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6 Best High Frequency Wands, Tested and Reviewed for 2023
If you’re dealing with breakouts, you need to try one of these.
Most days I love all my techy skincare tools and devices equally, but right now I'm very much obsessing over my high frequency facial wands (yes, plural, I have more than one). I've been breaking out more than usual lately, and consistently using a high frequency facial wand in my skincare routine has really helped calm my skin, minimize big, angry pimples and cysts, and make any red or brown marks that linger post-breakout look less intense too. In addition to treating acne, some high frequency wands even have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits too. Pretty cool, right?
So to help you find the best high frequency wand your skin type and concerns, I tested a ton of different options and reached out to licensed aesthetician Victoria Russo for her top picks too. Take a peek at the list, below:
Our top picks for best high frequency facial wands of 2023:
- 1
- 2
- 3
Best High Frequency Wand with Argon and Neon Tubes
NuDerma Professional High Frequency Skin Therapy Wand
Read more - 4
- 5
Keep scrolling for the full list of the 6 best high frequency facial wands for skin, complete with pros and cons and tester reviews. And don't forget to check out our expert's tips for choosing a high frequency wand and properly using one in your at-home skincare routine.
NuDerma Clinical High Frequency Skin Therapy Wand
NuDerma Clinical High Frequency Skin Therapy Wand
Pros
- Comes with a variety of attachments suited for treating the face, body, and scalp
- Glass tubes emit a combo of Argon (for acne) and Neon (for anti-aging) gases at once
Cons
- Pricey compared to other options
- Some testers say the attachments can be hard to switch in and out
Sure, this is the most expensive high frequency wand on the list, but it's totally worth the investment IMO. The tubes emit a combo of Argon (for acne) and Neon (for anti-aging and anti-inflammation) gases and they've been a godsend for calming down my hormonal acne and the chronic redness around my nose and chin area. I love all the different shaped wands too. I like to use the biggest circle wand on my chin and jawline, the smaller tipped wand along the crevices of my nose, the tongue-shaped wand on the hollows of my cheeks, and the rod-shaped wand on my chest and back.
THE REVIEW: "I've been using this for a few weeks now and my skin is glowing," reads one tester's review. "The little white bumps I had are gone! I will continue using this in my facial routine."
Skin Gym High Frequency Wand
Skin Gym High Frequency Wand
Pros
- Relatively compact design makes this one of the easier devices on the list to travel with
- All three attachment heads are suited for treating acne-prone areas, including the nose, chin, and cheeks
Cons
- Only comes with three attachments
- Some reviewers say the smallest tip is ultra delicate and prone to snapping
This IG-famous high frequency facial wand is one of my favorites. It's incredibly easy to use, comes at a fair price point, and really helps minimize acne; especially when you use it at the first sign of a breakout. Just plug in the device, turn the dial at the base up or down to achieve your desired level of intensity, and hover the wand (there's a tiny one for spot treating and two larger options for covering larger areas like your jawline or cheeks) over a pimple until it's almost touching for about 15 seconds. No wonder the internet (and, like, every beauty editor) is obsessed.
THE REVIEW: "Two days ago I had a huge zit pop up on my chin, so I decided to give this a try," writes a tester. "The first day after using it my pimple was significantly flatter and by the second day it was totally flat—just a tiny red mark."
NuDerma Professional High Frequency Skin Therapy Wand
NuDerma Professional High Frequency Skin Therapy Wand
Pros
- Comes with three neon tubes and three argon tubes so you can DIY specific treatments
- Many testers say it's the most well-made high frequency device they've tried
Cons
- Some testers say it's not super effective on cystic acne
- Unlike the NuDerma Clinical, you need to switch between the Argon and Neon wands to get acne and anti-aging benefits at once
Another gem from NuDerma, their" Professional" wand is Russo's favorite high frequency device on the list. It contains three neon wand attachments and three argon wand attachments to treat both acne and fine lines, says Russo, who adds that the price point is reasonable for such a high quality device.
THE REVIEW: "Pro high frequency facials can cost up to $125 a session, so this pays for itself after one or two uses," writes a tester. "I am so excited to be able to use the Ar spot sparker wand everytime I feel a new underground beast coming on! This kills the bacterial infection and will allow my acne to clear quickly and stops some in their tracks before I see them. Plus, I have the extra added (Ne) wands to help with my aging skin, fine lines and thinning temple hairline."
StackedSkincare High Frequency Acne Device
StackedSkincare High Frequency Acne Device
Pros
- Excellent option for treating stubborn acne
- Helps minimize inflammation and redness as a result of breakouts
Cons
- Only comes with four attachments
- One of the most expensive options on the list
Created by licensed aesthetician Kerry Benjamin, the StackedSkincare High Frequency wand is a must-try if you're dealing with stubborn breakouts. It kills acne-bacteria on the skin and minimizes inflammation (two main precursors to breakouts) and even reduces the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka acne marks and scars from old pimples) once your zits have healed too.
