WHAT IS RADIO FREQUENCY?

Radio Frequency (RF) is two things. First, it’s a type of electromagnetic radiation at a specific frequency range, also known as radio waves. And second, Radio Frequency also describes the oscillating electrical currents used to generate radio waves. Let’s look at each one:

#1 Radio Frequency is a type of electromagnetic radiation at a specific frequency range, also known as radio waves.

Radio is a type of electromagnetic radiation we use for communications.

We’re surrounded by electromagnetic radiation. It comes from many sources including the sun, stars, lightning and our bodies. Gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, lasers and light are other types. They span an enormous range of wavelengths and frequencies.

• A wavelength is the distance between two peaks of the wave.

• The frequency is how many cycles form in one second, and it’s measured in Hertz (Hz).

We categorize these different frequencies and wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

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Radio Frequencies are the lowest energy electromagnetic radiation. They have a longer wavelength and therefore a lower frequency because each wave cycle takes longer to complete. The range of RF is around 20 kilohertz/kHz to around 300 gigahertz/GHz (30 billion hertz)2. But this isn’t exactly what we use in RF anti-aging skin tightening treatments.

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#2 Radio Frequency also describes the oscillating electrical currents used to generate radio waves.

It works like this:  Alternating currents of specific voltage sent through a conducting antenna vibrates electrons, generating radio waves. This is the transmitter. The radio waves travel at the speed of light from the transmitter to a receiver. Electrons in the receiver then vibrate, recreating the original signal. 

RF also describes alternating electrical currents sent through a transmitter. This creates electromagnetic radiation at Radio Frequencies.

We divide radio frequency into bands, from very low to very high. Very low frequencies transmit longer distances, between 10-33km. So, we use these radio waves mainly for communicating voice, data and entertainment media. High frequency transmits just a little distance. And so it’s this RF generating electrical current we use to help the human body in medicine and aesthetics.

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Radio Frequency current & our body

Our nerves don’t register RF currents because they move too fast.

Unlike other forms of electrical current, RF currents flow through our tissues without shocking us. Here’s why:

Our nerve membranes have an electrical charge of their own. Any outside source of electricity affects them. An electric shock causes a sensation of pain and makes our muscles twitch. But an RF current is too rapid to do this. It travels at the speed of light, so our nerves and muscles don’t register it.

So then, what effect does RF current have?

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How Radio Frequency current affects our tissues

Our cells conduct RF current in the range 0.3– 10 Megahertz (MHz) using it as part of their own electrical circuit. It flows freely through the tissues. But where there’s any resistance, it generates heat. And the heat produced depends on the electrical properties of the specific tissue. 

This means research has found many uses for it. For example, doctors direct RF current using the heat to destroy small tumors, varicose veins and even correct heart murmur/ patterns and are researching many other studies for RF use in the body.  Clinical studies confirm this technology is safe and effective.

It’s this same idea of heating tissue we use in anti-aging RF facials and body contouring.

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How RF skin tightening works

To understand this more we’ll first look at what happens in aging skin, and then how RF facials and body contouring help.

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How skin ages

Below your skin’s surface, there’s a collagen and elastin scaffolding holding together the dermis and epidermis. This keeps your skin firm and bouncy. From age 30 onwards, we lose around 1 to 2% of our collagen every year. So, gradually this scaffolding becomes weaker and breaks down.  Also, the amount of collagen and elastin our fibroblasts produce decreases dramatically. And to top it off, the cells in our epidermis (skin surface) don’t renew as quickly either.

The result is sagging, textural issues, dullness and wrinkles.

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                                      Younger skin on the left, aging skin on the right.

There are different types of RF treatment to help combat these signs of aging.

There is a deep type of RF treatment, which is the type of RF Frequency Skin Tightening that we use at The Gua Sha Facial Co.  It concentrates on the lower skin layers.  Along with a microcurrent facial, this type of technology can lift, tighten and define facial contours. 

So, let’s look next at how it does that.

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RF Skin Tightening, Dermal Remodeling & Increased Cell Metabolism

There are three important effects of RF treatments:

1. Skin Tightening

2. Dermal Remodeling

3. Increased Cell metabolism.

The RF heats and stimulates the underlying structures of the skin down to the dermis, causing controlled damage.

Heating deeper skin tissues to 67°C gives the best results.

The heat denatures (unravels) the collagen and elastin proteins.  Now, while this may sound bad, the immediate effect is the collagen matrix contracts and shrinks, creating a lifting effect of the face and tightening lax skin on the body. And this skin tightening is good because it gives a more youthful appearance.

