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 medical studies proving their device works? Is the DermaWand Pro more effective than the regular DermaWand? And how do real users respond to the treatment?
In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical research on radiofrequency for wrinkles, share a real user's review of the DermaWand including before-and-after images, answer whether we consider the DermaWand Pro to be more effective, and highlight our concerns about the clinical study that DermaWand funded.
Can Radio Waves Reduce Wrinkles?
There have been legitimate medical studies on whether radiofrequency can reduce wrinkles.
A medical review published in a Brazilian dermatology journal analyzed 31 individual studies on radiofrequency and its effects on skin.
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 by stating that “it is clear that using radiofrequency for the treatment of skin laxity is still a myth to be clarified.”
A more recent meta-study, published in 2020, concluded similarly. The study authors reviewed 25 clinical trials on radiofrequency for the treatment of skin aging, and noted 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.
We cannot identify any medical research published in legitimate scientific journals suggesting that radiofrequency is effective for reducing visible signs of skin aging, and until more research emerges we will consider it likely ineffective.
DermaWand Before and After
One of the most popular YouTube reviews of DermaWand is published by a creator named "Cheap & Cheeky." The review is unsponsored and she shares her honest opinion about whether the DermaWand is effective after three months of use, including before-and-after images:
Is DermaWand Pro Better?
DermaWand sells a "Pro" version of their device, which the brand claims has "50% more power."
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 medical evidence that it's effective for improving skin.
Questionable Clinical Research
DermaWand claims that their product is “clinically proven” and we find that statement to be highly questionable.
The one single “study” testing DermaWand was sponsored by the manufacturer of DermaWand (a company named International Commercial Television Inc.) which adds so much bias to the research process that it makes the results worthless in our opinion.
We recommend that consumers entirely disregard claims of clinical efficacy made by cosmetics brands that are basing those claims on studies they themselves funded.
The only clinical research that we consider legitimate is research published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals, which is the type of research we cite on Illuminate Health. This is the gold standard of product research. We do not believe that cosmetics brands should be allowed to claim their products are "clinically proven" to work based on "clinical trials" they fund that are not even published in medical journals.
Lacking Technical Information
We cannot find information anywhere on the DermaWand website detailing the actual frequency or power of their 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 "Instruction Manual" found on DermaWand's product pages.
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 medical studies proving that this frequency and power is safe and effective.
Our Skincare Recommendations
There are skincare products that contain ingredients proven in clinical trials to be effective for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality generally.
Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top skin cream pick because of its effective and clean formulation. It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging. We consider this to be the most powerful topical skincare ingredient. Most importantly, this serum is entirely free of questionable additives like preservatives or fragrance.
Interested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum at this link.
Hydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects."
In the above-linked trial, topical bakuchiol reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced photodamage (damage from UV rays). There are no questionable additive ingredients in this product.
Interested consumers can purchase Hydraglow at the secure checkout below:
The only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is Bulletproof Collagen Powder. Oral collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration. The only ingredient in Bulletproof collagen is collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed animals. We recommend a dose of 10 grams per day.
Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder at this link.
