High Frequency Science

Everything You Need to Know About High Frequency

High frequency treatments are a non-invasive, rejuvenating skincare technology widely used in spas, clinics, and homes for skin health and beauty. These treatments use a glass electrode to pass a mild electrical current into the skin. The resulting high-frequency oscillations work to oxygenate the skin, stimulate circulation, and promote cellular renewal. The main benefits include improving the complexion, treating acne, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production. Different electrode colors, primarily orange and violet, serve specific skin types and conditions.

High Frequency is a versatile, time-tested treatment that helps address various skin concerns. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin yet powerful enough to deliver noticeable results. Whether you're looking to diminish fine lines, calm acne, or promote healing, high-frequency treatments are a safe, non-surgical option.

High Frequency History

The origins of high-frequency treatment date back to the late 1800s when Nikola Tesla discovered its therapeutic potential. Initially, the technology was developed as an electrotherapy device for medical use, known as "Tesla Currents." Early medical professionals believed these high-frequency currents could help treat a variety of ailments, from infections to joint pain.

By the early 20th century, French Biophysicist Jacques-Arsène d'Arsonval made advancements in the technology, improving its applications for medical and aesthetic purposes. High frequency later gained recognition in dermatology and aesthetics for its ability to improve skin conditions and support healing, becoming a trusted treatment in beauty salons by the 1970s.

Today, this technique remains a staple in skincare for its gentle yet effective results, proving its timelessness in both medical and aesthetic treatments.

The Science Behind High Frequency Treatment

High frequency uses low-current, high-voltage electricity to deliver rapid oscillations deep into the skin. These oscillations, when applied through a glass electrode filled with argon (violet) or neon (orange) gas, generate a thermal effect. The energy generated helps to oxygenate the skin, increase blood flow, and encourage lymphatic drainage, promoting cellular turnover and detoxification.

The electrical current also produces ozone when it comes into contact with the air, creating an environment inhospitable to bacteria. This anti-bacterial effect makes high frequency highly effective for treating acne. The oscillations work to energize skin cells, boosting collagen and elastin production, thus improving skin texture and tone.

What is High Frequency Good For?

High frequency is beneficial for a variety of skin issues, including:

• Acne: It helps reduce bacteria and inflammation while encouraging faster healing of breakouts.
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The increased circulation and collagen stimulation help plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
• Puffy Eyes: High-frequency treatments promote lymphatic drainage, which can reduce under-eye puffiness.
• Enlarged Pores: By cleansing and detoxifying the skin, high frequency can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Scalp Treatments: High frequency is also effective in promoting hair growth by stimulating circulation in the scalp.

Does High Frequency Kill Bacteria?

Yes, high-frequency treatment is highly effective at killing bacteria, particularly the bacteria associated with acne. When the current passes through the glass electrode, it ionizes the air, producing a small amount of ozone. Ozone is a natural disinfectant and antimicrobial agent that kills bacteria on the skin's surface. This bactericidal action helps reduce acne breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.

The high-frequency oscillations also improve oxygenation in the skin, creating an environment where bacteria struggle to survive, further reducing the risk of breakouts.

What is a High Frequency Facial?

A high-frequency facial is a skincare treatment that involves using a high-frequency device to rejuvenate, cleanse, and treat the skin. The facial begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin, followed by the application of the high-frequency electrode. The glass electrode, either filled with neon or argon gas, is gently moved across the skin, delivering mild electrical currents.

The treatment is painless and generally described as a tingling sensation. A high-frequency facial boosts collagen production, oxygenates the skin, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. It also improves blood circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage, leaving the skin glowing and revitalized.

How Does High Frequency Work?

High-frequency treatment works by applying a small, safe electrical current to the skin via a glass electrode. When the current passes through the electrode, it emits a high-frequency electrical pulse. Depending on the electrode color, the gas inside the electrode—either neon (orange) or argon (violet)—emits a light that helps target specific skin conditions.

The electrical current produces heat, stimulates blood circulation, and encourages the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin’s elasticity. When used in acne treatment, high frequency kills bacteria and reduces inflammation, helping acne to heal faster. Overall, high frequency enhances skin cell renewal and leaves the skin more oxygenated and toned.

The Main Differences Between Orange and Violet High Frequency Electrodes

The two primary colors of electrodes—orange and violet—serve different purposes:

• Orange Electrodes (Neon Gas): These electrodes are ideal for anti-aging treatments. They work best on dry or mature skin types, as the neon gas helps stimulate circulation, oxygenate the skin, and increase cellular turnover. This leads to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and improves the overall texture of the skin.
• Violet Electrodes (Argon Gas): Violet electrodes are typically used for acne treatments. The argon gas creates a germicidal effect, killing bacteria on the skin's surface and reducing inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it speeds up the healing process and prevents future breakouts.

Which Electrode Should You Choose?

• For Acne-Prone or Oily Skin: If you struggle with acne, excessive oil production, or breakouts, the violet electrode filled with argon gas is your best choice. Its antibacterial properties help to clear active breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. It's especially suitable for treating large pores, blackheads, and cystic acne.
• For Dry, Sensitive, or Mature Skin: If your primary concerns are aging, fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of skin elasticity, go for the orange electrode filled with neon gas. It's excellent for improving circulation, boosting collagen, and revitalizing dull or tired skin. Those with dry or sensitive skin will also benefit from the gentle warming effect, which helps to rejuvenate the skin without irritation.
• For Combination Skin: If you have combination skin, you might benefit from using both electrodes depending on the specific area of your face. For example, you can use the violet electrode on your T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where oil and breakouts are more common, and the orange electrode on drier areas, like the cheeks and around the eyes, to boost circulation and address aging concerns

In summary, choose the violet electrode if your main focus is treating acne and oily skin, and the orange electrode if you're looking to improve skin tone, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen for more mature or sensitive skin.

About High Frequency Electrode Shapes and Sizes

High-frequency electrodes come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to treat different areas of the face and body:

• Mushroom Electrode: This is the most commonly used shape, ideal for larger areas of the face such as the forehead, cheeks, and chin. It delivers a consistent electrical current over a wider surface area.
• Spoon Electrode: This shape is used for targeted areas like under the eyes or around the nose, helping reduce puffiness and improve skin tone in small, hard-to-reach areas.
• Pointed Electrode: Also called the "Sparking Electrode," it is designed for treating specific blemishes and spots. It delivers a more concentrated current, making it ideal for treating acne lesions or pimples.
• Comb Electrode: This is typically used for scalp treatments to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.

What are the Benefits of High Frequency Treatment?

High frequency offers a wide range of benefits for different skin types and concerns. These include:

• Acne Reduction: It kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promote faster healing of blemishes.
• Improved Skin Texture: High-frequency treatments help smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through increased collagen production.
• Enhanced Circulation: The treatment stimulates blood flow, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, promoting a healthy glow.
• Lymphatic Drainage: High frequency promotes the elimination of toxins through improved lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and swelling, particularly around the eyes.
• Increased Collagen Production: By stimulating the fibroblast cells responsible for collagen production, high frequency helps to firm and tone the skin, reducing sagging and signs of aging.
• Detoxification: The electrical current helps to remove toxins and impurities, leaving the skin clearer and more refreshed.