High Frequency Wands...what the heck?

 You may have seen Youtube videos or ads pop up for this strangely phallic device and I am here to help demystify this strange device.

The high frequency device comes with different glass attachments that glow with neon gas when the device is turned on. Basically, this is a very old technology developed by Nikola Tesla and was originally used to clean wounds before the advent of antibiotics. The device works by creating ozone or enriched oxygen molecules on the surface of your skin. This is a naturally anti-bacterial and helps blood vessels push away toxins, while the cells in your skin are enriched with nutrients and hydrating volume. As a result, high frequency wands are wonderful at treating acne and stimulating blood flow.

How to Use

You can opt for either the gauze method or use oil to create a slippery surface and allow the wand to glide over your face. I prefer to use reseveratol + ferric acid from The Ordinary for its texture and anti-inflammatory properties. Put one finger on the glass wand to ground the current and glide it upwards on your face. I use the flat, mushroom wand on my neck and face and the smaller glass globe for my underage area. The spade shaped one can be used to treat active breakouts. Hover them slightly above our skin to create an arcing effect that can basically "zap" your skin. Your device should have a knob which controls the current level so start off at a low level and turn it up until you are at a comfortable level.

I also use the comb attachment on my hair to help distribute the rosemary/peppermint oil and help stimulate hair growth. I have read reviews of some people getting headaches so I was a bit apprehensive but when I saw noticeable hair loss, it was worth the risk for me. Luckily, I did not face any of these issues but it is something to keep in mind. The high frequency wand is effective as a scalp treatment if you have seborrhea dermatitis, dandruff or other skin issues. It also improves blood flow to the scalp which can help revitalize dormant hair follicles. Remember, after a few years, dormant follicles lose the ability to regrow hair so it is important to take steps upon the first sign of hair loss.

Risks

Because of its ability to heat up skin and increase flow, do not use the wand on bug bites or chemically irritated areas. I assumed it was an allergic reaction at the time but I am sure the use of a high frequency wand exacerbated the issue. I had was appeared to be a bug bite or some other sensitivity and a few days later, my skin was angry and blistered.

Unfortunately, aside from an allergic reaction I never got an official diagnosis, but it is important to exercise caution when using any device.

Would I recommend it?

In general, it is a fun device (yes, despite the scary picture above) that helps give your in-home routine a more of a spa feel. It also has zapped the few acne that has cropped but I would not put it as a must-have device. The impact for my specific skin has been quite minimal and I have seen much more progress from micro needling and tretinoin.