Needles & Frequency: The Glow-Up Battle Between Micro-needling with PRF vs. RF Micro-needling

Apr 22

2 min read

Let’s be honest when it comes to skincare, we’re all on a mission for that dewy, radiant, poreless glow, and microneedling has quickly become the go-to treatment for turning back the clock (or at least slowing it down a bit). But the moment you start researching, you’ll probably come across two trendy options: microneedling with PRF and RF microneedling.

Both sound a little sciencey, a little intense, and very promising BUT what’s the actual difference? Don’t worry, we’re diving deep into the glow-up glossary to break it down without making your brain hurt.

So first off, what even is microneedling? Basically, it’s a treatment that uses teeny-tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers your body’s natural healing response. That healing response ramps up collagen and elastin production, which are like the scaffolding that keeps your skin looking smooth, firm, and youthful. Now, the twist is in what you combine with microneedling—enter PRF and RF.

Let’s start with microneedling with PRF, aka Platelet-Rich Fibrin. It’s kind of like the crunchy, all-natural, clean-beauty version of microneedling. After the needling portion, your own blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the “liquid gold” that is PRF, which is then either applied topically or injected into the skin. This PRF is packed with growth factors that help with tissue regeneration, healing, and collagen stimulation—all using nothing but your body’s own power. People love it for things like fine lines, under-eye hollows, acne scars, and that general “I woke up like this” glow. It’s also super safe, since it’s coming from your own body, and it’s perfect if you’re into natural, regenerative treatments with minimal risk of reaction.

Now, flip to RF microneedling, short for radiofrequency microneedling. This one’s for the tech-lovers out there. It uses the same needle-based process to create micro-injuries, but it adds a major power-up: radiofrequency energy that’s delivered deep into the skin through the needles. That energy heats the lower layers of your skin, which leads to more intense collagen remodeling and skin tightening. It’s amazing for things like sagging, wrinkles, deeper acne scars, stretch marks, and enlarged pores. While it might feel a little more intense during the treatment and have slightly more downtime, the results tend to show up faster and be more dramatic—especially when it comes to tightening.

So which one wins? Honestly, there’s no clear “better” choice—it’s all about what your skin needs. PRF microneedling is a great pick if you want something gentle, natural, and focused on healing and rejuvenation over time. RF microneedling is for those who want to bring out the big guns—tightening, lifting, and reshaping the skin with a little help from science. If you want natural regeneration and minimal downtime, go PRF. If you want firmer skin and visible transformation, RF might be your MVP. And hey, some people even alternate between the two!

Whether you’re going full nature or full tech, microneedling has something for everyone, and your skin will thank you for the collagen boost. Not sure which one’s right for you? Book a consultation with Ivory Wellness & Aesthetics Now and get that glow.