Currentbody’s RF Device Is the Best Way to Experience At-Home Radio Frequency

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.

• About the Currentbody radio frequency device
• What is radio frequency (RF) and how is it beneficial to skin?
• How to use the Currentbody radio frequency device
• My experience with the Currentbody radio frequency device
• Do home RF devices really work?
• How to choose a radio frequency device
• How long should it take to see the effects of RF?
• Meet the experts

Currentbody Radio Frequency Device

Currentbody

RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

$385

CURRENTBODY

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I’m pretty inconsistent with other skin-care tools like my NuFace and Dr. Dennis Gross Red Light Therapy mask, but once a week, I love to dedicate some time to self-care—clean my room, bring out the beauty tools, and put on some bossa nova. While I’m strict about my skin-care routine (never skipping double cleansing or applying a thick moisturizer), if a tool can’t be used while watching TV, I can’t stick to it. Thankfully, this device is portable. While a mirror helps, you can use it mindlessly while lounging on the couch.

I haven’t noticed a dramatic difference yet, as my wrinkles aren’t deep set, but I feel good knowing I’m one step ahead of future fine lines and wrinkles. It also gives me a nice glow, which is a welcome plus—especially the next morning when I wake up. And it complements in-office treatments, so if you receive regular professional care, this device helps extend the life of those treatments.

It depends! Most at-home beauty devices require consistent use over time to see noticeable improvements in the skin. So it’s important to be aware of the commitment you’re making when purchasing one of these devices, especially since they can be expensive. However, with regular use, they can absolutely be effective. “While noninvasive devices don’t heat the tissue as much as in-office RF machines, with consistency over several months, you could achieve similar results to medical RF treatments,” says Hewett.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth advises that when choosing an RF device, it’s important to consider its safety certifications, ease of use, and the specific skin concerns it targets. She also recommends looking for devices labeled as FDA cleared or approved. Additionally, it’s wise to consider the cost. “Many at-home RF devices are expensive, so only invest if you’re confident you have the discipline to use it regularly,” says Camp.

Some devices may also offer additional treatments beyond radio frequency, such as LED therapy, microcurrents, or massage. Others are rechargeable and handheld, making them ideal for travel, while some require a cable connection to a power source.

As Hewett notes, always choose a device with an easy at-home regimen. This is key, because if it’s not convenient, you’re less likely to stick to the recommended protocol. It’s also important to choose a device you can use anytime. Fortunately, many RF devices require little to no downtime, so you can use them right before a big event without any concerns.

The time required to notice improvement may depend on the device and the manufacturer’s guidelines. “Some devices may show results in a few weeks, while others could take a few months,” says Camp. You might start noticing improvements after a few weeks of consistent use, with more significant results becoming apparent after two to three months. The key is regular use and patience, as collagen production can take 12 to 16 weeks or even longer with at-home devices, explains Ruth. Think of it like a workout routine that combines weight lifting with cycling classes or functional training—combining various technologies that work for you will yield the most effective outcome.

• Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology Cosmetic Surgery.
• Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
• Athena Hewett is a celebrity aesthetician and founder of the botanical skin-care line Monastery Made.