Direct High Frequency Facial: Aftercare Advice

Touted as a quick and easy rejuvenating treatment, direct high-frequency can be a fantastic way to get your glow for the day without any downtime or irritation.

However, like with any other beauty treatment, proper aftercare is essential to seal the benefits and maintain a clear, healthy, and firm complexion.

Therefore, if you are thinking of getting your first direct high-frequency facial, here’s everything you need to know about the treatment and the post-treatment aftercare.

What Is a Direct High-Frequency Facial?

A direct high-frequency facial is a skincare treatment technique that utilizes a low-level electrical current to stimulate, sanitize, and rejuvenate the skin, improving its overall appearance and health.

This non-invasive procedure consists of using a machine that emits a mild electrical current through a glass electrode to the skin’s surface, creating heat and ozone.

This process helps increase blood circulation, promote collagen and elastin production, and destroy bacteria on the skin’s surface.

In addition to its benefits for overall skin health, a direct high-frequency facial is also used to target specific skincare concerns such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines.

The electrical current helps to penetrate deep into the skin, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen while promoting the removal of toxins and waste.

This results in a brighter, clearer, and more youthful complexion.

The Benefits of a Direct High-Frequency Facial

Here are some skin benefits that can be achieved with regular use of a high-frequency facial machine:

Reduced Acne: The gas emitted by the machine during treatment produces oxygen molecules that destroy the environment the acne-causing bacteria live in, thus reducing inflammation and minimizing active acne.

Improved Skin Texture: By stimulating blood flow and promoting collagen production, this facial can help improve skin texture, making it smoother and firmer.

Reduced Wrinkles and Fine Lines: The increased production of collagen and elastin can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, giving the skin a more youthful look.

Improved Dark Circles: The stimulation of blood circulation can also reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, giving a more rested and refreshed look.

Reduced Puffiness: The heat from the electrical current can reduce puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage, making the face appear less swollen.

Improved Product Absorption: By opening up pores and increasing blood flow, this facial can help products penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective.

The Side Effects of a Direct High-Frequency Facial

While the side effects of high-frequency machines are relatively rare and mild, some people may experience the following during a direct high-frequency facial:

• Tingling Sensation: The high-frequency electrical current passing through the skin can cause a mild tingling sensation.
• Metallic Taste: Some people may experience a metallic or salty taste in their mouth during treatment due to the ozone produced by the machine or factors such as wearing jewelry, dental implants, or braces. This is temporary and should go away after the treatment.
• Redness: The skin in the treated area may appear slightly red or flushed after use, but this should subside within a few hours. If redness persists for more than a day, consult a skincare professional.
• Sun Sensitivity: This side effect may depend on the medium used during treatment. If a gel or cream containing components such as enzymes or exfoliating acids is applied to the skin before treatment, it can increase sun sensitivity.

The Contraindications of a Direct High-Frequency Facial

A contraindication is a factor that prevents a treatment due to the harm it can cause.

Here are a few contraindications that would prevent you from getting a high-frequency facial:

Headaches and Migraines: This is due to the loud buzzing sound the high-frequency machine produces, which can be uncomfortable for people experiencing frequent headaches or migraines.

Pregnancy: High-frequency machines put you in direct contact with an electrical current, which is not recommended for expectant mothers.

Metal Implants: If you have metal implants or devices in or on your body, such as a pacemaker, this may interfere with the electrical current and cause health concerns.

Dental Fillings and Braces: Metal dental work can cause a metallic taste during treatment, and the electrical current may affect orthodontic appliances such as braces.

Infectious Skin Conditions: Open wounds, cuts, or blisters in the treatment area can increase the risk of spreading the infection during a direct high-frequency facial.

Epilepsy: It is best to avoid using a high-frequency machine if you have epilepsy or other seizure disorders, as the electrical current may trigger a seizure.

Jewelry: All metal jewelry must be removed before the treatment due to the circulation of an electrical current. 

Step-By-Step Guide for a Direct High-Frequency Facial

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a direct high-frequency facial:

1. Cleanse the Skin: Start by removing any makeup, dirt, or excess oil from the skin using a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply a Conductive Gel: A conductive gel or cream can help the electrode glide smoothly over the skin.
3. Begin Treatment with the High-Frequency Machine: Choose an electrode that best suits your needs and run it over the skin in circular motions, starting with the forehead and moving on to the cheeks, nose, and chin. The duration of treatment depends on the intensity setting, but it is typically 3-5 minutes per area.
4. Focus on Problem Areas: Spend more time on areas of concern, such as acne or fine lines, to help target and improve these specific concerns. If you are dealing with acne, you can easily zap a pimple by lifting the electrode slightly and touching the tip of the zit with the electrode to neutralize the bacteria.
5. Remove Excess Gel: Once done, remove excess gel or cream with a dry cotton pad. Avoid washing the face immediately after treatment due to working with an electrical current.
6. Follow with a Moisturizer: Finish the treatment by applying a moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin.
7. Clean and Store Your Machine: Make sure to clean the electrodes with alcohol before storing your machine to ensure proper hygiene. 

