High-Frequency Machine - Rocket Science??

A piece of equipment that no skin care professional can do without is a high-frequency unit. This is why I am more and more surprised by how many estheticians don't know how to use this amazing machine! Hopefully this brief introduction will be beneficial to those in doubt.

The high-frequency machine utilizes the ozone gas in the form of neon or argon to kill germs and bacteria which cause the spread of inflammation and pustules. It closes pores after extractions, and cauterizes any exposed blemishes. High-frequency can also be used for normal skin, to tone, tighten, and stimulate natural collagen formation. Limit use to 3-5 minutes per session.

Currently, the most practical way to go, is with a portable unit, which fits conveniently into a case, and comes with several attachments. These attachments are called electrodes, and are made of glass, with a metallic tip. When cleaning the glass after clients, make sure that the tip never touches water, alcohol, QUATS, or any other liquid which can cause it to rust.

These are the most popular types of electrodes which come standard on most high-frequency units:

• Large mushroom electrode: for the face, back, chest.
• Small mushroom electrode: for very small areas close to the nose, eyes, inside the ear, behind the ear.
• Comb: (should have a metallic coil inside) is used to provide an invigorating scalp treatment which stimulates the flow of blood and oxygen to the hair follicle. Helps prevent hair loss, stimulates more hair grows, moves stagnation, oxygenates, treats dandruff, sterilizes and dries blemishes on the scalp (caused by product allergy).

There is also an option of a bar with a metallic coil inside, which is used to provide an indirect high-frequency treatment. The client should hold this electrode, while the esthetician provides a light effleurage massage.

Contraindications for this machine are:

• Pregnancy
• Pacemaker
• Large metallic implants
• High blood pressure

All this said, I must mention that many people don't know the correct way to apply the high-frequency to their client's face. You may apply the electrode to the clean face (with no products), or on top of a gauze mask. The mask serves the purpose of keeping the electrode clean, as well as creating a small distance which should allow for sparking to occur. For the high-frequency treatment to yield desired results, one must maintain a distance of a couple of millimeters from the skin. This is called "sparking", and must be done to effectively sterilize the area. When the electrode slides on the skin directly, no significant results will be seen, so make sure this is something you don't forget to do the next time you provide a high-frequency treatment!