Even with proper treatment guided by a dermatologist, some acne is persistent and will not go away when treated with over-the-counter creams. High-frequency acne treatments can be very effective in treating people who have severe acne and who have not seen improvements with standard treatments. There are several different types of high-frequency acne treatments. According to the East Bay Acne and Skin Care Clinic, high-frequency treatments are effective in decreasing acne, because they can relieve the inflammation and get rid of bacteria on the skin 1.

Diode Laser Treatment

Diode laser treatment involves the use of diode lasers, which destroy the thick middle layer of your skin without damaging the top layer of your skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. This destroys the glands where acne emerge so new pimples do not form. The use of diode laser treatment can be very painful, so it is usually done under general anesthesia. Diode laser treatments are usually very expensive and, according to the Mayo Clinic, are usually not covered by insurance companies.

DermaWand Kit

The DermaWand kit is a facial kit that includes a high-frequency beam to be used on your face at home. Though the main purpose of this kit is to decrease signs of aging, it is also used for decreasing acne. It costs about $70 and can be purchased online. The DermaWand kit is gentle and may not hurt as other high-frequency acne treatments do, but it may not be as effective as other treatments because it does not get rid of the bacteria that cause acne.

Pulsed Light and Heat Energy Therapy

According to the Mayo Clinic, the use of pulsed light and heat energy at the same time may possibly destroy the P. acne bacteria, which cause pimples 1. Pulsed light and heat energy treatments may also shrink the sebaceous glands of the skin, which means the skin produces less oil. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of one high-frequency acne treatment that involves a green-yellow light and heat. Though redness may occur as a side effect of the treatment, pulsed light and heat energy therapy is effective in treating mild to moderate acne.**

Jellen Portable High-Frequency Machine

Jellen brand makes a portable high-frequency acne clearing machine that has the same strength as a professional-grade machine but can be used in the privacy of your own home 2. It is small and compact and has a control dial that allows the user to choose how high he wants the current to be, depending on whether he prefers an intense facial or a mild treatment. According to the company, the product sends a high-frequency oscillating current to the skin, which triggers new cell formation, drains of impurities and toxins and exfoliates dead skin cells. The Jellen portable high-frequency machine costs about $240, according to the company that manufactures it 2.

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy is a high-frequency acne treatment used in some day spas and medical clinics. According to the Mayo Clinic, the source of the blue light is believed to kill P. acnes, the bacteria which cause acne on the skin 1. Killing the bacteria prevents acne from spreading and prevents new pimples from emerging. Blue light therapy is generally not effective if only done once; it needs to be done repeatedly in a series of treatments. Unlike some other high-frequency acne treatments, blue light therapy is painless, though it may cause a slight red coloration to the skin after each treatment.**