High Frequency Facial ~ What Is It & What Are It’s Benefits
With so many aesthetic technologies available, it can be difficult to discern what’s fab or just a fad. There has been a lot of recent buzz about High-Frequency Facials and while have been around for a long time, and provide proven benefits not everyone is familiar with them. Want to learn why we love this flexible facial treatment? Read on!
What Is a High Frequency Facial?
The tool itself looks like a stick with a little bubble on the end—that bubble is the electrode. The electrode is filled with Argon (produces a violet/blue ray) or Neon Gas (produces an orange/red ray) and emits a small electrical current. When applied across the skin it generates oxygen, kills bacteria, and calms inflamed skin for the high-frequency home facial of your dreams.
The high frequency alternating current can produce a 60,000 to 200,000 hertz frequency, depending on how it is regulated. High frequency treatment may involve placing the electrode directly on the skin (direct high frequency) or leaving a gap between the electrode and skin (indirect high frequency). The glass electrodes are filled with a gas, either Argon (produces a violet/blue ray) or Neon (produces an orange/red ray).
Difference between Argon (violet-blue) & Neon (orange-red) Gas:
• Argon – used on acne-type lesions
• Neon – used on general or oily type skin to create warmth in localized area for improved product penetration.
High Frequency Treatment Applications:
1) Direct High Frequency – is an external application that produces a germicidal effect through ozone formation of the skin’s surface, via the glass electrode, where the air sparks between the electrode & the skin combines with oxygen.
Use for Direct High Frequency:
• Acne-type lesions using an argon gas electrode for a “sparking” treatment.
• Oily skin with overall congestion using a neon gas electrode for drying and germicidal effects.
Effects of Direct High Frequency:
• Disinfects skin
• Drying & healing seborrhea/acne
• Provides effluvation – warming sensation to increase skin temperature
2) Indirect High Frequency – The use of the current for relaxation & sedation. Unlike the direct method the current flows through the surface of the body, and has a regenerating action.
Use for Indirect High Frequency:
• To aid penetration of a treatment cream/ampule by increasing blood flow in certain areas, whereas infra-red or massage would stimulate the entire face.
• To assist in massage for an aging skin using the indirect method.
Effects of Indirect High Frequency:
• Stimulates blood lymphatic flow
• Stimulates the heat in the tissue
• Stimulates sebaceous secretion
• Stimulates relaxation effect
How Does a High Frequency Facial Work?
High-frequency machines use thermal current electrodes of clear tempered glass in various shapes and sizes to treat contours of the face and body. A gentle alternating electrical current makes contact with the skin and ignites an inert gas within the electrode to produce healing electrical light energy and purifying ozone.
When mixed with the air outside of the electrode, the electrical current infuses the skin with rejuvenating oxygen molecules and a therapeutic zapping or tingling sensation is experienced.
What Are The Benefits Of High-Frequency Treatments?
The painless, safe, gentle oscillating and oxygenating power of high-frequency electrical currents enhance blood circulation, increase collagen and elastin production, eliminate toxins and acne-causing bacteria, encourage lymphatic drainage, and improve skin care product absorption. The primary action of high-frequency current is thermal (heat producing) and oxygen which assists in killing stubborn acne bacteria under the skin; relieving cystic acne, reducing the severity and duration of breakouts. The rapid rate of oscillation, also tones skin and tighten pores, making it a perfect enhancement to any Daybreak facial.
High-frequency has been shown to:
• reduce and calm acne breakouts
• shrink enlarged pores
• reduce sebum production
• reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• promote lymphatic drainage
• increase product penetration
• rejuvenate the condition of the scalp and nourish hair follicles for healthier hair growth
• diminish the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles
Also, because high-frequency therapy stimulates blood lymphatic flow, disinfects the skin, and heats the tissue, it can help support your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin.
High-frequency and aging skin
High-frequency current firms and tones by causing an immediate circulation of blood to the skin and subtle tissue warming. This causes a very safe and natural contraction of the underlying blood vessels and tiny muscle groups. The dilation of the underlying vessels pushes away toxins, while the cells enjoy a feast of increased nutrients and hydrating volume. This results in an increase in blood circulation and cell renewal as well as increased production levels of collagen and elastin which soften and smooth away wrinkles, reduce pore size and improve overall skin texture. It also produces an enriched form of oxygen, which can provide the skin with a firm, youthful, vibrant glow. It can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten double chins and jowls and improve overall skin texture and tone by promoting increased collagen production.
High-frequency and acne
High-frequency promotes a natural cleansing and antibacterial action to treat existing acne and prevents the onset of new acne. If you experience cystic acne, you may benefit from the deep penetrating germicidal action of high-frequency. The skin is left feeling instantly energized, rosy, firm, refreshed and noticeably softer, even after just one treatment. The enriched oxygen molecules produced by high-frequency are safe and have been proven to be effective to help restore the skin’s health.
