Radio frequency (RF) was once a noninvasive treatment you could only access in-clinic, but thanks to advancements in technology, it’s now available for home use. So how does it work exactly? RF uses low-energy radiation to heat the deep layers of skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Unlike microcurrent devices, which lift and tone facial muscles, or LED treatments, which focus on skin health and collagen production for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, RF is primarily about tightening the skin and maintaining volume while boosting collagen production. Though the end result may be similar—plumper, firmer skin—different technologies serve different purposes and suit different needs.
In-clinic RF treatments often require downtime due to redness and soreness, but at-home devices harness lower energy levels, making them safer and more convenient for personal use. Despite searches for radio frequency devices being up 103% versus last year, according to our research, there aren’t many at-home RF tools on the market just yet. When I reached out to my trusted roster of dermatologists and aestheticians, one name kept popping up: Currentbody. While more developments in the at-home RF space are expected, Currentbody’s radio frequency device is a standout option for now—and I tested it out below. (Fun fact: It even made an appearance in the latest season of Emily in Paris. J’adore!) Keep reading for my experience, along with some key insights on what you should know before trying an RF device.
In This Story:
Currentbody Radio Frequency Device
- What It Is: A skin-tightening device that works by sending radio waves into the skin’s dermal layers, where collagen is formed. This process generates heat, causing existing collagen to contract for an instant lifting and tightening effect. It also stimulates new collagen production, which helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging over time. According to Currentbody, 89% saw an improvement in skin tightness in eight weeks.
- Target Treatment Area: Full face
- Treatment Time: 5–70 minutes
- Specs: FDA cleared
About the Currentbody radio frequency device.
The Currentbody Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device works to lift and tighten the skin by delivering a consistent radio frequency voltage. It uses proprietary SkinSense technology, which monitors the skin’s temperature every 0.004 seconds to maintain the optimal clinic-standard temperature of 42 degrees Celsius. It’s not too hot, but warm enough to deliver results without the need for manual adjustments. The process helps tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall texture and firmness. Plus it’s FDA cleared and safe for at-home use. As with any skin-care tool, RF devices are only effective when used consistently and correctly. They’re designed to offer similar benefits to professional treatments but at a lower intensity, meaning they require more frequent use to maintain results.
What is radio frequency (RF) and how is it beneficial to skin?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, radio frequency refers to energy-based devices used to enhance the skin’s appearance. “Radio frequency devices heat the skin to trigger reparative processes that stimulate collagen production, tighten tissue, and improve skin quality,” he explains. These devices typically use safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. Celebrity aesthetician Athena Hewett adds that noninvasive RF treatments involve applying an electrode device to the skin, allowing the RF energy to penetrate a few millimeters deep to reach the collagen layer by passing through the epidermis. This heat effectively tightens skin tissue, thickens it, and improves overall texture.
How to use the Currentbody radio frequency device.
It’s not exactly intuitive to use at first, especially if you’re new to facial tools. The most important step is to patch-test 24 hours before use, even though the brand claims it’s suitable for all skin types and tones. Once you’re ready, start with clean, dry skin and apply a generous layer of radio frequency gel to the treatment area. The brand advises placing the device on your skin, ensuring full contact with all four electrodes. Wait for the green light, then move the device in slow, circular motions across your target area or your full face. For best results, follow one of the preloaded five-minute regimens, but you can also do your full face for up to 70 minutes. The manual includes helpful graphics with time limits for each target area.
The brand doesn’t recommend using the device if you have highly sensitive or damaged skin, sunburn, or tattoos.
My experience with the Currentbody radio frequency device.
As someone in her late 20s, I’m on the cusp of slowly losing facial collagen. While I’m not ready for Botox just yet, I’ve been exploring facial devices and treatments to preserve my skin’s quality for as long as possible. Although I haven’t tried in-office radio frequency treatments yet, every expert I know swears by them. The challenge has always been that many at-home versions just don’t measure up—until this one was released earlier this year.
Thankfully, you don’t feel any buzzing or stinging with this device, which was my initial concern. Instead, it delivers a gentle heat as you glide it across your skin, and it never gets uncomfortably hot. The sensor maintains skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for collagen production, according to experts. I like to focus on my forehead, the 11s, crow’s-feet, and around my laugh lines since I’m always hee-heeing in a corner somewhere.