High-frequency facials have become an increasingly popular skin care treatment over the last few years. This non-invasive procedure uses a high-frequency electrical current to deliver therapeutic benefits to the skin.

If you’re considering trying a high-frequency facial, there are some key things you should know first. Here are 10 must-know facts about high-frequency facials.

1. What Does High Frequency Do in a Facial?

The main benefit of high frequency during a facial treatment is that it produces oxygen. The high-frequency currents create an arc of electricity that generates ozone, a triatomic form of oxygen.

When the ozone comes into contact with the skin, it decomposes back into regular oxygen and is absorbed. This floods the skin with purified oxygen molecules.

Oxygen is essential for healthy skin. Getting more oxygen to the skin’s surface helps improve circulation, clear up acne, prevent new breakouts, speed healing of scars and blemishes, reduce enlarged pores, and give skin a radiant glow.

2. High Frequency Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria

In addition to increasing oxygen, high frequency also has a germicidal effect on the skin. The ozone produced naturally sanitizes the skin’s surface.

Ozone is a powerful disinfectant that can destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When applied to the skin, the ozone eliminates acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes. This helps treat and prevent breakouts.

The antibacterial action also protects skin from infection, making high frequency beneficial for treating conditions like folliculitis.

3. It Boosts Product Absorption

High frequency can also help your skin better absorb the nutrients in skincare products.

The increased oxygenation improves circulation and opens pores. This allows serums, creams, and other topical products to better penetrate the skin.

Doing a round of high frequency before applying products like vitamin C, retinol, or hyaluronic acid can increase their efficacy.

4. How Often Should You Do High Frequency on Your Face?

For maximum results, aim to get a high-frequency facial 1-2 times per week. Those with very congested or acneic skin may benefit from 2-3 sessions weekly.

It’s safe to use high frequency daily for a short period of time to help clear up moderate-severe acne. But daily long-term use is not necessary or recommended for most.

Once your skin is in better balance, high frequency maintenance sessions every 1-2 weeks is ideal.

5. High Frequency Facials Are Safe for Most Skin Types

High-frequency electrical currents are very gentle on the skin. Therefore, these facials are safe for all skin types.

However, those with highly sensitive skin may experience some irritation, redness, or other reactions. It’s best to consult an esthetician to see if high frequency is suitable for extremely sensitized skin.

High frequency can be used safely around the eye area but avoid direct contact with the eyes. Those with pacemakers should not use high frequency due to the electrical current.

6. Side Effects Are Minimal

For most people, high-frequency facials produce little to no side effects. Some minor tingling, warmth, or tightness may be felt during the treatment. Slight redness for up to an hour after is also common.

When used correctly, high frequency should not damage the skin barrier or cause burns. See an experienced esthetician and always follow proper protocols to prevent safety issues.

The only other potential side effect is drying. The boost in oxygen can speed up evaporation from the skin’s surface. Be sure to use moisturizer after your high-frequency session.

7. It Requires Special Equipment

High-frequency facials require a specialized piece of equipment to generate the electrical current. Handheld high frequency wands or larger dome-shaped machines are used.

The wand has a glass electrode that emits the high frequency waves. Air exposure to the electrical arc generates the therapeutic oxygen. Some wands also allow the use of attachments like special tips or argon gas to enhance effects.

High frequency equipment should only be used by trained skincare professionals. At-home devices are not recommended due to safety concerns.

8. Treatment Cost Varies

The average price per high-frequency facial treatment is $50-100. However, pricing can range from $20 for a quick targeted session to over $150 for more extensive facials at luxury spas.

When getting high frequency as an add-on to other services like microdermabrasion or LED light therapy, some places may offer package deals. Multi-session high frequency packages can lower the per-treatment cost.

Those with insurance coverage for acne or other medical skin conditions may be able to get high-frequency treatments partially reimbursed if prescribed by a dermatologist.

9. What to Expect During and After Treatment

During the facial, you’ll feel a slight warming and tingling sensation as the high frequency electrode is moved over the face. There may be an ozone smell.

The esthetician will use different techniques like indirect contact, direct contact, or argon gas to cover all areas of the face. They may also incorporate special tipped attachments around the nose, lips, and eyes.

Immediately after the treatment, skin will appear more radiant from increased blood circulation. It may be slightly red or flushed looking for up to an hour after.

Over the next day or two, you can expect better hydration, less oiliness, smaller looking pores, and improved clarity as oxygen increases intake of skincare products. Acne will start clearing with continued regular use.

10. How to Do High Frequency at Home

While at-home high frequency devices are not recommended, there are some safe ways to get mild oxygenation similar to a facial:

• Use an oxygen-infused serum with ingredients like sodium hyaluronate or hydrogen peroxide. Apply topically and let sit for 10 minutes before moisturizing.

• Make a natural disinfecting toner with purified water and a couple drops of tea tree essential oil or manuka honey. Mist over skin.

• Mix activated charcoal powder with aloe vera gel. Gently massage into skin and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

• Try an oxygenating clay mask. Apply to clean skin for 10 minutes then rinse well.

While these provide a touch of oxygen, only professional high frequency can deliver the full circulation, product penetration, acne-fighting, and anti-aging benefits.

Give High Frequency a Try for Healthier Skin

High-frequency electrical currents can work wonders to improve many common skin concerns. This safe, non-invasive treatment utilizes the power of oxygen and ozone to treat acne, boost circulation, encourage collagen production, and leave skin looking beautifully radiant.

Consider booking a series of high-frequency facials at your local esthetician or dermatologist’s office to reap the rewards of oxygenation. Be sure to use moisturizer after to hydrate. With regular sessions, you’ll love how your skin looks clearer, smoother, and more vibrant.