Radio Frequency skin tightening 101: how it works, effects & professional vs at-home treatments

T here’s some seriously sci-fi sounding home anti-aging technology available today. You can use oxygen or light of different colours and teeny electrical currents to stimulate your skin cells. Or there’s ultrasound to get more product deeper into your skin. But the most intriguing? It’s surely radio frequency.

But how the schnauzer can radio make you look younger?

It’s not as crazy as it sounds. A Radio Frequency device sends an electrical current into your skin. This heats your tissues causing an immediate tightening effect. It also kick-starts collagen production. So, over time, you build fresh collagen and elastin fibres to support your face. The result is firmer, tighter, more radiant skin. Various home-use versions are available promising similar results.

Now, you probably have many questions. I did too. So, off I set to learn all about Radio Frequency skin tightening and then share it with you. First, we’ll learn what Radio Frequency is and what it does to our tissues, then how it’s used for anti-aging and body contouring, next the clinical proof, a comparison of home devices to professional treatments and then where you can get RF for yourself.

What you’ll learn in this Radio Frequency skin tightening at home 101 article:

What is Radio Frequency?

Radio Frequency (RF) is two things.

#1 First, it’s a type of electromagnetic radiation at a specific frequency range, also known as radio waves.

We’re surrounded by electromagnetic radiation. It comes from many sources including the sun, stars, lightning and our bodies. Gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, lasers and light are other types. They span an enormous range of wavelengths and frequencies.

• A wavelength is the distance between two peaks of the wave.
• The frequency is how many cycles form in one second, and it’s measured in Hertz (Hz).

We categorise these different frequencies and wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Radio Frequencies are the lowest energy electromagnetic radiation. They have a longer wavelength and therefore a lower frequency because each wave cycle takes longer to complete. The range of RF is around 20 kilohertz/kHz to around 300 gigahertz/GHz (30 billion hertz)². But this isn’t exactly what we use in RF anti-aging skin tightening treatments.

#2 And second, Radio Frequency also describes the oscillating electrical currents used to generate radio waves. It works like this. Alternating currents of specific voltage sent through a conducting antenna vibrates electrons, generating radio waves. This is the transmitter. The radio waves travel at the speed of light from the transmitter to a receiver. Electrons in the receiver then vibrate, recreating the original signal. Learn more here.

We divide radio frequency into bands, from very low to very high. Very low frequencies transmit longer distances, between 10-33km. So, we use these radio waves mainly for communicating voice, data and entertainment media. High frequency transmits just a little distance. And so it’s this RF generating electrical current we use to help the human body in medicine and aesthetics.

Radio Frequency current & the body

Unlike other forms of electrical current, RF currents flow through our tissues without shocking us. Here’s why.

Our nerve membranes have an electrical charge of their own. Any outside source of electricity affects them. An electric shock causes a sensation of pain and makes our muscles twitch. But an RF current is too rapid to do this. It travels at the speed of light, so our nerves and muscles don’t register it.⁴

So then, what effect does RF current have?

How Radio Frequency current affects our tissues

Our cells conduct RF current in the range 0.3– 10 Megahertz (MHz) using it as part of their own electrical circuit. It flows freely through the tissues. But where there’s any resistance, it generates heat. And the heat produced depends on the electrical properties of the specific tissue. 

This means we’ve found several uses for it. For example, doctors direct RF current using the heat to destroy small tumours, varicose veins and even correct heart murmurs. Clinical studies confirm this technology is safe and effective.⁶

It’s this same idea of heating tissue we use in anti-aging RF facials and body contouring. To understand more we’ll look at aging skin and how RF facials and body contouring help.

How skin ages

First, let’s see what happens in aging skin.

Below your skin’s surface, there’s a collagen and elastin scaffolding holding together the dermis and epidermis. This keeps your skin firm and bouncy. From age 30 onwards, we lose around 1 to 2% of our collagen every year.⁸ So, gradually this scaffolding becomes weaker and breaks down. Yikes. Also, the amount of collagen and elastin our fibroblasts produce decreases dramatically.⁹And to top it off,the cells in our epidermis (skin surface) don’t renew as quickly either.

The result is sagging, textural issues, dullness and wrinkles.⁷ Oh crapsticks.

Now, there are different flavours of RF treatment to help combat these signs of aging.

Fractional RF is like a fractional non-ablative laser which heats tiny segments of the skin surface and dermis causing micro-injuries. Your skin’s healing response kicks in, rebuilding the damaged tissue. This resurfacing helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and improves texture and colour.

But there’s a deeper type of RF treatment which we’re interested in. It concentrates on the lower skin layers too. The results are skin tightening, dermal remodelling and increased cell metabolism. Therefore, this is another beauty tech, which like microcurrent facials, can lift and shape facial contours.

RF skin tightening, dermal remodelling & increased metabolism

In these treatments the RF heats and stimulates the underlying structures of the skin down to the dermis, causing controlled damage. Heating deeper skin tissues to 67°C gives the best results.

