Could this £349 skin device potentially take the place of my Botox treatments? I have some opinions on that.

      If there's one crucial thing to know about me, it's my passion for reviewing skincare tools and devices. From LED masks to microcurrent devices, I'm eager to test everything—I’ve tried them all. Thus, when Currentbody introduced its new Skin RF Microneedling Treatment (£349), I felt compelled to try it myself. Having previously undergone radio frequency microneedling treatments in a clinic, I was curious to see how this at-home version would compare to the real thing. Currently, I've taken a break from Botox (I love the results but can't justify the cost and upkeep at this moment), yet I still seek to address the lines around my eyes and forehead without visiting a clinic. Over the past month, I’ve been testing this new skincare tool and have plenty of feedback to share.

      Currentbody Skin RF Microneedling Treatment Review

      CurrentBody Skin

      Skin RF Microneedling Treatment

      Included in the Starter Kit:

      - CurrentBody Skin RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

      - 8 eye microneedling patches

      - 8 forehead microneedling patches

      - Radiofrequency gel

      - Travel bag

      - Adapter plug

      - Power cable

      Specifications: 3 radiofrequency strengths; Microneedling patches with dissolvable needles infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides; Weekly treatments for 8 weeks, followed by top-ups every 4 weeks.

      Pros:

      - Firms and improves skin texture

      - Promotes collagen production

      - Combines radio frequency with microneedling technology

      - Requires only one treatment each week

      - Simple to use

      - No downtime

      - Three radiofrequency modes

      - More affordable than in-clinic radio frequency treatments

      Cons:

      - High cost

      - Full facial treatments can be time-consuming

      - Won't provide the same technology as traditional in-clinic microneedling treatments

      - Additional purchases needed for gel and patches once depleted

      - Excessive packaging accompanies the microneedling patches

      - Not cordless, requiring a plug-in to operate

      The Microneedling Treatment

      I want to clarify one thing first: this device is not the same as a microneedling treatment you’d receive in a clinic or even a dermaroller (which I wouldn’t recommend). This at-home version employs "microneedling" patches instead of needles that leave you red post-treatment. Each patch features tiny micro "needles" made up of hyaluronic acid and peptides. As you apply them, the needles dissolve into the skin, targeting areas like the forehead, under eyes, and crow's feet to plump, reduce fine lines, and enhance skin texture. The kit contains eight forehead patches and eight eye patches, but you can use them anywhere you wish, such as for laughter lines or areas needing treatment.

      Currentbody recommends wearing these patches for about two hours, or overnight prior to your radiofrequency session (which I will discuss further). I expected the forehead patches to be larger than they are; they only cover a small portion of my forehead, insufficient to address the full length of the lines in this area. Conversely, the eye patches are quite large, covering a significant surface area to tackle fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. You also have the flexibility to use them in various locations for targeted treatment.

      Applying the patches is not painful, though you will experience a slight prickling sensation as the micro-needles touch your skin. One concern I have is the packaging; it's quite excessive. While I’ve encountered similar issues with other microdart patches, I wasn't thrilled about discarding the plastic casing and multiple films that cover the patches, which appear to be non-recyclable.

      The first time I used them, I wore them overnight. Removing the eye patches was a bit tough due to their strong adhesive, so be careful when taking them off. However, come morning, I noticed the treated areas appeared significantly hydrated and plumped. After this, I opted to wear them for a couple of hours during the day, as I prefer not to sleep with them on. Nonetheless, I think they prevented my eyes and forehead from scrunching too much while I slept on my side, so I might reconsider.

      The Radio Frequency Treatment

      The second component of the treatment is the radio frequency, which is integrated into the device itself. This process heats the skin to stimulate collagen renewal, enhancing skin firmness and helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

      There are three settings available, allowing you to begin on a lower setting and increase it as your skin adjusts. Before starting the treatment, you must apply the included gel onto clean, dry skin. I was initially doubtful about the necessity of the gel, having used other at-home radio frequency devices that only required a water-based serum. However, a small amount of this gel goes a long way and lasts throughout the treatment, unlike a serum, making it a valuable step to ensure optimal radio frequency effectiveness.

      Setting up the device was a bit confusing at first