High Frequency is a popular skincare technique that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including acne management, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and puffy or dark eyes.

To fully understand the concept of high frequency, it is helpful to learn about the science behind its creation and the benefits it has when used on your skin.

A Brief History Of High-Frequency Treatment

The first high frequency appliance was developed in the late 1800’s by renowned scientist Nikola Tesla and was referred to as the Violet Ray. While it offers a number of functions, before the invention of ‘modern’ antibiotics it was largely used for medical purposes such as in the treatment of strep throat and other infections and to expedite the healing of wounds.

French biophysicist Jacques-Arsène d’Arsonval also did early work in the area of electrotherapy. In 1892 he introduced the use of high frequency currents to treat diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. High frequency is traditionally referred to as “D’Arsonval high frequency” or the “Tesla current”.

In the 1970’s, European salons discovered the cosmetic and healing benefits of high frequency electrical stimulation on the skin and by 1980, the the technology became widely used in North American by skin care professionals. Considered a very safe and non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation, high frequency technology became quickly recognized by licensed as the leading treatment for many skin conditions ranging from acne to wrinkles to hair loss.

The Science

All high frequency facial machines function by using a glass high frequency electrode to treat various contours of the face and body. When applied to the surface of the skin, a mild electrical current passes through the neon, or argon gas filled glass electrode, causing it to emit a subtle glow and buzzing noise. Depending on the inert gas that they are filled with, the electrodes produce either a neon red/orange or violet/blue light. Traditionally, acne prone skin is treated with violet and aging skin is treated with red, however, recent studies show that both are effective regardless of the skincare concern.

During the high frequency treatment, enriched oxygen molecules are produced that create an anti-bacterial action and a “natural” thermal tissue warming. This reaction helps your blood vessels push away toxins, while the cells in your skin are enriched with nutrients and hydrating volume. This in turn creates an increase in blood circulation and cell renewal that supports increased levels of collagen and elastin. The skin is left feeling instantly energized and noticeably softer after just one treatment.

High frequency has proven to be effective on almost any skin lesion from acne and burns, to waxing procedures and cold sores. High frequency facials are considered to be a safe, gentle and therapeutic approach to skin rejuvenation, quickly healing and restoring your skin’s health.

What is High Frequency good for?

High frequency increases oxygen to the skin, improving the overall texture, tone, and glow and helps to treat acne problems. All of this promotes collagen stimulation and elastin production, providing a firmer and more youthful appearance. The oscillation produced by high frequency aids in lymphatic drainage and helps to evenly disperse excess fluid.

Does High Frequency kill bacteria?

High Frequency oxygenates the surface of the skin, kills P. acne bacteria, stimulates circulation and aids in detoxification, contracts blood vessels minimizing red inflamed skin. … This kind of treatment also can aid in shrinking pores, reducing signs of aging and stopping persistent acne in its tracks.

What Is A High Frequency Facial?

The high frequency facial is used to treat and prevent stubborn acne, shrink enlarged pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decongest puffy eyes, fade dark eye circles and even rejuvenate the condition of the scalp and nourish hair follicles for healthier hair growth.

Considered a timeless and essential skin rejuvenating treatment in the skin care industry, high frequency stimulates cell renewal and assists with improved skin care product penetration and absorption by gently warming the tissues of the skin.

High frequency facial machines and devices (traditionally referred to as “violet rays”) vary in design and appearance however the underlying principle, technology, and operational functions are the same. Most professional high frequency machines used in medical offices operate at a frequency of 100,000–2500,000+ Hertz (cycles per second).

The safe and gentle oscillating and oxygenating power of high frequency electrical current has been shown to enhance blood circulation, increase collagen and elastin production, eliminate toxins and acne-causing bacteria, encourage lymphatic drainage, exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin care product absorption. The primary action of high frequency current is thermal (heat producing) and is characterized by a high rate of oscillation. Due to its rapid rate of oscillation, high frequency does not cause muscular contractions — instead, it works on the principle of skin toning.

How Does High Frequency Work?

High frequency facial machines work in conjunction with high frequency electrodes which are made of clear tempered glass and come in a variety different shapes and sizes to facilitate the treatment of various contours of the face and body. When the high frequency electrode is firmly inserted into the high frequency hand piece, a gentle alternating electrical current is generated by the high frequency machine which then passes through the attached glass electrode upon contact with the skin. This contact ignites the inert gas within the electrode which produces healing electrical light energy and unstable oxygen which instantly converts into purifying ozone. In other words, when mixed with the air outside of the electrode, the electrical current infuses the skin with rejuvenating oxygen molecules and a therapeutic zapping or tingling sensation is experienced.

