Have you heard of a high frequency facial? A dermatologist breaks down the high frequency facial benefits and explains why they have become so popular.
A high-frequency facial is just one of many different types of facials that can help improve the appearance of the skin and the skin’s health. The technology was discovered in the 1800s, but it did not become widely used until the 1970s. Over the years, it has been used to address various skin concerns including skin rejuvenation.
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What are high frequency facials?
A high-frequency facial involves the use of a glass electrode filled with argon or neon gas to deliver a low level of electricity to the surface of the skin (also called a high frequency electrode). Based on the inert gas inside, the application of high-frequency current ignites that gas to produce different wavelengths of light, each targeting specific skin conditions.
Neon gas is an orange gas that targets collagen to help with anti-aging and cell renewal. It increases the production levels of collagen and elastin.
Argon gas is a violet gas that targets and kills bacteria that cause acne.
Why are there different shaped glass electrodes?
The facial machine contains different-shaped glass electrodes that can contour to specific areas of the face. The high-frequency electrodes all deliver the same electricity and the same benefits.
- Mushroom – cheeks, forehead, and neck
- Point – acne spots
- Comb – scalp
- Spoon – cheeks, forehead, and neck
How does a high frequency facial work?
During a high-frequency facial, a gently oscillating electric current is emitted from a high-frequency machine, which ignites the gas in the tube and infuses the skin with healthy, enriched oxygen molecules.
These oxygen molecules deep cleanse the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells. This natural cleansing of the tissues of the skin can benefit all skin types. The high rate of oscillation is heat-producing, which helps firm and tone the skin.
What conditions can high frequency facials treat?
Several skin issues can be improved with high-frequency treatments. Including the following:
- Acne
- Enlarged pores
- Oily skin
- Stimulate the hair follicle to increase hair growth
- Fine lines by increasing the production of collagen and elastin
- Puffy eyes
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Cellulite
- Improve acne medication and skin care product absorption
- Cold sores
What are the benefits of high frequency facials?
There are five key benefits of a high frequency facial, including increased circulation, increased collagen production, increased lymphatic drainage, killing acne-causing bacteria and decreased sebum production.
If you are looking for help with any of these five benefits, talk to your dermatologist to see if a high frequency facial could be beneficial to you.
Increased circulation and blood flow
This increase in blood circulation brings in an influx of nutrients that heal the skin and hair. This immediate circulation rush will improve your dull complexion giving you a radiant glow.
Increased collagen and elastin production
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. This increased collagen and elastin production will help fade fine lines and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. It can also help reduce the size of pores.
Increased lymphatic drainage
This will help rid the body of toxins, which damage the skin. It also reduces puffy eyes and dark circles around the eyes.
Kills acne-causing bacteria
The antibacterial action of oxygen can treat active acne skin lesions and prevent new acne. It may not work on all cases or types of acne, such as cystic acne.
A high frequency facial is not a replacement for the proper medical treatment of acne but an adjunct to help the medications. Also, it will allow better penetration of acne medications.
Decreased sebum production
This can help reduce acne breakouts and decrease pore size to give you a clearer complexion.
What are the side effects of a high-frequency facial?
High-frequency facials are safe, gentle procedures with very few side effects. In rare cases, side effects may last a day or two and include redness, tingling, and swelling.
Who should not have a high-frequency facial?
A high-frequency facial is a safe procedure; however, it is not recommended for some patients, including those with any of these conditions:
- Pacemaker
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy
- Open sores on your face, which can increase your risk for infection.
- Telangiectasias, which could increase in number with high frequency facials.
- Patients using AHA, like glycolic acid, which can over-dry the skin when used with high frequency facials.
What precautions need to be taken during a high frequency facial?
There are two main precautions to take when getting a high frequency facial treatment to ensure it is a safe procedure:
- Do not wear metal jewelry because there is a risk of an electric shock.
- Keep water and combustible substances away from the machine.
What is the aftercare of a high frequency facial?
To ensure you get good results from your high-frequency facial, there are a couple of things to do after the procedure, including:
- Avoid sun exposure for a couple of days after the facial because your skin will be sensitive.
- Moisturize consistently for a couple of days after the facial since your skin may be dry.
How often can you get a high frequency facial?
To reap the optimal benefits from a high frequency facial, you should get one per week for 3-6 weeks, then monthly as maintenance. This will allow you to maintain your good results for as long as possible.
The bottom line
High frequency facials deliver an electric charge through argon or neon gas with a rapid rate of oscillation to produce particular wavelengths of light that can help different skin conditions.
Various skin problems can be improved with high-frequency facials, such as acne, fine lines, puffy eyes or dark circles around the eyes, and better absorption of products.
The primary action of a high-frequency current during a high frequency facial is to increase blood flow, produce collagen and elastin, and lymphatic drainage. It also decreases sebum production and kills bacteria causing acne.
Take Action
If you are suffering from acne or fine lines and wrinkles, ask your dermatologist if high-frequency facials can help. The longer you delay, the worse your skin will get.
For a more do it yourself approach to getting the results a facial can offer, check out 12 Surprising Benefits of Facial Gua Sha as well as How to Find the Best Facial Serum for Gua Sha.
Many benefits of a high frequency facial can also be obtained with red light therapy. A good red light therapy device can help increase collagen production, increase blood circulation and help even the skin tone. All from home.
Check out our breakdown on the best red light therapy devices, where we share our favorites (with discount codes!) and evidence based information.
Resources
https://www.aestheticsurge.com/high-frequency-facial-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.byrdie.com/high-frequency-treatment-for-acne
https://www.drmovassaghi.com/blog/what-is-a-high-frequency-facial-and-do-i-need-one/
https://laserskinsolutions.com.au/skin-problems/what-is-high-frequency-and-why-do-we-use-it/
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