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The 8 Best Radio Frequency Skin Devices for Smoother, Tighter Skin
Looking to give your skin a lift? Try these expert-approved tools
If you’ve mastered your skincare routine—like religiously using eye cream, being well-versed in skin cycling, and wearing sunscreen daily—then it’s high time to up your game with tools. There are enough skincare devices on the market to fill an Apple Store, but if you want to lift, smooth, and firm skin, opt for a radio frequency device (also called RF). “A radio frequency device uses electromagnetic energy to generate heat within the deep layers of the skin, specifically the dermis,” says New York-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick. “This heat stimulates collagen production, essential for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity.”
Shop Radio Frequency Devices
While your dermatologist offers more intense versions of radio frequency, the at-home technology is great for maintaining smoothing and firming results or targeting fine lines and wrinkles. ”These devices use the same technology as in-office ones, but with lower energy levels,” says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Ava Shamban, noting that consistency is even more crucial with at-home devices. “Think of them as a maintenance tool to help extend results of intensive in-office treatments.” Today's devices combine radio frequency with a slew of other skin technologies, such as LED, electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), and lymphatic drainage. So, look at each tool's modalities when picking amongst the many radio frequency devices on the market.
We combed through all of the options out there (and there are plenty) and found the best and easiest-to-use at-home radio frequency devices for getting professional results from the comfort of your bathroom.
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Works on acne-prone skin
Cons
- Over $300
Shamban created the Althaea Skin C.A.R.A. Multi-Modal Tool to complement her in-office treatments. The device combines radio frequency with EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) and blue and red LED light to lift and contour, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular repair. Shamban says you can expect immediate plumping and lifting effects but a firmer and smoother complexion when used over time.
Best for: Breakout-prone skin and those looking to reduce inflammation
Technologies: Radio frequency, EMS, LED
Customer review: "I can not say enough great things! I was postpartum and having terrible skin issues, especially after weaning from breastfeeding. I had acne scarring and ever since starting this routine, I have a NOTICEABLE difference and most scarring is GONE only after a few weeks. The mask feels amazing and I love how it’s fragrance free and non toxic. I will be recommending this to everyone!"
Current Body Skin RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device
Pros
- Best for Novices
- Users say warming sensation is nice
Cons
- Over $350
At-home tools can be daunting, especially when using advanced (and convoluted) technology without the help of an expert. Dermatologists recommend the Current Body RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device because it safely lifts and tightens the skin. The FDA-cleared device uses Skin Sense Technology, which allows the device to control the temperature according to your skin's resistance–rather than you manually changing the temperature–so it's both safe and effective.
Best for: Beginner users; Those who want to spot treat and treat the full face
Technologies: Radio frequency
Customer review: "I was really hopeful that this device would help tighten my skin at home, as I have a baby and can’t do regular clinic treatments. After 8 weeks I can feel a noticeable improvement in skin firmness and elasticity. My smile lines don’t look significantly different in photos, but I can feel the difference in the surrounding tissue. Some fine lines around my eyes and mouth have visibly improved. It’s definitely not as effective as clinic treatments, nor should we really expect it to be, but for me it’s provided convenient, moderate improvement that I’m very happy with for the price and the effort." – Clare M.
Medicube RF Ultra Tune 40.68
Pros
- Nice warming sensation
Cons
- Over $500
Bazaar editors love Medicube products, and the Korean skin tech brand's newest radio frequency device lives up to the hype. The device combines RF technology with microcurrent for both lifting and tightening–all without the need for a conductive gel.
Best for: Those who want a multi-tasking device
Technologies: Radio frequency, microcurrent
What our editors are saying: "This was the first at-home RF device, and it's easy to use and painless. I love using it to amplify the microcurrent benefits I get from the brand's cult-favorite Booster Pro device." —Katie Intner, beauty market and commerce editor
Pros
- Cordless
- Small enough to use around the eye
Cons
This compact device targets smaller target areas–like the crow's feet, eleven lines, and smile lines–by using bipolar radio frequency to go deep into the dermis and tighten and low-level laser therapy to restore collagen production for a smoother complexion. Similar to Current Body's device, the tool has a thermal sensor that won't go above a certain temperature that could potentially damage the skin. Plus, it's perfect for on-the-go, cordless, and has 30 minutes of battery life per charge.
