Skin treatments have come a long way. Today, you don’t have to rely on harsh procedures or long recovery times to see real results. Two of the most popular non-surgical treatments for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin are microneedling and RF microneedling.

But what’s the difference between the two? And more importantly, which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make the best decision for your skin.

First, What is Microneedling?

Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) is a treatment where a special microneedling pen with needles is used to create micro-punctures in the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries trigger your body’s natural healing process, which boosts collagen and elastin production, the proteins that keep your skin smooth, tight, and youthful.

This treatment is great for:

  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improving acne scars
  • Shrinking large pores
  • Evening out skin tone and texture
  • Giving your skin a refreshed, glowing look

It’s a tried-and-true treatment that works for most skin types and doesn’t involve lasers or heat, which makes it gentler for people with sensitive skin.

So Then, What is RF Microneedling?

RF Microneedling (short for Radiofrequency Microneedling) is basically microneedling with a boost. It uses the same tiny needles, plus high-powered RF energy that penetrates up to 3 mm into the skin for deep remodelling. The microneedles are coated to ensure safe energy delivery, allowing the RF energy to travel to the tips and reach deep into the collagen for maximum effect.

The RF energy heats the tissue below the surface, which tightens the skin and stimulates even more collagen production than traditional microneedling. Think of it as microneedling with superpowers.

RF microneedling is especially helpful for:

  • Deeper wrinkles and sagging skin
  • Stretch marks
  • More advanced acne scars
  • Loose skin around the jawline or neck
  • Improving skin firmness and lifting

What’s the Main Difference?

Both treatments use tiny needles to trigger healing and collagen production. The main difference is that RF microneedling adds heat (radiofrequency energy) to target deeper layers of the skin for more dramatic tightening and lifting results. RF treatments also use more needles, typically 25 to 60, compared to standard microneedling, which usually has 12 pins.

In short:

  1. Microneedling is great for surface-level issues (texture, tone, fine lines)
  2. RF Microneedling is better for deeper skin concerns, reaching up to 3 mm deep, including wrinkles, sagging, and scarring.

What Does the Treatment Feel Like?

Don’t worry, both treatments are tolerable! A numbing cream is applied beforehand, so you’ll mostly feel a slight pressure or tingling.

After the treatment, your skin might look red or feel a bit warm, like a sunburn, and could also feel dry, tight, or flaky. Using high-quality serums and creams helps promote better healing and collagen production.

With RF microneedling, downtime can be slightly longer depending on how deep the treatment goes, but most people are back to their normal routine within a few days. After 5 to 7 days, you may start to notice new skin emerging. Don’t forget to wear SPF to protect your skin.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

It depends on your skin goals.

  • For microneedling, most people need about 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart to see the best results.
  • For RF microneedling, many people notice improvement after the first treatment, but the best results come from a series of 3 to 5 treatments over 3 to 5 months, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This schedule is ideal for deeper remodelling and long-lasting results.

Your skin specialist will help you decide what’s best for you after a consultation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Your Skin Concerns & Best Option to Choose

  • Mild acne scars, dull skin, or large pores go perfectly with Microneedling
  • Fine lines, early signs of aging, go perfectly with Microneedling or RF Microneedling
  • Deep wrinkles, sagging skin, or stretch marks go perfectly with RF Microneedling
  • Sensitive skin or new to skin treatments goes perfectly with Microneedling
  • Want more dramatic results faster? Consider RF Microneedling treatment

At the end of the day, both treatments are safe, effective, and backed by real science. Choosing the right one depends on your skin goals, your timeline, and your comfort level.

The best way to know for sure? Book a consultation and let a professional take a close look at your skin. They’ll guide you based on your unique needs.

Better Skin Goes with RF Microneedling at EverYoung Skin Care Clinic

At EverYoung Skin Clinic, we offer both microneedling and RF microneedling treatments using advanced, medical-grade technology. Our skilled team has helped thousands of clients across Metro Vancouver feel more confident in their skin, and we’d love to help you, too.

You can book your treatment at any of our skin clinic locations in Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver or Port Coquitlam.

We’re here to answer your questions, help you feel comfortable, and create a treatment plan that’s perfect for your skin. Curious about Secret RF vs Morpheus8 vs Sylfirm? Give us a call today or book your free consultation, and let’s get your skin glowing.