We Tested It for You: Radiofrequency to Stimulate Collagen Production

Contrary to popular belief, radiofrequency does not heat the skin from the outside. It causes a high-frequency current to flow through the tissues, and it is the skin’s natural resistance to this current that generates heat, directly within the dermis. This heating process occurs in two stages:

• Immediately, the existing collagen fibers tighten slightly: this is the sensation of tighter skin that you feel after the treatment.

• In the weeks that follow, this controlled heat stimulates the fibroblasts, which restart the production of new collagen. Since this process takes time, radiofrequency treatment is best approached as a course of treatments rather than a single session.

It is important to note, however, that not all radio frequencies are the same: depending on the number of electrodes, the heat penetrates to varying depths.

It all begins with a consultation with the practitioner to identify the specific needs and expectations of each individual’s skin. Next, she applies a glycerin-rich conductive solution to allow the handpiece to glide smoothly and distribute energy evenly. The handpiece is then moved across the face to gradually raise the skin’s temperature to 42 °C. Once this temperature is reached—in about two minutes—it is maintained at a steady level throughout the treatment. And this figure is significant: it is at a surface temperature of around 40 to 42 °C that the heat transmitted to the dermis becomes sufficient to stimulate fibroblasts, while remaining perfectly tolerable. 

How does it feel? Nothing alarming or painful—just a diffuse, continuous warmth that envelops the face without ever stinging, like a warm stone gliding over the skin. Once the right temperature is reached, the radiofrequency works deep within the skin to stimulate collagen production. The treatment concludes with a toning massage of the treated areas, which prolongs the tightening effect.