The heat denatures the proteins collagen and elastin. This means they unravel. Now, whilst this sounds bad, the immediate effect is the collagen matrix contracts and shrinks, creating a lifting effect of the face and tightening of lax skin on the body. And this skin tightening is good because it gives a more youthful appearance.¹⁰  

Your body then goes into healing mode, just as it does after a cut or injury. It triggers your fibroblast cells in the deeper skin layers to produce shiny new collagen and elastin. Over time, they usually create more of these proteins than before. This increase in these fresh, supple skin-supporting proteins is dermal remodelling. It increases skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and lines, tightens and firms, and improves skin texture and plumpness. ¹¹ 

Heat also has a detoxifying effect and increases cell metabolism. That’s because when RF energy heats tissues between 40°C to 45°C, it increases blood flow through vasodilation. Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels. The increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It also removes waste products, such as carbon dioxide. This means your cells’ metabolism speeds up resulting in more energy, so they work harder. This promotes skin health and gives an energy boost for dermal remodelling.¹²

TIP: RF current doesn’t affect the melanin in your skin, so it’s suitable for all skin types without risk of discolouration. ¹³ 

These effects of RF give excellent tightening and anti-aging results on the face. And it works just as well on the body too. It’s particularly helpful for tightening loose skin after weight loss, pregnancy or from the natural aging process. We call this body contouring.

Radio frequency body contouring

Non-surgical RF body contouring is a professional treatment that helps with common problems such as skin sagging on tummy, chest and knees, cellulite and reducing localised fat. It helps improve the appearance of saddlebags, inner thighs, love handles, abdominal fat, post-baby tummies and bingo wings.

You can choose to both reduce fat and then tighten the leftover lax skin, or simply tighten and remodel aging skin on the body.

For fat reduction, RF reaches down to the deepest layers of the skin to the adipose tissue. It heats only the fat cells causing apoptosis or ‘suicide’ of the fat adipocytes cells. Therefore, fatty deposits reduce in size for a slimming effect. Alternatively, machines may use ultrasound cavitation to target fat, exciting and bursting the fat cells. Fatty waste is then excreted through your lymphatic system.

To tighten loose skin around your body, RF energy heats tissues in the dermis. As with RF facials, this causes the breakdown of collagen fibres for skin tightening, stimulates fibroblast production of collagen and elastin for dermal remodeling, and boosts cell metabolism.  

The result is an improved body contour, with smooth, firm and luminous skin.

Surgical RF body skin tightening is a more extensive procedure done in the operating room under anaesthesia. The surgeon inserts an RF probe below the skin for an intensive application of RF heat to the subdermal layers, whilst infrared cameras monitor the skin temperature. This procedure focuses on tightening loose skin on the arms, legs, stomach, back, and buttocks.¹⁶

There are also two ways to deliver RF energy; monopolar and bipolar.

Monopolar & bipolar RF 

There are two ways that we can direct RF into the skin: monopolar or bipolar. 

Monopolar is most common in professional body contouring. It’s also known as unipolar because the instrument has one electrode/pole in the handpiece. This RF delivery treats deep tissue structures because the positive and negative poles are separate from each other.  It works like this:

The unit generates the current, and the handpiece applies the positive RF current to the skin. Most resistance occurs where the handpiece touches the skin. 

Attached to the client, usually on their lower back, is a negative grounding pad. The pad creates a low resistance path for the current to return to the generator, completing the electrical circuit. 

The RF current travels from the handpiece to the pad, passing through all the skin layers. It even reaches the subcutaneous fat layer 20mm below the skin.

Bipolar means the handpiece has poles in sets of two; negative and positive. It’s used in both professional RF facials and at-home devices. 

The RF current flows only through the small area of tissue between these two poles, reaching 2-4mm below the skin. The current doesn’t flow through the deep tissues.

Tri-polar machines can deliver both types of RF treatment.

The results of Radio Frequency skin tightening

The advertised effects of a skin tightening RF treatment on body or face are:

• Short term collagen shrinkage in the dermis
• Longer term fibroblast stimulation to create revitalised collagen and elastin
• Stronger skin scaffolding in the deeper skin layers
• Enhanced cell metabolism
• Refreshed epidermis/outer layer skin cells

You need a course of around 6 professional RF treatments. You may see some immediate tightening after each session. But results appear gradually over several months, with best results at the end and continuing for 3 to 6 months after the end of your course. You need many more home treatments over 8 to 10 weeks. REsults are also gradual results, and best at the end of the course. You need regular session 2 to 4 times per month to maintain your results.

