Acne can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing. If you’ve tried countless creams, washes, antibiotics, and other treatments with no success, it may be time to consider high frequency wand treatments. High frequency wands use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to help clear acne and allow skin to heal.

What is High Frequency Wand Treatment?

A high frequency wand is a handheld device that emits a low level of ultraviolet light and high frequency alternating current to treat various skin conditions. The main use of high frequency wands is to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin while stimulating skin cell renewal.

The glass bulb attachment emits UV rays that penetrate pores to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. The high frequency alternating current creates a mild thermal reaction, increasing blood circulation to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. This combination helps treat active acne while preventing future breakouts.

How Does High Frequency Work on Acne?

There are two ways high frequency wands work to clear acne:

• Kills acne-causing bacteria - The UV light emitted from the glass bulb attachment penetrates pores, destroying bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes that cause inflammatory acne.

• Stimulates skin renewal - The high frequency alternating current creates a thermal reaction, increasing blood flow. This boosts collagen production and kills bacteria under the skin’s surface.

Regular high frequency wand treatments reduce acne by killing bacteria, unplugging pores, increasing circulation, and encouraging new skin cell growth.

High Frequency Wand Before and After

With consistent use, high frequency wands can significantly improve acne. However, results depend on the severity of acne and consistency of use.

What to Expect After the First Treatment:

• Skin may appear slightly redder as circulation increases. This usually fades within a few hours.

• Pores will appear cleaner as surface bacteria is destroyed. Excess oil production may initially increase.

• No significant difference in acne lesions. Results are seen after 4-6 weekly treatments.

Long Term Results:

• After 1 month: Reduced acne lesions, less severe breakouts

• After 2-3 months: Up to 80% reduction in acne lesions

• After 4-5 months: Significant clearing of acne for most users

Ongoing weekly treatments can help maintain clear skin. High frequency wands also help reduce acne scarring over time by promoting collagen production.

High Frequency vs Radio Frequency for Acne

While high frequency and radio frequency wands both use electromagnetic energy to treat acne, there are some key differences:

• High Frequency uses UV light and high frequency current to kill bacteria and stimulate skin renewal from the inside out.

• Radio Frequency uses radiowaves to heat tissue and destroy acne at a deeper level under the skin’s surface.

High frequency wands work best for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Radio frequency works well for more severe cystic acne and acne scars.

Radio frequency penetrates deeper into the dermis to destroy acne-causing sebum at the source. However, results typically take longer than high frequency treatments.

Benefits of High Frequency Wand Treatment

High frequency wands provide several benefits for clearing acne:

• Kills acne-causing bacteria - The UV light emitted from the glass bulb attachment penetrates pores, destroying bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes that cause inflammatory acne.

• Unclogs pores - The thermal reaction opens up congested pores by melting/vaporizing sebum plugs.

• Reduces inflammation - Destroys bacteria that cause acne lesions to become red, swollen and painful.

• Minimizes scarring - Promotes collagen production to reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.

• Safe for sensitive skin - The thermal reaction only affects sebum plugs/bacteria, not surrounding skin tissue.

• No downtime - Treatments are gentle enough for daily use with no recovery needed.

Are There Risks/Side Effects?

When used correctly, high frequency wand treatments are completely safe for acne-prone skin. There are minimal risks:

• Skin may appear slightly redder for a few hours after treatment as circulation increases.

• Mild tingling/warm sensation may occur during the treatment. This is normal and should not cause pain or discomfort.

• Dryness/flaking is possible if treatments are done too frequently, as skin cell turnover increases. Reduce treatments if dryness occurs.

• No negative side effects have been reported with short 5-10 minute high frequency wand treatments for acne.

To prevent potential risks, follow all device instructions carefully. Avoid direct contact with eyes and do not use if you have any open wounds or sores.

Does High Frequency Wand Hurt?

Most users report high frequency wands are completely painless when used properly. There may be a mild vibrating or warming sensation on the skin during treatment.

You should not experience any pain, stinging, or burning. If discomfort occurs, the device may be held too close to the skin or used too long in one area.

Always start slowly with 1-2 minutes over the whole face. Slowly increase treatment time as skin adjusts. Discomfort can typically be avoided by moving the wand continuously over the skin.

Can You Use During Pregnancy?

Most dermatologists recommend avoiding high frequency wands during pregnancy as a precaution. There is no research proving negative effects, but the electromagnetic energy has potential to affect fetal development.

Topical acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid can be safely used under the guidance of your doctor. Intense pulsed light treatments are also considered safe during pregnancy.

How Much Does High Frequency Wand Treatment Cost?

High frequency wands are an affordable at-home acne treatment. Handheld devices range from $50 - $150 depending on features and attachments. Replacement argon gas tubes cost $10 - $20.

Professional treatments cost $75 - $150 per session depending on your provider and location. Most users need 1 treatment per week for 8-12 weeks to see significant clearing. Ongoing maintenance every 2-4 weeks may be recommended.

Compared to laser treatments or radio frequency wands which can cost hundreds per session, high frequency is a budget-friendly option for treating acne long-term.

Using High Frequency Wands for Acne

Learning proper technique is key to getting optimal results from your high frequency wand:

• Start with a clean face - Remove makeup, oil, and debris so the UV light can penetrate pores.

• Glide wand in circular motions 1⁄2 inch from skin - Holding too close can cause discomfort. Do not press against the skin.

• Slowly move across entire face - Take 30 seconds to 2 minutes over each area to kill bacteria in pores.

• Repeat 2-3 times per session - Most users need 5-10 minute sessions for best results.

• Increase treatments gradually - Begin with 2-3 times a week and work up to daily.

• Adjust for skin sensitivity - Reduce sessions if redness or flaking occurs.

• Be consistent - It takes 4-6 weeks of regular use see significant improvements.

Post-Treatment Care

Properly caring for skin between high frequency sessions maximizes results:

• Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer - Hydrating serums help skin heal faster.

• Avoid touching or picking at skin - This can spread bacteria and cause infections.

• Use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment - Continue killing surface acne bacteria between treatments.

• Stay consistent - Skipping treatments allows acne to come back. Stick to a regular routine.

• Wear sunscreen daily - The UV light can increase sun sensitivity. Protect skin to avoid hyperpigmentation.

With proper use and ongoing care, high frequency wands can be life-changing for stubborn acne. Give this affordable at-home treatment a try before considering harsher laser treatments.

The 5 Best At-Home High Frequency Wands

Looking to buy your own high frequency wand? Here are the top 5 devices:

• NuDerma Pro - Highest quality Italian glass bulbs with argon gas included.

• BelleCube - Budget wand with professional grade neon bulbs and ergonomic handle.

• MiHIGH - Portable, rechargeable wand great for travel. Includes 5 argon tubes.

• ZIT Healthcare - Clinical grade wand approved for hospital use. Lifetime warranty.

• ProFacialWand - An innovative brand in the high-frequency facial wand industry, featuring a wireless, portable design and multifunctional electrodes for comprehensive facial and body care, ideal for both home and on-the-go use.

Research each brand’s bulb type, warranties, and settings to find the right device for your acne treatment needs. Investing in a quality high frequency wand provides cost-effective, safe results from the comfort of home.