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Radio frequency therapy and Microcurrents technique are both used for tightening of loose skin. Both these techniques are non-invasive and have helped millions to reduce their signs of ageing that show on the skin in the form of sagging skin. While both these techniques can be used successfully on their own, i.e., independently, there are now options available in the markets that combine both the techniques. Now, consumers do not need to choose between the two and can benefit from the combined effects of both RF therapy and Microcurrents. As we read further, let us introduce you to each of the two techniques, showing you how they work to help improve sagging skin as well as how the two techniques work harmoniously together.

Radiofrequency Therapy

Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, also commonly known as radiofrequency skin tightening, is a nonsurgical technique. As the name is self-explanatory, this technique is recommended for tightening of loose skin. The RF procedure comprises the use of energy waves to heat the dermis which is the deepest layer of the skin. This process generates heat and stimulates the production of collagen, thus helping tighten loose skin. The therapy has been used successfully by many people since it was introduced in 2001 to manage skin sagging, a key sign of ageing.

Picture credits: 7ewellness (https://www.7ewellness.com/)

How RF therapy works

The first type of RF for skin tightening available in the market is known as the Thermalift, however, nowadays several companies offer RF similar technology. All these technologies follow a similar principle, where RF waves heat the dermis layer of the skin to between 122 and 167°F (50–75°C).

This principle has been established by many research studies which have found that the body releases heat-shock proteins when a temperature above 115°F (46°C) is maintained for more than 3 minutes. This is the same protein which when released - stimulates the body to produce new collagen fibre – eventually helping tighten the skin. This method generally takes less than an hour and should be almost painless.1,2,3

Microcurrents, and how this technique works

Microcurrent treatment is a non-invasive technique that generates a low-voltage current in the body. This current is the same intensity as the natural electrical currents which are produced in a human body, hence its been shown (in a plethora of studies) to be safe. The microcurrent technology stimulates the generation of energy to drive the elastin and collagen production in the skin. This process results in much tighter, toned skin for its consumer. This is achieved mainly as the technique smoothens the connective tissues and facial muscles by boosting cellular activity that gives a more "lifted" or enhanced facial appearance.

Just like RF, Microcurrent is a painless procedure that reduces wrinkles, typically around the forehead. For decades the microcurrent technology has been known to the world as many physical therapists have used this treatment method since the 1970s, especially for facial paralysis conditions such as Bell’s palsy and pain relief. It is thus considered very effective, safe, and well-targeted. 4,5

Picture credits: MYSA (https://www.foreo.com/)

Benefits of Microcurrents

Several clinical studies have established various benefits of microcurrents, which typically increases the following in a human body:

Number of elastin fibres – up by 45%
Blood circulation – up by 35%
Length of elastin fibres – up by 50%
Collagen production – up by 14%
Glucose production (gluconeogenesis) – up by 40%
Lymphatic drainage – up by 28% 9

Results from microcurrent therapy can be observed in just one session, though long-lasting results are attained after repeated therapy sessions. The total number of therapy sessions required to get the final result also depends on the patient’s age, lifestyle, muscle tone, health, and condition of skin tissue. 10-12 sessions are usually advised, with maintenance therapy that could be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks.9

RF and Microcurrents, when used together!

Interestingly, these two techniques go hand in hand fairly well. When people want to use both these technologies together, most dermatologists advise to complete the skin treatment with RF first and then go ahead with the microcurrent facial procedure. When an individual completes the RF facial first, the facial skin and muscles get warmed up, thus, making it more versatile. Further, when an individual undergoes a microcurrent procedure, the muscles of the face become even more receptive to the toning and lifting effects. Completing a Microcurrent treatment after RF treatment has an additional benefit of better absorption of skin care products in the skin. RF allows the skin pores to open, so when microcurrents are used later on during the treatment with skin care products, it allows complete absorption of these products into the deepest layers of the skin, thus letting the consumer enjoy the full benefits of the treatment.6,3,7

Summary of the contrasts and a quick comparison of RF with Microcurrents

RF significantly enhances collagen production and skin elasticity whereas Microcurrents stimulate cellular metabolism and the muscles of the face.
Microcurrents work towards muscle tightness, whereas RF works towards skin tightness.
Microcurrents are sub-sensory (almost painless) in nature and re-activate the muscles of the face, whereas RF generates heat to stimulate new elastin and collagen production.
Microcurrents generate a low-voltage current that is the same as the natural electrical currents produced in a human body, whereas RF comprises the use of energy waves to heat the dermis and this heat generation stimulates collagen production.
Both Microcurrents and RF treatments work best when they are done consistently and repeatedly over time.6,3,7

At-Home skincare devices providing the benefits of RF and Microcurrents

There are various devices in the market offering RF or microcurrents therapy to its consumers for improving sagging skin tone. One of these devices is Evenskyn’s Lumo, which stands apart because of its ultra-premium RF based, professional-grade, anti-aging handset. Its advanced technology not only includes RF, but also photo-rejuvenation and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), which are briefly explained below:

RF - The most powerful feature of the Lumo, is the Radiofrequency waves that warm the dermis to 60 degrees Celsius (while maintaining a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius for the topical epidermal layer) and speed up skin renewal.
Photo-rejuvenation - Varying wavelength of lights speeds up the remodeling and regeneration of collagen.
EMS - Minute, precise amounts of micro-currents in the EMS mode help firm up the skin by stimulating and firming face and neck muscles.8

Some of the noticeable results after each use of this compact device - loaded with cutting-edge technologies - over successive weekly sessions are as follows:

Tightened sagging skin
Smoothened fine lines
Rejuvenated aging skin
Significantly reduced wrinkles
Speedy new-skin regeneration

This product even has a waterproof, HD LCD screen to make it more convenient to use.

Picture Credits: Evenskyn - https://www.evenskyn.com/products/skin-tightening-machine

Conclusion

There may be multiple at-home skin care devices available in the market, but Evenskyn’s Lumo offers class-leading technologies and services, such as LED Phototherapy that works harmoniously with the RF and EMS technology. It provides long-lasting results and is best suited in delivering maximal results for diminishing aging signs.

Sources:

How Radiofrequency therapy and Microcurrents can both work in concert to reduce wrinkles

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