Beauty Tech Breakdown
We explain the basics of at-home LED, Mircocurrent and Radio Frequency
Recent advancements in technology have revolutionised the at-home beauty device market. No longer is surgery our only option for smoother, more lifted and younger-looking skin, non-invasive treatments like Radio Frequency (RF), LED light therapy, and microcurrent can help us all achieve an age-defying complexion.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve done a bit of research when it comes to improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boosting the skin’s appearance. But if you’re still not sure what does what, we’ve got you covered! By the end of this you’ll have a better understanding of what each technology does, and which might be best suited for your skin goals.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Devices
LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that enters the skin’s layers to treat and improve various skin conditions and concerns such as acne, fine lines, psoriasis, eczema, hair loss, wound healing and more.
Interestingly, in the 1990’s NASA began studying the effectiveness of LED’s ability to promote wound healing in their astronauts, by helping cells and tissues, regenerate and heal.
Credit: The Beauty Spot Swan Hill
LED light variations
LED light therapy uses various wavelengths on the light spectrum, that correspond to different colours, each colour penetrates the skin at different depths to address different concerns. Red light (640 nanometers) promotes skin rejuvenation, increases circulation and can aid in cellular repair. Blue light (470 nanometers) has antibacterial properties making it perfect for acneic skin conditions while yellow light (590 nanometers) targets acne on a deeper level and appears to tone skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
LED Benefits
Regular LED treatments can result in a reduction in acne reduction, visible improvement of fine lines and wrinkles and skin regeneration.
Credit: BB Aesthetics
How does a LED treatment feel?
An LED treatment is a safe and painless process, there is no downtime or recovery time. Block-out goggles are required under an LED lamp.
How many treatments do I need to see results?
Results vary between each person, and what concern they are targeting. Results can be achieved when doing two sessions per week up to 10 minutes per treatment for a minimum of five to six weeks, with further long-term results more visible after an eight-to-12-week period.
Microcurrent Devices
Microcurrent is a safe, effective and non-invasive technology that works by emitting low level electrical currents to the muscle and skin cells. By mirroring the body’s own natural low level electrical current, microcurrent technology has been shown to improve and tone the facial contours, leaving skin visually lifted plump, hydrated and more firm.
Microcurrent Treatment Benefits
Studies have shown that microcurrent treatments effectively stimulate the facial muscles, this stimulation may help the skin to look tighter and aid in the appearance of reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, the use of microcurrent stimulation may increase blood circulation to assist with the reduction of inflammation.
Added benefits include:
Improved muscle tone;
Improved circulation;
Improved skin firmness and elasticity;
Lymphatic drainage;
Credit: Progressional Salon and Day Spa
How does a Microcurrent treatment feel?
Microcurrent treatments are non-invasive and painless. The electrical currents within the device are so low you won’t feel them, however you might feel some warmth and softening of treatment areas. If the current is applied near a nerve where a muscle is attached, this can feel like a jump (hello muscle activation!).
How many treatments do I need to see results?
Results vary between each person, and what concern they are targeting. Microcurrent treatments are best done over a series of treatments, 6-12 treatments per week are recommended for people to start noticing visible results, maintenance sessions can be done once a month.
Radio Frequency (RF) Devices
Known for its abilities to lift, firm, tighten, tone skin while also contouring jawlines and the body, RF devices are safe, quick and easy to use. RF use safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. By generating heat into the deeper layers of the skin, it has the ability to encourage new skin cell production (aka regeneration).
RF Treatment Benefits
RF can provide different benefits for different age groups: for those in their 20s, RF treatments can be used to help treat acne scars and skin texture. Treatments and applications begin to change for those in their 30’s where the focus moves towards skin tightening of the face, jawline, and neck. While those 50 and above use RF treatments to delay, avoid, or enhance the outcomes of facial surgeries.
Improved skin tone, texture and firmness;
Visible results show improved contours of the jawline;
RF body devices show an improved appearance of cellulite;
Face and Body appear firmer and tighter after RF treatments; and
Suitable for all skin tones without the risk of both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
How does a RF treatment feel?
RF treatments are safe and non-invasive, with no downtime. Generating a warm comfortable heat, it is often likened to a hot stone massage for the face. While some clients feel small vibrations or small snaps, it is not described as painful but rather like the skin is being stimulated.
How many treatments do I need to see results?
Results vary between each person, depending on your skincare goals and outcomes. For an improved appearance in skin that appears younger, lifted, firmer and tighter three to four 20-minute sessions per week over a six to eight week period will help achieve longer lasting visible results. Maintenance sessions can be done once or twice a month there after.
So, there you have it, the ins and outs on three technologies that are helping women and men around the world improve their skin’s firmness, vitality and tone.
References:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33584001/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33584001/