How To Tighten Your Skin Like A Pro With Facial Radiofrequency Treatment

Whether you’re tired of dull, lackluster skin or want to prevent and/or diminish fine lines and wrinkles, using a radiofrequency device can help. Yep, if you’re in search of a quick, non-surgical way of tightening and lifting your skin, radiofrequency might be the solution you’re looking for. Buckle up because we’re about to break down the benefits of radiofrequency devices for skin tightening and how they do all the hard work without pain or needles.

What is radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency is a non-invasive treatment used to tighten saggy skin and diminish wrinkles from the inside out by increasing the temperature of the tissues (by up to 122°F.)^[1] This method involves applying high-frequency electromagnetic waves or radiations — which are totally safe — to penetrate into the deepest skin’s layers. It was found that the heat received by the fibroblasts (collagen-storing cells) boosts collagen production, increases blood flow, mobilizes and dissolves fat, and facilitates lymphatic drainage.

Radiofrequency benefits for skin

Using radiofrequency for skin tightening has myriad benefits. But before I get going on, you should know that radiofrequency is not some form of magic wand that makes sagging skin or wrinkles disappear miraculously overnight. It takes time to work. You may have to undergo radiofrequency sessions for about 3-4 months (depending on your condition and desired effects) to start noticing results, and within one year of regular use, your skin will appear visibly improved.

Tightens loose skin

Loose skin happens with aging, after losing weight, or after pregnancy, so it’s not something we can really control, but we can definitely improve. Radiofrequency devices are one of the most effective treatments to wage a winning war against saggy skin. This kind of treatment induces collagen production by gently applying heat to the desired area, thereby making the skin firmer and tighter with each use.

Firms photodamaged skin

Exposure to UVA/UVB can damage the skin, causing collagen and elastin to break down — the reason sun damage is the number one culprit of premature skin aging. Well, researchers have confirmed multiple times that radiofrequency can tackle aging signs, including sun-damaged skin, by helping new collagen to form.^[2] It was found that radiofrequency treatment is both safe and effective and works in as little as one month to enhance firmness, improve texture and diminish discoloration.

Reduces wrinkles

If you’ve spent a lot of time trying to ward off wrinkles, all to no avail, you might want to consider a radiofrequency device. One of its main perks is that it helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by supporting all skin’s structural components. In a study, 70 middle-aged women who performed triple sessions of radiofrequency for a complete month noticed a significant reduction in wrinkles after the treatment.^[3]

Everyone can use it

Radiofrequency treatment is not selective; it works for virtually all skin types. “The beauty of radiofrequency is that it is suitable for most people. The depth of heating helps to firm, tighten, and lift as well as rejuvenate the skin for a healthy glow”, says Miss Sherina Balaramam, a surgeon and cosmetic doctor. More than that, compared to laser and light treatments that don’t work on dark skin, radiofrequency energy is color blind, therefore, it can be used by everyone.

It’s fast and easy to use

You can do your RF treatment in as little as 20-45 minutes a session — that fast. When you think about how many benefits it brings, half an hour is just nothing. And yes, you can do it while watching Netflix. The treatment is also painless and does not require recovery time.

Provides instant results

It was found that radiofrequency delivers almost instant skin-tightening results since collagen production occurs immediately after treatment. However, the results don’t last long, and collagen production decreases after one to six months. Hence, you should perform the treatment regularly.

Can be used on the body too

Another reason people are so crazy about radiofrequency is that is not only effective for facial lifts but for the body too. Radiofrequency is widely used for smoothing out stretch marks and tightening areas of loose skin — it’s an effective way of treating stretch marks noticeable in the upper and lower abs as well as on the thighs and upper arms. In a study where 25 women underwent 5-8 sessions of radiofrequency skin tightening, 96% of them saw an improvement in body shape (with no adverse effects), and 92% would recommend the treatment to others.^[4]

Enhances product absorption

Radiofrequency treatment also increases product absorption, meaning everything you apply after provides enhanced benefits. This creates the perfect time to slather your targeted serum — be it a vitamin C serum, retinol serum, or peptide serum. What you use post radiofrequency mostly depends on your goals and what concerns you want to target, but generally, you should aim to replenish your skin with repairing ingredients.

Is radiofrequency safe?

Since radiofrequency is a non-invasive treatment, it’s considered safe for the skin, and side effects are usually limited to mild redness, swelling, and tingling that disappear within a few hours. During the process, which takes place in the skin’s inner layers, the epidermis does not suffer any discomfort. In addition, radiofrequency machines have a cooling system that allows the device to adjust the temperatures, so they don’t cause damage.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid radiofrequency.

How is radiofrequency performed?

It depends on what you want. You can go to a professional, or you can try radiofrequency at home. Yes, you’ve heard that right. There are plenty of home devices you can use to get bounciness back in your own oasis of peace. Most of these devices are safe, cleared by the FDA, and don’t require medical attention or time for recovery.

Hence, if you want a less resource-consuming option, go for a radiofrequency skin tightening device for home use. It won’t be the same experience, and the effects won’t be as dramatic as an in-office treatment, but hey, you can do it at home whenever you want.

Because these machines work at significantly less power than professional devices, they need to be used more frequently and will not provide the same results as a salon treatment. Some devices require daily use, while others require weekly, and the results are usually noticed after one to two months. On the bright side, most RF machines have been cleared by the FDA as being safe and effective for home use. For example, one study evaluated Silk’n Home Skin Tightening Device as an effective home treatment to improve the appearance of age-related wrinkles.

Pros of facial radiofrequency

Here are the pros of using radiofrequency treatment:

• Radiofrequency is an affordable treatment.
• It can be combined with any other treatment, such as botox, collagen injections, retinoids, and supplements, for example.
• The results are immediate, without the need for recovery.

Cons of facial radiofrequency

But, like any other treatment, radiofrequency has some drawbacks.

• It’s effective when it comes to moderate cases. However, it’s not as effective when wrinkles and expression lines are very deep.
• Although the results are immediate and, if performed regularly, can last over time, they are not permanent. Thus, if you want to maintain the results, you should undergo continuous sessions of radiofrequency.

References

Women’s Concepts uses reliable sources, including dermatologists’ insights, clinical trials, and scientific journals, to find accurate information and support all the facts shared in our articles. All statements and claims have clear and legit references. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our sources of information, our process of researching and fact-checking the content, and how our team strives to keep all articles updated, completed, and trustworthy.