I’ve Been Secretly Testing This Cellulite Tool for 8 Weeks – Here’s How I Got On
Main image – Courtesy of writer
Of all the beauty issues I actually do worry about (hello wiry eyebrows and hyperpigmentation), the one that has weirdly never really bothered me is cellulite.
And that’s because a. I never subscribed to the early 00s belief that cellulite was somehow embarrassing, and b. Surely it’s more of a problem for anyone standing behind me anyway (?).
That was until one day earlier this year when I caught myself in the mirror and noticed a new pattern of little dents on the front of one thigh. And while still hardly an issue, suddenly my cellulite was something I could easily see in front of me in the mirror rather than only when peering at the back of my thighs.
And although it bears repeating that cellulite is *absolutely not something that any woman should ever feel badly about*, my new leg dents did at least present me with an opportunity to try out one of the fastest growing beauty categories – body care tools. And in particular, at home radiofrequency (RF) devices.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Designed to rival their in office equivalents, at home radiofrequency promises to reduce the visibility of cellulite and potentially the volume of fat cells too, just at a fraction of the price.
I decided to try one of the highest rated at home tools, the Sensica Sensifirm, for the recommended 8 sessions to see whether it really could make a dent (pun intended) on my newly-formed dimpling.
Here’s how I got on.
What is radiofrequency?
First though- and in the style of Jennifer Anniston in a 90s L’oreal advert- the science bit.
“RF technology works by delivering controlled heat energy into the deeper layers of the skin. Recent studies suggest some patients may see a little less cellulite,” GP and skincare expert Dr Sonia Khorana tells me. “This result, however, can be short lived and several treatments are needed to see this change.”
According to the brand, the Sensifirm uses both RF and massage technology to improve the look and feel of skin. “Sensifirm utilises our proprietary Lipotherm RF™? technology which combines radiofrequency energy with mechanical stimulation to help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of cellulite.”
The added benefits of this particular device, according to the brand? Improved collagen production and lymphatic drainage too.
Image – Courtesy of writer
With some treatments that target fat cells (hello cryolipolysis) though, there have been concerns over whether any post-treatment weight gain could result in a permanently uneven skin texture, which is understandably something of a concern before I embark on my sessions. Sensica tells me this is unlikely to happen with their device however.
“Unlike ablative fat-reduction procedures (e.g. liposuction or cryolipolysis), RF does not destroy fat cells, but rather aims to reduce fat cell volume in a safe, non-invasive manner. Because of this approach, Sensifirm is not associated with the post-treatment risks of fat redistribution or uneven contouring seen with more aggressive treatments.”
As with any treatment though, there are potential side effects, ranging from bruising, redness and irritation to potential burns or infection in very rare cases. It’s always essential therefore to carry out any recommended pre-treatment patch tests – and remember to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about potential medical conditions that may be impacted by treatment.
How at home vs in office radiofrequency compares
While at home RF is definitely cheaper than in office sessions, one downside is that the results may not be as impressive though, says Dr Khorana.
“At home RF devices can be a good way to maintain skin firmness between treatments, but they’re generally much lower in power than clinic machines. So results tend to be subtle and take longer to appear.”
While in clinic treatments offer, “higher, controlled energy delivery” though, “at home devices can still support skin tone and texture with consistent use,” she says.
About the device
The Sensifirm kit contains the (FDA-approved) device itself, 60ml of base gel (the gel that helps the device glide across skin), a power cable, the instruction manual and a cotton bag for travel.
Image – Courtesy of writer
To use the device, the brand recommends consistent use- typically once a week, for 8 weeks- as well as applying the base gel prior to treatment to ensure safe and effective RF transmission, and carefully following the instructions in the instruction manual.
You can treat most areas where you’d normally find cellulite, including your thighs, bum and upper arms.
How I tested it
I tested my Sensifirm by using it the recommended once a week at 10 minutes per palm-sized area, making sure to always use a generous amount of the base gel to help the tool work.
Apart from one week when I had family staying and didn’t have the time (yes, it is a lengthy process) to do my usual Sensica routine, I stuck to my weekly schedule religiously.
My missed week brought the total time I tested the device to 8 sessions over 9 weeks – but I needn’t have worried it would affect the treatment, as the brand tells me, “if a treatment is missed, it may take some more time to reach the required results, however there is no reason to perform two treatments in the following week.”
