Direct-high frequency is considered a timeless rejuvenating treatment for the skin.
The first high-frequency appliance was developed in the late 1800s by the renowned scientist Nikola Tesla. He originally named it “Violet Ray” due to the purple gas it was producing.
At that time it was specifically used for medical purposes to treat infections because it was particularly useful in the healing of wounds.
In the 1970s, European salons discovered the healing benefits of direct high-frequency electrical stimulation on the skin.
A mere ten years after that, this technology became widely used in North America by skin experts.
It was considered a very safe and non-invasive procedure with no side effects. It became extremely popular amongst licensed aestheticians who used it to provide treatments for many skin conditions ranging from acne to wrinkles and even hair loss.
Are you thinking of getting a direct high-frequency facial?
In this article, I will explain the benefits and aims of the direct high-frequency facial and point out a few important aftercare advice.
How Does Direct High-Frequency Work?
High-frequency facial machines work with high-frequency electrodes which are made of clear, thin glass and come in several different shapes and sizes to cover various contours of the face and body.
The electrodes are removable and are kept separately from the body which is the main unit of the machine due to safety and hygienic purposes.
When the electrode is firmly inserted into the handpiece, a gentle alternating electrical current is generated by the machine which then passes through the glass electrode upon contact with the skin.
The electrical current ignites the inert gas within the electrode which produces healing electrical light energy and produces ozone formation.
Ozone is a purifying gas with antibacterial properties and helps to heal acne and combat congestion.
In other words, when mixed with the air outside of the electrode, the current infuses the skin with oxygen molecules and during this process, a mild tingling sensation is experienced.
What Are Some Contraindications to Direct High-Frequency?
A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold or prevent a treatment due to the harm that it can potentially cause.
While direct high-frequency is an extremely mild treatment, not many contraindications can be listed.
However, there are a few that are an absolute no-no when it comes to undergoing this treatment. Some of them are:
- Headaches, migraines – due to the loud buzzing noise from the machine
- Epilepsy
- An excessive number of dental fillings/braces – due to the strong and unpleasant metallic taste inside the mouth
- Metal pins and plates
- Pregnancy
- Jewelry – all metal jewelry should be removed prior to the treatment due to the circulation of an electrical current.
What Are The Benefits of Direct High-Frequency?
The high-frequency electrodes can be filled with two types of inert gas:
- Argon gas – which produces a subtle violet glow
- Neon gas – which produces an orange glow
Argon gas is used to help treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. The production of ozone will successfully target and inhibit acne-producing bacteria.
It produces a deeply penetrating germicidal and drying effect in order to treat the most severe cases of acne. The enriched oxygen molecules produced by high-frequency machines are effective in helping to heal and revitalize the skin.
Direct high-frequency also regulates sebum production and combats oiliness on the surface of the skin.
Neon gas is used in treating aging skin because it has a toning effect and stimulates blood vessels, thus improving skin color.
It brings warmth to the area and this promotes blood circulation and encourages cellular turnover.
Reducing eye puffiness – the oxygenating action produced by high-frequency current aids in lymphatic drainage and removes excess fluid and toxins while increasing blood circulation.
The result is a visible improvement in the appearance of congested and tired eyes as well as puffiness.
Reducing dark undereye circles – overly dilated and broken capillaries can become visible under the thin skin around the eye area.
High frequency creates a circulation rush in the area, delivering oxygen to hydrate and revitalize the skin. Good circulation will also allow for better penetration of undereye creams, resulting in a brighter and youthful-looking appearance.
Aftercare for Direct High-Frequency
The direct high-frequency is a mildly stimulating treatment, and it is generally recommended as needed. To reap the optimum benefits of getting this treatment you should follow several aftercare recommendations:
- Avoid direct sunlight – due to stimulation of the blood vessels and circulatory improvement, you may be experiencing mild to slight redness on your skin. Direct and prolonged sun exposure is generally not recommended as this will further stimulate the blood vessels and increase the redness.
- Apply sunscreen – sunscreen is the most important step in your daily skincare routine. After getting a facial that stimulates the blood vessels and improves circulation, it is best to keep those harmful rays at bay at all costs.
- Avoid applying cosmetics – you should leave the skin free of makeup for several hours to a day after getting a direct high-frequency facial so you reap the maximum benefits of revitalizing oxygen and antibacterial ozone on your skin.
- Don’t pick on your skin – your skin will not be irritated after direct high-frequency, but it is always a good idea to keep your hands away from your skin due to the spreading of harmful bacteria.
- Don’t have any other facial treatments – similar to applying cosmetics, having other facial treatments will limit the time of beneficial ingredients on your skin and minimize the benefits of this treatment.
- 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.
- Avoid extreme weather conditions – try to cover and protect your face from extreme temperatures such as strong heat and winds as this can potentially irritate your skin.
- Avoid using AHAs and BHAs – using strong acids on the skin right after high-frequency can sometimes be overly drying for the skin and cause irritation.
Direct high-frequency is a quick and simple solution to improve the health and vitality of your skin as well as target some more serious skin concerns such as acne breakouts.
This article explains all the benefits and aims of the direct high-frequency facial, as well as the proper and important aftercare advice for reaping the maximum benefits of this treatment.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
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Thanks for the informative post.
I’ve been searching for others routine where I can get ideas and this one is the best. Well done!
We have to adopt the best anti-aging tools for healthy clear skin!
Hi. I’m very interested on a High-Frequency Facial. However, I’m a Cochlear Implant user and I’m concerned if this treatment will affect my cochlear implant. Please don’t ask me to check with the manufacturer because they asked me to check with you. Thanks.
Hi Marcela and thank you for reaching out!
We usually don’t have an issue with Cochlear Implants, however, it is best to actually see an esthetician in person because, in that way, they will be able to switch the machine on in front of you so that you can see whether the noise is something you can tolerate.
If the noise is too uncomfortable for you (because the machines produce quite a loud, buzzing noise), it may be best to avoid it.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Simone
Can you combine LED treatment with HF for melasma in one facial treatment?
Yes 🙂
Dear Simone, I just started using the high frequency machine. I noticed I am getting some acne on my forehead, and my wrinkles around my eyes are a bit more noticeable than before. What am I doing wrong? Please Help! thank you
Depending on the medium that you are using, it could be that you are experiencing purging, especially if the product contains actives such as salicylic acid. On the other hand, a direct high-frequency machine shouldn’t make wrinkles more prominent, but a good way to keep them at bay is to layer hydrating products on the area, such as toners, serums, eye creams, and moisturizers. Additionally, another excellent option is to start using a gentle retinoid around the eyes.
Dear Simone, to make sure I am doing it correctly…
1- wash face, then use toner.
2- use high frequency machine, no more than 5 minutes on entire face.
3- put serums and moisturizers on after high frequency treatment.
4- at night, also use retinoid around eyes.
I read that you are not to use AHA, but that is only during the treatment. If you did the treatment in the morning, could you use AHA in the evening?
I saw the wrinkles and the acne on my face, and I was scared to continue with the treatment. I really appreciate your help Simone. Will wait to hear from you before I restart with the treatment. Thank you!
I would like to know this as well is you could please let us know thank you Simone