The Tamesis
Red light therapy is undoubtedly the most popular at-home device available right now. But before it hit its peak, microcurrent, microneedling and a host of other skin-care tools that promised to lift, firm and brighten had a brief moment in the spotlight. But by 2026, a new treatment is coming to the fore. Behold – the best HF wand ever. The science behind them is more appealing, as they use basic electrotherapy to support the skin’s natural processes, such as blood flow and oxygenation, but their real value lies in tackling breakouts.
FashionFavorite high frequency wand
Pure Daily Care NuDerma Professional Skin Treatment Stick
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For the unfamiliar, high-frequency facial wands “use glass electrodes filled with argon or neon gas and a gentle electric current passed through the gas, causing a soft tingling sensation on contact with the skin, causing thermal irritation,” says Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California. “I like to explain to patients that it’s a gentle arousal to the skin—it’s not aggressive or invasive, but just enough to promote healthier skin function.”
While current research is limited, our experts agree that high-frequency wands have the potential to reduce acne-causing bacteria in the skin (thereby minimizing breakouts), calm redness and inflammation, and improve circulation. If that sounds convincing, board-certified dermatologist Debra Luftman, M.D., of Beverly Hills, Calif., recommends using FDA-approved devices as support tools, not as replacements for proven acne or anti-aging treatments. “Consistency, proper technique and realistic expectations are important,” she said. With that in mind, consider these devices a good starting point.
In this story:
Best Overall: Stackable Skin Care High Frequency Acne Remover
- Why we love it: Stacked Skincare’s high-frequency device, developed by Microsoft engineer-turned-esthetician Kerry Benjamin, is specifically tailored to target acne and the redness and swelling that often accompanies acne. Here, argon gas electrodes generate a gentle electrical current of up to 60 Hz, helping to reduce the appearance of active pimples, calm visible redness, and even address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It has a knob that allows you to easily adjust the intensity.
- Gas type: Argon
- Best for: Acne-prone skin
- appendix: Three facial attachments, one comb attachment
Best Multi-Function: Skin Gym High Frequency Rod
- Why we love it: This ostensibly cute wand comes with four attachments and uses two different types of gas to solve a variety of problems. The spot attachment utilizes argon gas to address and calm blemishes, while the spoon and mushroom attachments (suitable for wider treatment areas and smaller facial contours, respectively) use neon gas to soothe redness and inflammation. Neon is also the gas of choice in comb attachments, which are applied to the scalp and are said to potentially aid hair health. For convenience, they are packaged in a stylish storage box.
- Gas type: Neon, argon
- Best for: Acne-prone or inflamed skin
- appendix: Three facial attachments, one comb attachment
Best accessories: NuDerma Professional Skin Treatment Stick
- Why we love it: This high frequency wand has the most accessories of any kit, allowing you to choose between argon and neon for maximum flexibility. It comes with a comb wand, a mushroom wand, and a Y-shaped wand, all with neon lights to reduce inflammation on the scalp, face, and neck respectively. But there are three additional attachments that use argon gas to spot-treat breakouts, reduce inflammation in smaller areas like the nose and around the eyes, and address breakouts on the back and legs.
- Gas type: Neon, argon
- Best for: Multiple treatment options; for people with body acne
- appendix: 3 face attachments, 1 neck attachment, 1 comb attachment, 1 body attachment
Best Wireless: OxyGlow 2 Wireless High Frequency Facial Machine
- Why we love it: Here’s what’s really unique about the OxyGlow wand: It skips argon and neon in favor of xenon, which the brand says boosts results and brings more radiance and clarity to skin. It charges via USB and has a cordless design for easier use, plus it comes with four attachments for the face and scalp.
- Gas type: xenon
- Best for: Those who want a portable option
- appendix: Three facial attachments, one comb attachment
Everything you need to know
Do high frequency wands really work?
There’s not a lot of clinical evidence yet, but according to experts, high-frequency wands promise to reduce breakouts and inflammation. “The gentle electrical current creates oxygenation at the skin’s surface, producing subtle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects while gently stimulating circulation and cell turnover,” says Dr. Luftman.
What are the benefits of high frequency?
High frequency seems to have the greatest benefit for those with acne-prone skin. “High-frequency devices are most commonly used to help treat acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria and calming inflammation,” says Dr. Luftman. “Some users notice faster healing of blemishes and a short-term glow to the skin.” You may also enjoy a temporary increase in circulation, reduced redness and a slight tightening effect on the skin.
However, don’t stop using salicylic acid cleansers right away if you’re using it to treat acne. While high frequency may be helpful, “acne is a complex medical condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist,” says Dr. Shirazi. Talk to your doctor first and avoid using it on active breakouts “as it may be uncomfortable and cause active breakouts to worsen,” she says.
What is the most effective and safe high frequency level?
If you buy from a reputable brand, you have nothing to worry about. “Home high-frequency wands are designed to operate at lower, controlled levels and are considered safe when used as directed,” Dr. Shirazi said. Both she and Dr. Luftman recommend not using it for longer than the manufacturer recommends because “overuse can irritate the skin and damage the barrier, which ultimately defeats your goals,” adds Dr. Shirazi.
You’ll also find different gases in glass electrodes, such as argon and neon. “Argon gas produces a blue or purple light and is traditionally used on oily or acne-prone skin because it is thought to be particularly effective at eliminating bacteria and congestion,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Neon emits an orange or red glow and is often used to increase circulation, improve radiance and provide anti-aging benefits such as softening fine lines.” Some devices include interchangeable electrodes so you can tailor your treatment to your skin concerns.
How to use high frequency wand
When using at home, start with clean, dry skin. “Some people like to use a lightweight water-based serum or conductive gel to help the wand glide more comfortably,” says Dr. Shirazi. Then, slowly move the wand across the skin in gentle circular or sweeping motions; avoid leaving the wand on a single area for too long.
Generally speaking, “sessions should be kept relatively short, usually just a few minutes per area,” she says. “Afterwards, it’s a good idea to use a moisturizer or calming serum to support the skin barrier.”
How often should you use a high frequency wand?
For most people, one to three times a week is enough. (If you’re new to high frequency, start with once a week and work your way up.) “I always remind patients that more is not necessarily better because the skin responds best to consistency and moderation,” says Dr. Shirazi. Notice irritation, sensitivity, or persistent redness? Consider this a cue to reduce frequency, or take a break until your skin returns to normal.
When we test and review products, we take a holistic approach to provide comprehensive product recommendations. First, we rely on FashionGain professional acumen for the industry’s standout products with a vast network of experts, from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians, who actually use them on their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to high-frequency wands, we choose the best ones based on the following characteristics: gas type, high-frequency level, attachments, treatment duration, and the skin care concerns they address. To do this, we combine our own personal testing of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which formulas we recommend to you.
