If celebrities like Kate Bosworth and Charlize Theron credit radio frequency facials for keeping their skin lifted, then you know they must be good. RF (radio frequency) facials are clinically proven to soften fine lines and wrinkles, while tightening sagging skin. At this point you may be asking, ‘but what is a radio frequency treatment?’ Here we’ll explain how radio frequency works, what results you can expect, along with an up-to-date look at world-leading devices.
What is radio frequency skin tightening technology?
Radio frequency is all about stimulating your skin’s natural collagen and elastin production. During the skin tightening treatment, radio frequency waves pass through the skin from one pole to another. When the skin resists these waves, it heaps up, stimulating collagen. As there is an optimal collagen-producing temperature and because everyone’s skin resistance can vary, maintaining this temperature can be a challenge. This is where some at-home RF devices stand out against the rest.
There are 3 radio frequency methods available: monopolar, bipolar and multipolar. Each method is distinguished by the number of poles it uses. Monopolar uses a single electrode tip, which delivers energy to the space between the electrode and the grounding plate. Whereas the bipolar method passes waves between 2 electrodes and multipolar using 3. According to a recent clinical study, bipolar was more effective at increasing skin tightness, hydration levels, density and barrier function in women aged between 20 to 69 years, regardless of therapy duration when compared to monopolar.
Is there any discomfort or downtime involved?
You do feel a comfortable warming sensation (almost like a hot stone face massage), and you may experience some mild redness after your treatment. Both are completely normal. While there isn’t any downtime, it’s recommended to complete your RF facials during your night-time routine to benefit from additional collagen renewal as you sleep.
Expert Advice: Do not use radio frequency devices if you have had a professional chemical peel, facial abrasion, ablative laser treatments, botox, fillers or plastic surgery within the past 3 months.
What are the benefits of radio frequency at home?
The main benefits of radio frequency skin tightening facials are to reduce the visible signs of ageing. After the first treatment, skin becomes plumper, firmer and smoother. And with consistent use, you’ll notice a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, along with more lifted and tighter skin. For anyone experiencing loss of firmness and dullness in their skin, it's the ideal long-term solution to restore your glow.
The best radio frequency skin tightening machine for home use:
We’ve rounded up the most effective professional radio frequency devices for home use in 2023, factoring in everything from optimised temperature levels, efficacy, usability and of course, the results. Discover the best radio frequency skin tightening machines here.
4.9 / 5 ★ CurrentBody Skin RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device
This device has been developed by CurrentBody, a global leader in the development of home use beauty devices that works by energising cells deep within the skin to stimulate collagen. In a study with 40 participants, 94% were satisfied after their first treatment. Sold with a complimentary CurrentBody Skin Radio Frequency Gel (100ml).
Key Feature: Skin Sense Technology™ is designed to deliver the most effective RF energy suited to your specific skin resistance. The technology safely delivers the highest temperature consistently throughout the entire treatment.
Treatment Time Per Area: 5 minutes
Uses Per Week: Once
See Results After: 8 weeks
Customer Review: “My fine lines on my forehead and smile lines got lighter immediately after the first treatment! It also tightened my jawline and smooths my neck wrinkles. The device heats up quickly without feeling too hot, feel safe and will continue to use it once a week.” – Joyce H.
4.9 / 5 ★ TriPollar STOP VX Gold 2 Radio Frequency Device
TriPollar is inspired by unlocking the natural healing powers of the skin and known for its clinically proven, safe beauty technologies. Instead of surgical steel, this device uses 24-carat gold electrodes to enhance conductivity and efficacy of TriPollar’s RF technology. Sold with a complimentary TriPollar Preparation Gel (50ml) and TriPollar Gold Preparation Gel (50ml).
Key Feature: Turbo-RF prioritises speed and effectiveness above all else. When in contact with the skin, this technology quickly heats up to the optimal collagen-boosting temperature.
Treatment Time Per Area: 3 to 4 minutes
Per Week: 2 to 3 times
See Results After: 6 to 8 weeks
Customer Review: “Can’t get enough of this! Only been using STOP Vx GOLD 2 for a few weeks and my rapidly ageing skin is thanking me for it.” – Debrah V.
4.7 / 5 ★ Panasonic EH-XR10 Advanced RF Facial Device
This next-generation device combines radio frequency and ultrasonic technologies to target the visible signs of ageing. Over an 8-week clinical trial, 81% of women were overall satisfied with the Panasonic advanced RF facial device. Sold with a complimentary Panasonic Conductive Gel (150ml).
Key Feature: Over Care Prevention Sensor signals an alert when your skin has been in contact with the electrodes for over 15 seconds to avoid excessive use and keep moving.
Treatment Time Per Area: 3 minutes
Uses Per Week: Up to 3 times
See Results After: 8 to 12 weeks
Customer Review: “I have been using this device for a few weeks now, my skin seems tighter and plump. I use it every other day. Takes only 10 minutes, easy and pleasant.” – Tihana S.
4.4 / 5 ★ NEWA Beauty Anti-Ageing Skincare Device
NEWA's professional-level technology has been developed by ENDYMED, the global leaders of radio frequency. The device is based on clinically proven technology used medically worldwide and backed by clinical trials where 100% of users found their wrinkles were improved. Sold with a complimentary NEWA Lift Activator Gel (130ml).
Key Feature: 3DEEP™ uses 3 sets of bipolar electrodes to safely gauge the skin’s surface temperature to balance efficacy with safety. If the temperature rises too much, it will stop the RF energy until your skin is back within the optimal range.
Treatment Time Per Area: 5 minutes
Uses Per Week: 5 times
See Results After: 12 weeks
Customer Review: “I have used this device everyday for the past one month. As it provides an anti-aging effect by stimulating collagen production, you can definitely notice your facial line getting tidier and lifted cheek area (which was my major concern). I would confidently recommend this product to anyone in their late 20s and above. Just like with any beauty devices, consistency is the key.” – Gabrielle.
