What is a High-Frequency Facial? And Do I Need One?

With so many aesthetic technologies becoming available, it can be difficult to discern what’s fab or just a fad. We love to sort that out for our patients and, if you follow us on social media or have come in for a treatment at Ziba Medical Spa, chances are you’ve heard us talking about high-frequency treatments.

While there has been a lot of recent buzz about them, high-frequency facials have been around for a long time and provide proven benefits. Want to learn why we love this flexible facial treatment? Read on!

 

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So, what is a high-frequency facial?

Our facial “magic wand” appears miraculous, but we have science to thank for this versatile skin tool. The high-frequency device is composed of a special glass electrode that houses either neon or argon gas. When we apply the electrode to your skin, a mild electrical current is passed through the neon or argon, prompting a reaction that produces a violet ray (argon) or a red ray (neon).

Nikola Tesla first developed the high-frequency current back in the 1800s. It was largely used for medical purposes, such as treating bacterial conditions and infections. The technology can also improve your skin’s health.

Unlike many other energy-based devices, the current is not being passed through your skin. The resulting light is what treats various skin concerns: often violet light is used for acne and blemish treatments, and red light for aging skin. That said, years of studying the effects of light therapy indicates that either light is effective for treating a multitude of skin concerns.

How does a high-frequency facial for acne work?

The production of enriched oxygen molecules between the electrode and your skin provides an anti-bacterial effect and slight warming of the tissues which helps push away toxins, increase blood circulation, and prompt cellular renewal.

What can a high-frequency facial treat?

One of the primary reasons we love using the high-frequency wand is its versatility—it’s a great stand-alone option or addition to our other skin treatments at Ziba Medical Spa. While we’ve seen a positive overall improvement in the appearance of skin treated with high-frequency, it’s also a great option for targeting specific concerns including:

  • Acne and skin inflammation
  • Congested skin and enlarged pores
  • Over-production of oils
  • Skin lesions and slight scarring
  • Fine lines and wrinkles

Because high-frequency therapy stimulates blood lymphatic flow, disinfects the skin, and heats the tissue, it can help support your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin.

Do high-frequency facials hurt?

No! Most patients report a slight tingling, buzzing sensation—and it’s often a relaxing finish to your facial treatment. Because the heating that occurs is mild, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort at all.

In the rare instance that something does feel off, alert your provider right away. It could be that an inflamed area being treated needs to have calmed down before treatment.

What treatments can be combined with high-frequency?

Because high-frequency therapy is so versatile, nearly all of our specialty skin treatments can be combined with high-frequency therapy. We especially love incorporating high-frequency with our custom facials, using it as an extra skin clarification step after a HydraFacial, or applying it to reduce “bacne” as part of a back facial.

That said, high-frequency treatment isn’t always suitable. For instance, if you’re suffering from very dry skin or have recently completed a resurfacing treatment (such as a chemical peel or laser), use of high-frequency may dry the skin out too much. We would then recommend alternative options to meet your goals.

Whether you want to try a high-frequency facial or simply want to get the best recommendations for your skin, contact us today. You’ll be in great hands at Ziba Medical Medical Spa.

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