effectiveness in the improvement of skin appearance.
Aging is a biologically programmed, gradual, complex, irreversible, structural weakening process that generates several changes in the body, increasing the risk of diseases and functionally modifying cells and tissues. Its effects usually appear from the third decade of life and progress over the years 1 , 2. In the skin, aging is the combined result of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are related to the natural physiological changes that occur due to genetically programmed aging, mostly hormone-regulated processes.
Moreover, skin function decays with age, which decreases the capacity for cell renewal and response to lesions and healing, in addition to reducing its barrier function, mechanical protection, DNA repair capacity, sensory perception, immune and vascular responsiveness, thermoregulation, and, finally, sweat, sebum, and vitamin D production 2 , 5.
