One of the most popular pieces of esthetic equipment that Pure Spa Direct offers is galvanic. This treatment is the perfect add on for many facials, and most of our estheticians find galvanic equipment an excellent investment. However, what exactly is galvanic, and how does it benefit the client?
The skin blocks the absorption of almost all products applied directly on top of the pores, which is why even the most expensive skin care products do not always make any difference to the texture or tone of the skin.
Galvanicfacial treatments offer a solution for making those skincare products work; the machine promotes the absorption of products used on the skin, driving them deeper into the pores so that they can work. It also helps to tighten up the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for good.
Galvanic facial machines convert oscillating current from an electrical outlet into a direct current. Electrons are then allowed to flow continuously in the same direction. This creates a relaxation response that can be used to target specific nerve endings in the epidermis. Galvanic machines are most often used by Estheticians to effectively push skin care product into the client's skin.
Galvanicfacial machines use electric current to create two significant reactions in esthetics: chemical (disincrustation) and ionic (iontophoresis). Micro current energy has been documented and studied for over a century, and galvanic treatments use very low-frequency impulses so there is no risk of burning or electric shock.
Galvanic is based on the basic laws of electricity: “similar or like repel, opposites attract”. The two forces (positive and negative) pull together like a magnet and push the skin care product into the deeper layers of the skin, or the dermis. The capacity of the skin’s absorption is increased by the galvanic ion and this improves the penetration of products (such as anti-wrinkle cream) through the skin. In addition, skin will be completely cleansed as negative ions force all the dirt and debris held within the pores to the surface. At the same time, the positive ions give the skin a fresh look and plump the skin, banishing wrinkles.
How It Works
The galvanic hand piece is used to direct a galvanic current of ions directly into the skin. These positive and negative ions act like a magnet on top of the skin’s surface, and will slowly push the product lying on the skin’s surface down into the deeper layers. The skin can then absorb the treatment within seconds and the electric energy also firms up, tones and tightens the skin during the session. Most sessions last for just 10-15 minutes, but are combined with a full facial treatment that can last up to an hour.
The client holds the positive electrode while performing disincrustation and the negative while performing iontophoresis. The technician gently rubs or presses the galvanic massager over the skin so it gives a steady, direct galvanic current of positive and negative ions through the skin.
Disincrustation (Negative Pole)
Estheticians use disincrustation (anaphoresis) to facilitate deep-pore cleansing. During this process, galvanic current is used to create a chemical reaction that liquefies sebum and debris. This treatment is very beneficial for oily or acne skin because it helps soften and relax the debris in the follicle for extractions.
To perform disincrustation, an acid-based electropositive solution (disincrustation lotion) is placed onto the skin's surface. The solution is formulated to remain on the surface of the skin rather than be absorbed. When conducting disincrustation, the client holds the positive electrode, the positive polarity. The esthetician has direct contact with the disincrustator that is set on negative polarity. This creates a chemical reaction that transforms the sebum of the skin using a process known as saponification. Soap is made from fat and lye (sodium hydroxide). When the electrical current interacts with the salts in the skin, it creates the chemical sodium hydroxide or lye. This soapy substance helps dissolve excess oil, clogged pores, and remove other debris on the skin, while softening it at the same time. For those who suffer from acne, this treatment can help remove sebaceous blockages and clear congestion that leads to acne. A hydrating and nourishing substance needs to be applied during the facial process in order for those with dry and normal skins to benefit from galvanic.
Effects of Disincrustation
- Produces Alkaline reactions
- Opens the pores
- Stimulates and irritates the nerves
- Increases blood supply
- Softens tissues
Iontophoerisis (Positive Pole)
Iontophoresis therapy is the therapeutic introduction of ions of soluble salts into tissues by means of electric current; a form of electro-osmosis; also, a process of increasing the penetration of drugs into surface tissues by the application of electric current. In short, Iontophoresis is the process of introducing water-soluble products into the skin with an electric current. This process allows estheticians to penetrate ions of an applied solution into the deeper layers of the skin with the galvanic current. Ions are atoms or molecules that carry an electrical charge. Current flows through conductive solutions from the positive and negative polarities. This is known as ionization, the separating of a substance into ions.
The electricity triggers cellular turnover so that any damaged tissues can repair and heal quickly, and even though the procedure does not injure the tissues, it does ‘trick’ the cells so that they begin to undergo the healing process. Galvanic facial treatments have been used for decades as an anti-aging solution. For clients who want to rejuvenate and revitalize their skin, choose a galvanic treatment.
Effects of Iontophoerisis
- Produces acidic reactions
- Closes the pores
- Soothes nerves
- Decreases blood supply
- Contracts blood vessels
- Hardens and firms tissues
Cautions
Do you currently offer galvanic treatments? Check out Pure Spa Direct to view our wide selection of galvanic equipment today!