Rejuvenating Skin with Radiofrequency
Our skin changes as we age. A combination of genetics and photoaging—skin damage caused by exposure to UV light—can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Over time, we naturally produce less collagen and elastin (components necessary for maintaining skin structure and elasticity).
While many specialty skin care solutions are available to slow the aging process, what about reversing aging? Radiofrequency therapy is one treatment option for restoring your skin to maintain a youthful appearance.
What is Radiofrequency Therapy?
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy or radiofrequency skin tightening is a nonsurgical method of rejuvenating skin using heat.
Radiofrequency radiation is a non-ionizing type of radiation, a low-energy aspect of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes radio waves, microwaves, Wifi—and many other forms that surround us daily.
Comparatively, visible light (light we can see) and ultraviolet (UV) light have higher energy than RF waves. Ionizing radiation forms like X-rays and gamma rays have significantly higher energy.
When your body absorbs the low-energy radiation, it creates heat which stimulates collagen and elastin production. With radiofrequency therapy, a device focuses the energy waves to eliminate wrinkles and tighten skin.
How Collagen & Elastin Affect Aging
Many anti-aging skin care products have begun to include collagen and for a good reason. Collagen is found in connective tissue, bones, tendons, and cartilage. It’s the most common structural protein responsible for maintaining healthy joints and skin elasticity.
We naturally produce less collage when we age, with levels dropping by 1% each year after age 20. Genetic and lifestyle factors can also decrease collagen, including sugar, smoking, and sunlight. However, even if you practice sun safety, limit sugar consumption, and avoid smoking, it’s normal to experience a collagen drop.
Lower collagen levels cause our skin to become thin, decreasing our body’s ability to repair tissue. Producing less collagen can also dehydrate our skin.
While collagen maintains skin structure, elastin allows tissue to stretch and shrink. Like a rubber band, elastin helps tissue extend and contract without breaking. Elastin is crucial for how lungs expand and contract when you breathe. In skin tissue, decreased elastin prevents your skin from bouncing back into shape, leading to sagging or wrinkles.
Collagen and elastin work together. Boosting collagen promotes skin integrity and health. Elastin supports your skin’s ability to retain shape.
How Does RF Therapy Work?
Various brands have created devices for radiofrequency treatments. While there are some differences, the technology basics work the same. Radiofrequency waves target a treatment area with temperatures between 50–75°C. The heat penetrates the skin, seeping into deeper layers.
Your skin has multiple layers. Many skin care treatments focus on the top layer (epidermis). Although the epidermis protects your body and retains moisture, the middle layer (dermis) nourishes and hydrates skin. The dermis also contains dense collagen bundles. RF therapy controls heat to reach the dermis layer to stimulate collagen production.
The careful application of heat causes your body to release heat-shock proteins. Your body’s natural healing response creates new collagen fibres. The treatment usually lasts less than an hour and is typically painless.
Tempsure Envi
At InFocus Eyecare, we offer radiofrequency skin tightening treatment using TempSure Envi. Each session lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. A TempSure treatment can be applied to the face, neck, and body.
Your treatment provider will apply gel to your skin. Then, they will use the handheld therapeutic device to gently massage your skin as it delivers warmth. The TempSure Envi device precisely controls heat with a target range of 40-42℃.
Benefits of RF Therapy
Radiofrequency therapy has many potential benefits for the health and appearance of your skin, including:
Contouring: RF therapy helps tighten loose skin by boosting collagen and elastin levels; patients can experience face & body contouring
Face slimming: the application of focused radiofrequency can break down fat tissue in a localized area; RF therapy can reduce fat in the lower facial area
Reducing wrinkles & fine lines: improving collagen and elastin production helps skin structure and elasticity, so it can you can achieve a more youthful appearance
Reversing sun damage: UV radiation can break down collagen; stimulating new collagen production can promote healing
As radiofrequency skin tightening uses low-energy radiation to create heat, there can be risks associated with treatment. The most common side effects include:
- Redness
- Temporary swelling
- Tingling
Your provider can discuss the benefits and risks during a consultation appointment. Knowing your skin and goals can help determine if RF therapy is appropriate for your skin.
Book a Consultation
Your skin is unique and can respond differently to any type of treatment. A consultation can help you learn more about radiofrequency therapy and ask questions about the treatment. A consultation with our team at In Focus Eyecare is a no-obligation chance to discuss RF therapy and TempSure Envi. Contact us for your eye care and skincare needs. Book a consultation with In Focus Eyecare today!
