How LDM Pen Uses 3 and 10 MHz Ultrasound for the Surface of the Skin
A no-jargon look at the dual ultrasound frequencies inside an LDM pen, what they feel like, and why they stay near the surface instead of diving deep.
The first time we heard "3 MHz and 10 MHz," our brain shut down. Math class flashbacks. In the room, it made sense: two sounds, two moods. The LDM pen switches between them to wake the skin without blasting it. Here is what that actually looks and feels like.
Picture the handpiece as a tiny speaker. At 3 MHz, it hums low and slow. Millions of vibrations per second, but gentle. The waves travel a bit deeper within the upper skin—still shallow, nowhere near muscle. It feels like a warm spoon sliding over a cheek. At 10 MHz, the hum jumps higher. The waves skim closer to the surface, like drumming fingertips on a table. Different depth, different purpose.
Why bother with two? Switching keeps the surface balanced. Lower frequency nudges circulation and eases tension. Higher frequency tickles the top layers, encourages water to stay put, and keeps the barrier from sulking. Together, they feel like a massage and a wake-up call rolled into one.
We tested both on the same day. The practitioner started with 3 MHz along the jaw. Warmth built slowly. We felt a soft pressure, calming. Then she flicked to 10 MHz near the mouth. The pitch rose, the touch got lighter, almost buzzing. No pain, just a different kind of awareness. That contrast kept us engaged instead of zoning out.
The gel is part of the story. It smells clean, feels cool at first, then warms as the waves travel. It is not a moisturizer; it is a conductor. Without it, the waves would not glide. We learned to judge gel quality by how evenly the handpiece moves. Too little gel, and the device drags. Too much, and it feels slippery without grip. A sweet spot exists, and a good practitioner finds it.
Skeptics ask, "Does this go deep?" No. That is the point. Medical ultrasound for therapy runs lower frequencies and higher intensities to target muscle or tendons. LDM pens stay in the shallows to respect skin. The goal is comfort, mild stimulation, and better barrier behavior, not tissue remodeling.
We noticed small changes after a few sessions. Less tightness after hot showers. Makeup sitting smoother on the cheeks. Tiny bounce when we smile, like the skin remembered how to spring. Not dramatic lifts. Just quiet improvements. The dual frequencies probably play a role: 3 MHz coaxing circulation, 10 MHz refining texture.
How does it sound? Imagine a cat purring at 3 MHz, then a kettle warming at 10 MHz. The shift is audible. Some clients find it soothing, some giggle at the tickle near the nose. We tell practitioners when the buzz feels too much so they can adjust pressure or gel.
When we overdid retinoids one week, the 10 MHz pass felt prickly. The practitioner noticed, dropped intensity, and added more gel. That flexibility is why human hands beat any automated routine. The device offers modes; the person decides how to use them.
Safety sits in the frequency choices too. Because the waves stay near the surface, people with deeper implants or major medical concerns may still be eligible after a physician’s okay. Still, we check for pacemakers, open wounds, and active infections. Frequencies alone do not make a treatment safe; protocol does.
Who benefits most? People chasing hydration and texture steadiness. Those who hate downtime. Folks who want to pair this with LED or facials. We would not pitch 3 and 10 MHz as a fix for sagging jowls. It is maintenance, not magic. That honesty keeps clients from expecting surgery out of a handheld device.
We love building rituals around the switch. Start with 3 MHz to melt jaw tension. Shift to 10 MHz to wake the cheeks. Finish with a cool towel to lock in calm. The skin feels like it took a short nap and a quick jog at once. Strange combo, but it works.
If you love data, track how your skin reacts to different mixes. Maybe your forehead prefers more 3 MHz because it is thicker, while your nose prefers 10 MHz for delicate pores. Jot notes after each session. Patterns emerge after three or four visits. Use that to guide future blends.
The short version: 3 MHz hums deeper, 10 MHz dances on the surface. Together they make the LDM pen feel intentional, not random. The hum, the gel, the warmth—they combine into a gentle routine that respects skin rather than bullying it. We keep coming back for that quiet respect.
Quick questions we get about the tech
- Can we choose only one frequency? Sometimes. Practitioners can favor one over the other. We like a mix, but on reactive days we lean heavier on 10 MHz to stay light.
- Does switching hurt? No. The sound changes, but the skin just feels a shift in buzz and warmth. If it stings, ask for more gel or lower intensity.
- Why not use lower, deeper ultrasound like medical therapy? Because we are not treating tendons or deep tissue. High-frequency, lower-intensity waves are kinder to the surface and fit cosmetic goals better.
- Does the gel matter? Yes. Thick enough to glide, not so thick that it smothers. Fragrance-free helps sensitive noses.
Understanding these small tech points makes the session feel less mysterious and more collaborative. Knowing the why behind the hum builds trust—and trust keeps the skin calm too.
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About San
Our professional team specializes in LDM Pen dual-frequency ultrasound technology and skincare research, dedicated to providing users with scientific guidance on calming, lifting, and caring for sensitive skin safely at home.