I'm a skincare expert - here's why I ditched all my other face tools for the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro

The Medicube Age-R Booster, at its most simple, is a multi-tasking skincare tool built with six functions. “What truly sets the Medicube Booster Pro apart is its multi-modality approach and non-invasive yet high-performance technology,” Dr. Hall told me. “Western devices often focus on a single function, like LED or microcurrent, whereas this tool integrates several proven clinical technologies into one streamlined device,” she adds.

I opted for the pink Medicube Age-R Booster Pro – it's so pretty!

But what do each of the six functions do, exactly? Let's go through them. First, there’s microcurrent (or MC mode). This is for firming. Then, EMS (electric muscle stimulation) made for sculpting and toning, LED light therapy for a boost in collagen production, sonic vibration for relaxation and electric needles to boost elasticity and even skin texture. Finally? Electroporation which increases product efficacy and absorption.

Within each of these six functions are four different modes to choose from: booster, microcurrent, derma-shot and air-shot (which each have their own automated LED colour and vibration pattern). Layers upon layers.

Regardless of the function and mode you choose to use, each of “these technologies aim to improve the absorption of active ingredients, enhance radiance, support skin elasticity, help with facial contouring and improve pore texture,” Dr. Hall added.

As Dr. Hall points out, “the use of electroporation is particularly impressive – it allows deeper penetration without permanently compromising the epidermis, which is something we usually only see in advanced in-clinic treatments. That level of innovation is still relatively rare in the Western at-home beauty market.”

All of this might sound impressive, but as a journalist with years' worth of experience testing beauty products for a living, I'm never going to just recommend something to you because it sounds good. Rather, I work for months to put a product through its paces to build a clear view.

When I first wrote this review, I had tested the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro for three months – not swapping out any of my usual skincare favourites to ensure that my results couldn't be attributed to a change in facial serum, moisturiser or similar. I used the device twice a day alongside my go-to hydrating serum and followed my treatment with a face sunscreen in the day, or a nourishing night cream in the evening.

To ensure that this review wasn't just tested on my skin and my skin type, I also enlisted the help of Glamour US' Senior Beauty Editor Ariana Yaptangco who also tested the device for a number of months.

We both scored the device against a number of criteria, including how easy it was to use, how noisy it was, how it feels on the skin, whether we actually used all of the settings, value for money and whether we noticed a difference to our skin over time. I took before and after photographs – which you can see below – to illustrate the ways in which the Medicube Age-R Booster changed (or didn't change) my complexion.

Over the course of my career as a beauty journalist, I have written for Glamour UK, Marie Claire UK, Cosmopolitan UK, Refinery 29 UK, Vogue Arabia, Glamour US and British GQ. And across each of those titles, I've tested hundreds of skincare products (from vitamin C serums to LED face masks, radio-frequency tools and gua sha stones). I've also spoken to countless dermatologists, makeup artists, facialists and doctors, and attended product launches and press events on a weekly basis. As such, I am confident that I know more about skincare than your average beauty fan.

I want to disclose, here, that my testing isn't perfect. Myself and Ariana both have different skin types – mine is much drier and a bit more acne-prone – but we've not tested on ageing skin (this device is notoriously good at lifting the complexion, and having not tested on mature skin, we can't totally agree or deny). We've also not tested on black skin, and neither of us have any major skincare concerns like psoriasis or rosacea. To counteract these shortfalls, we've spoken to experts to get their view on whether on the device might work for you – and we're aiming to get the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro device tested on more skin types over time. We'll keep you posted.

Okay, back to the device. What exactly does each of the modes on the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro do? “Each of the four modes targets a specific concern, which is what makes this device so versatile," Dr Hall said.

I teamed up with Glamour US' Beauty Editor to test the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro in tandem.

Booster mode, which uses electroporation, is best suited for dull or dehydrated skin,” Dr. Hall explains. “It works by temporarily creating microchannels in the skin, significantly enhancing the absorption of active ingredients. It works particularly well when paired with a high-performance serum,” she adds. You can shop our edits of hyaluronic acid serums and niacinamide serums to pair with your device.

Elsewhere, Dr. Hall recommends microcurrent mode for mature skin types, as “it’s ideal for softening fine lines and addressing volume loss, especially around the eyes, smile lines and mouth.” Think of it as a workout for your face. If you're interested in more mature skin content, we reviewed the best moisturisers for mature skin and foundations for mature skin last month.

Elsewhere, the derma-shot mode (which uses mid-frequency EMS) is also a great fit for “facial contouring and improving skin elasticity, which is ideal for mild sagging.” It's kind of like a super-charged version of the microcurrent mode, using electrical pulses to improve skin laxity and firmness.

Finally, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Hall suggests trying the air-shot mode, which “employs electric needle technology to refine skin texture and improve pore elasticity, helping to tighten enlarged pores without causing damage or irritation to the skin’s surface.”

Given all of the different settings and modes involved with the medicube Age-R Booster Pro, I was a little nervous that the device would be overcomplicated for beginners to skincare devices. But actually, it's anything but.

