These Expert-Approved High-Frequency Wands Zap Away Acne Without Breaking the Bank

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With over 232.2 million views on TikTok, it's safe to say high-frequency wands have taken over our social media feeds.

But what exactly is the purpose of these skincare tools that look similar to electric toothbrushes and water flossers? And do they actually live up to the internet's claims of zapping acne? Well, as Best Products' beauty editor who enjoys deep cleansing facials that incorporate high-frequency wands, I was curious about their efficacy. So, I contacted a few of my most trusted skincare professionals for the tea on all things high-frequency wands. I also researched and found impressive options I'd be willing to spend my money on, and believe they can also help make a difference in everyone's skincare routine, too.

Best High-Frequency Wands

• Best Overall: Stacked Skincare High-Frequency Acne Device

• Best Budget: TUMAKOU High-Frequency Facial Machine

• Best Under $100: Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand

• Best Rated: Pure Daily Care Professional Skin Therapy Wand

• Best Cordless High-Frequency Wand: Pro FacialWand Cordless High Frequency Facial Wand

What Does a High-Frequency Wand Do?

In short, a lot. “High-frequency wands have become popular as facial add-ons that provide thermal energy to increase circulation and oxygenate the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, D.O. "This generation of oxygen theoretically kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin." High-frequency wands will also heat up the oil-producing sebaceous glands, leading to decreased oil production, adds Lal.

So, what does this all mean for users? Well, high-frequency wands do not prevent acne, but they treat already present pimples. High-frequency wands have also been shown to shorten the duration of pimples, notes Lal and celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Lal says high-frequency wands can be time-consuming and impractical to use when dealing with moderate-to-severe acne, which is why he prefers them for treating stubborn, red, and inflamed localized pimples.

High-Frequency Wand Benefits

Not only do high-frequency wands treat current pimples and speed up the healing process of breakouts, but celebrity esthetician Taylor Worden says they help minimize the look of pores and bring circulation and oxygen to the face to help with fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Worden, who founded Taylor Worden Skin in New York, adds that high-frequency wands can even help stimulate hair growth, which is why some on this list include a detachable comb-like head to run through from the scalp to the ends of the hair.

Worden adds there are two types of high-frequency wands. Those that use neon or red light to help aging skin, and those that use blue light or argan to help target acne. Understanding someone's skincare goals will ensure you gift them something practical they'll actually use instead of giving them a gadget that'll collect dust on a hard-to-reach shelf.

How We Chose

Ready to zap away existing pimples? Here are seven of the best high-frequency wands worth incorporating into an at-home skincare routine. They were selected based on a combination of factors, including the wattage, quantity and size of attachments, brand reputation, and more. These recommendations start at around $40, and have earned plenty of impressive online reviews. In addition to these considerations, I also asked the skincare pros for feedback on these selections — and they kept it real with their thoughts, which is always appreciated.

High-Frequency Acne Device

When it comes to the best high-frequency wands, Stacked Skincare is the OG. Although the price is steep, the quality of the device and accessories stand out — and are well worth the cost. It's so effective that Woden loves it and says it's great for acne-prone skin and beginners making the foray into the world of high-frequency wands.

The wand uses argon gas electrodes to create a small current and oxygen to help calm red, inflamed acne on the face and body. Notably, this is the sole option on our list featuring a customizable dial that controls the strength of the electrodes for your comfort.

This product comes with three attachments for the large and small crevices of the face, plus a comb that promises to help stimulate hair follicles.

Online reviewers also can't get enough of this aesthetician-created skincare tool. One parent gifted their daughter the Stacked Skincare high-frequency wand — and the daughter was so compelled by the skin improvements that she convinced her parent to order one as a self-care gift.

Speaking of reviewers, a consistent theme among consumers is this tool legit works! To quote a 5-star Stacked Skincare review, "This had been an absolute game changer for my chin acne. I’ve spent decades and $$$ on dermatologists, facials, topical treatments, oral medications but it turns out all I needed was this machine. I did try an early version of a zit zapper- it did nothing compared to this. Will gladly spend a few minutes a day using this to have control of my chin acne for the rest of my life!"

More: Tested and Reviewed: Body Care Products for Spa Vibes

High Frequency Facial Machine

Look, I get it: We don't always want to spend a lot of money on skincare tools. And thanks to TUMAKOU, users can test the waters of a high-frequency wand without forking over a ton of cash. This wand is the cheapest product on this list, and provides the best bang for your buck.

This lightweight option comes with four attachments, including one for the scalp. It is less powerful than other options on our list, but it can still treat acne. And when someone is paying nearly 75% less than the best overall product, they really can't complain.

Don't worry: This high-frequency wand earned glowing reviews from Amazon shoppers, who praised its efficacy.

"My esthetician encouraged me to buy this and I had no idea what the benefits were. I love this thing! It zaps those red spots before they become pimples, my scarring has eased, and overall my skin looks much healthier," says a 5-star Amazon review.

High-Frequency Wand

Thanks to Skin Gym’s high-frequency wand, users can banish breakouts at home without traveling to the spa for an expensive treatment.

This non-bulky high-frequency wand is lightweight and skinny, making it excellent for traveling. While it's $35 cheaper than Stacked Skincare's product, users are forgoing accessories, like a large attachment for the cheeks or a comb for the hair — hence why it's not the best overall winner.

This is someone's best bet if they can get by with only two attachments: a mushroom cap for larger areas and a sparker for spot-treating blemishes. If that sounds like your loved one, then their skin is in for a real treat, as reviewers are obsessed with using this skincare tool to eliminate acne.

