ELECTROTHERAPY (Facial Machines)

From operating the lights to running a facial steamer, electricity is critical to skin care. There are a number of facial services that incorporate the use of machines. These treatments are often called ELECTROTHERAPY TREATMENTS. A consultation with the client is a must to identify any contraindications before incorporating the use of machines. There are four main types of currents used in electrotherapy treatments. These currents are known as GALVANIC, HIGH FREQUENCY (also called Tesla), FARADIC and SINUSOIDAL. GALVANIC CURRENT (the only constant current) Galvanic Current is used to force water-soluble skin care products into the skin. A desincrustation/Anaphoresis facial treatment uses GALVANIC CURRENT in conjunction with an alkaline solution to force the solution deep into the skin. This process liquefies (saponifies) sebum trapped within the pores and greatly eases the extraction process. This procedure is for ACNEIC, CONGESTED SKIN. An Iontophoresis facial treatment utilizes GALVANIC CURRENT to penetrate nourishing, hydrating and firming ingredients deep into the skin after extraction. This is ideal for DRY SKIN. Cataphoresis allows an acidic (BHA or AHA) solution to enter the skin when assisted by the GALVANIC machine. This is performed after the extractions. HIGH FREQUENCY CURRENT High Frequency Current, also referred to as Tesla Current, is an alternating (or oscillating) current that can be adjusted to different voltages to produce heat. This type of treatment makes use of glass electrodes filled with a gas either argon or neon. Because argon produces a rich purple color, the treatment is sometimes also known as the violet-ray. Both gases produce similar effects, but ARGON is typically used on ACNE-TYPE lesions, whereas NEON is used on NORMAL to OILY skin to create warmth in a localized area for improved product penetration, or to increase circulation. Once the gas ignites, light energy is given off to form electricity around the electrode. When the oxygen in the air around the electrode is electrified, it creates ozone gas. This ozone gas, generated close to the skins surface, has a germicidal, healing and drying effect. INDIRECT HIGH FREQUENCY CURRENT This treatment is used during the massage steps to amplify the effects of the massage movements for relaxation, stimulation, and penetration of product. The current is not applied to the surface of the skin. The client holds the indirect electrode and the esthetician massaged the clients skin while electrical current passes through the estheticians hands. The hands act as the electrode and the esthetician may actually feel a slight tingling sensation in his or her hands. This is often referred to as a Viennese Massage. Indirect High Frequency utilizes the electrical current to relax the client. DIRECT HIGH FREQUENCY This treatment delivers antibacterial benefits to the skin. It is best suited for OILY OR ACNEIC skin. It heals existing papules and pustules. It is performed immediately following extractions. It spot treats blemishes while simultaneously create a drying effect that not only kills bacteria but also eliminates excess sebum (oil) and prevents further breakouts. FARADIC CURRENT This treatment is an alternating current (AC) that is interrupted to produce a mechanical, nonchemical reaction. A passive form of exercise because it stimulates the muscle with the aid of a

machine and current. Stimulation to the motor point of the muscle can cause a muscle contraction that can actually be seen. This current can be soothing and relaxing and is believed to help preserve muscle tone. DIRECT FARADIC During the Direct Faradic method of application, the esthetician places both electrodes on the clients skin, being certain that they never touch. The current travels through the motor nerves between the two electrodes. This stimulates muscles, improves blood circulation, improves muscle tone and increases glandular activity. INDIRECT FARADIC This is the most frequently used application of Faradic Current. The esthetician usually wears a wristband with a moistened electrode. The second electrode is wrapped in moist cotton and either held by the client or places beneath the clients lower neck between the shoulders. A facial massage is then performed with particular focus on motor points. This preserves muscle tone, improves circulation and provides relaxation. SINUSOIDAL CURRENT Sinusoidal Current is an alternating current (AC) that produces a mechanical effect, similar to the way Faradic Current produces muscle contractions. Some users believe its superior to Faradic Current because it penetrates deeply and can provide greater stimulation to the treated area. it is often the preferred treatment for middle-aged and older clients. Sinusoidal Current electrotherapy is performed using the indirect method application only. CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ELECTROTHERAPY Pregnancy, heart condition and/or pacemaker, open cuts/sores, dental braces, couperose (dilated capillaries), high blood pressure, use of Retin-A, Accutane or antibiotics, loss of skin sensation, hypersensitivity, claustrophobic, joint replacements, prosthetics, metal plates or pins, epilepsy and/or diabetes.