Work

A Novel Variable-Pulse Monopolar RF Mode Selectively Targets the Upper Dermis to Improve Barrier Dysfunction in Sensitive Skin

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Sensitive skin is a multifactorial condition characterized by impaired epidermal barrier function, neurosensory hyperreactivity, and inflammatory dysregulation, affecting approximately 40%-50% of adults worldwide.Despite its high prevalence, effective therapeutic options remain limited.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel 6.78 MHz monopolar radiofrequency (RF) pulse pattern for improving both subjective symptoms and objective barrier function parameters in patients with sensitive skin.Methods: In this prospective pilot study, ten adults with sensitive skin underwent 2 sessions of shallow mode monopolar RF treatment at 4-week intervals.Assessments were performed at baseline, week 4, and week 8, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), erythema index (EI), sebum production, melanin index (MI), and patient-reported symptom scores.Safety was assessed throughout the study.In parallel, a murine model was treated using identical shallow mode parameters to evaluate epidermal remodeling, collagen regeneration, and barrier-related molecular markers.Results: All participants completed the study without serious adverse events.TEWL significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 8 compared with baseline (p<0.001), while SCH, EI, and sebum levels showed significant improvement.Patient-reported symptom scores decreased from 65.57±5.49at baseline to 41.91±4.66 at week 4, representing a 36.1% reduction (p<0.001).Only mild, transient erythema was observed.Preclinical analysis demonstrated epidermal thickening, enhanced collagen remodeling, and upregulation of barrier-related markers.Conclusion: Shallow-mode monopolar RF treatment improved subjective symptoms and objective barrier-related parameters in sensitive skin with excellent tolerability, supported by preclinical findings of upper-dermal remodeling.

Source: Annals of Dermatology

DOI: 10.5021/ad.26.023