"I bought this on a whim thinking it's probably going to be pretty gimmicky. I had a huge zit pop up on my chin and I finally got to give it a try. The first day after using it, the pimple is almost flat. The second day, the pimple was totally flat and just a tiny red mark," says a 5-star Skin Gym review.

Professional Skin Therapy Wand

Lal says NuDerma is by far the most popular high-frequency wand device on the market because it's portable and includes both large and small attachments for the face and scalp.

When we originally published this story in 2022, the brand only included four wand attachments, but now there are two more to ensure every nook and cranny of the face can be treated. It's no wonder Worden calls NuDerma a great brand.

This is also the most well-loved high-frequency wand among Amazon shoppers — it boasts an impressive 4.5-star average rating from nearly 6,500 reviews.

"Since incorporating the NuDerma Wand into my daily skincare routine, I've noticed a significant enhancement in my skin's tightness and overall clarity. The device's promise to boost the skin’s appearance isn't just marketing fluff; it's a reality that I've experienced firsthand. The application process itself is soothing, and with each use, I can feel as though I'm treating my skin to a professional spa service right at home," says a 5-star Amazon review.

Cordless High Frequency Facial Wand

Cords can be relatively cumbersome and a real first-world pain when your giftee deals with rather limited bathroom counter space. They won't have to compromise with this epic gift. It's the only cordless high-frequency wand on this list. Unlike others available on Amazon, this one has more reviews and costs less but provides similar key specs.

Although it only provides one included attachment, it has an update: the small-to-medium circular shape can target pesky breakouts with ease. It may take some finessing to zap zits on the sides of the nose, but your giftee should be fine if Amazon reviews are any positive indicators.

"I have relatively good skin but I suffer from hormonal breakouts or the occasional red snf dry patch. I was looking into a HF wand but saw a majority of them were corded. I came across this and thought this would be a perfect fit for my needs. I’ve been using this for the past few days and have seen blemishes go away over night," says a 5-star Amazon review.

And for what it's worth: You can always gift someone extra attachments if you feel generous.

Professional High Frequency

Another popular high-frequency wand option worth considering is from Lift Wand. The navy blue wand has seven (!!) attachments, including one shaped like an extra wide “U” that’s designed for the bridge of the nose, which is an area that typically gets very greasy with my oily skin.

Worden also appreciates that the red light high-frequency wand also comes with a separate body roller wand, which she describes as a useful option ideal for larger areas.

Amazon reviewers note this high-frequency wand doesn't work beauty miracles, but it is effective after a few days of use. One reviewer says this high-frequency wand helps treat stubborn acne by "forcing them to show themselves," and it helps speed up acne healing. Others, including a 50-something reviewer relies on it to soften facial lines on their chin, cheeks, and nose.

Above all, reviewers love how simple this skincare tool is to use. "This is very user-friendly, and with all the attachments, it makes it easy to pop whatever size you want fast, and the case is great with a slot for all," says a 5-star review.

Lastly, as someone who is relatively clumsy, I love that the glass attachments, microneedling tool, and body roller will all be safe in the aluminum carrying case with a secure snap closure.

Lift Wand 2.0 High-Frequency Machine

For anyone looking to invest in a high-frequency wand, consider the Lift Wand 2.0: It includes everything someone needs to treat acne on their face.

Notably, the Lift Wand 2.0 is equipped with a nose attachment to help kill the acne-causing bacteria that leads to pimples on this typically oily face area. The kit also comes with three other accessories: a tongue-shaped attachment for spot treatments, a curved extension for targeting hard-to-reach areas, and a mushroom cap for the rest of the face.

Worden hasn't tried this high-frequency wand yet, but appreciates the aesthetics and functional wand attachments, including the one that looks like a mini iron for zapping pimples on the nose.

Amazon reviewers are psyched about the efficacy of The Lift, with one shopper noting it's more effective than night cream. The tingling sensation may startle people at first, but it is pumping oxygen to your skin making it more plump because it creates ozone. It makes your skin feel tight and rosy just from a few minutes of use. If you want to look younger then consider this as the main high-frequency device," says their 5-star review.

It's also the only product on this list that includes a bottle of Moroccan argan oil, which is known for its moisturizing, acne healing, and anti-aging properties. (The brand suggests applying this oil before using its high-frequency wand.)

Tips for Using a High-Frequency Wand

Here are some dos and don'ts for correctly using a high-frequency wand:

Learn from Lal and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., as well as Worden, Ross, and esthetician Alessandra Cavallaro of Spa Bem-Ti-Vi in San Francisco.

Do’s

• It seems obvious, but it's important to note: Always follow the directions. This includes not holding the high-frequency wand longer on the skin than the directions advise, or users may accidentally burn their skin.

• Speaking of duration, the pros say to only use the device no more than once a day.Be sure the skin is cleansed, and remove all metal jewelry on the head and neck.

• Estheticians typically place a piece of gauze between the face and the high-frequency wand to easily glide the device over the skin.

Don’ts

Do not use or gift a high-frequency wand if someone has a pacemaker, is pregnant, has heart rhythm abnormalities, or has any seizure disorders.

Those with skin sensitivities, like rosacea or melasma, should avoid using high-frequency wands since they worsen redness, blushing, and flushing, and hyperpigmentation.

Don't use the high-frequency wand on any comedones, and open or broken skin, including areas that have been picked at or were manually extracted at home.

To avoid irritation and redness, skip using any products containing retinoids, retinol, and acids after treatment.

High-Frequency Wand Aftercare

The good news is that someone can incorporate a high-frequency wand into their beauty routine and it's low maintenance way to keep their skin zit-free. Ross advises readers to always wipe down their wand with a dry cloth, and can once in a while use an antiseptic wipe just to make sure it's clean of any bacteria

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