Best for: Working on problem areas; travel
Technologies: Bi-polar radio frequency, Low level laser therapy, infrared energy
Pros
- Promotes lymphatic drainage
- Sculpts jawline
- Reduces under-eye bags
Cons
If you're looking to get the most out of your device, try the sleek Amiro R3 Turbo, which has radio frequency, microcurrent, and LED light therapy in one. Plus, it has five modes to make it completely customizable, including a mode made for the under-eye area to diminish dark circles and puffiness.
Technologies: Radio frequency, microcurrent, LED therapy
Best for: Those who want to fix specific areas like the eye, smile lines, and jawline
Customer Review: "I've been using this device every other day for more than a month. I can see visible results immediately each time using it. For me it works great on lifting my jawline. It also smoothes my skin.The device is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It has 3 modes for eye area, jawline, and other parts of the face and neck. Each mode has an embedded timer and it beeps as a reminder to change to another area of the face, which is a nice feature. Comparing to other devices, it provides radio frequency, EMS-Turbo current, red light, and near infrared light with reasonable price. I highly recommend it." – J. Lang
Pros
- Round device is easy to hold
- Comes in three colors
Cons
- Over $300
Garshick touts this device for its versatility and ability to firm and tighten all skin types–plus it reduces wrinkles by improving the skin's production of collagen and elastin. The round device easily fits in your hand and comes in multiple colors, such as light pink, white, and red.
Best for: Looking to smooth skin and reduce pore size quickly
Technologies: Six electrodes to emit radio frequency
Customer review: "I have used this for one month and the lines around my mouth have disappeared. I went to my doctor to get Botox on my forehead. I did not need any fillers around my mouth so I am positive newa works. You may think it is expensive but it’s less expensive than Juvederm and more convenient with no pain." – Doll
Foreo FAQ™ 101 Amethyst Professional Radio Frequency & LED Facial Rejuvenation
Pros
- Made of silicone to prevent bacteria build-up
- BPA-free
- Waterproof
Cons
- Over $300
This device combines radio frequency with LED therapy–doubling down on promoting the production of collagen and elastin–and sonic massage, which increases blood flow and product absorption for a sculpted face in minutes.
Best for: Those wanting to combine LED and radio frequency to consolidate steps.
Technologies: Power radio frequency, LED, T-Sonic pulsations
Customer reviews: "Perfect combo of LED and RF for achieving anybody's skincare goals. Practically in no time I started seeing smoother, toned skin and a brighter complexion. FAQ is easy to use, doesn't take up too much time. I dropped the microcurrent treatment because this one is sufficient. Instead, I continue to thoroughly cleanse and hydrate my skin. Added face yoga and I am sure that this is a worthy investment!" – Vickster
Pros
- Has a nice warming sensation
Cons
There's a reason "glow" is in the name of this radio frequency tool, which does more lift and firm. This Skin Gym wand uses two types of electronic pulses to stimulate below the skin's surface, three types of LED light to target acne, redness, and pigmentation, and heats up for a warming massage sensation.
Best for: Everyday use
Technologies: Radio frequency, MFIP, LED therapy, Heat, Sonic vibration
What Are The Benefits of Radio Frequency?
Radio frequency has gained popularity because of its ability to go deeper into the dermis than other tools and topical products that work at the surface level. "An at-home RF device can result in tighter, firmer skin, with a reduction in fine lines and a more lifted appearance," Garshick says. While some results are immediate, such as plump skin and a slight glow. But after two to three weeks, you will start to notice subtle changes in fine lines and texture–and within four to six, the skin will become firmer and more lifted. The key to these results? Consistency, Garshick emphasizes.
How Often Should Radio Frequency Devices Be Used?
Again, consistency is key with these tools. While you should follow the specific tool's instructions, a good rule of thumb is to use it one to three times per week. "The sessions don't need to be long," Shamban says. "A three-minute treatment on high or 10 minutes on a low setting means this treatment can fit into anyone's schedule." If you have specific areas you want to lift and firm, such as the cheeks, jawline, and forehead, then spend a few minutes treating the area before moving to the full face.
Who Can Benefit From Radio Frequency?
The beauty of radio frequency, mainly because the technology is non-invasive, is that everyone can use it. "If you have a busy lifestyle and don't have downtime for laser treatments, then at-home RF devices are a great option," Ruth says. However, suppose you are particularly interested in improving skin firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and maintaining the results of professional treatments. In that case, at-home radio frequency is a good tool to add to your arsenal.
Meet the Experts
- Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Cornell—New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
- Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
- Ava Shamban is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist and founder of Althaea Skin
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