At-home access to the best radio-frequency devices is one of the chicest new perks in beauty tech. Beauty aficionados often trace the trend back to CurrentBody’s 2024 RF debut—before then, you’d have to sit yourself in a dermatologist’s chair for a skin-snatching appointment. And while radio frequency may sound like sci-fi jargon, the reality is far more enticing.
London-based medical and cosmetics doctor Leah Totton notes that radio frequency boosts collagen production without harming the epidermis (a.k.a the skin’s outermost layer). “Heat penetrates deep into the skin’s layers, triggering the body’s natural healing response. This stimulates new cell production, while bolstering collagen and elastin production,” Totton tells Vogue. “Consistent treatment can help skin to become noticeably firmer and tighter. Plus, radio frequency devices can also improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.”
Vogue’s Favorite Skin-Care Devices
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Another perk of these at-home beauty devices? Saying “so long” to down time. In-clinic RF treatments usually result in some post-treatment redness and soreness, whereas the lower energy levels of at-home devices reveal results over time. That said, there still aren’t very many RF devices on the market—though we chatted with experts and derms for the seven of the best picks. Scroll to discover to more.
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Best Overall: Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device
- Why We Love It: The at-home RF tool that arguably ignited the craze? CurrentBody’s device. Designed to mimic the anti-aging wonders of professional treatments, it gently warms the skin to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the gadget continuously self-adjusts to keep skin at the optimal in-clinic temperature for safe, effective results. According to Currentbody, 89% saw an improvement in skin tightness in eight weeks. “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,” Vogue contributor Iman Balagam previously said.“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.”
- Target Treatment Area: Full face
- Treatment Time: 5–70 minutes
- Treatment per week: Once
- Specs: FDA-cleared
- Best For: Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture
- How to Use: Apply Currentbody’s radio frequency gel to clean, dry skin then glide the device in circular motions across the face. You can do this for up to 70 minutes maximum, or, follow one of the device’s five-minute regimens.
Best for Daily Use: Medicube Age-R Ultra Tune 40.68
- Why We Love It: Surely you’ve heard of Medicube’s viral Age-R Booster Pro, beloved by everyone from beauty editors to Hailey Bieber. Another device from the brand that deserves more hype is the Ultra Tune. A favorite amongst K-beauty devotees, this sleek tool pairs high-frequency energy with microcurrent technology to help sculpt and smooth the complexion. What makes it especially compelling is its safety for daily use (and doesn’t require a specific gel)—the calibrated frequencies are gentle enough to support skin elasticity without triggering irritation, meaning you can reach for it regularly to achieve cumulative, long-term results rather than reserving it only for occasional treatments.
- Target Treatment Area: Full face
- Treatment Time: 5–10 minutes
- Treatment per week: Gentle enough for daily usage
- Specs: 40.68 MHz RF waves, three intensity levels, compact handheld build
- How to Use: After applying using your favorite hydrating serum or gel, glide in circular motions across the cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Ensure all six tips of the device are touching your skin. If you feel a hot sensation, remove the device and lower your settings.
Best for Beginners: Foreo FAQ 101 LED Therapy & Massage Device
- Why We Love It: Combining RF with red-light tools, and a soothing massage, this pick from Foreo is a true multitasker. “This is a great option for gentle at-home maintenance and can complement in-office treatments nicely,” says Rufolo. Plus, double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp adds that this pick is a great choice for beginners. “Perfect for individuals who are new to at-home skincare technology. It offers a gentle but effective combination of RF and pulsed red LED therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and hydration,” he adds.
- Target Treatment Area: Full face and neck
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Treatment per week: Three to five times per week
- Specs: Red LED, multiple massage modes, USB rechargeable
- Best For: Those seeking daily skin revival in a compact form
- How to Use: Glide over clean, dry skin for 3 minutes, focusing on areas prone to dullness or fatigue.
Best Multipurpose: Silk’n Titan Multiplatform
- Why We Love It: Call it a triple threat, this tool blends radio frequency, LED, and IR heat for an all-in-one rejuvenating treatment. “This is a well-designed RF device that penetrates deeper into the skin to encourage collagen and elastin production,” Rufolo, noting patients often notice firmer skin with consistent use. “This is a great option for those looking for deeper skin tightening and collagen stimulation at home,” adds Dr. Camp. “It combines the three effective technologies of bipolar RF, near infrared, and low-level laser therapy to target dermal layers for firmer and smoother skin.” Best of all, there’s a small RF platform, and attachment for larger areas.
- Target Treatment Area: Face, neck, and decolletage
- Treatment Time: 10-15 minutes per treatment area
- Treatment per week: Twice weekly
- Specs: Tri-polar RF, red LED, IR heat, USB rechargeable
- Best For: Multitaskers who want multiple technologies in one device
- How to Use: Use with the brand’s conductive gel, gliding evenly across the skin for 10–15 minutes per session.
