Are High Frequency Wands the Ultimate Fix for Acne and Wrinkles? (2025)

If you prefer your skin care tools with a touch of mobility, look no further than this Amazon best-selling wand. The bent and mushroom attachments help improve the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles, while the comb enhances stimulation to promote hair growth.

Attachments: Bent tube, mushroom tube, comb tube

Best for: All skin types

How to use: Thoroughly cleanse the skin, attach the tube, and adjust the intensity to your liking. Then, run the wand along your face in circular motions.

Gas type: Neon and argon

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “As an esthetician, I was on the hunt for the most convenient high frequency. This is so easy to handle . Has kept a charge for weeks . You don’t have to ground it manually. Just press the button to use. Amazing!”

You’ve likely seen this device all over Instagram, and it’s a favorite of beauty experts like Glasgow, too. Skin Gym’s slim device aims to target surface breakouts and deeper cystic pimples, so you can help zap a growing mound in its tracks right before an exciting date or big presentation. According to reviewers, you can expect a clearer, brighter complexion after just a few uses.

Attachments: Spoon electrode, dot-point electrode, mushroom electrode

Best for: Acne-prone skin

How to use: Cover skin with cotton gauze, adjust the dial until you feel your skin tingling, and run the wand in circular motions on spots for one to three minutes.

Gas type: Argon and neon

Our expert says: “This is one of my favorite wands. This device uses argon and neon gas, and can treat anything from oily and acne-prone skin to delivering anti-aging benefits.”—Dr. Rachel Westbay

“Seasoned brand StackedSkincare offers one of the most popular high frequency wands available,” says Glasgow. “With argon gas electrodes, it kills blemish-causing bacteria and minimizes common acne side effects like redness, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. Plus, it comes with a comb attachment for your scalp and hair. The safe magnetic storage [with dedicated slots for handles and electrodes] also makes this device my top recommendation.” Other highlights include an adjustable frequency feature for enhanced comfort and three additional attachment heads for targeting different areas of the face, including around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Attachments: Comb electrode, point electrode, spoon electrode, mushroom electrode

Best for: Acne-prone skin

How to use: Turn the dial until you can feel your skin tingling, run the wand in circles over a blemish for one to three minutes, or tap it on the spot two to three times to “spark.” Use for up to three to four minutes on one area and no longer than 20 minutes on the entire face.

Gas type: Argon

A StackedSkincare reviewer says: “This high frequency device honestly takes the cake! It’s compact and it works! I can’t believe the difference it’s made in my skin in just a short amount of time. It decreases the size and duration of my blemishes without irritating my skin. I have extremely sensitive skin, so I can’t use any harsh chemical exfoliants on my acne. This tool is so handy as a replacement! I love that you can adjust the intensity and the type of wand to target specific areas!”

We don’t blame you for wanting flawless skin from head to toe. Enter: This top-rated wand, which is beloved for reducing breakouts while simultaneously plumping and firming. It emits a combo of argon and neon gas, the latter of which is believed to help increase cell turnover and boost the skin’s collagen and elastin levels. Not only that, but this set also comes with six glass tube attachments for use on the face, neck, scalp, arms, and legs, so you can essentially use it anywhere.

Attachments: Spoon Electrode, dot-point electrode, mushroom electrode, comb electrode, Y-shaped electrode, rod electrode

Best for: Mature skin

How to use: Insert the desired attachment, adjust the dial until you feel a slight tingling, and move the tip in small circular motions across the face or area being treated. Use two to three times a week for two to three minutes each session.

Gas type: Neon and argon

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am absolutely in love with this device and cannot stop singing its praises! It comes with different attachments, is easy to set up, and includes very informative guides on how to use it. You get used to handling the device very quickly, and I was able to jump to a higher frequency setting after only one session. I’ve been incorporating this treatment into my nightly routine two to three times a week and my skin has improved drastically! My skin’s texture has almost completely smoothed out, and my acne has significantly reduced. I’ve also noticed that the wrinkles on my neck are becoming less noticeable, and I’ve even started to use it around my eyes to help with my fine lines.”

This Amazon bestseller has racked up around 14,000 five-star ratings, a testament to its efficacy. Choose between four different tubes depending on the area you’d like to treat (they work on the scalp as well). The tubes will fill up with neon gas to encourage cell turnover and firm the skin for smoother skin and fuller-looking hair.

Attachments: Spoon electrode, dot point electrode, mushroom electrode, comb electrode

Best for: Mature skin

How to use: Insert the desired attachment, adjust the dial until you feel a slight tingling, and move the tip in small circular motions across the face or treated area. Use two to three times a week for two to three minutes each session.

