Skincare Experts on Why a High-Frequency Wand Eliminates Acne (2023)

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. 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

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 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, the Arizona-based doctor, 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 blue or argan to help target acne. Understanding someone's skincare goals will ensure you gift them something practical they'll actually use instead of it collecting dust on a hard-to-reach shelf.

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.

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

Ready to zap away existing pimples? Here are six 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.