Are you looking for an easy, non-invasive, and DIY treatment that’s proven to be effective at rejuvenating, toning, and treating skin? Then these radiofrequency devices for skin tightening might be just what you need.
I’ve curated the top 5 machines in 2022 for simple and effective skin treatment at home or on the go.
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Features:
This radiofrequency device’s primary function is to help users burn fat and tone up the treatment area.
It does so thanks to its 40KHz cavitation technology (low-level ultrasonic waves) that melts fat into a liquid while leaving other cells intact.
However, it’s equally useful to treat aging skin with tightening, rejuvenating, and wrinkle-removing capabilities.
Whereas most other devices only have 4 or 5 intensity levels, the UNOISETION comes with a 10-level adjustment so that you can tailor it precisely towards your preference and goals.
It’s also usable on the entire body with equal efficacy.
The recommended usage frequency is 2-3 times a week for around 20-minute treatments, with results visible within 8-12 weeks.
The device is a bit unwieldy with the main machine, three probes, and a separate housing stand. Because of its build, it should be in a location where it can remain in the same place.
THE CONS
THE PROS
Features:
As you can tell by the name, the IXAER is pretty much an entire home skin treatment system in a single device.
Via it’s six different probes, it can offer various treatments, such as fat-burning and then firming up the treated areas, relaxing muscles, improving skin elasticity, and removing wrinkles and fine lines by tightening and rejuvenating the skin.
Thanks to its versatility and the range of treatments it offers, this machine is suitable for home or professional use.
The large display with a multi-level menu is a unique feature that provides greater clarity.
It’s not surprising then that it’s the most expensive product we’ve reviewed here.
Treatment using this device is only necessary once or twice a week for around 15 minutes at a time.
At that right, you can expect to see results within a month.
Whenever you want to use a different probe, you’ll have to plug it out from the docking machine and then plug in the new probe at the appropriate socket.
THE CONS
THE PROS
Features:
The TARSHYRY is one of the most affordable radiofrequency skin tightening devices on this list.
Despite that, it’s also one of the most multi-functional.
The device comes with two different probes, which make it suitable for both face, eyes and body use.
On top of skin tightening and rejuvenating, it’s also possible to treat dark eye circles, spots or pimples, and freckles.
For the latter treatment, the manufacturer recommends you use the device with the appropriate facial products.
One of TARSHYRY’s most unique features is the ability to self-diagnose the efficacy of its treatment.
It’s also still incredibly straightforward to use. You switch it on, adjust to your desired intensity, and then plug out and use the probe.
The small probe makes it ideal for treating tight angles or sensitive areas.
While the large base that serves as a holder for the probe makes it less portable, it means the probe itself is extremely small - making it light and easy to handle.
It also ensures that the probe doesn’t collect dust when not in use.
Such features make it a handy and convenient option for small-scale spas or home treatments.
THE CONS
THE PROS
Features:
The MLAY RF is, in a sense, the highest-end skin tightening device on this list.
It is among the more expensive devices on the list, but its features match that price.
For one, it uses the latest RF bipolar technology, which is entirely side-effect free.
With most other devices, you might experience some discomfort with extended or overly frequent usage.
Radio-frequency waves can also more deeply penetrate the skin and heat it, stimulating even more collagen and elastin production.
By enabling the creation of these two substances, the MLAY RF taps into your body’s healing and rejuvenating capabilities.
With a relatively large dock, it’s not a very portable device.
However, it is usable on both the face and body with its separate attachments.
The built-in timer ensures you don’t overtreat, and the 3-level intensity setting allows you to operate it at a comfortable level.
On top of the 1-year warranty, MLAY also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
THE CONS
THE PROS
Features:
The Silk’n Titan packs three different skin tightening treatments into a single device.
It provides infrared, LED, and radiofrequency treatments in a single, sleek, and portable device.
At around only 6.8” in length, it’s one of the smallest devices on this list.
Although it needs to be plugged in to use, it doesn’t also rely on a bulky dock.
The Silk’n is extremely simple to use. Just plug it in, switch it on, set your power level, and apply a thin layer of gel to the radiofrequency emitter.
Each treatment should only take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Furthermore, the recommendation is to use it no more than twice a week, starting at lower energy levels and moving up.
Noticeable effects are observable in around ten weeks.
The device helps stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin to rejuvenate, tighten, and smoothen affected areas and improve elasticity to keep the effects last longer.
THE CONS
THE PROS
High-Frequency Skin Tightening Device Buyer’s Guide
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy is a non-surgical treatment whereby energy waves heat the dermis (a deep layer of skin). The heat stimulates the cells in the dermis, which increases the production of collagen, among others.
Radio waves are the lowest frequency waves on the energy spectrum and typically fall in the 0.8 to 5 MHz range. Because of this, they are safer for a variety of treatments and long-term use.
As you age, your skin naturally produces less of these proteins, which lead to signs of aging, such as sagging, wrinkling, and blemishes. This process typically accelerates at around the age of 35 to 40.
This form of treatment has been around since the early 2000s.
You can now find household consumer radiofrequency devices to safely carry out this treatment at home without needing to visit a professional for expensive treatments.
Portability
Depending on your lifestyle, how easy it is to pack up the device and take it with you may play a larger or smaller role. After all, you don’t necessarily want to interrupt your daily beauty routine just because you are on the go.
Regarding portability, you should look at the size, power source, and charge lifetime. Some devices require a large dock to charge, while others are battery-powered, self-contained devices. However, the latter might not be as powerful or feature-rich. A middle ground may be to find a plug-in operated device where you’ll only need a wall outlet.
