Blog | The Hampton Clinic

Secret RF or SkinPen? Choosing the Right Microneedling Treatment

Written by The Hampton Clinic | Aug 19, 2024 5:03:00 PM

Microneedling is one of our favourite rejuvenating treatments. When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, few offer such impressive results for different concerns - uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, firmness and radiance can all be improved with microneedling.

Here at The Hampton Clinic, we offer two of the finest microneedling devices available, Secret RF and SkinPen. Both are excellent in their own right, but they were developed to address different concerns. So, how do you choose the right one for you? Keep reading to find out what makes each treatment special and explore their unique applications.

Collagen & elastin: your skin's best friends

With every birthday, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin. If our skin were a house, collagen and elastin would be the foundation - without them, our tissues begin to sag, wrinkle and lose their radiance. Microneedling is an extremely effective way to help maintain optimal collagen and elastin levels, keeping our skin firm, bright and youthful.

During microneedling, a series of tiny needles are passed over the treatment area using a specialised device. The depth of the needles will vary depending on the device, the area being treated, the skin concerns and skin type. When these tiny needles break the skin’s surface, the body’s immediate response to any type of injury is to produce more collagen and elastin. The skin enhancing effects of microneedling continue to improve over time.

Secret RF

Secret RF is an advanced treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. This dual approach allows it to target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. The microneedles create tiny channels in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing process, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. Being charged with radiofrequency energy, these tiny needles will also heat the deeper layers of the skin for enhanced skin tightening results and a more significant rejuvenating effect.

The combination of microneedling and radiofrequency makes Secret RF a powerful tool for minimally invasive skin tightening and firming. It can treat many areas of the body and face, including the neck and chest, where skin tends to show signs of ageing first. Secret RF's adjustable depth means we can tailor the treatment to your unique needs and specific goals.

Best for: Secret RF is ideal for those looking to address more advanced signs of ageing such as crepey skin, deep wrinkles and skin sagging. It’s also recommended for more pronounced acne scars and body concerns such as stretch marks and injury/surgical scars.

SkinPen

SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. It’s a straightforward but highly effective treatment that focuses on the skin’s surface. Like Secret RF, SkinPen creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production, but without the added radiofrequency energy. This makes it a gentler, more comfortable option that still offers significant improvements in skin texture and tone.

SkinPen also has adjustable depth settings so we can customise the treatment for each client and precisely target specific areas of concern. SkinPen’s simplicity is its strength. The procedure is quick, and downtime is minimal, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Plus, because it’s less intense, it’s suitable for a wider range of skin types and tones.

Best for: SkinPen is ideal for those new to microneedling or seeking a comprehensive treatment that addresses a range of surface-level skin concerns. It effectively improves fine lines, mild to intermediate acne scars, pigmentation, melasma, sun spots and mild laxity. SkinPen also enhances product absorption and boosts skin radiance and glow. It’s an excellent choice for those with more sensitive skin or those preferring a less intensive treatment while aiming for overall skin improvement.

The Right Microneedling for You

So, how do you decide between Secret RF and SkinPen? The answer depends on your specific skin concerns and goals.

If you’re dealing with deeper wrinkles, significant skin laxity or more pronounced acne scars, Secret RF might be the better option. Its ability to work on multiple layers of the skin means it can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation, addressing both surface and deeper issues.

If your concerns are more surface-level, like fine lines, minor scars or uneven texture, SkinPen could be the perfect fit. Its gentler approach makes it ideal for those who want to improve their skin’s appearance without the need for a more intensive treatment.

Both treatments are fantastic choices for anyone looking to boost their skin’s health and appearance. Whether you opt for Secret RF or SkinPen, you’re sure to see improvements in your skin’s texture, tone and overall health. If you’re still unsure, we invite you to book a skin consultation with us to receive personalised advice and find the treatment best suited to your needs.