Best Travel-Friendly: Skin Gym Glowlit RF Tool
- Why We Love It: For RF on the go, Skin Gym’s pick is perfectly portable, with a travel-friendly design that doesn’t skip on results—and yes, it’s another multipurpose beauty tool. “This is an extremely versatile tool that integrates radio frequency, LED light therapy, and sonic massage,” says Dr. Camp. “This is a great supplement to a skincare regimen focused on prevention and maintenance. Plus, it suits a variety of concerns from acne and redness, to pigmentation and early signs of aging.” Best of all, it’s one of the more affordable picks of the bunch.
- Target Treatment Area: Face
- Treatment Time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Treatment per week: Two to three
- Specs: RF technology, LED indicator lights, portable size
- Best For: Skin-care minimalists who still want high-tech results
- How to Use: After applying a hydrating gel, glide upward along the jawline, cheeks, and forehead.
Best for Contouring: Amiro R3 Turbo Facial Device
- Why We Love It: No need to juggle multiple beauty devices—Amiro’s RF tool merges the benefits of RF and microcurrents in one sleek device. “This tool combines RF with EMS, which can give both a tightening effect and visible contouring of the face. It’s a solid choice for people looking to maintain definition between professional treatments,” says Rufolo. Dr. Camp adds that it’s particularly effective for those with skin laxity, under-eye bags, or concerns around jawline definition.
- Target Treatment Area: Face
- Treatment Time: Up to five minutes
- Treatment per week: Two to three
- Specs: FDA Approved, RF technology, EMS microcurrents, adjustable intensity levels
- Best For: Time-pressed users seeking quick, noticeable results
- How to Use: Apply a conductive gel and massage over the skin for 5–10 minutes, focusing on areas of concern.
Best with LED: Althaea Skin CARA Multi-Modal Tool Kit
- Why We Love It: Sure, other RF devices may offer an LED mode—but none with as many options as this Althaea Skin pick. We’re talking three LED light settings to target different skin concerns, microcurrent technology for toning, and a massage function to boost circulation and ease facial tension. Essentially, it’s a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren’t beholden to using a single specific conductive gel.
- Target Treatment Area: Face, jawline, and neck
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Treatment per week: Three to five
- Specs: RF, LED light modes, massage functionality
- Best For: Skin-care maximalists who love professional results at home
- How to Use: Select the desired mode and glide gently across the face for 5–15 minutes, adjusting technique to the function.
Everything You Need to Know
How do radio frequency devices trigger collagen production?
“Radio frequency works by safely heating the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen production. The heat has a tightening effect on existing collagen fibers and signals your body to start making new collagen and elastin over time,” says Rufolo. “This helps your skin become firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking, with results that continue to improve for several months after the treatment.”
Are RF devices worth investing in?
“As with most aesthetic treatments, not all radio frequency devices are created equal—some deliver much better results than others,” says Rufolo.
Dr. Camp agrees, and while he notes these beauty tools absolutely can be effective, it’s important to be realistic about results. Subtle skin tightening? Sure. Face lift contouring? No. “Radio frequency devices are perfect for people seeking mild, non-surgical skin tightening, or improved skin texture—but you have to be willing to use them consistently,” he says.
How often can you use an at-home RF device?
“Although the usage of an RF device typically varies by brand, they are generally used around two to three times per week in the first few months of usage, then lowered to one to two times for maintenance,” says Dr. Camp, noting that when it comes to these devices, more is not always best. “It’s important not to overdo RF usage as this may lead to skin irritation such as dryness or redness when the skin barrier is disrupted.”
Dr. Totton agrees, adding that a rest period of a day or two in-between sessions is ideal. “It’s worth bearing in mind that in-clinic radio frequency treatments are performed by an experienced aesthetic therapist and temperature is usually moderated throughout use for patient safety,” says Dr. Totten, adding thats it’s all the more important to closely follow your devices specific instruction manual to ensure maximum safety.
What’s the difference between in-clinic and at-home RF?
“In-clinic treatments that utilize radio frequency are an effective way to boost the production of collagen and elastin, offering a gentle alternative to more invasive options. They can reduce skin laxity on the face, neck and body, addressing sagging skin and fine,” says Dr. Totton, noting that while at-home devices work in the same way, they aren’t as strong. “Consequently, results from at-home devices will take longer and more consistent use to be achieved.”
How long does it take to see results from at-home RF?
Remember, patience is key when experimenting with at-home radio-frequency devices. Dr. Totton reminds us that their effectiveness depends on consistent use over several weeks and months. “All devices will vary in results depending on their energy levels, the specific skin concerns of the user, and also how effectively and consistently they are being used,” she says. “However, in general users can expect to see and feel improvements to skin within a month, which should continue to improve as the months progress.”
If you’re the impatient type and want a clearer sense of when the results really kick in, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth previously told Vogue that collagen production can take 12 to 16 weeks—or even longer—with at-home devices.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island.
- Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C is a board-certified aesthetic injector, PDO thread specialist, and founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics.
- Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Dr. Leah Totton, MBBS, MBCAM, is a London-based medical doctor and an award-winning cosmetic doctor with 11 years experience and a post-graduate diploma in dermatology. Totton is also the founder of Dr Leah Skin Clinics.
