Everything You Need to Know About High-Frequency

High-frequency treatment is a widely used skincare method that addresses various concerns, such as managing acne, minimizing enlarged pores, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as relieving puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

A Brief History of High-Frequency Treatment

The initial device employing high-frequency currents was invented in the late 1800s by Nikola Tesla and was known as the "Violet Ray." Before antibiotics were available, it was used in medical contexts to treat throat infections like strep and to promote wound healing.

In 1892, French biophysicist Jacques-Arsène d’Arsonval pioneered the use of high-frequency currents to treat skin and mucous membrane conditions. This approach became known as "D’Arsonval high-frequency" or "Tesla current."

By the 1970s, European beauty professionals had discovered the restorative and cosmetic advantages of high-frequency electrical stimulation, and by the 1980s, it became common in North American skincare clinics. This method was quickly regarded as a safe, non-invasive way to rejuvenate skin, help with acne, wrinkles, and even hair loss.

How It Works (The Science)

High-frequency machines use glass electrodes filled with neon or argon. When placed on the skin, a mild electrical current passes through the gas-filled electrode, emitting a soft glow and a buzzing sound. Depending on the gas, the electrode gives off either a red-orange glow (neon) or a violet-blue glow (argon). Though violet is traditionally used for acne and red for aging skin, studies indicate both colors can be effective regardless of the specific skin concern.

The treatment stimulates the formation of enriched oxygen molecules, which provide antibacterial benefits and gently warm the tissues. This promotes the removal of toxins, the nourishment and hydration of skin cells, and boosts circulation and cellular renewal. As a result, collagen and elastin production increase, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and visibly softer after just one session. High-frequency therapy is effective for a wide range of skin issues—from acne and burns to waxing irritation and cold sores—and is valued as a gentle and restorative approach to facial and body skincare.

Benefits of High-Frequency Treatment

• It enhances oxygen delivery to the skin, improving texture, tone, and natural glow, while also aiding acne treatment. This process supports collagen and elastin synthesis, for firmer, more youthful skin.

• The oscillating action encourages lymphatic drainage and helps disperse excess fluid for a balanced appearance.

Does It Kill Bacteria?

Yes—by oxygenating the skin surface, high-frequency treatment eliminates Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), enhances blood circulation, assists with detoxification, and constricts blood vessels to calm redness and inflammation. It also helps reduce pore size, combat signs of aging, and halt recurrent acne.

What Is a High-Frequency Facial?

A high-frequency facial is used to:

• Treat and prevent persistent acne

• Tighten and reduce enlarged pores

• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

• Decongest swollen eyes and lighten dark circles

• Rejuvenate the scalp and support healthier hair follicle function

It’s widely regarded as a classic and essential skin-rejuvenating treatment. Gently warming the skin, it promotes cell turnover, improves product absorption, increases blood flow, stimulates collagen and elastin, eliminates toxins and acne-causing bacteria, supports lymphatic drainage, exfoliates dead skin cells, and enhances how serums and moisturizers penetrate.

The effect is primarily thermal, caused by rapid oscillation. Unlike electrical muscle stimulation, it tones the skin rather than contracting muscles.

How High-Frequency Works in Practice

Treatment tools use various glass electrodes adapted for the face and body. When inserted into the applicator, a gentle alternating current flows through the electrode and activates the inert gas inside, emitting healing light energy and unstable oxygen that converts into ozone. As the ozone mingles with air, it bathes the skin in rejuvenating oxygen and produces a mild tingling sensation.

On aging skin, this sparks immediate circulation and warming. Blood vessel contraction helps remove toxins while nourishing and hydrating the skin, promoting collagen and elastin production for a smoother, firmer texture, reduced pore size, and fewer wrinkles. It also helps cleanse and treat acne, delivering deep-reaching antibacterial action—especially beneficial for cystic acne. Even after a single session, the skin feels more energized, lively, and softened. The method is versatile—suitable for the face, neck, scalp, and even other body areas such as the back—and effective for issues like lesions, acne, post-waxing irritation, cold sores, fine lines, sagging skin, and puffiness.

Benefits Summary

High-frequency facials present a gentle and non-invasive alternative to cosmetic procedures like surgery, lasers, chemical peels, collagen or Botox injections. While results—especially for anti-aging—may vary and be gradual, regular use can produce cumulative, long-lasting improvements. Many individuals with acne notice clearer complexions within just a few days of consistent treatment.

1) Better acne control

Helps when other medications become ineffective—gently removing acne-causing bacteria and toxins, while enhancing the skin’s response to acne-specific products.

2) Smaller pores & fewer blackheads 
With consistent use, pores shrink, the skin softens, excess oil is managed, and blackheads reduce as oxygen molecules cleanse debris deeply.

3) Smoother fine lines & firmer skin 
Increased circulation and oxygenation rejuvenate the skin’s surface, reduce fine lines, tighten sagging skin, and improve texture and tone by promoting collagen production.

4) Reduced eye puffiness 
The oxygenating effect aids lymphatic drainage and fluid dispersion, assisting product absorption and reducing under-eye bags.

5) Lightened dark circles
By increasing circulation under the eyes and improving penetration of eye creams, high-frequency therapy helps minimize pigmentation caused by broken capillaries.

6) Reduced appearance of cellulite
When paired with cellulite treatments, it enhances lymph drainage, skin renewal, circulation, collagen and elastin production, leaving skin smoother and firmer.

7) Improved hair growth 
The treatment stimulates the scalp by encouraging circulation, exfoliation, nourishment, and better absorption of growth formulas—helping with healthier, thicker hair.