My first impressions
The kit itself comes housed in a huge box and the whole thing gives a luxe feel. Although, slightly annoyingly, when I first went to actually switch on the device I found that it can only be used when plugged into its charger cable.
I assume this is due to the amount of energy the device uses. Luckily though, the charger cable is lengthy and so gives plenty of scope to plug in at a nearby socket while reclining in comfort elsewhere (and you will want to recline while doing this as it really does get a little repetitive – more on that later).
Image – Courtesy of writer
Once switched on in, you simply click the device’s one button to select the energy level you want (from one to three). The brand also advises a patch test 48 hours before a full first session, which I made sure to do.
After noting no problems by the end of that time, I went ahead with my first full session, first using the handy rollerball dispenser to spread enough base gel over a space the size of two palms.
Once on the skin, the device (which looks and feels slightly like a bigger version of the mouse you used with your school computer) glides easily over the gel, creating a mild feeling of heat- which is actually quite pleasant rather than at all painful- as well as a slight massaging sensation . The instructions tell me to glide the tool for 20 minutes for a section of this size, which I do.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The feeling isn’t unpleasant, and I may be deluding myself but my skin starts to look and feel slightly smoother within minutes – probably thanks to the tool’s massage action, which the brand says helps with lymphatic drainage.
Once the first section of leg is complete, I notice my skin is looking slightly pink – not alarmingly so, but definitely like it’s just been treated. The hand I was using to control the device too was also already starting to slightly tire though, thanks to the repeated motion needed to use it.
My results
As I mentioned, I used the device once a week, spending around an hour on the front of each leg, adding up to around 6 palms worth of space each side.
Apart from a tired arm at the end of each session though (I’ve found that switching up between your left and right hands helps if you can), my results were quite impressive from the first go.
My skin looked and felt smoother and I thought I detected a shallowing of my incriminating leg dents.
The results continued to improve each week, more noticeably around week 4, and less obviously from week 6 onwards. At the end of my sessions, I think my dents are now a lot less noticeable, while my overall skin tone is distinctly perkier-looking.
You get an idea of my results in photos below – the first taken before session 1 and the other taken after session 8. As you can see, while my cellulite wasn’t hugely noticeable to begin with, there was definite texture there, while my overall skin tone was quite uneven and there’s signs of strawberry legs too.
After, the texture of my skin looks and feels better and I’m actually surprised at how much my redness and skin tone has improved overall.
What other users are saying
It seems I’m not alone in being quietly impressed with my results too. One user on Amazon said, “Beautiful product, easy to use, instructions are clear, and I can honestly see a difference! Highly recommended.”
While another said, “I used it twice on my arms now and can already feel a difference in the firmness of my bingo wings!”
One reviewer on the same thread did make a valid point about the time it actually takes to treat one area though, “The only thing I’m not keen on is that it’s advertised as only requiring 10 minutes a week, but this isn’t really true. The instructions say that two palm-sized areas will need 20 minutes a week, and gives different recommended times for each body area. If you’re doing both thighs, stomach and both arms then that’s more likely to be almost two hours which is quite a long time!”
Overall value for money
At £325 from Amazon UK/ $449 from Sensica US the Sensifirm is hardly a small outlay. Having said that, in office RF sessions typically cost upwards of £150 each in the UK and $500 in the US, making this device good value – especially since you’ll normally need between 3 and 6 sessions per treatment area even in office.
Bear in mind though that in office treatments will generally be more effective than at home equivalents. And you will also need to eventually pay to replace the base gel whenever you run out, at £24.99/ $22 a time.
The takeaway
If cellulite bothers you and you’re happy to invest £325/$449 then I think this is a great device.
To be clear, you’re not going to see miracle results – the appearance of cellulite is almost impossible to completely remove. This tool would unfortunately also probably be difficult for anyone with hand mobility issues to use (which would also be true of many other RF devices).
That said, for moderate, yet definitely noticeable, results I’ve been genuinely impressed.
And although I’ve finished my course of 8 weeks, I’ll be continuing with the periodic maintenance sessions the brand recommends (once or twice a month). And since gravity sadly only becomes crueler with the march of time, I can see me starting a full further 8 sessions elsewhere as I need it too.
Get Glowing!
