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WHAT IS RF SKIN TIGHTENING?

Fractional RF skin tightening is a non-invasive skin tightening clinical procedure with benefits including cell regeneration and increased collagen production. This anti-ageing procedure combines skin needling (also known as microneedling) with fractional radio frequency to target loose skin, fine lines, wrinkles and visibly enlarged pores associated with ageing skin.

While this procedure can have impressive results, it’s important to make a fully informed choice about which clinical procedures are right for you. This information has been compiled to answer questions such as ‘what is radio frequency skin tightening?’ and ‘how long does RF skin tightening last?’ to help inform you about this skin procedure. We’ll also offer some after care recommendations and post-procedure skincare recommendations featuring appropriate SkinCeuticals products.

WHAT IS FRACTIONAL RF SKIN TIGHTENING?

You know that skin tightening is a clinical procedure primarily for mature skin, but what is factional radio frequency? These energy waves penetrate your skin to produce a skin tightening effect from the inside out.

Microneedling is a collagen induction procedure used in combination with radio frequency in this procedure. A wand with a small needle creates thousands of micro-wounds in the skin to help plump and rejuvenate your skin.

HOW DOES RADIO FREQUENCY SKIN TIGHTENING WORK?

When radio frequency waves penetrate the skin, they heat the deeper layers and trigger the release of heat shock proteins. This triggers the skin’s healing response and increases collagen production.

The tiny wounds created by skin needling also trigger your skin’s natural healing process, increasing collagen production and helping tighten loose skin.

BENEFITS OF SKIN TIGHTENING

RF skin tightening can help visibly tighten and plump the skin, as well as minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Increased collagen production can also help minimise the appearance of enlarged pores over time.

Knowing the benefits, you’re likely wondering is skin tightening permanent? The results of this procedure will continue to visibly develop for 3-6 months after your appointment and benefits last for at least 6 months. Multiple appointments spaced out over time are recommended for optimal results.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER RF SKIN TIGHTENING?

As with most clinical skin procedures, you can expect some minor side effects to be present after undergoing fractional RF skin tightening. In the first few days after your appointment, side effects including redness, tingling sensations, tenderness and some swelling are all considered typical.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE RF SKIN TIGHTENING

Making a few simple changes to your routine can help maximise results from your procedure and minimise the possibility of experiencing discomfort or exacerbated side effects.

Avoid hair removal and chemical peels for two weeks prior to your appointment. On the day, skip your skincare and makeup routines and show up with a completely bare face.

Be sure to stay ultra-hydrated before (and after) your RF skin tightening procedure. Drinking lots of water will help you achieve optimal benefits from your procedure and it will also minimise discomfort.

WHAT TO DO AFTER RF SKIN TIGHTENING

Knowing what to avoid after your fractional RF skin tightening procedure is crucial to minimise discomfort and help achieve optimal skin benefits. Treat your skin gently post-procedure, avoid excessive touching and follow the below simple recommendations to care for your skin.

AVOID STRENUOUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Engaging in strenuous physical activity can cause your face to flush and sweat, both of which can hinder the recovery process from your procedure. We recommend opting for lower impact exercise or delaying until after your skin has had at least a few days to recover.

SKIP POTENT SKINCARE INGREDIENTS

Your regular skincare routine may include serums or creams with potent ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs and retinoids, which usually have a host of skin benefits. However, these ingredients are often too much for skin recovering from a clinical procedure and should be avoided for several days after your appointment.

STAY OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Sun exposure is an additional stressor to the skin, with the potential to cause redness and inflammation as well as other negative effects. Fractional RF skin tightening side effects can be made more uncomfortable by sunburn, so do your best to stay indoors or seek shade while your skin is recovering.

DELAY HAIR REMOVAL

Hair removal methods such as waxing and laser can affect the surface of the skin. Your skin may already be red or tender post-procedure, so we recommend waiting for any side effects to subside before you engage in any hair removal methods aside from gentle shaving.

AVOID OTHER CLINICAL SKIN PROCEDURES

Your skin needs to rest after fractional RF skin tightening while results from the procedure are coming to fruition. For this reason, we recommend avoiding other clinical procedures for at least a few weeks after your appointment. This includes procedures like chemical peels and injectables, among others. For your personalised advice, speak to your healthcare professional.

DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL

Alcohol is classified as a diuretic, meaning it has a dehydrating effect due to causing water to flush out of the body. Becoming dehydrated will slow down your skin’s natural repair process, so try to avoid drinking alcohol after your procedure.

IMPLEMENT A SKINCARE ROUTINE WITH SKINCEUTICALS PRODUCTS

You may have sensitive skin after RF skin tightening, so we recommend pausing your regular facial serums and skincare routine and replacing them with gentle alternatives. Hydrating formulas appropriate for sensitised skin are best in the days following your appointment.

Our Soothing Foaming Facial Cleanser is an ultra-gentle facial cleanser suitable for use post-procedure. After cleansing, follow up with our Phyto Corrective Essence Hydrating Mist, which can also be used throughout the day to keep dryness at bay. Seal in the moisture with our Emollience Rich Hydrating Moisturiser, a facial moisturiser suitable for sensitive skin. You should wear sunscreen every day, but it’s even more important to apply frequently after your skin procedure. We recommend our Ultra Facial Defense Sunscreen SPF50+.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Now that you’re informed on the question of ‘what is skin tightening’, you may still be looking for more information regarding this clinical procedure or aftercare skincare advice. Find a skincare professional near you.