Right off the bat, I enjoyed just how intuitive it was to set up. The device only features two buttons (one to switch between modes and power up the tool, and another to adjust the intensity). Once you turn the device on and select your treatment, you simply click the power button again to pick a vibration level between one and five (one = the lightest; five = the most intense). I appreciated the compact size, which makes it ideal to elevate my in-flight routine.

In all honesty, I was a bit concerned about whether or not this tool would actually pair well with my rosacea-prone, sensitive skin (given that I’m no stranger to experiencing flare-ups after trying new tools or formulas). To my surprise, it didn’t result in any discomfort at all, and if anything, it felt really therapeutic to use. It's recommended that you apply a serum or moisturiser to help the device glide across your face. My serum of choice was my go-to PDRN serum from medicube, which always helps soothe, hydrate and plump up my complexion in an instant.

My favourite setting was definitely the booster mode, which I used religiously morning and night. By the second week, I started observing a sizeable difference in just how much quicker I’d see the benefits from my skincare. The brightening benefits from my vitamin C serums kicked in a lot faster – fading my post-PCOS breakouts much quicker than usual. That said, I didn’t notice the improvement to my facial contours until week four, which is when my jawline looked visibly more defined and chiselled.

I also loved how effectively the microcurrent mode helped de-puff my face in the morning, which was particularly helpful before heading into the office or while prepping for an important event. Elsewhere, the air-shot mode offered a great way to exfoliate and resurface the skin without irritating it in the process.

Since this mode felt a bit more intense compared to others, I only used it on a bi-weekly basis and slowly built up to using it once a week onwards. Although I don’t suffer from uneven texture and acne scarring, I still noticed that my pores appeared more refined and my skin felt a lot smoother by week four, which also helped ensure a smooth canvas before applying makeup.

That speaks to one of the biggest pros of this device: you don't have to use each setting every day to see results. I took a photo of my skin before I started my Medicube journey, and after three months' worth of testing – and you can definitely see a reduction in acne scarring, a brighter skin tone, and a glassier texture to my complexion. I curated my own routine – and if you're not sure where to start, you can use the Age-R Booster app to help guide you.

Denise Primbet's Medicube Age R Booster Pro before and after photos.

Condé Nast

Need more than just one person's before and after pictures to help persuade you to invest? Fret not. My colleague at Glamour US, Ariana Yaptangco also shot her skin before and after using. While the differences aren't dramatic, Ariana noted that her skin felt more sculpted and lifted.

Ariana Yaptangco's Medicube Age R Booster Pro before and after photos.

Original image by Glamour beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco

The main “pro” for me is that you can let the app decide on the best Medicube routine for your own needs. You answer a few questions upon downloading the app, which connects to your device via Bluetooth, and then follow a weekly regimen. For me, a mix of booster mode and airshot mode was recommended (the latter for use more sporadically).

The time of day doesn't matter so much, which I liked as it offered more flexibility – though you do need to remain consistent with your treatments.

Regardless of which mode I was using, every treatment felt like a moment to switch off and indulge in self-care – and I loved that the device talked to me. Yes, it actually speaks to you to tell you how much time has passed and how long you have left on your treatment.

As mentioned above, I noticed changes in my skin pretty quickly – particularly in how the microcurrent mode helped de-puff my face in the morning after a long sleep. From a practicality POV, I found the sleek size to be easy to use and handle, and I was impressed with how well the device held its charge. I've taken it on a fortnight's holiday and used it daily – and it's lasted on a full charge.

“For anyone using the Booster Pro for the first time, it’s important to start slowly and follow the recommended sequence,” Dr Hall explains. That speaks to one of the cons of this device – if you're not used to using a microcurrent device, you might not want to go in too heavy-handed.

Dr Hall recommends starting with the air-shot mode on freshly cleansed skin (although this mode should only be used once a week to avoid overwhelming your skin). “Next, apply your skincare and follow with Booster Mode to enhance product absorption, then use microcurrent Mode to lift and firm the skin,” Dr Hall suggests. Lastly, she advises finishing your routine with the derma-shot mode to stimulate facial muscles and support contouring.

That said, she warns against using the device on a compromised skin barrier or irritated skin. “As with all at-home devices and skincare treatment, consistency is key. You aren’t going to see results from using this device just once or twice a week,” she reiterates.

Overall, I believe that the medicube Booster Pro is a one-of-a-kind skincare hero that can help a variety of skin types and aid with a number of skin concerns. I, for one, am of the opinion that given its benefits (and how often you’d use it), the price is fully justified.

Similar to the wider Korean approach to skincare, I find that the Medicube Booster Pro focuses on maintaining a strong moisture barrier, which is exactly what contributes to the skin’s long-term health. Naturally, it’s now become an essential part of my everyday skincare regimen, and it's five minutes in which I can meditate or engage in mindful practice.

Of course, it’s also worth noting that – as is the case with any skincare tool – it might not deliver the same results as you’d get from an in-clinic treatment, so if you’re after drastic immediate results, it might not live up to your expectations.