THE REVIEW: "The tool is easy to use and clears up my skin," reads a review. "I was skeptical but after my aesthetician recommend this product I thought it couldn't hurt to try...I'm so glad I did."
Tumakou High Frequency Facial Machine
Tumakou High Frequency Facial Machine
Pros
- One of the better options on the list for anti-aging benefits
- Six different attachment types can be used on your face, body, and hair
Cons
- Only comes with neon tubes, so not the best choice if treating acne is your goal
- Some testers said they wish the directions on the packaging were clearer
Tumakou's high frequency wand emits Neon gas, which is great if increasing circulation, plumping your skin, and reducing inflammation and redness is your goal. It comes with six different glass tube attachments so you can easily treat different areas of your face and body (there's even a comb attachment for hair), and because the wand base and glass tubes are fairly compact, this bb is great for travel and using on-the-go as well.
THE REVIEW: "The wand is very easy to use at home," reads one tester's review. "There are many different glass tubes for different parts of the face. The wands are also easy to travel with because they are so small. It has been fun trying to use this product."
NewWay High Frequency Therapy Wand Machine
NewWay High Frequency Therapy Wand Machine
Pros
- Comes in two versions; one with Argon tubes and another with Neon tubes
- Inexpensive compared to other options on the list
Cons
- A few testers said the device doesn't work consistently
- Some testers say the wands are prone to breaking after a few uses
If you're on the fence about high frequency wands or you're bad about consistency using skincare tools and devices and aren't ready to drop a ton of $$ on a device, may I suggest this inexpensive option from NewWay? It costs significantly less than other options on the list, but is still really effective at treating acne (or boosting your skin's overall glow, depending on the device type you choose) according to tester reviews.
THE REVIEW: "This high frequency wand is amazing! I saw it reviewed on TikTok and bought it immediately. As I am approaching 40, I’m always on the search for less invasive ways to age gracefully. Definitely a game changer for those who want glowing and radiant skin," reads one tester review.
What does a high frequency wand do?
High frequency wands utilize low electrical currents to oxygenate the skin, says Russo. These devices all comes with different shaped glass tubes that are either filled with Argon and/or Neon gas. "Neon gas emits an orange glow and used to stimulate collagen production and provide anti-aging benefits," says Russo, while "argon gas is purple and is helpful for reducing breakouts since it kills P. Acne bacteria on the skin."
In my experience, high frequency wands work best for managing acne—especially when combined with other acne-fighting topicals (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) and treatments (such as spironolactone or Rx tretinoin). When I've used my high frequency wand on a cyst, papule, or whitehead—especially before it has the chance to fully form—it can help cut healing time in as much as half.
As for anti-aging, I haven't experienced any dramatic skin smoothing or plumping from using a high frequency wand with neon tubes, but I definitely think it help increase circulation in the skin give me a nice healthy-looking glow.
Is it okay to use a high frequency wand every day?
Yes, it’s totally safe to use a high frequency wand every day, provided you’re using your device correctly. Russo recommends starting with clean, dry skin and then “grounding” the device before holding it to skin. “Take a finger and hold it at the base of the glass wand, turn the device on, then apply the tip of the wand to areas you want to treat while simultaneously remove your grounding finger,” says Russo." Grounding your device helps to prevent a sudden feeling of electricity and gives you more control of the specific area you are treating."
You may see some aestheticians use a high frequency wand over gauze, but this is optional, says Russo. The gauze
may help the tip of the wand more easily glide over skin, but it’s not necessary for device function or results.
As a rule, Russo says to go over breakouts for about 30 seconds each, gently tapping the device on each spot as you go and then finish with your normal skincare routine once you’re done.
What are the side effects of using a high frequency wand?
The potential for negative side effects when using a high frequency wand are minimal. It's possible to dry out your skin if you overdo it with your device, so stick to using it for just a few seconds in each each per day.
I will say the feeling of using a high frequency wand, especially on a higher setting, does take a bit of getting used to. It's not painful, but it can feel like a little sharp and prickly. The best way I can describe it is like a bug zapper.
It's also worth noting that when your high frequency wand is working, you may smell a very distinct metallic scent, says Russo, who adds that this is totally normal.
How to choose a high frequency wand:
Consider the attachments.
Most wands come with a variety of glass tube attachments in different shapes and sizes. Be sure to choose a device that comes with attachments that will complement where and how you're using your device. Smaller-tipped tubes are generally better for spot treating acne, while larger flat ones are generally better for covering larger areas like your cheeks, chest, and forehead.
Look at the gas type.
Remember, some devices emit Argon gas (best for acne), some emit Neon gas (best for anti-aging), and some emit a combo of both. Make sure that whatever high frequency wand you choose emits the right gas for your skin type and concerns.
Meet the expert:
- Victoria Russo is a licensed aesthetician based in New Jersey and New York. Russo has a over a decade of industry experience and has trained with some of NYC's top dermatologists. She specializes in anti-aging and acne treatments for all skin types at GlowDoll Skin and Aesthetics in Middletown, NJ.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new skincare treatments, products, and trends.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
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