Q: What are the pros and cons of DermaWand?

Pros The device is relatively inexpensive. At an average cost of $100 compared to $2,000-plus for in-office radiofrequency treatments, DermaWand’s price seems like a relative bargain. It’s quick to use: three minutes in the morning and three minutes before bed—about as long as it takes to brush and floss your teeth. The handheld device is portable and comes with a carrying case. It’s lightweight and cordless—so you could even multitask while checking emails, sipping your morning coffee, watching TV, or reading. It’s safe for all skin types and tones. Cons RealSelf members’ DermaWand reviews are mixed. Some say that it works, but nearly as many say to steer clear. type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el of RealSelf members who’ve reviewed it say they’ve been pleased with their results. Buyer beware: Some RealSelf members allude to DermaWand knockoffs, so there may be fakes out there. To be sure you’re buying a legitimate device, consider purchasing directly from the brand’s website rather than from a large discount retailer, which may not vet its vendors.

Question 1

What is DermaWand?

Accepted Answer

DermaWand is an at-home, handheld device that uses radiofrequency technology to help tighten sagging skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size, and improve skin tone and texture. It’s safe for all skin types and tones.

The manufacturer, ICTV, says that the DermaWand’s radiofrequency technology is “similar to the large clinical machines used by medical and skin-care specialists” but at a frequency and amplitude low enough to make it safe for at-home use.

ICTV also says the device emits a stream of gentle microcurrent impulses to massage the skin, boost circulation, and increase oxygen delivery to the skin’s surface. The company recommends using the device for three minutes, twice a day.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of DermaWand?

Accepted Answer

Pros

The device is relatively inexpensive. At an average cost of $100 compared to $2,000-plus for in-office radiofrequency treatments, DermaWand’s price seems like a relative bargain.
It’s quick to use: three minutes in the morning and three minutes before bed—about as long as it takes to brush and floss your teeth.
The handheld device is portable and comes with a carrying case. It’s lightweight and cordless—so you could even multitask while checking emails, sipping your morning coffee, watching TV, or reading.
It’s safe for all skin types and tones.

Cons

RealSelf members’ DermaWand reviews are mixed. Some say that it works, but nearly as many say to steer clear. type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el of RealSelf members who’ve reviewed it say they’ve been pleased with their results.
Buyer beware: Some RealSelf members allude to DermaWand knockoffs, so there may be fakes out there. To be sure you’re buying a legitimate device, consider purchasing directly from the brand’s website rather than from a large discount retailer, which may not vet its vendors.

Question 3

How much does a DermaWand cost?

Accepted Answer

According to the brand’s website, the DermaWand Anti-Aging Skin-Care System will run you about $120 (plus shipping and handling) if you pay in full. The DermaWand Pro costs $198.98, with free shipping.

Again, be alert to counterfeit devices, which typically cost less than the manufacturer’s recommended price.

Question 4

Does DermaWand really work?

Accepted Answer

There’s no scientific proof that DermaWand is effective. While the company claims to have clinical proof that the device garners improvement, those results have not been made available to the public. And unlike an in-office radiofrequency treatment, the device is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for skin tightening.

FDA-approved, doctor-administered treatments, such as Thermage and Venus Freeze, transmit their radiofrequency as thermal energy, to contract existing collagen and elastin (the proteins that provide structure and elasticity) and trigger a regenerative healing response that stimulates the production of more. As new collagen and elastin fibers form, skin tightens and firms up.

Clinical studies show that radiofrequency energy is indeed effective for noninvasive skin tightening and that even home-use devices can safely yield results. However, a 2015 review of literature on radiofrequency for skin rejuvenation found that while 96% of studies reported positive results in treating laxity, only 44% showed statistical significance.

The in-office treatments have higher intensity levels than DermaWand, and still nearly a third of RealSelf members who review them say they’re “Not Worth It” because of subtle results.

Question 5

How should you use a DermaWand?

Accepted Answer

First, apply a generous layer of DermaVital Preface Treatment (a moisturizer that comes with your initial purchase) to clean, dry skin. This layer of lotion creates a slippery, easy-slide surface for the DermWand.

If you haven’t used the device before, start it on the lowest setting and massage from your jawline to your hairline in small, circular motions, spending extra time in spots where you think your skin looks slack. Massage for three minutes and repeat twice daily. You can increase the power setting gradually as your skin acclimates to the device, but ramping up too soon may cause dryness and irritation.

When it’s used according to the instructions (twice daily, for no more than three minutes and at a power setting that’s appropriate for your skin), you shouldn’t need any downtime post-treatment.

Question 6

How soon will you see DermaWand results?

Accepted Answer

Some RealSelf members report seeing a difference in as little as a week, but that may be the result of the massaging and boost in blood flow to the skin, which can make it appear temporarily plumper and more radiant.

There are a handful of impressive before and after photos on the brand’s website, including a side-by-side half-face comparison after the product was used for 12 weeks. Others were taken after 60 days.

Given that radiofrequency devices typically work by stimulating collagen production and it usually takes at least a couple of months to see the plumping and firming effects of new collagen, seeing results at the two-month mark seems about right.

Question 7

How long do DermaWand results last?

Accepted Answer

Like strength training the body, radiofrequency treatment skin tightening results will not last forever if you don’t commit to a maintenance program. Presumably, with DermaWand, that means sticking with the recommended twice-daily three-minute treatments.

Question 8

Is DermaWand safe?

Accepted Answer

The treatment is safe and painless. Some RealSelf members say their skin feels “tingly” while using the device, and a few report that it leaves their skin temporarily red. But the ouch factor, when it’s used properly, is almost nonexistent.

If you experience any unwanted DermaWand side effects—such as flaky, tight, or chronically red skin—stop using it.

Question 9

What are the alternatives to DermaWand?

Accepted Answer

Professional energy-based skin-tightening treatments will cost you considerably more than a DermaWand, but you may also be rewarded with better results. Consider Exilis, Ultherapy, or Thermage.

Treatments that aren’t strictly marketed as tightening procedures but can still provide that benefit include microneedling and laser resurfacing.

Finally, for the most dramatic skin-tightening results, consider a facelift or mini lift. Talk with a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other experienced doctor to help you decide on the treatment plan that’s best for you.

Question 10

Sources & studies

Accepted Answer

Araújo, Angélica Rodrigues De, et al. “Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Skin Laxity: Mith or Truth.” Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, vol. 90, no. 5, 2015.

Gold, Michael H. “Noninvasive Skin Tightening Treatment.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 8, no. 6, June 2015.

Mehta-Ambalal, Sujatar. “Neocollagenesis and Neoelastinogenesis: From the Laboratory to the Clinic.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, vol. 9, no. 3, 2016.

Sadick, Neil S., et al. “Home-Based Wrinkle Reduction Using a Novel Handheld Multisource Phase-Controlled Radiofrequency Device.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, vol. 13, no. 11, Nov. 2014.

“So, Are Radiofrequency Treatments Really Safe?” ABCS Blog, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, 14 Feb. 2018.

DERMAWAND

Genevieve Monsma

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Genevieve Monsma

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