Better together

With combination treatments rising in popularity, Lollie Hancock finds out why radiofrequency and microneedling may be the perfect combination to give your clients their best skin ever

While the Government’s aesthetic treatment licensing consultations documents have cast uncertainty on the parameters for delivering combination treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling (see page 25), the majority of the industry is fighting hard to keep such therapies within the remit of qualified beauty therapists, without need for involvement of a healthcare practitioner, and there is confidence among those involved in the process.

Combination treatments like this have increasingly become a mainstay of salons’ businesses, as beauty fanatics move away from classic facials in favour of something a little more high-tech, seeking advanced treatments that promise to deliver results.

The shift towards these combined treatments is unsurprising, as skin expert and founder of Skin Matters Joanne Evans explains, “With more information and availability of sandwiching, or stacking, treatments, which I have done for many years, the results and downtime are second to none and this has become very apparent.

“Clients’ confidence in these treatments is also on the up, as they are looking for healthy, natural-looking skin without using anything too aggressive, and are seeking out multitaskers that will give better results overall.”

Two of the most popular treatments currently being used in combination are radiofrequency (RF) and microneedling. While both treatments work to improve skin through kickstarting collagen production, they each have individual benefits that differentiate them, as Violeta Grigoriu, aesthetician at 111 Harley St., explains:

“The biggest benefits of microneedling are made through the collagen stimulation it activates, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, give patients tighter pores, and improve skin tone or textural concerns as well as the appearance of scars.

“Radiofrequency, on the other hand, works within the dermis – as opposed to microneedling, which works mainly on the surface of the skin. When radio waves are emitted into the skin, these low-level magnetic waves generate heat in the dermis and this heat kickstarts collagen and elastin production.”

The two treatments work in synergy to deliver their individual results, while simultaneously targeting both the surface of the skin and dermis for enhanced results.

Time to combine

“Combining microneedling with RF offers notable benefits over standalone treatments, such as enhanced collagen stimulation, improved skin tightening and lifting, ability to address both superficial and deep skin concerns, versatility for various skin types and areas, reduced downtime, longer-lasting results, enhanced safety and precision, and customisation options,” explains 3D Aesthetics trainer Jon-Paul Hoy.

As with any treatment, there are contradictions you need to make your clients aware of, as Lisa Mason-Poyner, group director of aesthetics services for Elán Laser Clinics, explains: “Active skin infections, cold sores, and recent Roaccutane use are all contradictions for this treatment.

“Individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or with implanted devices, pregnant people, individuals on anticoagulants, and those with a history of keloids or poor wound healing are also unable to have RF microneedling.”

While the treatments can bring impressive results, Evans reminds us that, “You may need to do more treatments depending on desired results and skin conditions. If the client is doing other treatments elsewhere, always do a thorough consultation and express the complications of combining these treatments too close together.”

Grow your business

Offering combination treatments such as RF and microneedling can result in benefits for you as well as your clients, as Hoy shares:

“A device combining these two technologies could benefit the clinic with patient compliance because it could get patients to their goals quicker than separate modalities.”

Mason-Poyner addes, “It is efficient use of session time for both practitioner and client with two-in-one results. This leads to high client satisfaction due to comprehensive and effective treatment. It also provides a competitive edge in the beauty market with cutting-edge treatment for clients.”