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6 Best High-Frequency Wands for Zapping Zits and Enlivening Your Complexion
If you’re dealing with breakouts, you need to try one of these.
Very few beauty devices give you instant gratification, especially when it comes to acne. Just take blue light masks, for example: They require four to six weeks of consistent use to clear acne-causing bacteria. When you’re in need of a decently quick fix, high-frequency wands can come to the rescue. Every aesthetician I've seen says they're one of the best tools out there for quickly minimizing and fighting off a zit (alongside a good acne skincare routine, ofc).
High-frequency wands may look and sound like mystifying futuristic devices, but they’re extremely intuitive to use and use comprehensive tech to get to the bottom of your blemishes. “High-frequency wands produce a small electrical current, which creates oxygen on the skin,” explains licensed aesthetician and skincare formulator Jordan Samuel Pacitti. “Acne-causing bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, so this process helps to reduce breakouts with time.”
High-frequency wands can also bring down inflammation, too, helping to make the red pimple on your face look a bit flatter and more even. And depending on the model you choose, it can even have anti-aging properties or help encourage healthy hair growth.
The best high-frequency wands we’ve tested:
I tapped Pacitti and licensed aesthetician Victoria Russo for their top high-frequency wand picks. Plus, I tested them alongside my fellow acne-prone Cosmo beauty editors. Below, you'll see our comprehensive list of the best high-frequency wands, including the pros and cons, tester reviews, and key features to help you choose the right wand for your needs. Clearer skin awaits!
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
- Have to switch between the two wands to get both the anti-aging and acne benefits
Why we love it: The Professional NuDerma wand is easily our top pick and a favorite of Russo's too. It has a mix of attachments that target hormonal acne and whiteheads on your face and body (using argon), as well as anti-aging and hair growth (using neon), making it the most versatile choice. And the price point is fairly affordable for a device that could easily be used at home but also in-office.
Features at a Glance
| Attachments | 6 |
| Gas type | Neon, Argon |
| Treatment area | Face, scalp, body |
One Cosmo editor says: "This wand has 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."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Pros
- Easier to store than some others on this list since there are fewer attachments
- Extremely simple to use
- Comes with three heads that are perfect for spot-treating acne
Cons
- The small tip can be kind of delicate, so handle with care
Why we love it: This high-frequency wand was the first at-home option we ever tried, and it’s still one of our faves. While it doesn't have many fancy bells and whistles, it’s a simple, easy-to-use option for those who want to experience the acne-clearing benefits of high-frequency.
Plug in the device, stick your attachment on, and twist the dial at the base up or down for your desired level of intensity. Then, just hover the wand over your zit for 15 seconds. Whether you opt for one of the spot-treating attachments or the large dome-shaped one for all-over coverage, you’ll feel a tiny zap (promise it doesn't hurt at all!). Within a few days, your blemishes will nearly be gone.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've owned this for three years—and it still works as well as it did then. It's my go-to tool whenever I have a rogue pimple—especially those blind pimples under the skin—that needs to be eradicated from my face. It quickly helps flatten a zit but doesn't hurt at all."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Attachments | 4 |
| Gas type | Neon, Argon |
| Treatment area | Face, scalp, body |
Pros
- Has a customizable dial so you can adjust the intensity as needed
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on the list (but often goes on sale)
Why we love it: 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. Pacitti is a fan of this one as well, noting that “it’s easy to use and contains a few different-sized electrodes, as well as a comb, which can also help with scalp concerns.”
One Cosmo editor says: “A high-tech skincare device like this can seem intimidating to use at home, yet this one from StackedSkincare is anything but. I had an angry breakout that was brewing on my chin right before a big event. The night before, I zapped it using this device and I woke up to a pimple that was nearly gone!”—SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Attachments | 4 |
| Gas types | Argon |
| Treatment areas | Face, scalp, body |
Pros
- Has both neon and argon gas, so it helps with inflammation and anti-aging all in one
- We love the varying attachments for treating an array of areas on the face, body, and scalp
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on this list (but goes on sale frequently)
Why we love it: This device is fantastic for anyone who wants to achieve both benefits of high-frequency in one, giving you way more bang for your buck. The tubes emit a combo of argon (for acne) and neon (for anti-aging and anti-inflammation) gases. If you want a more simplistic version from NuDerma—which has basically become the holy grail of all at-home high-frequency devices—this is our pick.
