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Facials are becoming quite the trend. With the benefits ranging from skin rejuvenation to stress relief, this treatment is quickly becoming the go-to for many. But with so many types of facials out there, it can be difficult to know which will provide your skin with the most benefits. From detox to hydration, there is a facial for nearly every skin type. High frequency facials are a relatively new treatment with a variety of skin benefits. High frequency facial benefits include treating acne, reducing pore size, skin rejuvenation, and minimizing wrinkles.
But what is a high frequency facial, exactly? A high-frequency treatments use the healing power of electricity to stimulate the production of new collagen and improve blood circulation. Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin firm and youthful looking. During the high frequency treatment, an electric current is passed through the facial tissues using a high frequency electrode. The current produced by the device is believed to produce rejuvenating effects, stimulate collagen production, and contract muscles through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). After the treatment, skin is immediately hydrated, smooth and glowing. Related: Aquagold Fine Touch Microneedling Facial Benefits
See a high frequency facial in action in this video:
High Frequency Facial Benefits
1. Reduces the appearance of fine lines
Over time, the collagen and elastin in our skin begins to break down—causing fine lines and wrinkles. Elastin production decrease happens as we age and is a major contributor to skin aging. High-frequency treatments can stimulate elastin production, resulting in firmer looking skin. High frequency currents help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and smooth away wrinkles. This, in turn, makes you look younger and more vibrant.
Natural contraction of the underlying blood vessels help to increase circulation in the area. Contraction of the underlying muscle fibers helps to tone sagging skin. Together, these processes help to tighten and tone sagging skin.
2. Minimizes pores
The high frequency facial emits radiofrequency waves, which can be used to shrink the appearance of pores. With the increased blood flow due to high-frequency facial treatments, more oxygen is delivered to the skin. In turn, pores appear minimized and skin becomes brighter overall. Enriched oxygen molecules help to reduce inflammation, which is a major cause of acne. This means the skin will have a more even appearance and any breakouts can be reduced.
The primary action of high-frequency current is to contract muscles. When muscles are contracted, sebaceous glands produce less oil which means smaller pores.
3. Treats acne and clears
Cystic acne is something many people struggle with. It can be extremely difficult to treat. This occurs when pores become blocked and cause skin to become inflamed and swollen. This type of acne is often painful and leaves behind scars. High frequency facial treatments can help reduce inflammation and promote blood flow, which helps clear away impurities. This also helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars and blemishes on your skin and prevent the onset of new acne. For this reason, high-frequency facial benefits can greatly reduce the appearance of acne without the use of harsh acne products.
4. Brightens skin tone
The high frequency facial benefits address more than just the appearance of your skin. Increased blood flow results in brighter skin, which also reduces the appearance of dark spots resulting from sun damage or inflammation. Gentle oscillating currents help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation, sun damage and acne scars. A subtle glow will replace a dull, sallow appearance. As the facial muscles are toned and tightened, skin will look more youthful overall. Related: These Vitamins C Serums Will Immediately Give Your Skin A Healthy Glow
4. Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is one of the leading causes of acne, but with high frequency facial benefits, there is no need to worry. With the help of gentle oscillating currents, high-frequency facials reduce inflammation. The gentle pulses help to remove dead skin cells and deep cleanse the pores. This reduces pore size, acne breakouts and scarring. Recent studies have found that there is a strong link between inflammation and acne.
5. Firms and tones skin
The gentle oscillating electric currents produced by high frequency treatments help increase collagen to tone and firm facial muscles. This is a great way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, puffy eyes, and fine lines without going under the knife. The high frequency waves emitted by the device help to increase collagen production, which reduces sagging skin. The production levels of collagen help to keep the skin firm and give you a lifted appearance. After a series of high frequency facials, wrinkles become less visible and your facial features become more pronounced.
Tiny muscle groups called facial microcurrents can be activated through high-frequency treatments. This helps to stimulate and tone muscles, which reduces the appearance of sagging skin and fine lines.
6. Improves skin texture
Your skin’s health depends on the renewal of new skin cells. High frequency facial treatments help to increase the number of healthy, new skin cells. With proper exfoliation, high frequency facial benefits can improve the appearance of skin texture. Gentle oscillating currents help to remove dead skin cells, leaving behind smooth and radiant looking skin. Tissues of the skin become stronger and better able to hold in moisture.
Cell renewal is important for overall skin health, but it is also critical to the appearance of your skin. By stimulating the production of new skin cells, high frequency facial treatments can improve your overall skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Related: 9 Impressive Hydrating Facial Benefits For Skin
7. Reduces dark circles
Dark circles under the eyes are extremely difficult to hide, especially when you’re already dealing with dry skin. High-frequency facial benefits can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, too. This is because darkened eyes are often a result of lowered blood flow around the eye area. In addition to helping with circulation, high-frequency treatments reduce the appearance of under eye puffiness that can make dark circles more prominent.