In treating aging skin, high frequency current firms and tones by causing an immediate circulation rush to the skin in addition to subtle tissue warming. These functions cause a very safe and natural contraction of the underlying blood vessels and tiny muscle groups. The dilation of the underlying vessels pushes away toxins, while the cells enjoy a feast of increased nutrients and hydrating volume. This result is in an increase in blood circulation and cell renewal as well as increased production levels of Collagen and Elastin which soften and smooth away wrinkles, reduce pore size and improve overall skin texture.

The application of high frequency current to the skin also promotes a natural cleansing and antibacterial action that helps treat existing acne and prevents the onset of new acne. Clients experiencing cystic acne will benefit greatly from the deep penetrating germicidal action of high frequency. The skin is left feeling instantly energized, rosy, firm, refreshed and noticeably softer — even after just one treatment. The enriched oxygen molecules produced by high frequency machines are safe and have been proven to be effective in helping to heal and restore the skin’s health. High frequency is used to treat a range of concerns from skin lesions, acne, waxing procedures and cold sores to fine lines, sagging skin and puffy eyes. Common areas of treatment include the face, neck and scalp but high frequency can be used on the entire body including the back.

What Are The Benefits of High Frequency Treatment?

High frequency facials offer a safe and gentle alternative to dramatic plastic surgery procedures, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, Collagen and Botox injections and other invasive skin rejuvenation procedures. When using high frequency for anti-aging purposes, results can vary by individual and skin type, are gradual, and do not occur overnight! Although high frequency has been shown to produce an immediate and temporary lifting effect, continued daily application can provide more cumulative long-term, lasting results. Interestingly, many acne sufferers have found improvements in their complexions after only a few days of use.

• An Improvement In Acne

Sometimes the body can become immune to certain acne medications if used over an extended period of time. When combined with an effective acne treatment lotion, regular application of high frequency keeps the acne away long after other expensive medications and treatments can fail. High frequency gently cleanses the skin of acne-causing bacteria and unwanted toxins while making the skin more receptive to acne lotions, creams and other skin treatment products

• A Reduction in Enlarged Pores & Blackheads

With regular use, high frequency facials can be quite effective at reducing the size of enlarged pores, softening skin, controlling excess sebum production and eliminating the occurrence of blackheads. The gentle spray of oxygen molecules produced by the high frequency current diminish enlarged pores by penetrating deep down into the root of the affected area and cleaning out unwanted debris and toxins allowing the pore to quickly regain its natural size once again

• A Softening of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Sagging Skin

The oscillating action of high frequency can increase blood circulation, which in turn nourishes the skin’s surface and renews underlying cells. It also produces an enriched form of oxygen, which can provide the skin with a firm, youthful, vibrant glow. It can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten double chins and jowls and improve overall skin texture and tone by promoting increased collagen production

• A Reduction in Eye Puffiness

The pulsating “oxygenation” action produced by high frequency current aids in lymphatic drainage and disperses excess fluid while increasing blood circulation. The result is a reduction in the appearance of congested, tired, puffy eyes. High frequency also helps the skin more efficiently absorb skin care products thereby extending their effectiveness.

• A Fading of Dark Eye Circles

New scientific research has shown the cause of severe dark eye circles to be broken capillaries that have leaked hemoglobin, creating a red-blue pigment deposit under the eyes. High frequency creates a circulation rush in the area and helps your current under eye product penetrate deeper into the skin tissue. The application of high frequency can be very effective at fading dark under eye circles resulting in a fresher, brighter, more youthful looking appearance.

• An Improvement In The Appearance of Cellulite

With regular use, high frequency treatment can be very effective at reducing reducing the appearance of cellulite when used in conjunction with a quality cellulite product. For years, the skin care industry has relied on this same high frequency, oxygen molecule producing technology to aid in lymphatic drainage, gently exfoliate the skin, increase blood, circulation, assist in the production of collagen and elastin and promote healthy cell metabolism. The result: smoother, firmer, more refined skin.

• Healthier Hair Growth

Through its rapid oscillation, high frequency current improves the process of nourishment, gently exfoliates the skin, promotes local blood circulation, stimulates local glandular activity, supplies heat to the area which is soothing to the nervous system and significantly improves the scalp’s receptiveness to and the overall effectiveness of post-treatment hair growth formulas.