Gas type: Neon

An Amazon reviewer says: “I was getting Juvederm every six months in my marionette lines and nasolabial folds. I started to look overfilled, bloated, and not natural. My friend who works as an esthetician told me about this machine. I started using it every other day and it has slimmed my face and tightened the areas in which I used to fill. It works great on fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead and eyes. I used to get 40 units of Botox every three months in these areas but now only need 15 units.”

This anti-aging high frequency wand doesn’t just focus on your face. It includes six attachments so that you can use it all over your body. Reviewers report that it’s non-irritating for those with sensitive skin yet effective, and one even called it a “hidden treasure” for anyone dealing with expression lines and acne.

Attachments: Spoon electrode, bent electrode, mushroom electrode, comb electrode, rod electrode, Y-shaped electrode

Best for: All skin types

How to use: Attach the desired attachment, turn the device on and adjust the dial, and place your finger on the tip before moving it across your face in circular motions for five to 10 minutes. Do not treat one area for more than 10 seconds.

Gas type: Neon

An Amazon reviewer says: “After plenty of research, I began using this in the evening on my forehead and smile for some expression lines. For reference, I also have mild adult acne/hormonal breakouts. With consistent use every other day, I feel like it not only has helped with my expression lines, but it has also helped manage my acne. I love it!”

“High-frequency wands use a low-level electrical current to potentially oxygenate and rejuvenate the skin,” says Dr. Rogers. “They typically operate at a high frequency, producing a gentle warming of the skin. The current is applied through a glass electrode, with the theory that it increases blood circulation, cell turnover, collagen and elastin production, and may have antibacterial properties and increase product absorption.”

High frequency wands produce argon and/or neon gas electrodes. “Argon gas is a violet light that is fabulous for oily and acne-prone skin types,” explains Glasgow. “It kills P. acne bacteria, stimulates circulation, aids in detoxification, and contracts blood vessels, therefore minimizing red, inflamed skin. It’s important to note that this type of therapy is best suited for those with an emerging breakout or used as a spot treatment; although it’s supportive for deeper cystic acne, keep in mind this form of acne is more complex to treat. Meanwhile, neon gas is an orange/red gas that boasts cell renewal and anti-aging benefits by increasing the production levels of collagen and elastin in the skin.”

“Although they are technically safe to use on all skin types, those with sensitive skin should use them sparingly,” advises Glasgow. “Tingling and redness can occur and be more extreme for reactive skin types. Most important to note, however, is that high-frequency wands should not be used by anyone who has melasma or rosacea. A small amount of ultraviolet light is emitted that stimulates melanocytes, leading to the production of pigment and hyperpigmentation.”

Dr. Rogers also warns that darker skin tones, in particular, may experience unwanted changes in pigmentation due to overheating or irritation.

“Those who are pregnant, have epilepsy, heart conditions, recent botox or fillers, pacemakers, diabetes, or any metals or pins are also not a candidate for this treatment,” adds Glasgow.

For anyone eligible to use a high frequency wand, Glasgow suggests skipping retinol and acids in your routine two weeks before treatment to minimize potential irritation.

“There are dozens of cheap renditions out there, but make sure to purchase from a brand with a respected reputation and a positive track record since your skin’s safety is a top priority,” says Glasgow. Additionally, Dr. Rogers suggests looking out for the following:

Adjustable frequency: “Consider if the wand has options in frequency settings so you can experiment with which setting works best for your skin,” she notes.

Types of attachments: “Some have attachments that better cater to specific areas of the face, body, or type of treatment, depending on which areas you want to target.”

“Always begin with clean, dry skin,” says Glasgow. “The major non-negotiable is to wrap the tip of the wand with medical-grade gauze to create a thin barrier between you and your delicate skin. This reduces the redness and sensitivity some may experience, resulting in a more protected but just as effective therapy. Spot treat the active pimple for two to three minutes or the entire face at a few-minute intervals for no more than 10 minutes a day.”

Dr. Rogers adds that when applying the wand, use “gentle, continuous movement and create good contact with the skin.”

Both of our experts stress that aftercare is crucial as well. “Your skin will be sensitized post-therapy, so avoiding the sun is a given,” notes Glasgow. “Also, ultimate hydration is vital to receiving the benefits from high frequency wands and protecting your skin while it is most vulnerable.” She especially loves following up with “a gentle, antibacterial, and non-comedogenic face oil to soothe and support the skin.” (If you need a recommendation, Thomas Grove’s organic blend is her top pick.)

Natasha V. Glasgow is a licensed esthetician, beauty contributor, advisor, and researcher.

Dr. Heather D. Rogers is a dermatologist and founder & CEO of Doctor Rogers Skin Care.

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