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

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.

Radio is a type of electromagnetic radiation we use for communications.

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.

The Electromagnetic spectrum: Each type comes from a different source & has different effects on matter

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.

RADIO FREQUENCY CURRENT & THE BODY

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

ur nerves don’t register RF currents because they move too fast.

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.

It's this same idea of heating tissue we use in anti-aging RF facials and body contouring.

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.So, gradually this scaffolding becomes weaker and breaks down. Yikes. Also, the amount of collagen and elastin our fibroblasts produce decreases dramatically. And 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.

Younger skin on the left, aging skin on the right.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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