Priyanka Chopra Filmed Her XERF Treatment. Here's What It Actually Does

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has a habit of turning her skincare appointments into viral moments, and her latest one is no exception. In a recent Instagram post, she shared a video from inside an aesthetic clinic in San Diego, California, undergoing a treatment called XERF - and the internet immediately wanted to know what it was.

Here's a breakdown of what XERF actually is, how it works, and why it's suddenly everywhere.

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Photo Credit: Instagram: @priyankachopra

What Is XERF?

XERF is a recently FDA-cleared, non-invasive skin-tightening treatment that was originally developed in South Korea. It uses two radiofrequencies to target skin at multiple depths, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin - the proteins responsible for skin's structure and firmness.

What sets it apart from older radiofrequency devices is how deep it goes. XERF combines two frequencies - 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz - to reach multiple layers of the skin, including the SMAS layer, which is the same structural layer addressed during a surgical facelift. In simple terms: it's designed to work on the deeper "scaffolding" of the skin, not just the surface.

Why Priyanka Chopra (And Kim Kardashian) Are Fans

In her video, the treatment process appeared comfortable, with minimal discomfort and no visible downtime - which is likely a big part of its appeal for people with packed schedules and red-carpet calendars. Chopra Jonas isn't alone either: Kim Kardashian shared her own XERF appointment on Instagram Stories, calling it her new favourite tightening treatment (technically, it's a radiofrequency device rather than a laser, despite sometimes being described that way).

How The Treatment Works

According to clinics offering the treatment, a typical XERF session involves:

  • No needles, no numbing: The treatment is performed without anaesthesia, needles, or downtime
  • Multi-layer targeting: Controlled, collagen-stimulating energy is delivered to the skin's shallow, middle, and deeper layers
  • Gradual results: Skin reportedly looks firmer, smoother, and gradually lifted, with a natural-looking result over time rather than an immediate, dramatic change

Who Is XERF For?

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Photo Credit: Canva

XERF is generally positioned for people with mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, jawline, neck, or body, who are looking for tightening without surgery, recovery time, or discomfort. It is described as safe across all skin types, though - as with any aesthetic device - suitability ultimately depends on an individual's skin condition and medical history.

A Few Things Worth Knowing

Before booking anything based on a viral video, a few practical points are worth keeping in mind:

  • It's brand new in many markets. In places like San Diego, clinics describe themselves as among the first to offer it, which means long-term, real-world results and reviews are still limited.
  • Results build gradually, since the treatment works by stimulating the body's own collagen production - this isn't an instant transformation.
  • Provider expertise matters. Energy-based skin treatments are device- and technique-dependent, so the practitioner's experience plays a big role in outcomes.

Bottomline

XERF's appeal is easy to understand: a quick, comfortable, in-and-out treatment that promises facelift-adjacent results without the facelift. But as with most viral skincare trends, the honest answer is that it's still early days for this particular technology outside of clinical marketing materials and celebrity Instagram stories. Anyone considering it would do well to consult a qualified dermatologist or licensed aesthetic practitioner first - to understand whether it's suitable for their skin, what realistic results look like, and what it costs in their city, since none of that is standardised yet.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.