Radiofrequency vs Laser Skin Tightening – Which is right for me?

From our mid-twenties onwards, our production of collagen and elastin – the two proteins that help our skin stay firm, plump, and toned – slow down. What non-surgical skin tightening with energy devices does is target energy in the various layers of the skin to stimulate that collagen and elastin production, which will gradually improve the texture, firmness, and tone. Radiofrequency and laser are two of the most effective methods for tightening loose or crepey skin, but which is suitable for you? Ahead, everything you need to know about non-surgical skin tightening, including how it works, the best skin tightening devices to try, and what to expect if you decide to try a treatment for yourself.

Is radiofrequency the same as laser?

Laser and radiofrequency are similar in that they both emit heat with the aim of combatting signs of ageing or skin tone and texture, but this is where their similarities end. Their results may overlap, but these treatments cannot replace one another based on their technology and process.

Radiofrequency and RF microneedling 

Rather than using radiofrequency alone, we prefer combining it with microneedling in a device like the Profound RF. Standalone radiofrequency devices use a handheld tool to heat the middle layers of the dermis. The heat stimulates collagen production, which, in turn, gives your skin a tighter, more lifted appearance.

RF microneedling takes things a step further by combining radiofrequency and microneedling. The treatment involves “stamping” the top layers of the skin with tiny needles that emit radiofrequency waves once they’re in the skin.

The combination of trauma from the microneedling and heat from the radiofrequency trigger a wound-healing response in the skin that kickstarts collagen production. The fact that the energy is delivered from the tips of the needles also helps the heat to penetrate the skin more effectively.

How does laser skin tightening work?

The key word here is collagen production. Just like with RF microneedling, it jumpstarts the collagen production process by creating a ‘controlled wound’ in the skin via heat energy. As your skin heals, collagen production ramps up, which in turn, creates that tighter appearance. Laser resurfacing treatments primarily target the top layer of the dermis and the epidermis. Through handheld devices, laser treatments pulse concentrated light or laser energy into the skin.

Treatments can be non-ablative or ablative, depending on the type of device and the wavelength of the energy being emitted. Non-ablative means the treatment will penetrate the skin but keep the outermost layer of skin in tact. Ablative means the treatment will destroy the outermost layer, revealing healthy skin underneath. They are designed to improve the skin’s texture, mainly targeting the skin’s surface and the top layer of the dermis.

At Illuminate, we offer high-tech laser treatments using Byonik, which is the world’s first laser that rejuvenates, repairs, and protects your skin from inside the skin cells and is used in combination with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to help improve numerous skin concerns.

Which is better – laser skin tightening or radiofrequency?

The best treatment option depends on many factors, including the severity of your skin laxity, treatment area, and expected downtime.

Radiofrequency, Laser and Ultrasound all offer skin-tightening benefits but through differing methods and technology. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess whether your concern can be treated on the surface with a laser or whether we need to target deeper layers with a more powerful technology such as Sofwave or Profound RF to achieve optimum results.

To find out more about our skin tightening options and what may be right for you, click here to book a consultation with an expert practitioner.