How frequently can you use radiofrequency-based skin treatment devices

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lisa Hartford, MD

Introduction

Radiofrequency technology is quite popular nowadays and is fast emerging as an alternative non-surgical option for the look of sun damage, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The treatment is most suitable for people who would rather not undergo a surgical procedure. RF treatment best suits people in the age group of 30-50 years. The procedure can be administered over any skin type and texture.

The main purpose of RF technology based treatment is to make skin texture smoother and help tighten the look of the skin. Radiofrequency-based skin devices are commonly used on fine lines on the face, jawline, and under the eyes. Many people have used RF treatments and experienced improvement in their skin tone with very minimal side effects. Other advantages of using RF technology for skin-related treatments include very little recovery time and the relatively low cost of the treatment.

Benefits of RF skin treatment

RF supports the natural ability of the skin to produce elastin and collagen, and thus helps maintain skin tone and a younger-looking appearance. The procedure also helps lift and firm the look of loose skin. It is usually quick and has shown effective results in many users. The procedure is painless and non-invasive and is well suited to those with flabby, wrinkled, and loose-looking skin.

Several clinical studies conducted in the past have established the usefulness of radiofrequency-related skin procedures. As per a 2015 study, 96% of the people taking RF based skin treatment benefitted from the procedures and demonstrated significant results. According to another study in 2017, effective skin tightening results were noticed in patients taking RF treatments after 5-8 sittings. (1,2)

In a 2018 study performed on women aged 70 to check the efficacy of RF treatment in reducing wrinkles surrounding the eye, it was observed that wrinkles were reduced to a large extent with 3 sittings in 6 weeks. A 2017 study checked the effectiveness of RF based treatments for face slimming. The study recruited 14 middle-aged Asian women, and the investigators noticed a notable reduction of facial fat after 5 weeks. Another study conducted in 2011 demonstrated that when an RF procedure was performed on a small group of sun-damaged people, significant improvement was observed within 3 months. (3,4)

Frequency of RF-based skin treatment

Radiofrequency treatments are fast acting and have lower recovery periods due to their non-invasive nature. A single sitting can begin to show results, but for longer-term, firmer effects, 4-6 sessions are mostly recommended by the physician, with a constant gap of 7-10 days between each session. (6) The frequency of treatment depends on the maintenance of the skin, type of skin, and daily lifestyle of the person, as well as the size of the area treated and the expectations from the results.

As the heat incorporates into the dermis, a new synthesis of collagen takes place in the skin. Collagen production is a slow process and might take some time before the effects are clearly visible. The tightening effects, due to this delay, may take 3-6 months to become visible. (9)

The frequency of treatment sessions also varies for professional RF and home-based RF treatments. For professional RF treatments, approximately 6 sessions are required 1-2 weeks apart. For home-based radiofrequency treatments, 2-4 sittings per month are typical, and the same goes for maintenance. (8)

The amount and extent of visible results after a single RF treatment will vary from one individual to another. Some people require multiple sessions to reach the desired effect, while others see results sooner. The fuller effect is often noticeable after about 4 months. (7)

The extent and effectiveness of results also depend on the type and brand of device used. An innovative at-home device, the EvenSkyn® Lumo⁺, includes features such as photorejuvenation, electrical muscle stimulation, and phototherapy beyond the main radiofrequency function, and therefore helps with skin tightening and the look of wrinkles. The device comes with multiple modes that can be used for a range of skin rejuvenation purposes.

In the case of the Lumo⁺, the recommended cadence is once a week for just five minutes per session, allowing at least seven days between sessions for the collagen to regrow and remodel. For comfortable glide and even energy transfer during each session, apply a water-based conduction gel before use.

Layering this with retinol? The sequence matters: run your device session on bare, clean skin first, then apply retinol afterward. Our guide on using retinol with red light therapy walks through the timing around red light and RF sessions.

Conclusion

The frequency of RF treatment depends on the skin type, size of the area treated, expected results, and the effectiveness of the device used. The better the care after treatment, the lower the need for follow-ups, and the greater the efficacy. The number of sessions is best confirmed with your physician. That said, trips to a clinic can often be avoided with effective at-home radiofrequency devices, which help you work toward and maintain results at home with minimal side effects.

References

EVENSKYN®

How frequently can you use radiofrequency-based skin treatment devices or undergo RF treatment?

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