Microneedling is a revolutionary skincare treatment that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It involves the use of tiny needles to create microscopic “injuries” on the skin, which stimulates collagen production and helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and other blemishes. It can also help with skin tightening and brightening. There are two main types of microneedling treatments available: SkinPen™ and Virtue RF. Both offer amazing results but differ in their approach to microneedling. In this blog post we will compare SkinPen™ vs Virtue RF so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
SkinPen™ Microneedling Treatment
SkinPen is a microneedling treatment that uses a handheld device to create 1600 tiny punctures in the skin per second. This stimulates collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkles and scars. SkinPen™ is the first FDA approved microneedling device and has been proven to produce results that last up to six months. This treatment works especially well for acne scars and neck wrinkles.
When undergoing treatment, you can expect the following steps:
- Your provider will cleanse the skin.
- A topical anesthetic will be applied (if desired).
- Lift hydrogel is applied to the skin. This helps the SkinPen glide across the skin.
- Your provider moves SkinPen over your skin and it creates a series of microchannels.
The entire treatment usually takes around 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on your individual treatment plan. Most people have three sessions spaced 30 days apart, but most people notice results after the first month. After undergoing SkinPen treatment, it is normal to experience minor redness and inflammation. In most cases, any redness and inflammation will subside within 24-72 hours.
Virtue RF Microneedling Treatment
The VirtueRF Microneedling Platform combines radio-frequency and microneedling to visibly improve skin tone, tighten skin, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Like SkinPen, Virtue RF creates a series of microchannels in the skin. However, Virtue RF also delivers radiofrequency heat energy to increase the production of collagen and elastin. There are two types of Virtue RF Microneedling treatment:
- Deep RF Microneedling: uses a 36-needle handpiece to reach the dermis layer of the skin. This treatment is designed for use on the arms, abdomen, glutes, thighs, and other areas of the body.
- Exact RF Microneedling: uses a single needle handpiece for areas that require the utmost precision. This treatment is designed for use around the mouth, eyes, jawline, and other areas requiring exact precision.
Both Deep and Exact microneedling treatments are completed using similar steps as with the SkinPen. The main difference, however, is that RF microneedling does not require topical anesthetics since the procedure causes little to no discomfort. While most people report the treatment is painless, some people report feeling some minor discomfort caused by the dermis being heated. For these people, topical anesthetics may be used.
The entire treatment usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the treatment goals. Generally, a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended for larger areas, while fewer treatments are needed for smaller areas. The results of Virtue RF microneedling last around six months, therefore treatment is recommended every six months to maintain results.
How They Compare
Here’s a table comparing SkinPen Microneedling to Virtue RF Microneedling:
| Aspect | SkinPen Microneedling | Virtue RF Microneedling |
| Technology | Uses a device with small, sterile needles that puncture the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve texture, tone, and overall appearance. | Uses a device with small, sterile needles that puncture the skin and deliver radiofrequency energy to heat the skin’s deeper layers and stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer skin. |
| Benefits | Can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, and improve overall skin texture and tone. | Can provide the same benefits as SkinPen Microneedling, as well as firming and tightening the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite, and improving stretch marks. |
| Pain level | Generally well-tolerated, but patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure. | Generally well-tolerated, but may cause some discomfort due to the radiofrequency energy delivered to the skin. |
| Downtime | Minimal downtime, with redness lasting a few days after the procedure. | Minimal downtime, with redness lasting a few days after the procedure. |
| Treatment areas | Can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, and chest. | Can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. |
| Number of sessions | Typically requires a series of three to six sessions, spaced 30 days apart, for optimal results. | Typically requires a series of three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, for optimal results. |
| Side effects/risks | May cause mild redness, swelling, and bruising, but serious side effects are rare. | May cause mild redness, swelling, and bruising, but serious side effects are rare. |
| Ideal candidate | Ideal for patients who want to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture and tone. | Ideal for patients who want to achieve the benefits of SkinPen Microneedling, as well as firming and tightening the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite, and improving stretch marks. |
| Contraindications | Should not be used on patients with skin conditions affecting the treatment area, those taking anticoagulants, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. | Should not be used on patients with skin conditions affecting the treatment area, those taking anticoagulants, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. |
In Conclusion:
Overall, both SkinPen and Virtue RF treatments offer amazing results when it comes to skin rejuvenation. While both treatments are effective in reducing wrinkles, scars, and other blemishes, they differ in their approach. SkinPen is the first FDA approved microneedling device and requires topical anesthetics for the procedure. On the other hand, Virtue RF does not require topical anesthetics since the procedure is less uncomfortable. Ultimately, it is up to you and your provider to decide which one is best for your needs.