The production of enriched oxygen molecules between the electrode and your skin provides an anti-bacterial effect and slight warming of the tissues which helps push away toxins, increase blood and lymphatic circulation, and prompt cellular renewal.
High-frequency and enlarged pores
With regular use, high frequency facials can be quite effective at reducing the size of enlarged pores, softening skin, controlling excess sebum production and eliminating the occurrence of blackheads. The oxygen molecules produced by the high frequency current diminish enlarged pores by penetrating deep into the skin, cleaning out unwanted debris thereby allowing the pore to quickly reduce down to its natural, un-congested size.
High-frequency and eye puffiness / dark circles
The pulsating “oxygenation” action produced by high frequency current stimulates lymphatic drainage and disperses excess fluid while increasing blood circulation. The result is a reduction in the appearance of congested, tired, puffy eyes. High frequency also helps the skin more efficiently absorb skin care products thereby extending their effectiveness.
New scientific research has shown the cause of severe dark eye circles to be broken capillaries that have leaked hemoglobin, creating a red-blue pigment deposit under the eyes. High frequency creates a circulation rush in the area and helps your current under eye product penetrate deeper into the skin tissue. The application of high frequency can be very effective at fading dark under eye circles resulting in a fresher, brighter, more youthful looking appearance.
High-frequency and healthier hair growth
Through its rapid oscillation, high frequency current promotes local blood circulation thereby improving nourishment to the hair follicles, stimulating local glandular activity, gently exfoliating the skin, and supplying heat to the area which is soothing to the nervous system and significantly improves the scalp’s receptiveness to and the overall effectiveness of post-treatment hair growth formulas. For many years, trichologist and hair loss / restoration professionals have used high frequency current technology to revitalize scalp conditions which can aid in promoting healthier hair growth.
After Treatment Care
High frequency is a safe and gentle procedure with no downtime. You will need to protect your skin with moisturizer and sun block for 48 hours after the treatment and may experience mild redness and sloughing/peeling.
Recommended Treatment Plan
For the best result, a series of high-frequency services — 3 to 6 is recommended. These initial treatments can be spaced one week apart, treatments can continue on a monthly basis for the best maintenance.
Can High Frequency Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Because high-frequency therapy is so versatile, nearly all of our specialty skin treatments can be combined with high-frequency therapy. We especially love incorporating high-frequency with our custom facials, using it as an extra skin clarification step after a HydroFacial, or combining it with our Back Purifier Treatment to reduce “bacne”.
That said, high-frequency treatment isn’t always suitable. For instance, if you’re suffering from very dry skin or have recently completed a resurfacing treatment (such as a chemical peel or laser), use of high-frequency may dry the skin out too much. We would then recommend alternative options to meet your goals.
What Results Can I Expect?
Depending on the area treated, you will notice an improvement after your treatment. Acne scars will be less obvious. Age spots and fine lines are reduced, and many clients report that their skin seems softer, tighter, smoother and younger looking.
High frequency can be drying especially during the winter months. If you find that your skin gets too dry with treatment, we recommend restricting your treatment to once every 4-5 days and following up with a quality moisturizer.
Some will notice a difference after one treatment (improved skin tone, tightening effect, improvement in the appearance of acne) while others will require more treatments to recognize the full benefits. As is true with any holistic, skin rejuvenation system, results are cumulative and can vary by individual skin type and concern. Each treatment builds upon the last. High frequency can also greatly maximize the benefits of your creams, lotions and serums by helping deeper absorption below the dermis.
Is High-Frequency Safe?
High frequency treatment is considered a safe, easy and gentle skin rejuvenation technology however please review the precautions noted below.
Topical Treatments, High-Frequency and Acne
High-frequency produces enriched oxygen molecules for a cleansing and purifying effect and exfoliate the skin. Because some acne creams contain ingredients that can sometimes be overly drying on the skin, we recommend applying them following high frequency treatment rather than before. You may find that you will want to eliminate your acne topicals depending on your skin sensitivity. Consult with your physician or dermatologist prior to receiving this treatment.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Products and High-Frequency
We recommend Osmosis Skin Care, of course, for best results, use non-oily products with hydrating properties and those that contain peptides.
Will I Feel the Electrical Current on My Skin?
High-frequency is a low level oscillating current that can be very soothing, relaxing and revitalizing. A slight tingling or zapping will be felt during treatment. Facial sensitivity rates vary and can be adjusted to your comfort.
What Are the Conditions Under Which High-Frequency is NOT Recommended?
• AHA or glycolic acids use
• broken capillaries, rosacea or spider veins
• pregnancy
• a pacemaker or other electrical device
• open sores, wounds
• metal in the face or body, including piercings and jewelry
• If you have any other medical conditions, please consult with your physician prior to using this system.
Convinced? We are. We have seen terrific results and invite you to treat yourself to a little high-frequency love. Whether you want to try a high-frequency facial or simply want to get the best product recommendations for your skin, contact us today. You’ll be in great hands at PLEIJ Salon+Spa.
