I tried Secret RF at Edinburgh’s newest skin clinic – here’s why I was seriously impressed
Tucked away on Dean Street in Stockbridge, The Stockbridge Clinic is Edinburgh’s newest destination for high-tech, personalised skin treatments—and if you’re into skincare that delivers real results without the drama, it’s somewhere you’ll want to know about.
The clinic has a doctor-led approach, focusing on regenerative treatments, next-gen technology, and tailored results. I visited recently to try Secret RF, one of their signature treatments—and left wondering why I hadn’t done it sooner.
A gentle approach to serious results
I booked in specifically to target stubborn acne scarring and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE)—those persistent red marks that hang around long after breakouts are gone. My skin is generally well-behaved, but this has been one of my biggest insecurities for years. I’d been looking for a solution that was effective but quick, with minimal upkeep and downtime—something you could realistically do on your lunch break without it messing up the rest of your week.
Secret RF is a minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Fine needles create controlled micro-punctures in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response, while RF energy is delivered simultaneously to the deeper layers. This dual action stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin laxity.
It’s suitable for all skin types and tones, and commonly performed on the face, neck, or other areas of concern. For best results, most people complete a course of three sessions spaced a month apart, with continued improvement in the months following.
“Secret RF is a really impactful way to experience the power of regenerative aesthetic medicine in a very natural and gentle way,” says Dr Ben Davies, who carried out my treatment.
What it was like—and how my skin reacted
After a warm welcome at the beautifully minimal space, my skin was scanned using the innovative Observ 520x machine—a high-tech diagnostic tool that gives a more in-depth picture of what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s such a helpful step, giving your practitioner a clearer understanding of your skin’s needs before any treatment begins. Then came a generous layer of numbing cream, left to work its magic for around 30 minutes.
The Secret RF treatment itself was surprisingly quick—done in under 10 minutes, with a warm, tingling sensation that never crossed into uncomfortable territory. Immediately afterwards, I had LED light therapy—a crucial step that helps calm the skin and speed up recovery by reducing inflammation and encouraging cell regeneration.
By the time I got home, just a couple of hours later, my skin had completely settled down, which was such a welcome surprise. I’ve tried microneedling in the past—SkinPen is a favourite—but it always leaves me tomato red for two full days. That’s fine if you’ve got nothing on, but less ideal if you have meetings or plans where you want to feel your best.
Secret RF felt different—gentler, quicker, and less invasive, but still incredibly effective. That evening, the red marks from old blemishes had already started to fade, and my skin had a proper glow—the kind where you look like you’ve had a full week of rest and good decisions. It was like a little surge of life had been put back into my face. A genuine confidence boost.
Why I’d recommend it
Secret RF works with your skin to build real, lasting results over time. It felt like a smart, gentle way to improve my skin without overdoing it. No harsh downtime, no pressure—just something that actually works, especially if you’re focused on maintaining healthy, radiant-looking skin.
In a world of extremes and overpromises, The Stockbridge Clinic offers something different: science-backed treatments, expert care, and a grounded atmosphere where the focus is genuinely on helping your skin thrive.
They’ve also just launched some exciting new treatments, so if you’re skincare-curious (or seriously invested), it’s definitely a clinic to keep on your radar.
Secret RF at The Stockbridge Clinic is priced at £550 per session. A course of three is recommended for best results. To learn more or book a consultation, visit stockbridgeclinic.com.
