Compare & Contrast: Microcurrent VS Radio Frequency

Radio frequency is used to accelerate collagen production and to deliver a taut appearance on the face and body. It does so by safely interacting with key skin cells and tissues catalysing a kinetic heat, this then prompts the skin to naturally generate new collagen fibres and more of the skin’s natural plumping and hydrating agent—hyaluronic acid. In contrast, microcurrent emphasizes mainly on “training” the muscles underneath the skin, strengthening and toning them, hence the improved cellular metabolism. Both skin-firming treatments are used by professionals to provide clients a smoother complexion, but the question is, which one is right for you?

Specifically, 

• Radio frequency functions to tighten the skin
• Microcurrent functions to tighten the muscles beneath the skin

• Radio frequency produces heat to encourage the production of collagen and elastin
• Microcurrent is sub-sensory therefore shouldn’t be felt as it “re-trains” the facial muscles

• Radio frequency uses electric current to generate a supervised heat “injury”, leading to a reaction from the body
• Microcurrent uses electric current to mimic the body’s natural process

• Both Radio Frequency and Microcurrent function optimally when treatments are repeated consistently over time.

Which Treatment is Less Painful?

In brief, neither induces pain. Radio frequency waves are small electric currents which produce heat, some of the treatments can feel as though a relaxing hot stone massage. Despite some of the more intense treatments can be rather uncomfortable, none of them brings an unpleasant situation and the most advanced devices barely result in any downtime which can affect work or social life. 

Check out the best microcurrent facial devices and the best RF skin tightening devices for home use.

Which Treatment is More Effective at Combating Signs of Aging?

Radio frequency devices are used with a primary focus of repairing and renewing the skin by making it tighter, firmer, and plumper as well as removing wrinkles. Microcurrent treatments on the other hand, are often used as a precautionary measure, by those who are looking to delay their skin’s aging process.

Whether you’re looking to lift and tighten the skin, or resurface it and work on its texture, radio frequency is the best option and will provide you with the longest-lasting results. Though microcurrent works to tighten certain facial muscles, it can leave aging skin looking looser than before if not done properly. 

Which Treatment Lasts Longer?

While the results Radio frequency delivers are immediate and short-term lifting and plumping, the actual results, however, come from the new collagen and skin cells it stimulates, thus the long-lasting, natural looking complexion. Once the complete course of radio frequency treatment is undergone, the results continue to last and can then be boosted and further prolonged through consistent top-ups. 

Microcurrent on the other hand, tends to be more short-term and its sessions require even frequency undertaking. This may not be an issue if you have a lot of time to spare, but for those who have a list of commitments to attend to, it may be tough to visit a clinic so often. But nothing a quality at-home microcurrent facial device couldn’t do!

Can You Use Microcurrent and Radio Frequency Together?

Both Radio frequency and Microcurrent technologies work hand in hand. Our advice is to complete your radio frequency treatment first, then followed by your microcurrent facial treatment. When you’ve completed the former, you warmed up the facial muscles and made them even more maneuverable. This way, when microcurrent is applied, facial muscles would be even more receptive to the lifting and toning effects. Completing the RF treatment before a microcurrent treatment also opens up the pores, which is optimal as microcurrent helps to absorb skincare products more effectively into the layers of the skin, allowing your face to reap the benefits.  

Microcurrent VS Radio Frequency: Which Approach is the Best for You?

Now that you’ve been introduced to both microcurrent facial therapy and radio frequency facial therapy, you must be wondering which one is the best for you. Bear in mind that each treatment works differently for each individual. More often than not, many find they benefit from incorporating both of these modalities into their skincare regime. 

At the end of the day, it depends on your skin’s needs and what you’re looking to achieve. As such, if you’re still unsure what your needs and goals are, contact your esthetician, dermatologists or any aesthetics professionals who are happy to discuss with you the possibilities.