A research team led by Professor Ju-hee Lee (Director of the Scar & Laser Center) at the Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, has presented clinical and preclinical evidence demonstrating that radiofrequency (RF)–only treatment provides meaningful improvement in age-related hyperpigmentation, beyond its well-known skin-tightening effects. The study was published in the January 2026 issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

According to the research team, led by Professors Ju-hee Lee and Young-in Lee, this study represents one of the first reports worldwide to comprehensively evaluate the effects of monopolar radiofrequency (MRF)—specifically Tentech’s 10THERMA device—on pigmentary skin lesions by integrating clinical patient data with preclinical tissue analyses.

The researchers conducted a retrospective clinical analysis involving Asian female patients who visited the clinic for age-related facial hyperpigmentation. The results demonstrated:

A reduction in skin melanin levels and pigment concentration,

A statistically significant decrease in the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI)—a standardized clinical scale used to quantify the extent and severity of melasma, and

Improvements in wrinkles, pores, and overall skin texture.

Notably, these improvements extended beyond superficial reduction of epidermal pigmentation. The findings suggest that RF treatment modulates the underlying mechanisms of melanogenesis while simultaneously improving the skin’s aging microenvironment, drawing considerable attention.

In addition to the clinical outcomes, the study also presented ex vivo experimental results using human skin tissues stimulated with ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. These experiments revealed reduced expression of key proteins involved in melanin synthesis and restoration of collagen IV expression at the basement membrane.

Furthermore, the expression of cellular senescence markers (p16 and p21) was decreased, while the expression of heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP47)—which play roles in cellular protection and recovery—was increased. Based on these findings, the researchers interpreted that deep thermal stimulation induced by RF acts beyond a simple surface-heating effect, influencing aging-related cellular pathways and regulating melanin-producing signals.

Traditionally, treatments for pigmentary disorders—particularly melasma and age-related hyperpigmentation—have primarily relied on topical agents or laser- and light-based “toning” therapies, which mainly target melanin directly or focus on breaking down epidermal pigmentation.

In contrast, MRF-only treatment represents a novel approach that simultaneously regulates melanogenesis signaling while contributing to stabilization of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) and improvement of the skin’s aging environment. As such, MRF-only therapy is being recognized as a new therapeutic paradigm in the field of pigmentary disorder treatment.

The research team emphasized that this study significantly expands the clinical applicability of RF therapy, as it demonstrates pigment-improving effects while maintaining its non-invasive nature. While RF has traditionally been used for skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and collagen regeneration, this study provides early evidence supporting its potential expansion as a targeted treatment option for pigmentary lesions.

The researchers concluded, stating, “Further studies are required, including expanded patient cohorts, long-term follow-up observations, and additional analyses of response patterns according to lesion type. A more precise elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of MRF-based therapy is essential to refine indications and advance toward personalized treatment strategies.”