8. Treats hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where brown patches of skin appear on various parts of the body. These patches are usually darker than your normal skin tone, and are caused by an accumulation of cells called melanocytes. Hyperpigmentation often results in blotchy looking skin, which can be difficult to cover up with makeup. High-frequency facial benefits can be used to treat hyperpigmentation by penetrating the skin and speeding up cell turnover.
9. Lymphatic drainage
When done correctly, high-frequency facial benefits can also include lymphatic drainage. This helps to improve the appearance of under eye circles and puffiness. It also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite and fluid retention. The dilation of the underlying vessels helps to promote drainage of lymphatic fluid. Detoxing away toxins is critical to overall skin health for the lymphatic system. Related: Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Eye Bags
10. Improves skin care product absorption
With this skin care treatment, high-frequency facial benefits can improve the absorption of skin care products. This helps to more effectively deliver ingredients deep into the layers of your skin, which helps to produce healthier, more radiant looking skin. Skin care product penetration is greatly enhanced, which helps with dry skin, oily skin, acne, psoriasis and many other conditions.
Hair follicles are can be affected by a high-frequency treatment. The growth of the hair is stimulated, because the machine’s “hot spark” opens up pores and enables the active ingredients in skin care serums to be absorbed more effectively making it a great treatment for hair growth.
11. Natural cleansing
As skin cells are renewed, dead skin cells rise to the surface of the skin. A high-frequency facial benefits can help to promote detoxification and balanced skin. Excess oil may be released, which helps to clear pores of impurities. This helps with the treatment of acne prone skin, oily skin and other conditions. This anti-bacterial action of a high-frequency facial benefits helps to reduce skin congestion and minimize pores.
DIY High Frequency Facial with a High Frequency Wand
While seeing a pro will produce the best results, DIY high frequency treatments are available. You can purchase a high frequency wand, even for under $100 , and use it at home.
The History and Science Behind High Frequency Treatments
In the late 1800’s, the application of high-frequency current was used for medical purposes. Electrical light energy was used to treat muscle fatigue, reduce pain and decrease the size of muscles. This is because electrical currents carry energy that can increase circulation. The same principle can be applied to provide high-frequency facial benefits.
With a high-frequency machine, a glass electrode is used to conduct the current through the tissue. The glass electrode is a sterile, inert medical device that contains a very fine wire filament enclosed in a glass bulb. The glass electrode and blue light are held above the area of application on the surface of the skin and a few mild electrical current passes through the filament in the glass bulb, giving off an almost imperceptible spark. The rapid rate of oscillation of the electricity causes vibration and resonance of tissue molecules, enabling them to absorb and conduct energy. Heat producing reactions occur in the cells, causing a modification of the structure and function of these cells.
Argon gas is used as a conductive medium. Argon has a molecular structure similar to that of air, which means it is able to dissolve in the body’s fatty tissue. The high rate of oscillation in the facial machine ensures that you get all of the benefits that come with a treatment. Inert gas is usually used as a medium in most skin treatments because it creates no changes in the composition of the facial tissue and doesn’t react with most other materials. The use of argon ensures that the beneficial effects of the facial are not compromised.
Some dermatologists suggest that high-frequency facials can also be used to help lower the costs of your dermatology practice. The use of these high-frequency devices allows for treatments that would normally require a doctor’s supervision to be done by a technician. It is a gentle procedure, so it can be used for pre-procedural preparation to help relax the patient.
What to Expect During a High Frequency Facial
High-frequency facial treatments typically last about 30 minutes. The power of high-frequency electrical currents in the facial machine’s function creates a slight buzzing noise and stimulates the nerves in your face. The sensation is quite pleasant and the treatment is actually quite relaxing. An immediate circulation rush is felt, that can last multiple sessions, as well as a soothing sensation of increased blood flow. There is a sense of warmth that also occurs because high-frequency facial treatments cause the pores to open and allow for better penetration of products.
Following the treatment, you will probably experience some mild redness in your face, because of capillaries dilating and your heightened sensitivity. The redness will disappear within a couple of hours and the result of having high-frequency facial benefits are long-lasting.
High frequency facial before and after (source google images)
For best results, professional salons or prestigious spas that offer a series of high-frequency services recommend that you receive a facial every three weeks for the best maintenance. Medical purposes aside, high-frequency facials simply make you look better. Even a single treatment has been shown to provide a noticeable improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin with a healthy glow.
This therapeutic approach is a non-invasive treatment that can be used on all skin conditions. It can be used to improve the texture of mature skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, treat acne scars, clear up congested pores and speed up the recovery of any blemishes. Around the country, high frequency facials are becoming increasingly popular at day spas and dermatology practices.