RF vs Microcurrent: Which One Is Right For You?

If you’ve been wondering about the difference between RF vs microcurrent, you’ve come to the right place. I’m turning 34 this coming November, and I’ve been using both methods to try my hardest to turn back time.

My aging skin really hit me in the last year or so. I’ve started to notice a lot more wrinkles and texture changes in my skin. But the most shocking part has been the loose skin I can feel underneath my chin, along my jawline. What was once a tight, defined jawline has now lost its firmness and strength, so to speak.

While my aging skin doesn’t keep me up at night (aging really is a privilege), I do like to try new products, tools, and techniques to help slow the process. There have been so many new tools on the market that promise to tighten the skin and reverse the signs of aging, whether they’re a radiofrequency (RF) device, a microcurrent device, or something else altogether.

Below, I will go over everything you need to know about RF vs. microcurrent. I’ll share what each treatment is, how they work, how long it takes to see results, and which one is better for your specific skin concerns.

RF vs Microcurrent

When it comes to non-invasive skin treatments, both RF and microcurrent have a lot in common. These treatments are designed to stimulate the skin, boost collagen production, and improve overall firmness without surgery or significant downtime. However, the way they achieve these results is different, and that’s where the choice can feel overwhelming. In this post, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between RF and microcurrent so you can confidently decide which option best suits your skin type, concerns, and long-term goals.

What Is RF Microneedling?

Radiofrequency microneedling (sometimes called RF microneedling) is like your traditional microneedling treatment, but with a major power boost. While the tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries on the surface of your skin to kickstart collagen production, RF microneedling also delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis. The result is a double-whammy treatment that firms, smooths, and rejuvenates your skin from the inside out.

It’s especially popular for softening fine lines, tightening up lax skin, and fading stubborn acne scars. And because the radiofrequency heat is sent below the surface, there’s less damage to the top layer of skin—meaning shorter downtime, too.

What Does RF Microneedling Do?

Stimulates collagen and elastin production
Firms and tightens sagging skin
Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles
Improves skin texture and tone
Minimizes the appearance of acne scars
Reduces pore size
Helps fade hyperpigmentation and sun damage
Enhances overall skin radiance and elasticity
Can be used on the face, neck, and body
Offers minimal downtime compared to traditional resurfacing treatments

How Does RF Microneedling Work?

Okay, so how exactly does this treatment work? Below, we’ve listed a closer look at how RF microneedling can transform your skin for glowy results.

Microneedles create controlled injuries

Ultrafine needles puncture the skin to trigger your body’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen production and boosting elastin production, too.

RF energy heats the deeper layers of the skin

While the needles do their work on the surface, radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of skin to encourage firming and tightening from within.

Dual technology for stronger results

Microneedling and an RF treatment work together to improve skin tone, texture, and laxity—delivering more noticeable results than either treatment alone.

Less surface damage, quicker recovery

Because the RF energy targets below the skin’s surface, you’ll experience minimal downtime compared to lasers or chemical peels.

Customizable for different skin needs

Settings can be tailored to your specific skin concerns, making RF microneedling a versatile option for everything from acne scars to fine lines.

How Long Does It Take for RF Microneedling to Work?

You’ll usually start seeing results from RF microneedling within 2 to 4 weeks after your first treatment, as your skin begins producing more collagen and elastin. That said, the real magic happens gradually. Full results typically show up around 3 months post-treatment and continue to improve with each session, especially if you do a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced about a month apart.

What Is Microcurrent?

So, what is microcurrent, exactly? In short, it’s a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level electrical currents (similar to the ones already in your body) to gently stimulate your facial muscles and skin. The tiny zaps help tone, lift, and sculpt, all while boosting circulation and encouraging collagen and elastin production over time.

It’s often called the “natural facelift,” and for good reason. Microcurrent delivers subtle but glowy results—like a firmer jawline, de-puffed cheeks, and that lit-from-within look—without any needles or downtime.

What Does Microcurrent Do?

Tones facial muscles
Boosts collagen and elastin over time
Improves circulation for a healthy glow
Energizes skin cells for faster repair
Reduces puffiness and fluid retention
Helps skincare products absorb more effectively

How Does Microcurrent Work?

If you’re wondering how those tiny electrical currents can actually lift and tone your face, here’s a breakdown of what’s really happening during a microcurrent treatment.

Low-level electrical currents stimulate muscles

Microcurrent sends gentle electrical pulses into your facial muscles, helping to tone and re-educate them. This results in a more lifted, contoured appearance over time, especially with consistent use.

Boosts cellular energy (ATP)

The treatment increases ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which fuels your skin cells and helps them function better. More ATP means your skin is working harder behind the scenes to regenerate, repair, and produce collagen.

Improves circulation and oxygenation

Microcurrent technologies help boost blood flow to the skin, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The result? A healthier-looking complexion and that fresh post-facial glow.

Enhances lymphatic drainage

It gently stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce fluid buildup, puffiness, and inflammation—especially around the eyes and jawline. After a session, your face may look more sculpted and refreshed.

Helps skincare absorb better

When used with serums or hydrating gels, microcurrent can help push active ingredients deeper and penetrate the skin. This means your favorite skincare products can work even harder.

Which Is Better Microcurrent or RF

The truth is, neither one is better, per se. It’s really going to depend on your skin goals. Microcurrent is great for facial muscle toning, lifting features, and giving you that fresh, post-facial glow with no downtime. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a gentle, cumulative treatment that can help with early signs of aging like mild sagging or dullness (psst—here are the best anti aging face products I love to use regularly).

Radiofrequency (especially when combined with microneedling) is a more intensive treatment that targets deeper layers of the skin. It’s better suited for those dealing with deeper wrinkles, loss of firmness, acne scars, or overall skin laxity. RF microneedling delivers more dramatic results, but it may involve a bit of downtime (usually a couple of days of redness or mild swelling).

Derms and estheticians often recommend microcurrent for prevention and maintenance, especially in your 20s to 40s, while RF microneedling is typically recommended for correction—think lifting, firming, and deeper collagen remodeling.

If you’re not sure which to go with, consider this:

Microcurrent = gym for your face (gentle, regular toning)
RF microneedling = skin reboot (more intense, long-term results)

Or, for the overachievers: some experts actually recommend alternating both for best results.

I hope you found this RF vs microcurrent guide helpful! If you’ve tried either, I would love to hear your thoughts!