RF treatment gives an immediate, short-term tightening effect as the collagen structures shrink.

Your body then goes into a healing mode, just as it does after a cut or injury. It triggers your fibroblast cells in the deeper skin layers to produce shiny new collagen and elastin. Over time, they create much more of these proteins than were there before. This tightening and increase in these fresh, supple skin-supporting proteins is dermal remodeling. It increases skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and lines, tightens and firms, and improves skin texture and plumpness.

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Heat also has a detoxifying effect and increases cell metabolism. That’s because when RF energy heats tissues between 40°C to 45°C, it increases blood flow through vasodilation. (Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels.) The increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It also removes waste products, such as carbon dioxide. This means your cells’ metabolism speeds up resulting in more energy, so they work harder. This promotes skin health and gives an energy boost to fuel dermal remodeling.

RF heats tissues resulting in increased blood flow or vasodilation.

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TIP: RF current doesn’t affect the melanin in your skin, so it’s suitable for all skin tones and types, without risk of discoloration. 

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Can everyone receive RF treatments?

RF is safe, but if you have certain conditions you must avoid it. 

Please be careful if you are wanting to use an RF device at home. You must check your device’s user manual thoroughly. It’s a good idea to download a copy and read it before you even buy a home RF device. Most brands have a PDF version available on their websites. If not, email their support team and request a copy.

Here are the contraindications applying to both professional and at-home Radio Frequency skin tightening.

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Key checks ✔️

You CAN’T have RF sessions if you:

• Are under 18 years of age

• Are pregnant or are nursing

• Have a pacemaker or defibrillator

• Have metal implants in the treatment area, such as gold threads or metal plates & screws. But dental fillings or implants are ok

• Currently use medications, herbal preparations, vitamins or food supplements that may cause fragile or dry skin

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Body areas to avoid ❌

DON’T USE a home device on the following areas:

• over eyelids

• closed eyes

• thyroid area

• lips

• ears

• breasts

• or genital areas

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Medical History

DON’T USE:  if you currently have, or have a medical history of:

• Cancer, especially skin cancer or premalignant moles

• Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders

• An impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases such as HIV, or are using immunosuppressive medications

• Heat-stimulated diseases such as recurrent Herpes Simplex (within the treatment area)

• Any active skin condition within the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema or a rash

• Keloid scarring, abnormal wound healing or fragile skin

• Suspicious lesions within the treatment area

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DON’T USE:  if you’ve had these recent cosmetic or surgical procedures:

• Any surgical procedure, laser resurfacing or deep chemical peeling in the treatment area within the past three months or are still undergoing a healing process

• Permanent fillers within the treatment area.

• If you have temporary dermal fillers within the treatment area, consult your doctor for advice

• Collagen or Botox administered in the treatment area within the past three months

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DON’T USE:

• If you have a history of coagulopathies or the use of anticoagulants

• Have used isotretinoin in the past 6 months

• Taken nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. with ibuprofen) one week before and after each treatment

• On a tattoo or permanent makeup

• On excessively sunburned skins, tans from sunbeds or tanning creams in the last two weeks

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Radio Frequency possible side effects 

RF treatments are very safe and well tolerated. Common skin reactions to the heat are red and swollen or plumped skin. Use Aloe Vera to cool and soothe if necessary.

There are a few rare and temporary side effects with professional and at-home RF skin tightening. If you get any and they last more than 24 hours, go see your doctor.

• Pain

• Damage to natural skin texture (crusting, blistering, burns, fragile skin, bruising)

• Headache

You should also avoid sun exposure after a session and always wear a good sunscreen! Make sure you moisturize well after a session to avoid any skin drying too.

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If you have any further questions about Radio Frequency (RF) Skin Tightening, please text me or email me.  

615-414-7949  (Text)

darlene@theguashafacial.com  (Email) 

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If you are ready to get started, you will book the Booster Pro Treatment with Hydrafacial and Radio Frequency Skin Tightening.  You are getting the full facial and neck treatment!  You WILL feel and notice a difference in your skin.  

Click Here >  Booster Pro Treatment with Radio Frequency

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And..  for taking the time to read about RF Skin Tightening and because I would love for you to see and feel this difference in your skin and have that glowing face...  Use this Promo Discount Code:  RF SKIN  (All caps) and it will automatically take $75.00 off.   

 

Thanks!

Darlene 

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