Are High-Frequency Wands the Future of At-Home Skincare?

Red light therapy is undoubtedly the at-home device of the moment; but before its crowning, microcurrent, microneedling, and a slew of other skin-care tools that promised to lift, firm, and brighten had their time in the spotlight. But in 2026, a new treatment is rising to the fore. Behold—the best high-frequency wands. The science behind them offers more mass appeal in that they use basic electrotherapy to support natural processes in the skin, such as blood flow and oxygenation—but their real value is in addressing breakouts. Vogue’s Favorite High-Frequency Wands For the unfamiliar, high-frequency facial wands “use a glass electrode filled with either argon or neon gas and a mild electrical current that passes through the gas, which creates a soft tingling sensation on contact with the skin, causing thermal stimulation,” says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA. “I like to explain it to patients as a light wake-up call for the skin—it’s not aggressive or invasive, but enough to encourage healthier skin function.” While the research is limited at the moment, our experts agreed that high-frequency wands have the potential to reduce acne-causing bacteria in skin (thus minimizing breakouts), calm redness and inflammation, and enhance circulation. If that sounds compelling, Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, CA, recommends using a FDA-cleared device as a supportive tool, rather than a replacement for proven acne or anti-aging treatments. “Consistency, proper technique, and realistic expectations matter,” she says. With that in mind, consider these devices to be good starting points. In This Story: Do high frequency wands really work? What are the benefits of high frequency? What is the most effective, and safe, high frequency level? How to Use a High Frequency Wand How often should you use a high frequency wand? How We Tested Meet The Experts Best Overall: Stacked Skincare High Frequency Acne Device Why We Love It: Developed by Microsoft engineer-turned-esthetician Kerry Benjamin, Stacked Skincare’s high-frequency device is tailored specifically towards acne and the requisite redness that often accompanies it. Here, argon-gas electrodes create a gentle current at up to 60 Hz, which helps to reduce the look of active pimples, calm visible redness, and even address the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It has a dial that allows you to easily adjust the intensity, too. Gas Types: Argon Best For: Acne-prone skin Attachments: Three facial attachments, one comb attachment Best Versatile: Skin Gym High Frequency Wand Why We Love It: This ostensibly cute wand comes with four attachments and uses two different types of gasses in order to address multiple concerns. The dot-shaped attachment harnesses argon to address and quell blemishes, while the spoon- and mushroom-shaped attachments—ideal for wider treatment areas and smaller contours of the face, respectively—deploy neon to soothe redness and inflammation. Neon is also the gas of choice in the comb attachment, which is meant for the scalp and may purportedly help with hair health. For convenience, they all come wrapped in a sleek storage case. Gas Types: Neon, argon Best For: Acne-prone or inflamed skin Attachments: Three facial attachments, one comb attachment Best Attachments: NuDerma Professional Skin Therapy Wand Why We Love It: With the most attachments of any set, this high-frequency wand allows you to choose between argon and neon for the most flexibility. It comes with a comb wand, mushroom-shaped wand, and Y-shaped wand—all with neon to dial down inflammation on the scalp, face, and neck, respectively. But there are three additional attachments, too, that harness argon and are designed to spot-treat breakouts, reduce inflammation in smaller areas (like around the nose and eyes), and address breakouts on the back and legs. Gas Types: Neon, argon Best For: Versatile treatment options; those targeting body acne Attachments: Three facial attachments, one neck attachment, one comb attachment, one body attachment Best Cordless: OxyGlow 2 Cordless High Frequency Facial Machine Why We Love It: What truly sets OxyGlow’s wand apart: It skips the argon and neon in favor of xenon, which the brand says amplifies the efficacy and delivers more radiance and clarity to skin. It charges via USB and has a cordless design that makes it easier to wield; plus, it comes with four attachments for the face and scalp. Gas Types: Xenon Best For: Those who want a portable option Attachments: Three facial attachments, one comb attachment Everything You Need To Know Do high-frequency wands really work? There’s not a ton of clinical evidence just yet, but high-frequency wands show promise for reducing breakouts and inflammation, according to experts. “The mild electrical current creates oxygenation at the surface at the skin, which produces a subtle antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect while gently stimulating circulation and cell turnover,” says Dr. Luftman. What are the benefits of high frequency? High-frequency seems to hold the biggest benefits for those with breakout-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.” You might also enjoy a temporary boost in circulation, reduce redness, and have a mild tightening effect on skin. However, if you’re using it to treat acne, don’t quit your salicylic acid cleanser just yet. While high-frequency might be helpful, “acne is a complex medical condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment with a dermatologist,” says Dr. Shirazi. Talk to your doctor first, and avoid using it on an active breakout, “as it can be uncomfortable and lead to worsening an active flare,” she says. What is the most effective, and safe, high frequency level? If you’re buying from a reputable brand, you don’t have much to worry about. “At-home high-frequency wands are designed to operate at low, controlled levels that are considered safe when used as directed,” says Dr. Shirazi. Both she and Dr. Luftman advise against using it longer than the manufacturer recommends, since “overuse can irritate the skin and compromise the barrier, which ultimately works against your goals,” Dr. Shirazi adds. You’ll also find different gases, like argon and neon, in the glass electrode. “Argon gas produces a blue or violet light and is traditionally used for oilier or acne-prone skin, as it’s thought to be especially effective at targeting bacteria and congestion,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Neon gas emits an orange or red glow and is typically used to promote circulation, radiance, and anti-aging benefits like softening the appearance of fine lines.” Some devices include interchangeable electrodes so you can tailor your treatment to your skin concerns. How to Use a High Frequency Wand For at-home use, start with clean, dry skin. “Some people like to apply a light, water-based serum or conductive gel to help the wand glide more comfortably,” says Dr. Shirazi. Then, move the wand slowly across the skin in gentle circular or sweeping motions; avoid holding the wand in a single area for too long. In general, “sessions should remain relatively short, typically just a few minutes per area,” she says. “Afterward, it’s best to follow with a hydrating 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 should suffice. (Start with once a week if you’re new to high frequency, then work your way up.) “I always remind patients that more isn’t necessarily better, because skin responds best to consistency and moderation,” says Dr. Shirazi. Notice irritation, sensitive, or lasting redness? Consider it your cue to scale back the frequency, or take a break from it until your skin returns to normal. How We Tested When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair 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 selected the best based on the following characteristics: gas type, high frequency level, attachments, treatment duration, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you. Meet the Experts Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Derm in San Diego, CA Debra Luftman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Beverly Hills, CA