Radiofrequency Vs. Microcurrent For Skin Tightening
This post may contain affiliate links.
What is the difference between microcurrent and radiofrequency?
Both Microcurrent and Radio Frequency facial treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are great treatment options for anti-aging and skin tightening, but they each work pretty differently. Here’s everything you need to know about Radiofrequency Vs Microcurrent and how to pick the right treatment for your skin.
What Is Radiofrequency For Skin?
Radiofrequency for the skin is often used to help with sagging skin, skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s often used as an-in office treatment that has little to no downtime and is considered non-invasive.
Radio Frequency uses energy waves to heat up the bottom layers of your skin. This stimulates fibroblast production, which in turn, stimualtes production of collagen and elastin and can help with wound healing.
It can also help give an immediate tightening effect, which makes it a great option for special occasions. Of course, best results are seen with multiple sessions.
It’s also commonly combined with other treatments like microneedling, lasers, microcurrent and others.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
Does radiofrequency skin tightening really work? You bet it does! It hasn’t become one of the most popular skincare treatments for no reason. Here are some things that radiofrequency treatments can help with.
- Boosts collagen production – it’s thought that the heat from the RF affects the collagen molecule, thus stimulating repair which includes fibroblast, collagen and elastin production. One study showed a significant improvement in types I and III collagen, as well as newly synthesized collagen after just 3 months and 6 total treatments
- Boosts elastin production – just as RF stimulates collagen, it also stimulates elastin, which is key for firmer, youthful looking skin. Elastin can help keep skin bouncy and tight, instead of droopy or saggy
- Speeds up healing – the production of fibroblasts also triggers an immune response which brings immune cells, blood and other nutrients to the area, all of which can help to speed up wound healing (whether it’s a cut or acne scarring)
- Tightens skin – radiofrequency can help to instantly tighten skin, but it also helps to keep skin tight and plump down the line, thanks to the increase in collagen and elastin
- Improves skin tone – post RF, your skin will have a rosy glow and generally look healthier. Continued use can help to brighten the skin tone and even out the skin tone even more
- Has contour effect – RF also has a contouring effect that can be noticed immediately after treatment. It can help define your jawline, chisel out your cheekbones and overall enhance the contours of your face
- Improves acne scarring – atrophic scarring like icepick scars can be tough to get rid of, but RF can help to decrease these because it helps to heal wounds and stimulate collagen and elastin production, both of which help to fill in the indented area
- Reduces pore size – collagen isn’t just great for anti-aging, it can also help to reduce the look of pores. And since RF tightens the skin, your pores will instantly appear smaller right after treatment
- Minimizes lines and wrinkles – RF can help to instantly diminish fine lines and wrinkles, but best results come with continued use, especially for deeper wrinkles.
- Results are immediate – no more waiting around months and months to see results from a single treatment. That’s why radio frequency has become so popular – no downtime, immediate results and it’s dang effective. What more could you want?
What Are The Side Effects Of Radiofrequency?
Generally, radiofrequency treatments and facials don’t usually have any side effects besides some slight redness, which will disappear quickly. Following your procedure, your skin will be left with a healthy, natural glow. It truly is a no-down time procedure!
What Is Microcurrent For Skin?
Think of microcurrent as a workout for your skin that gives instant results – toned skin, tigher skin and more defined features. Microcurrent uses low voltage electricity which “works out” the muscles of your face. This helps to chisel out cheekbones, define jawlines, tighten the skin (by tightening the muscle), stimulate collagen production and even raise the brows.
And the best part? Just like RF, there’s no pain, side effects or irritation from the treatment. Sounds pretty dang awesome, right?
Microcurrent is considered a non-invasive procedure that is commonly done as a “facial” which means it’s paired with a cleanse, mask, skincare products, etc.
While in-office procedures are stronger, there are some great at home microcurrent devices that can deliver pretty great results.