Features at a Glance
| Attachments | 6 |
| Gas type | Neon-Argon fusion |
| Treatment area | Face, scalp body |
One Cosmo editor says: “Whenever I feel a cystic zit coming on, I zap it with this high frequency wand for a few seconds and I swear it cuts the healing time in half. The combo of argon and neon gases emitted from the tip are excellent at killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin and minimizing inflammation.” —LB
Pros
- Cordless, so it's very easy to travel with and store
- Compact size is easy to maneuver around the skin and scalp
Cons
- Doesn't come with a USB-C cable to charge
- If your primary concern in acne, this might not be the best option
Why we love it: This is the only high-frequency wand on our list that’s cordless. It’s conveniently powered by a rechargeable battery, so you don’t need to be plugged into an outlet to use it. The combo of 90 percent neon and 10 percent argon gas makes this better suited for reducing inflammation, but it’s still a decent pick for acne-prone skin as well.
Features at a Glance
| Attachments | 3 |
| Gas type | Xenon |
| Treatment area | Face, scalp, body |
Pros
- Most affordable option on this list
- Great for anti-aging and scalp benefits
Cons
- Not the best for treating pimples
Why we love it: 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. And it just happens to be at a mega affordable price. It comes with four different glass tube attachments so you can target different areas of your face and body (there’s even a comb attachment for your scalp), and because the wand base and glass tubes are fairly compact, this bb is great for travel as well.
Features at a Glance
| Attachments | 4 |
| Gas type | Neon |
| Treatment area | Face, scalp, back |
How we chose the best high-frequency wands:
We've been testing high-frequency wands for four years, bringing you the best ones with all of our firsthand experience and updating whenever we try new launches or underrated gems. To compile this full list, we:
Tested on a handful of Cosmopolitan beauty editors with a range of skin types and concerns and grabbed their first-person reviews, pros, and cons. We researched each device to find the ones that offered ample attachments, were budget-conscious, and included anti-aging and acne benefits. Additionally, we took into account our experts’ takes on which devices work best at-home and in-office
High-frequency wand benefits and how they work:
High frequency wands utilize low electrical currents to oxygenate the skin, says Russo. These devices come with different shaped glass tubes that are either filled with argon and/or neon gas. “Neon gas emits an orange glow and is 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 had 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 helps increase circulation in the skin, giving me a nice healthy-looking glow.
What happens if I use a high frequency wand every day?
Using your high frequency wand every day is fine, provided you follow all the specific instructions for your chosen device, says Pacitti. “In general, you should use high frequency wands on clean skin, starting on the tool’s lowest setting, moving around the breakout for about one minute. Slowly dial up the setting until you feel a slight tingle or zap, but be sure not to overdo any one area,” explains Pacitti.
Russo also 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 removing 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 often helps the tip of the wand more easily glide over skin, but it’s not necessary for device function or results.
What are the cons of using a high-frequency wand?
The potential cons or negative side effects of high-frequency wands are minimal. That said, 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 area per day.
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.
Are high-frequency wands safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, high-frequency wands can totally be used on sensitive skin, but you should be cautious. Opt for a low setting, as the stronger ones can potentially create excessive heat in your skin and actually do the opposite of treating a breakout (or even worse, possibly trigger melasma).
How to choose the right high-frequency wand for your skin:
Think about the type of acne you have.
If you have a face full of a breakouts, an LED mask that covers more skin may be a better choice for treating your acne. But if you have more localized breakouts—like on your chin—high frequency will likely become your preferred option, says Pacitti. And no matter what, Pacitti always recommends nailing down a great skincare routine before looking for the latest and greatest devices.
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. Whereas combs are beneficial for treating your scalp.
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 experts:
- Jordan Samuel Pacitti is a licensed aesthetician and the founder and CEO of Jordan Samuel Skin. He regularly works with cosmetic chemists to innovate and develop new product ideas based on the latest ingredient science.
- 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, New Jersey.
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.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories.
Lauren Balsamo is the 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 more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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