The Difference between Microcurrent & Radio Frequency

You asked what the difference was between microcurrent and radio frequency treatments and we are more than happy to share our insight! There has been much discussion on what exactly the differences are between the benefits of microcurrent facial therapy treatment and radio frequency facial treatment. In this blog we will share a brief summary of each treatment, and give a quick comparison of the two!

What is Radio Frequency?

Radio Frequency is a type of energy which is measured in “frequency”, or wavelengths per second. This is in the same category as sound waves that your iPhone emits, sunlight, or wifi signals. They are all classified as being a part of the “electromagnetic spectrum”.

Radio Frequency has the capacity to produce heat. What radio frequency treatment does is apply heat to the skin’s deeper layers to induce new collagen and elastin production. Our friends at NEWA Radio Frequency explain that, "when the treated area reaches its optimum temperature of 52-55 degrees celcius, it pushes back together your collagen fibers and increases elastin production, the protein that improves elasticity in your skin" This safe and painless process ultimately encourages cell turnover. It is used to tighten the skin and, like microcurrent, the results typically take a few days to see with the naked eye. The technology and treatment is much more non-invasive than laser treatments.

What is Microcurrent?

Microcurrent facial therapy works by using is a low level of electrical current that mimics the body’s natural current. The primary benefits of microcurrent therapy are that it helps re-educate the facial muscles, even skin tone, and improve product penetration so that your skin gets the most out of the your skincare ingredients. With microcurrent therapy you will be able to lift sagging skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lift droopy eyelids and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. When it comes to microcurrent technologies, it makes a big difference to invest in a True Microcurrent™ device that has two probes. Having separate probes allows a "Pinch-and-Hold" technique. This feature allows you to literally pinch and hold the muscles of the face, delivering the benefits of the current directly into the belly of the muscles you are working on. While some people are lucky and see instant results, like radio frequency microcurrent facial treatments are traditionally completed in a series and require some upkeep (like any exercise you'd do to maintain healthy muscles). It is a cumulative treatment. Our research shows that the best results show when you follow series of microcurrent facial treatments (usually 6-12) once per week, then begin a monthly maintenance treatment. Each microcurrent facial treatment builds upon the last to create an increasingly natural, radiant glow of your skin.

Compare & Contrast: Microcurrent & Radio Frequency

Skincare guru Joanna Vargas summarizes the difference between microcurrent and radio frequency as follows: "microcurrent works to stimulate facial muscles and cellular metabolism. And Radio Frequency greatly improves elasticity and collagen production."

Additionally,

• Radio frequency works to tighten the skin
• Microcurrent works to tighten the muscle

• Radio frequency produces heat to stimulate new collagen and elastin production
• Microcurrent is sub-sensory and should not be felt as it re-educates the facial muscles

• Radio Frequency uses electric current to produce a supervised heat "injury", resulting in a reaction from the body.
• Microcurrent uses electric current to mimic the body's natural process.
• Both Radio Frequency and Microcurrent work best when treatments are repeated consistently over time.

How would you use Radio Frequency and Microcurrent together in one facial?

Radio Frequency and Microcurrent technologies compliment one another quite well. Our advice when using both modalities in your skin care regimen is to complete your Radio Frequency facial treatment first, followed by your Microcurrent facial treatment. When you complete your Radio Frequency facial first, you are literally warming up the facial muscles and making them more maneuverable. This way, when Microcurrent is applied your facial muscles are even more receptive to the lifting and toning effects. Completing a Radio Frequency treatment before a Microcurrent treatment also allows the pores to open up, which is optimal as Microcurrent helps to drive skincare products deeper into the layers of the skin, allowing your face to fully absorb their benefits!

Want our protocols for combining modalities with MyoLift Microcurrent treatments? We've got you! Click here for printables & keep them on hand for your next client who wants to combine modalities. There are three combination protocol print-outs included: 

- microcurrent + microdermabrasion

- microcurrent + LED light therapy

- microcurrent + microneedling 

Which Approach Is Best for You?

Now that you’ve been introduced to both Microcurrent facial therapy and the Radio Frequency facial therapy, you are most likely wondering which one would be best for you. While it may seem like there’s a natural, simple answer to the Microcurrent vs. Radio Frequency dichotomy, that’s not the case. This is because in some cases, a Microcurrent facial may be the best solution and for others the best approach may be a Radio Frequency facial. More often than not, people find they benefit from incorporating BOTH these powerful modalities into their skincare plan.

It all depends on what your skin's needs and goals are. Therefore, when deciding between Microcurrent facial, Radio Frequency facial or both, it is important to keep your skin care goals in mind. 

As such, if you’re thinking about giving more focus to your skincare regimen and you’re not sure whether to incorporate one or both of these facial therapies, the best initial step you can take is to contact your esthetician, dermatologist, or the aesthetics educators at 7E Wellness. We’ll be happy to sit down with you and discuss the possibilities based on what you would like to see happen and help you make the best decision possible before moving forward. We look forward to hearing from you.