Home-based Radiofrequency (RF) devices for skin enhancement/skin beautification treatments

As people age, the body cells produce less collagen, which prompts sagging skin and wrinkles in individuals. Collagen forms approximately one-third of the total protein in the human body, and supports the overall structure of the skin and anchor cells, thereby providing elasticity and strength to the skin. The decrease in collagen levels in body can result in skin losing its flexibility, leading to loose and saggy skin, which can further hamper the appearance and the looks of an individual. Sagging skin, wrinkles and scarce differences are basic issues that can also originate from hereditary qualities or photo-damage, as a result of extensive exposure to the sun. Skin laxity happens around age 35 to 40 when the amount and nature of the collagen start to decrease majorly.3

Several individuals, these days, are seeking treatment options to maintain a long-lasting youthful appearance and healthy skin. For many years, various surgical treatment options have been given priority by both clinicians and patients for various aesthetic aspects of skin enhancement. However, the demand for non-surgical skin enhancement/ skin beautification processes with minimal side effects, risks, and speedy recovery time is rising continuously due to the technological advancements and busy lifestyle.

Multiple innovative non-surgical treatment options for skin enhancement including the technologies using Ultrasound waves, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency are available presently. Radiofrequency based treatments have specifically gained popularity owing to their effectiveness and low side effects in a wide variety of skin conditions. Radiofrequency based treatments utilize electricity to heat the deeper layers of the skin and stimulate the creation of collagen. These treatments can encourage cellulite improvement, lessening of wrinkles, skin contouring, and reduction in the laxity of skin. On the basis of the number of electrodes, the RF non-invasive devices can be characterized as follows:

• Monopolar
• Bipolar
• Tripolar
• Multipolar
• Multigenerator

Nowadays, at-home RF devices are also easily available apart from earlier in-office RF devices.1,2,8

Working of Radiofrequency devices

Radiofrequency energy utilizes the resistance of the body or face tissues within the several skin layers to ultimately convert the RF energy, given to the skin, into thermal energy. This method promotes neocollagenesis and remodeling of collagen, one of the most common protein in the body. Remodelling or enhancement of collagen further leads to skin beautification/skin enhancement and wrinkle reduction.

RF energy generates an electrical current vs a laser, which utilizes a light source. Due to avoidance of the usage of light source, the damage to the tissues in RF based procedures is lesser as compared to lasers and also, the epidermal melanin is not targeted or characteristically damaged. Furthermore, RF therapy can be helpful for patients of all colors and skin types.7 

A recently published study, in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, including 62 patients of a novel at-home RF device that utilized multisource phase-controlled radiofrequency technology demonstrated statistically significant enhancement on a Fitzpatrick wrinkle and elastosis scale. The results were compared, based on before and after photographs of all the patients, by three board-certified independent dermatologists.2

At-home Radiofrequency skin enhancement technique:

Until few months back, majority of the Radiofrequency skin based treatments were conducted at clinics and there was a genuine concern among users about the safety and efficacy of at-home Radiofrequency devices.

However, presently, numerous companies provide at-home RF treatment devices. The ongoing advancement of technology has ensured that the at-home radiofrequency devices are as effective as clinical based treatments, if not more, and are very safe as well, if the manual instructions are followed properly. The home based radiofrequency devices can cost you somewhere between $30 to $1000, with majority falling in the average range. The clinic based Radiofrequency treatments would cost you somewhere around $5000, on the other side.3,4

Recent studies have proved the efficacy of these home based devices as well. A study conducted in 2017 on 33 participants observed high effectiveness of a home based RF treatment device for around 6 weeks on wrinkles around the eyes. Nearly all participants reported no side-effects and experienced significant improvements.3

Another recently conducted study, in 2014, highlighted more than 90% effectiveness of home based radiofrequency device treatments with no major side effects, based on the review from 3 independent skilled reviewers. Multiple other studies have also established the efficacy and safety of home based Radiofrequency treatments.7

However, the device you use for Home based treatment is important. Using an inferior quality device to save some dollars might hurt. A new innovative device named EvenSkyn Lumo includes features such a photo rejuvenation, electrical muscle stimulation, and phototherapy beyond the main radiofrequency function and therefore, helps with skin tightening and anti-wrinkle/anti-aging processes. The device also comes with 5 modes including Photon, ION, ENI + Photon, EMS + Photon, Cool + Photon  which can be used for multiple skin rejuvenation purposes.9 

Conclusion

Positive and encouraging results of numerous studies have shown the positive clinical effects of RF devices for skin rejuvenation. The use of Radiofrequency devices has proven to be very effective and safe for treating various age-related skin problems and in enhancing skin condition, attenuating wrinkles, decreasing skin laxity, and smoothing neck and facial contour, with painless or undesirable side effects.1 The advancement in technology and launch of new innovative home based Radiofrequency treatments have further ensured that these treatments are now available and accessible, sitting at the comfort of home and at a much lower prices as compared to a clinic.

Sources:

1. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2017/4146391/
2. https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/89359/aesthetic-dermatology/home-radiofrequency-devices
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/radio-frequency-skin-tightening#can-you-do-it-at-home
4. https://www.getthegloss.com/article/how-radiofrequency-treatments-work-to-tighten-sagging-skin
5. https://www.kaya.in/anti-ageing/Radiofrequency therapy-radio-frequency-skin-tightening-treatment
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/radio-frequency-skin-tightening
7. https://www.zwivel.com/blog/at-home-radiofrequency-machines/
8. https://theaestheticscentre.com/10-things-need-know-non-surgical-skin-tightening-procedures/
9. EvenSkyn Lumo Brochure