Treatment guidelines
Depending on the frequency and the power a device operates at, you will only be able to use it safely for a certain amount of time or frequency. For example, if you want to use it for a long time every single day, you will need to look for a device with very low-intensity settings.
Some devices only recommend you to use them for 2-3 minutes at a time for a maximum of 5 times a week, for example. However, these types of devices might be preferable for those who want to save time with quick, intermittent treatments that still give maximum results.
Modes and functionality
Not all high-frequency skin treatment devices come with the same capabilities. At it’s most basic, this type of device only needs to create vibrations under the skin to provide cells with energy and stimulation. Such a procedure will already have rejuvenating, tightening, and de-aging effects.
However, different frequencies, intensities, or types of light can have varying effects. The more sophisticated the device is, the more modes and individual intensity settings per mode it will provide.
For example, you can have specialist modes for de-aging, acne treatment, nutrient absorption (to make other skin products more effective), or just relaxation. So, make sure that you pick a device that provides what you need.
Price
Finally, it would help if you always considered the cost to ensure you get a good deal. Prices at the lowest end of the spectrum are around $50. For this, you will probably only get a single mode.
The highest-end devices cost about $400 with multi-functional capabilities and advanced treatments.
Wrap Up
While most radiofrequency devices for skin tightening allow you to treat your skin and improve your home beauty routine in multiple ways, it still pays to do your research and pick the best device for you.
No matter your budget, we’ve brought you the best products out there to help you achieve younger and healthier skin without professional help.
Radio frequency for skin tightening of the face or body - FAQ
Radiofrequency has been used for over 20 years in aesthetic medicine. Practiced in the practitioner's office, it helps to tighten sagging skin while slowing down skin aging.
It is mainly used for the face (to correct the loss of the oval of the face in particular) but also the neck or body (arms, inner thighs, belly...).
Here you will find information on the radiofrequency technique against sagging skin.
The technique of radiofrequency in aesthetics
It is based on the emission of very high frequency electromagnetic waves. These VHF waves applied to the skin will create heating in the subcutaneous tissue around 35-45°C.
This heat in the hypodermis will cause a retraction of existing collagen fibers and a production of new collagen) which will improve the firmness and tone of the skin.
The heat emitted by the RF device will also cause:
- the stimulation of local microcirculation, promoting nutrient exchanges in skin cells.
- the destruction of certain fat cells in the treated area (making it possible to refine the area a little in some cases).
The treatment of skin aging and sagging is a long-term treatment. It requires several sessions in order to achieve optimal results.
There are several kinds of radio-frequency devices with different power settings and a variable number of electrodes (monopolar, bipolar, tripolar...).
Some even associate pulsed light with it, while others couple these radio waves with ultrasound.
What to treat with radiofrequency waves in aesthetics?
Radiofrequency is especially useful in the fight against sagging, wrinkled or relaxed skin. The areas of the body where the skin relaxes more easily are :
- oval of the face, cheeks
- neck and décolleté
- bottom of the buttocks
- inner face of the arms
- inner face of the thighs
- belly.
It is also possible to use radiofrequency for people who have undergone cosmetic surgery such as liposuction, which will allow skin retraction in the weeks following the operation.
Can radiofrequency be combined with other treatments?
Cumulative effects in the fight against sagging skin can be obtained by combining other treatments such as peels, mesolift, carboxytherapy, LEDs, microdermabrasion, etc.
There are also devices that combine radiofrequency and intense pulsed or laser light for interesting results in other aesthetic problems such as:
- depilation of fine white and light-colored facial hair
- photorejuvenation of the face, neck, décolleté, and back of the hands with improvement of the skin's velvety texture and uniformity of the complexion
- treatment of spider veins
- reduction of localized cellulite with improvement of the "orange peel" effect.
Contraindications and dangers of radiofrequency for skin tightening
Used properly and with a quality device, it is a technique of skincare that presents very few risks.
The only actual risk is rare: it is the burning of the skin if the device is badly adjusted or if one insists too long on the same area (in case of an inexperienced user).
However, there are some contraindications:
- presence of a pacemaker
- presence of a metal implant
- pregnancy
- people with melanoma
- keloid scars.
If you have rosacea, dermatosis or irritation of the area, then you should consider postponing your session.
Moles are not a contraindication, but it is preferable to avoid them.
Side Effects of radiofrequency for skin tightening
After your session, it is possible to have some temporary redness and swelling that lasts a few hours, exceptionally 24 to 48 hours.
Advantages and disadvantages of radio frequency
Benefits of radiofrequency for skin tightening
- Immediate "lifting" effect (but only for a few days)
- Possibility of refining fat deposits
- Almost painless (depending on the person) and non-invasive (no skin lesions)
- Compatible with other skin tightening treatments.
The results are visible, on average, from the 3rd session onwards.
Depending on the indication, the effects obtained can be a smoothed appearance, improved skin elasticity and tone, a firmer oval, a "healthy glow".
Disadvantages of radiofrequency for skin tightening
There is no real disadvantage. At most, some people will respond less well to treatment.
Expert opinion on aesthetic radiofrequency
Please note that not all treatments and devices give the same results.
The skin must be heated deep enough and long enough to react.
Sometimes we are close to pain. All the difficulty is there: heating enough to be effective but not too much, so as not to burn, of course.
These are certainly techniques of the future allowing to fight against sagging skin without surgery.
Few other techniques act in this sense. The results can be very spectacular, but sometimes much less.
The devices for tightening the skin are quite recent and will continue to evolve.
In practice, better results have been seen in :
- younger subjects,
- moderate sagging skin,
- oily and/or thick skin.