We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beauty

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is an Ultrasonic Facial Treatment?

By C.B. Fox
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 44,921
Share

An ultrasonic facial treatment is used to increase the production of collagen, firm the skin, and help skin cells to cycle more quickly, leading to clearer, more youthful looking skin. This type of treatment is safe for most people to use, though its effectiveness has not been well-studied. Ultrasound is often used on the skin after another type of skin facial, such as microdermabrasion, because it can relieve the swelling and soreness associated with this treatment. On its own, an ultrasonic facial does not cause pain or discomfort but may not improve the condition of the skin as many claim. People who use this treatment regularly may benefit from the relaxation associated with having a skincare treatment and the placebo effect that creates a perceived improvement even when no measurable improvement exists.

A handheld ultrasonic emitter is used to provide an ultrasonic facial treatment. This device is moved slowly across the surface of the person's skin as it emits high-frequency sound waves that are absorbed into the person's body. The frequency of the sound waves determines how deeply they are able to penetrate, with lower, 1 megahertz (MHz) frequencies penetrating to a depth of no more than 3/4 of an inch (2 cm) and higher frequencies of 3 or even 5 MHz disappearing at a much lower depth. Ideally, an ultrasonic treatment uses frequencies of 3 MHz or higher so that the sound waves do not reach the muscles, connective tissues, and bones beneath the skin. When used around the eyes, where the skin is extremely thin, the emitter should be set at its 5 MHz setting.

There are a few different reasons that patients may receive an ultrasonic facial treatment. It is often used after other procedures, such as chemical peels or facial abrasions, that damage the outer layer of skin. In these cases, ultrasonic treatment has been shown to help decrease pain and swelling. An ultrasonic facial can also be used alone in the hopes that it will eliminate dark spots and fine lines, treat acne and rosacea, and help the skin shed dead cells. If the treatment is able to do these things, it would improve the overall quality of the skin, creating a more youthful appearance.

Ultrasound is frequently used in medicine to penetrate the tissues of the body and give doctors a sonic picture of the inside of a patient's body. This procedure is considered safe, but it does have an effect on a patient's tissues and can alter blood flow, interrupt the electrical communication between cells, and produce additional heat. It is unlikely that an ultrasonic facial treatment could harm an unborn baby or disrupt a patient's pacemaker, but patients with these conditions should only use ultrasonic devices under medical supervision.

Most patients who are given an ultrasonic facial treatments tolerate the procedure well. Some ultrasound devices emit heat, but it is never so intense that it will harm the patient. If the device does become hot, the treatment should be discontinued and started again after it has had a chance to cool. The sound waves produced by the device cannot be heard or felt, so the treatment feels, for the most part, like a light facial massage.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-an-ultrasonic-facial-treatment.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.