Radiofrequency vs microcurrent – what’s the difference?
When we hear the term radio frequency, radio communication rings in our minds. However, with radio communication becoming less popular, radiofrequency has established its new domain in skincare through the development of skincare devices. This is handy in correcting skincare blemishes as preferred by individuals, including facelifts and age reversals to get a smoother fine skin. Both radiofrequency and microcurrent play different roles in the modern world of skincare. In either case, the goal is to improve the skin. In radiofrequency treatment, radio waves are used, while in microcurrent treatment, electric current is used.
Microcurrent treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure using micro-currents of electricity. Microcurrent treatment uses a low level of electric current to mimic the body’s natural current. The treatment targets skin muscles and re-educates the facial muscles to either shorten or elongate.
It, however, works like any other exercise targeting healthy muscles and has to be done regularly in series. It is effective for lifting sagging skin and eyelids, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving the tone and texture of the skin.
Microcurrent treatment is best used in combination with facials where suction can be applied to the neck, chin, or face to help with lymphatic drainage and deliver collagen-boosting serums more effectively. Top benefits of microcurrent treatment include;
- Microcurrent treatment has been around for several decades, and it is a very effective way to improve many conditions and maintain good health.
- Microcurrent treatment has been used in skincare for years. Micro currents can soften the wrinkles and help you restore your skin’s elasticity.
- Microcurrent treatment has also been used in the beauty industry to make people look younger. Microcurrent treatments refine your skin, making it look smoother and younger.
- Microcurrent treatment helps improve the vascular system and lymphatic drainage by adding stimulation to the cells to promote blood circulation and fight cellulite build-up.
- You will feel Microcurrent treatments like a warm, gentle glow of energy flow through your body. When you stop the current, you are left with a feeling of well-being.
Radiofrequency explained
To explain radiofrequency we need to understand that it falls under the category of the electromagnetic spectrum and therefore is capable of producing heat. When one undergoes radiofrequency treatment, the treatment technically heats up the skin’s deeper layers to induce new collagen and elastin production. It encourages the formation of new cells, which will result in the tightening of the skin. Both treatments complement each other, and should one wish to combine them, it would be wiser to start with radiofrequency treatment then finish with microcurrent treatment.
As mentioned before, radiofrequency is a method of delivering heat to the skin through radio waves. The heat caused stretching of the facial muscles and increased blood flow to the facial muscles. Stretching relaxes the facial muscles, increasing range of motion, flexibility, and circulation. Increased circulation brings more nutrients and oxygen to the cells causing them to grow and repair faster.
Physical Effects:
- The effects of RF on the human body are not as well studied as X-ray and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. However, the following effects have been observed and studied for RF energy:
- RF produces heat. In some instances, RF can cause burns, especially if used at high power levels.
- Radiofrequency also produces mechanical stress in tissue. This mechanical stress is related to the amount of energy deposited into the tissue by the electromagnetic field.
- RF fields cause dielectric heating (DC resistance heating) in tissue. However, for frequencies used in medical applications, this is not a significant contribution to tissue heating due to the low electrical conductivity of cells and tissues.
In summary, radiofrequency and microcurrent treatments are different options in the world of skincare.
People use them to tighten and firm the skin. It is quite hard to tell which one works best for every person. Generally speaking, we can say that radiofrequency treatment tightens the literal skin while microcurrent treatment tightens the facial muscles.
Radiofrequency uses an electrical current to generate heat, which heats the tissue and results in collagen production and cells’ contraction. Microcurrent treatment produces a steady current that travels across the facial muscles. It stimulates the muscles and results in fewer wrinkles and lines. It is quite hard to tell the best option to lean on to tackle the question of radiofrequency versus microcurrent treatment. Either may work best for some people while combining them does not hurt either. It all depends on one’s skin goals and needs.