10 Aftercare Tips for Post-Direct High-Frequency Facial

Direct high-frequency facial is a mildly stimulating treatment; thus, there is no downtime or recovery period.

However, here are a few aftercare tips you should keep in mind to maximize the results and ensure maximum benefits after a direct high-frequency facial:

1. Don’t Touch Your Face: For the first few hours after treatment, avoid touching your face to prevent spreading harmful bacteria and causing an infection.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct and prolonged sun exposure increases heat and exacerbates post-treatment redness.
3. Apply Sunscreen: Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
4. Limit Makeup: Avoid wearing makeup for the first eight hours to a day after getting a direct high-frequency facial, as this will ensure the maximum benefits of revitalizing oxygen and antibacterial ozone on your skin.
5. Avoid Other Facial Treatments: Similar to applying makeup, having other facial treatments will limit the time of beneficial ingredients on your skin and minimize the benefits of this treatment.
6. Avoid Saunas and Heat Treatments: Avoiding saunas is a general rule after getting a facial, as the skin may become inflamed and irritated due to the heat and sweat.
7. Avoid Extreme Weather Conditions: Cover and protect your face from extreme temperatures, such as high heat and strong winds, as this can irritate your skin.
8. Avoid AHAs and BHAs: Strong acids can be irritating after a direct high-frequency facial; therefore, make sure to avoid using products with AHAs and BHAs for the first 24 hours.
9. Avoid Retinoids: Avoid using topical retinoids for at least one day, as they can be irritating after a direct high-frequency facial.
10. Follow Your Skincare Routine: For best results, follow your skincare routine and use products that complement the effects of high-frequency treatments for long-lasting benefits.

The Best Aftercare Products for a Post-Direct High-Frequency Facial

Here are the best soothing products to use after getting a direct high-frequency facial:

La Roche-Posay – Cicaplast Baume B5

Best for all skin types.

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a rich, multi-purpose balm that soothes and nourishes the skin, providing an optimal environment for recovery after a high-frequency facial.

It has a thick consistency yet is non-greasy and provides immediate relief and comfort to irritated skin without leaving a residue on its surface.

The formula is enriched with panthenol (vitamin B5) to support the skin’s natural healing process and madecassoside to promote optimal skin recovery.

In addition, it contains skin-softening shea butter to help soothe irritation and promote moisture retention.

All these ingredients work together to provide hydration, repair, and relief for sensitive skin, making it an ideal aftercare product for post-high-frequency facial treatment.

Vivant Skin Care – Totaloe Calming Gel

Best for oily, acne-prone skin.

The Vivant Totaloe Calming Gel is a deeply hydrating, lightweight gel that gently calms, cools, and soothes the skin, making it an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin.

It has a lightweight consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky residue and ensures comfortable wear.

The formula is packed with aloe vera, known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe inflammation, making it an ideal choice after a high-frequency facial.

It also contains glycerin, a potent humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration, and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause acne breakouts down the line.

SkinCeuticals – Daily Moisture

Best for dry skin.

The SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is a rich, nourishing moisturizer perfect for dry skin.

The formula has a creamy and slightly greasy consistency thanks to the plethora of skin-softening emollients that nourish dry skin.

The product boasts a blend of natural extracts and advanced skincare innovations, including wound-healing algae extract, along with a combination of seven botanical extracts such as burnet, cinnamon, ginger, horsetail, thyme, licorice, and nettle, each working in harmony to moisturize the skin and relieve dryness and discomfort.

Eminence – Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer

Best for irritated skin.

The Eminence Chamomile Moisturizer is an ideal pick for skin that might be feeling irritated after a high-frequency facial.

The formula has a lush, creamy consistency that glides onto the skin, providing deep hydration without feeling heavy.

It’s infused with several key ingredients, including chamomile, known for its soothing properties that calm inflammation and redness, while shea butter deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

Besides, calendula oil and a combination of other botanical ingredients in the formula, help in skin repair and rejuvenation.

The combination of these ingredients makes this product a perfect fit for skin recovery after a direct high-frequency facial treatment.