Benefits of Microcurrent
- Contours the face – microcurrent can help to instantly tighten and lift the skin for more defined features like lifted brows, cheek bones, jawlines and less sagging skin like jowls
- Stimulates collagen – it’s been shown that microcurrent can stimulate the production of fibroblasts, which we learned earlier stimulates production of collagen and elastin and also helps with wound repair
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles – microcurrent can help to instantly tighten the skin while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. it also helps to stimulate collagen production which can help fill in those lines and wrinkles over time
- Instant results – like RF, microcurrent has instant results – you’ll notice tighter looking skin, more define features, and your skin will have a rosy flush immediately following treatment
- Reduced pain – if you suffer from facial pain or tense muscles, microcurrent has been proven to help reduce muscle related pain. It’s even been shown to reduce sinus pressure and pain!
What Are The Side Effects Of Microcurrent?
Like RF, microcurrent is a non-invasive, no-downtime procedure. You may experience some redness immediately following the procedure, but should resolve shortly. You’ll be left with tighter, brighter and healthier looking skin!
Who Shouldn’t Use Microcurrent?
Although it’s a non-invasive procedure, those with pacemakers, metal implants or open wounds should not use microcurrent.
Radiofrequency Vs Microcurrent Comparison
Microcurrent helps to stimulate facial muscles to help tighten the skin, define facial features and can also stimulate collagen by using low-voltage energy waves. Radiofrequency uses heat to heat up the deep layers of the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin and as well as defining features and tightening skin.
Radiofrequency Vs. Microcurrent FAQ’s
Still have questions about radiofrequency vs microcurrent treatments?
What’s the difference between radiofrequency and microcurrent?
While they both have some of the same benefits, RF uses heat to tighten the skin, whereas microcurrent uses electrical stimulation and works more of the muscles.
Which is more effective microcurrent or radio frequency?
While microcurrent has been around for a while for treating Bell’s Palsy, it’s only more recently become popular in the beauty industry. Likewise with RF. However, both are proven to be safe and effective treatments, but there’s more research out right now on radio frequency.
But don’t let that deter you! Both are great treatment options for defining your facial features and can help prevent premature aging.
If you’re wanting to get the most dramatic results, start with radiofrequency. You can always add in some microcurrent treatments down the line.
Can you use radio frequency and microcurrent together?
Yes, you can use radiofreqency and microcurrent together! Whether you’re getting them done in office or at home, they can both be used at the same time or in conjunction with one another for ultimate anti-aging. You should use RF before microcurrent.
Best At Home Radio Frequency Machine
STOP X Model U Facial Renewal & Rejuvenation Device
This handheld at home radiofrequency device is perfect for those who don’t want to commit to the price and upkeep of in office visits. It’s FDA approved and comes with a one-year warranty. Tighter, more youthful skin can be yours in just a few minutes a day! Regular use can help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen and elastin and help with acne scarring and other minor skin issues.
ORA Iluminage Youth Activator Infrared LED Radio Frequency Anti-Aging Device
A 3-in-1 product that combines radiofrequency, red light and infrared light which help to stimulate collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth and firm the skin.
This radiofrequency set is perfect for those who want the added benefit of using powerful skincare ingredients along with your treatments. It comes with 2 anti-aging serums to use along with your treatments for optimal results. According to the brand, 79% of users saw a reduction in wrinkles with this set, which makes it well worth the price.
Best At Home Microcurrent Device
Foreo Bear Smart Microcurrent Facial Firming Device
This at home microcurrent device combines microcurrent with T-sonic pulsations to firm the skin, stimulate collagen and brighten the complexion. It features Anti-Shock technology that automatically adjusts to your skin’s tolerance to avoid any potential shocks.
NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device Original
The NuFACE is FDA approved and can help treat uneven skin tone, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. The NuFACE is one of the most versatile at home microcurrent devices, as it also has attachments for the eyes and lips and wrinkle reducer (sold separately).
Radiofrequency Vs Microcurrent: Wrap Up
Microcurrent and radio frequency have become two of the most popular anti-aging treatments for skin care. Both offer immediate results and can help with a variety of skin concerns like fine lines, sagging skin and general aging. While you’ll get the most bang for your buck with in-office procedures, there are some great at home devices on the market that can fit into more peoples budgets (cause we don’t all have hundreds of dollars to spend on facials every month).
