Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Acne can cause pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne can also cause inflammation, redness, pain, and scarring.
If you have acne-prone skin, you may have tried various products and treatments to clear your skin and prevent future breakouts. But did you know that there is a skincare tool that can help you kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation with just a few zaps? It’s called a high-frequency wand.
What is a High-Frequency Wand?
A high-frequency wand is a device that uses electrical currents to generate oxygen and heat on the skin’s surface. It looks like a glass tube that glows with different colors depending on the type of gas inside it. The most common gases are argon (blue or violet) and neon (orange or red).
The high-frequency wand has been used by aestheticians for decades to treat various skin conditions, especially acne1. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, stimulating blood circulation, and promoting collagen production
How Does High Frequency Kill Acne-Causing Bacteria?
Acne-causing bacteria, also known as Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes, are anaerobic bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments. They feed on the oil and dead skin cells in the pores and produce inflammatory substances that cause pimples.
The high-frequency wand can kill these bacteria by generating oxygen on the skin’s surface. The oxygen acts as an antibacterial agent that destroys the bacteria on contact. The high-frequency wand can also create ozone, which is a form of oxygen that has even stronger antibacterial properties.
By killing the bacteria, the high-frequency wand can reduce the number and severity of acne lesions and prevent future breakouts.
How Does High Frequency Reduce Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. It involves swelling, redness, heat, and pain. Inflammation can help heal wounds and fight off pathogens, but it can also cause damage to healthy tissues if it persists for too long.
The high-frequency wand can reduce inflammation by producing heat on the skin’s surface. The heat can soothe inflamed skin and reduce swelling, redness, and pain.The heat can also dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the skin, which can enhance nutrient delivery, oxygen supply, and toxin removal.
By reducing inflammation, the high-frequency wand can improve the appearance and texture of the skin and speed up the healing process of acne lesions.
How to Use a High-Frequency Wand for Acne-Prone Skin
Using a high-frequency wand is easy and painless. You just need to follow these steps:
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly and pat it dry.
- Attach the appropriate electrode to the wand. For acne-prone skin, use the argon gas electrode. For aging or dull skin, use the neon gas electrode.
- Turn on the wand and adjust the intensity level according to your preference. Start with a low setting and gradually increase it until you feel a slight tingling sensation.
- Hold the wand about an inch away from your skin and move it in circular motions over the areas you want to treat. Avoid touching the electrode directly to your skin.
- Treat each area for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until you see a slight redness on your skin.
- Turn off the wand and detach the electrode. Cleanse the electrode with alcohol and store it in a dry place.
- Apply your favorite moisturizer or serum to your skin.
You can use a high-frequency wand once or twice a week, depending on your skin condition and tolerance. You should see results after a few sessions, such as reduced inflammation, improved texture, and clearer complexion.
Precautions of Using a High-Frequency Wand for Acne-Prone Skin
While a high-frequency wand is generally safe and effective for acne-prone skin, there are some precautions you should take before using it:
- Consult your dermatologist: If you have any medical conditions or allergies that may affect your skin, you should consult your dermatologist before using a high-frequency wand. Some conditions that may make you unsuitable for this treatment include rosacea, melasma, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, pacemaker implantation, metal implants, or open wounds.
- Do a patch test: Before using a high-frequency wand on your face, you should do a patch test on a small area of your arm or neck to check for any adverse reactions. If you experience any itching, burning, or irritation, you should stop using the device immediately.
- Avoid metal jewelry: You should remove any metal jewelry or accessories from your face or body before using a high-frequency wand. Metal can interfere with the electrical currents and cause burns or shocks.
- Use gentle products: You should avoid using any harsh or irritating products on your skin before or after using a high-frequency wand. These include alcohol-based toners, exfoliants, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C serums. Instead, use gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens that are suitable for your skin type.
- Limit sun exposure: You should limit your sun exposure for at least 24 hours after using a high-frequency wand. Your skin may be more sensitive to UV rays and prone to sunburns or hyperpigmentation. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when going outdoors.
Conclusion
A high-frequency wand is a skincare tool that can help you kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation with just a few zaps. It works by generating oxygen and heat on the skin’s surface to destroy the bacteria and soothe inflamed skin.
You can use a high-frequency wand at home by following some simple steps: cleanse your skin, attach the appropriate electrode, turn on the device, move it over your skin, turn off the device, and moisturize your skin.
You should also take some precautions before using a high-frequency wand: consult your dermatologist, do a patch test, avoid metal jewelry, use gentle products, and limit sun exposure.
By using a high-frequency wand regularly, you can improve your skin condition and enjoy a healthier, firmer, and clearer complexion.