FOREO BEAR 2 Facial Toning Device Review

Welcome back to another review. Today, I’m talking about the FOREO BEAR 2 facial toning device, which is my favourite of all FOREO’s devices. I’ve been using BEAR microcurrent devices for a while now, starting with the FOREO BEAR, and here are my thoughts.

The BEAR 2 uses up to 680 µA (microamps) of microcurrent. For context, 1000 microamps equal one milliamp. Microcurrent mimics the body’s own bioelectrical currents to stimulate your facial muscles and skin, promoting cellular activity.

Microcurrent devices are claimed to offer a range benefits. The most common include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting circulation
• Toning, contouring, and lifting the face
• Promoting wound healing
• Boosting collagen and elastin production
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Decreasing puffiness

Microcurrent is a painless, low-level electrical current that helps encourage skin cells to build muscle and boost collagen and elastin production. The FOREO BEAR 2 takes this further by pairing microcurrent with T-Sonic pulsations to sculpt facial features, and promote lymphatic drainage.

Another key benefit of microcurrent is its ability to increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP plays a direct role in muscle contraction, cell-to-cell communication, protein synthesis, and collagen/elastin production, while energising metabolic activity.

Research suggests microcurrent therapy reduces inflammation, including UV-induced reactions such as pigmentation, and accelerates skin barrier recovery by stimulating lamellar body secretion. Additionally, research suggests that microcurrent stimulation suppresses inflammatory responses and may aid in the treatment of acne.

Of course, the most immediate and visible effect of microcurrent is muscle stimulation. The results appear quickly, and with regular use, the effects become longer-lasting. By enhancing muscle tone and size, microcurrent helps create a more youthful appearance – firming, contouring and lifting the face for more defined cheekbones and a sharper jawline.

The FOREO BEAR 2 Facial Toning Device is made from silicone and offers complete waterproof protection. This means you can wash the device with soap and water, then simply pat it dry with a clean towel. The device is wireless and USB chargeable, making it extremely convenient for travel. Also, after two months of use on a single charge, I still haven’t needed to recharge it – you get approximately 90 uses per charge.

The BEAR 2 features an Anti-Shock System™ uses ultra-smart sensors that scan and measure your skin’s resistance to electrical currents, automatically adjusting the microcurrent intensity for optimal safety and making microcurrent more comfortable.

Here are some safety precautions when using at-home microcurrent devices, including the FOREO BEAR 2:

• For optimum safety, avoid using microcurrent devices if you’ve had cosmetic surgery on your face and on damaged skin. Botox and fillers aren’t contraindications, but it’s best to wait at least 14-21 days to allow the botox to settle. Alternatively, you can avoid using the device on the treated areas during that time.
• Microcurrent devices should not cause pain, burning or irritation. A mild tingling sensation is normal. However, if you experience any burning or discomfort, try lowering the intensity, applying another layer of serum, or stop using the device.
• Avoid using microcurrent devices on the front of the neck, directly over the thyroid, especially if you have a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Avoid using microcurrent devices if you have any existing medical conditions, such as epilepsy, a hemorrhagic disease, cancer, tumours, or perceptual disturbance.
• Using at-home microcurrent devices is generally safe if you have dental implants. However, FOREO recommends consulting your dentist or orthodontist before purchasing their devices. You may also notice a slight metallic taste in your mouth during treatment if you have dental implants.
• Avoid using microcurrent devices if you have any implanted medical devices or other electronic instruments or aids in your body, as this may interfere with the functioning of electronic monitoring equipment such as ECG monitors and alarms.

For best results, FOREO recommends starting with guided treatments in the app for the first few uses. However, it’s also easy to use manually with just one button. Press and hold the button to power the device on or off. A single press switches between intensity levels, as shown by the indicator lights. A quick double-press turns the T-Sonic™ pulsations on or off.

BEAR 2 offers 10 intensity levels. Levels 1 to 5 can be switched directly on the device, and for levels 6 to 10, you’ll need to go into the app under the Smart Control tab. Once you change the settings in the app, the device remembers them, so you won’t need to go back into the app every time. In addition to adjusting the microcurrent intensity in the Smart Control tab, you can choose from 4 different microcurrent patterns. You can also change the T-Sonic intensity (levels 1 to 10) and choose from 5 T-Sonic patterns.

Here’s a breakdown of the T-Sonic patterns and what they do:

• Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Encourages the lymph fluids to circulate through the body. Good for around the eyes and under the jawline.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Uses deep pressure at slow intervals to relieve tension in facial muscles. Good for cheeks and above jawline.
• MA Trigger Point Massage: Uses alternating levels of pressure to relieve tightness in muscle tissue. Good for the neck.
• Shiatsu Massage: Uses pulsing pressure to promote emotional & physical calm, and improve fatigue. Good for forehead & temples.
• Reflexology Massage: Uses gentle to firm pressure to relax or restore natural energy levels. Good for center of eyebrows & around the mouth.

And here’s what each microcurrent mode is designed to do:

• Advanced Microcurrent: Steady current stimulates muscles to strengthen them, while tightening skin above.
• Lifting Microcurrent: Repeatedly staggers current from low to high frequency, gently coaxing muscles into naturally lifting, for a contoured look.
• Tapping Microcurrent: Quick and short waves of current flow through the upper layers of the skin, to brighten and plump.
• Sculpting Microcurrent: Channels microcurrent deeper into muscles to effectively tone them, for a firm & sculpted appearance.

You need to use some serum or gel with the BEAR 2 to help the microcurrent conduct. I use the FOREO Supercharged™ Serum 2.0 for this, and it works really well. Unlike the previous FOREO SERUM SÉRUM SERUM, which felt a bit too heavy on my combination skin, this one has a lovely lightweight texture and gives good hydration. It doesn’t dry out too quickly and glides easily. However, you can use aloe vera gel, ultrasound gel, hyaluronic acid, or any facial gel. I recommend applying the product to each area just before treatment and spritzing it with a mist or water if it begins to dry out.

The formula is enriched with a blend of humectants like glycerin, panthenol, xylitol, glyceryl glucoside, betaine, hyaluronic acid, trehalose, glucose, amino acids, and hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans to support long-lasting hydration. It also contains a blend of adenosine and panthenol to soothe the skin and protect the skin’s barrier, along with a blend of emollients, including squalane and ceramides, to help prevent moisture loss and soften the skin.

The BEAR 2 is noticeably more powerful than the BEAR. I used the BEAR at its highest intensity, but with the BEAR 2, level 5 already feels intense enough. Furthermore, while the BEAR had just 1 type of microcurrent, the BEAR 2 features 4 different types, each designed to provide specific benefits.

FOREO BEAR 2 does deliver instant results. I use the BEAR 2 every morning five times a week, it makes my facial contours more defined and firm. My cheekbones look more sculpted, my brows appear less droopy, and my jawline looks sharper, giving me that snatched-skin effect. As for the additional benefits, the vibrations during the facial massage boost circulation and lymphatic drainage. As a result, this helps to de-puff the face, lift and tone, and add a healthy glow. With consistent use, I’ve noticed that the lines on my forehead and around my eyes have softened.

Besides the immediate results, microcurrent increases ATP with every treatment, improving both muscle and skin health. This is why microcurrent offers instant and long-term benefits. With regular use, it’s an effective at-home tool and a worthwhile investment.

To sum it up, I’m absolutely happy with my FOREO BEAR 2. It’s a regular part of my beauty routine, and I love the difference it makes to my skin. So, if you’re thinking about getting an at-home microcurrent device, this one is definitely worth considering.

WHERE TO SHOP:

• foreo.com