The Harley Medical Group say skin tightening effects vary and are different by individual, so they can’t guarantee specific results. Therefore, they can range from subtle to significant and last months to years. Results are:

• Tightening of lax skin such as jowls, eyebrows and neck
• Reduces pore size, fine lines and wrinkles
• Smoother skin texture
• Healthier looking, radiant skin

The results for at-home RF devices are similar but take several more sessions during a more intensive treatment treatment schedule to see results. Maintenance sessions then prolong the results.

Reassuringly, there are clinical studies proving Radio Frequency skin tightening works too.

Clinical proof for Radio Frequency skin tightening

Numerous clinical studies show that RF is effective at skin tightening.

In 2011, researchers in the USA studied six participants and found the RF produced noticeable clinical results. The subjects were also highly satisfied with their skin improvement and increase in collagen. ¹⁷

Researchers in Korea mirrored these findings. RF treatment is safe and effective to treat signs of ageing and reducing scarring.¹⁸

However, such studies researching the effects of aesthetic rather than medical treatments are difficult to compare. That’s because they use small groups of people, and the methods and research quality vary significantly. Brazilian researchers discovered these issues in their literature review of 2015. They looked at 30 different studies investigating RF facial treatments. They conclude whilst RF therapy is successful in stimulating collagen synthesis, we need further studies to clarify treatment parameters and effectiveness. ¹⁹

At-home bipolar devices are not as powerful as professional monopolar devices. However, researchers have shown they are effective in some clinical trials. ²⁰

Professional Radio Frequency skin tightening vs at-home devices

Like most at-home and professional comparisons, you can expect faster results with professional sessions. But you’ll also pay a lot more overall.

Here’s a comparison table to show the key similarities and differences.

Preparation for professional RF skin tightening

The Harley Medical group suggest a few helpful preparation tips for face and body skin tightening treatments.

Do:

• Avoid the sun for 2-3 days before so your skin isn’t dry or red
• Remove make-up prior to facial treatments
• Drink 1 litre of water in the few hours before your session. Keep well hydrated 
• Eat light food before your session
• Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing for body skin tightening

Don’t:

• Apply fake tan or tanning creams within 10 days of the treatment or throughout the treatment course
• Don’t apply creams or oils to your skin before your session
• Avoid heavy meals that are carbohydrate or fat rich less than two hours prior to your treatment

Who should avoid RF skin tightening treatments?

RF is safe, but if you have certain conditions you must avoid it. A professional operative will check your medical history. You must check the user manual of any home device you plan to use.

Here are the contraindications applying to both professional and at-home RF skin tightening.

Don’t use a home device on the following areas:

• over eyelids, closed eyes, thyroid area, lips, ears, breasts or genital areas

Don’t use it if you:

• Are under 18 years of age
• Are pregnant or are nursing
• Have a pacemaker or defibrillator
• Have metal implants in the treatment area, such as gold threads or metal plates & screws. But dental fillings or implants are ok
• Currently use medications, herbal preparations, vitamins or food supplements that may cause fragile or dry skin

Don’t use if you have any of the following medical concerns:

• Currently have cancer or a history of cancer, especially skin cancer or premalignant moles
• Have severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders
• Have an impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as HIV, or are using immunosuppressive medications
• Have a history of heat-stimulated diseases such as recurrent Herpes Simplex (within the treatment area).
• Have any active skin condition within the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema or a rash
• Have a history of keloid scarring, abnormal wound healing or fragile skin
• Have suspicious lesions within the treatment area

Don’t use if you’ve had recent cosmetic or surgical procedures as follows:

• Any surgical procedure, laser resurfacing or deep chemical peeling in the treatment area within the past three months or are still undergoing a healing process
• Permanent fillers within the treatment area.
• If you have temporary dermal fillers within the treatment area, consult your physician for advice
• Collagen or Botox administered in the treatment area within the past three months

These additional contraindications apply to professional RF skin tightening treatments. Don’t use:

• If you have a history of coagulopathies or the use of anticoagulants
• Have used isotretinoin in the past 6 months
• Taken nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. with ibuprofen) one week before and after each treatment
• On a tattoo or permanent makeup
• On excessively sunburned skins, tans from sunbeds or tanning creams in the last two weeks

Possible side effects with Radio Frequency

RF treatments are very safe and well tolerated. Common skin reactions to the heat are red and swollen or plumped skin. Use Aloe Vera to cool and soothe if necessary.

There are a few rare and temporary side effects with professional and at-home RF skin tightening. If you get any and they last more than 24 hours, go see your doctor.

• Pain
• Damage to natural skin texture (crusting, blistering, burns, fragile skin, bruising)
• Mild headache

You should also avoid sun exposure after a session and always wear a good sunscreen!

Where can I get Radio Frequency skin tightening?

If you have the dosh and want to splash out, you can try searching locally for a trusted beauty spa or clinic. Check the reviews, and ask about the equipment and training before you go ahead.

Alternatively, you can try one of these clinically-proven safe and effective home Radio Frequency devices.

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Related: the best home beauty & anti-aging skincare devices for 2020