DermaWand is a cosmetic device with an interesting premise: that radiofrequency waves applied near the skin can reduce wrinkles. The brand even goes so far as to claim their device is “anti-aging.”
But can radio waves actually reduce wrinkles? Has DermaWand published any clinical studies proving their device works? Is the DermaWand Pro more effective than the regular DermaWand? And is DermaWand better or worse than popular cosmetic device brands like NuFace?
In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we review research studies on radiofrequency for wrinkles, to give our take on whether or not this technology is likely to be effective.
We'll also share our concerns about the clinical trial funded by DermaWand, discuss if the Pro version is better, and compare DermaWand to other popular cosmetic device brands to pick our winners (and losers).
Key takeaways:
- At least one clinical trial has found radio waves to be effective against wrinkles
- We can't find evidence that DermaWand Pro is worth more money
- We do not currently recommend DermaWand
Can Radio Waves Reduce Wrinkles?
The DermaWand device uses both radiofrequency and microcurrent technology:
image source: https://dermawand.com/
There have been clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals testing whether or not radiofrequency can reduce wrinkles.
A medical review published in a Brazilian dermatology journal analyzed 31 clinical trials on radiofrequency for dermatologic effects.
The researchers concluded that while there were some potential biological mechanisms by which radiofrequency could reduce wrinkles, there weren’t clear specifications on what power level was effective, as this varied greatly between studies. The researchers also noted that many of the trials were poorly designed.
The review ended with the following statement: “...it is clear that using radiofrequency for the treatment of skin laxity is still a myth to be clarified.”
A 2020 meta-study concluded similarly. The study authors reviewed 25 clinical trials on radiofrequency and skin aging, and concluded that “there was no consistency in the protocols used and in the description of procedures.”
The researchers from the this second study also noted that hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) was a side effect experienced by some patients.
A clinical trial published in the Dermatology and Therapy journal found that a Chinese radiofrequency device improved both wrinkles and skin radiance to a statistically significant degree.
Based on the available research, we consider radiofrequency potentially effective for anti-aging, although many more clinical trials with positive results would need to emerge for us to recommend this type of device.
Is DermaWand Pro Better?
DermaWand sells a "Pro" version of their device, which the brand claims has "50% more power:"
image source: https://dermawand.com/
While we have no reason to doubt that this product is more powerful than the standard DermaWand, our issue is that DermaWand fails to prove on their product page that more power equals better results.
We already established that the scientific community questions whether radiofrequency improves skin quality or reduces wrinkles, so simply adding more power doesn't necessarily equate to improved skin.
We do not recommend DermaWand Pro because we cannot identify any clinical evidence that it's effective for improving skin.
For consumers intent on purchasing a DermaWand, buying the cheaper Original version instead of DermaWand Pro seems to make sense.
Questionable Clinical Research
DermaWand claims that their product is “clinically proven:"
image source: https://dermawand.com/
We find this statement to be highly questionable.
The clinical trial on DermaWand was sponsored by the manufacturer of DermaWand (a company named International Commercial Television Inc.), which adds potential bias to the research process, making the results useless to consumers in our opinion.
We recommend that consumers entirely disregard claims of clinical efficacy made by cosmetics brands based on manufacturer-funded clinical trials that are not published in peer-reviewed journals.
We consider clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals to be the gold standard of product research due to the high bar of methodology and low threshold for bias, and this is the type of research we cite in Illuminate Health articles.
DermaWand vs. Popular Anti-Aging Devices
Here's how DermaWand compares to other popular anti-aging cosmetic brands, in terms of scientific backing, in our opinion:
NuFace
This brand also claims to use microcurrent technology to deliver cosmetic benefits, but claims to use an ingredient called "olivine extract" which does not currently exist in PubMed's database.
We consider the clinical backing of radiofrequency to be superior to the clinical backing of microcurrent technology.
We consider DermaWand to be superior from a potential efficacy perspective.
Winner: DermaWand
Omnilux
Omnilux is an LED light therapy brand.
As we documented in the above-linked review, there is substantial clinical research suggesting that red light, when delivered at the appropriate wavelength range, is shown to improve skin quality and reduce wrinkles.
We consider Omnilux to be superior from a potential efficacy perspective.
Winner: Omnilux
Wrinkles Schminkles
This brand sells silicone patches that are used on the face.
We are unable to locate any clinical research suggesting this has a long-term effect on skin quality.
DermaWand is the winner from a potential efficacy perspective.
Winner: DermaWand
Lacking Technical Information
At the time of updating this article, we cannot identify any information on the DermaWand product page detailing the frequency or power of the device.
Without this information, it’s nearly impossible for consumers (or researchers like us) to determine whether the device is likely to work, and whether it's safe.
We can't even locate this crucial information on the FAQs section of DermaWand's website.
The frequency and power is what determines the safety and potential efficacy of the device. Cellphones release radio waves too, but no one claims they have skin-promoting effects.
We urge DermaWand to publish information about the frequency and power of their devices, and ideally to cite clinical studies showing that this frequency and power is safe and effective.
Our Clean Anti-Aging Pick
MindBodyGreen Best Skin+ is our top anti-aging skin supplement.
It contains orange extract which is clinically shown to increase skin moisturization, skin elasticity and skin radiance.
This supplement also contains astaxanthin which is clinically shown to cause "wrinkle formation reduction."
This supplement is free of ingredients that we consider to be unhealthy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
DermaWand Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Non-invasive
- Unlikely to cause serious side effects
- Very affordable on a per-use basis
- May have anti-aging effect
- Leverages radiofrequency technology
- Better option than some cosmetic device brands
Cons:
- Company fails to clearly publish technical specs
- We disagree with the company's clinical claims
- Company fails to provide evidence that DermaWand Pro is superior to DermaWand in regard to any dermatological outcome
- Some clinical trials suggest radiofrequency is ineffective
- We can't identify clinical backing for microcurrent technology
