What Do Dermatologists Really Think About High-Frequency Wands?
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What Do Dermatologists Really Think About High-Frequency Wands?
With more than 75.2 million views on TikTok, you've likely seen a high-frequency wand pop up on your 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? Luckily for you, I reached out to a few skincare pros for the tea on high frequency wands. I also researched and found impressive options I'd be willing to spend my money on, and believe they can help make a difference in your skincare routine, too.
Best High-Frequency Wands
What does a high-frequency wand do?
“High-frequency wands have become popular as facial add-ons that provide thermal energy to increase circulation and oxygenate the skin,” says Dr. Karan Lal, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. "This generation of oxygen theoretically kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin." High-frequency wands will also heat up sebaceous glands, leading to decreased oil production, adds Lal.
So, what does this all mean for you? Well, high-frequency wands do not prevent acne, but they do treat pimples that are already present. High-frequency wands have also been shown to shorten the duration of pimples, notes Lal.
The New Jersey-based doctor says that high-frequency wands can be time-consuming and impractical to use when you're dealing with moderate-to-severe acne, which is why he prefers them for treating stubborn, red, and inflamed localized pimples.
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 esthetician Alessandra Cavallaro of Spa Bem-Ti-Vi.
Do’s
- You should use the device no more than once a day.
- Be sure your skin is cleansed, and remove all metal jewelry on your head and neck.
- Estheticians typically place a piece of gauze between your face and the high-frequency wand to easily glide the device over your face.
Don’ts
- You should not use a high-frequency wand if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant, have heart rhythm abnormalities, or have any seizure disorders.
- Avoid using a high-frequency wand if you have rosacea or melasma because they can make redness, blushing, and flushing worse. Plus, the heat can worsen your hyperpigmentation.
- To avoid irritation and redness, you should also skip using any products containing retinoids, retinol, and acids after treatment.
Ready to zap away your existing pimples? Here are five of the best high-frequency wands worth incorporating into your 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.
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1) High-Frequency Acne Device
Stacked Skincare
stackedskincare.com
$130.00
When it comes to at-home high-frequency wands, Stacked Skincare is the OG. Although the price is steep, the quality of the device and accessories stand out.
This option uses argon gas electrodes to create a small current and oxygen to help calm red, inflamed acne on your 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 your face, plus a comb that promises to help stimulate your hair follicles.
stackedskincare.com - 3/6
2) High-Frequency Wand
Skin Gym
skingym.com
$95.00
Thanks to Skin Gym’s high-frequency wand, you can banish breakouts at home without traveling to the spa for that 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, you're forgoing two attachments — hence the runner-up distinction.
This is your best bet if you can get by with only two attachments: a mushroom cap for larger areas and a sparker for spot-treating blemishes.
skingym.com - 4/6
3) High-Frequency Wand
Pure Daily Care
amazon.com
$69.95
Lal says that this 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 your face and scalp.
This is also the most well-loved high-frequency wand among Amazon shoppers — it boasts an impressive 4.5-star average rating from a casual 15,770 reviews.
amazon.com - 5/6
4) High-Frequency Therapy Wand Machine
NewWay
amazon.com
$39.99
Look, I get it: You don't always want to spend a lot of money on skincare tools. And thanks to NewWay, you can test the waters of a high-frequency wand without forking over a ton of cash. This wand is the cheapest product on our list, and provides the best bang for your buck.
This option weighs less than half a pound and comes with four attachments, including one for your scalp. This tool is less powerful than other options on this list, but it's still able to treat your acne. And when you're paying 50% less than the runner-up product, you really can't complain.
Don't worry: This high-frequency wand earned glowing reviews from Amazon shoppers, who praised its efficacy.
amazon.com - 6/6
5) Lift Wand 2.0 High-Frequency Machine
Lift Care
amazon.com
$69.00
If you're looking to invest in a high-frequency wand, consider the Lift Wand 2.0: It includes everything you need to treat acne on your face.
Notably, the Lift Wand 2.0 is the only option on this list equipped with a nose attachment to help kill the acne-causing bacteria that leads to pimples on this typically oily area of your face. Your 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 your face.
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.)
amazon.com