WHAT IS GALVANIC TECHNOLOGY IN SKIN CARE



Galvanic beauty treatments which include electrolysis, iontophoresis and desincrustation, have been standard salon practices for a long time. Skin therapists call this procedure a ‘non-surgical facelift’ that gives you youthful skin without having to undergo any surgical procedure or poke needles into it. It involves using a low-level current to infuse medication into your skin. In other words, a galvanic facial uses medium-amperage direct current to stimulate your skin cells, soften your skin, and drive medicines or creams deep into the layers of your skin. This is done to improve the hydration levels of and blood circulation to the face, thereby making it more radiant. 



Galvanic (direct) currents have a fixed polarity, so when the current comes into contact with body tissues:
(+) Positive pole (Iontophoresis):  produces acid 
Treats aging skin, hyperpigmentation, reduce sensitivity and redness
(-)  Negative pole (Desincrustation): generates alkali
 Softens and emulsifies sebum and keratin / kill germinating cells

This occurs because body fluids naturally contain dissolved salts (electrolytes) which can be affected by electrical charges.

IONTOPHORESIS (+)
Using galvanic current on the positive polarity is referred to as iontophoresis. During an iontophoresis treatment, a positively charged acid pH serum, gel or complex is first applied to the skin. The positively-charged current is then delivered via the active ingredients deep into the skin via positively-charged ions or molecules.

(+) Skin Effects
  • Acid reaction to balance skin pH
  • Tightens and firms tissues
  • Constricts the follicles
  • Decreases blood flow and sensitivity
  • Reduces edema
  • Attracts positive ions
What Types of Products Can Be Used?
  • Serums to masques and even moisturizers
  • Have an acid pH 
  • Water-soluble
  • Hydroxy acid-based liquid exfoliants
DESINCRUSTATION (-)
A process that softens and emulsifies sebum and keratin in the follicle. It prepares the skin for safe, painless and successful removal of comedones and micro-comedones. It is the deepest way to clean the skin and remove congestion. The desincrustation solution, combined with the action of the active negative electrode, results in the “saponification” of sebum. This alkali and sebum reaction forms sodium hydroxide due to the fatty stearic acids in sebum, reacting with the alkali to form soap. In the skin, the reaction softens and liquefies sebum, and this facilitates the easier release of blackheads.

(-) Skin Effects

  • An alkaline, skin-softening reaction
  • Dilates follicles
  • Increases blood and lymph circulation
  • Increases sensitivity
  • Softens compacted sebum and keratin within the follicle
  • Attracts negative ions

What Types of Products Can Be Used?
Forms and concentrations of sodium:

  • Sodium chloride, 
  • Sodium bicarbonate 
  • Sodium carbonate. 

BENEFITS OF GALVANIC FACIAL

1. Reduces Dullness And Makes Skin Glow
2. Minimizes Fine Lines And Wrinkles
3. Improves The Elasticity Of Your Skin
4. Detoxifies Your Skin
5. Boosts Blood Circulation And Oxygen Levels In The Skin
6. Helps In Preventing Acne
7. Improves Complexion
8. Thoroughly Moisturizes Your Skin
9. Better Product Penetration
10. Calms And Soothes Your Skin

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS TREATMENT

  • Have a pacemaker 
  • Are diagnosed with a heart condition 
  • Suffer from epilepsy or high blood pressure 
  • Have cuts, wounds, and abrasions on your skin 
  • Are pregnant 
  • Are diabetic 
  • Have metal implants in your body 
  • Have spider veins 
  • Are on skin thinning medication 
  • Recently underwent chemical peeling 
SIDE EFFECTS OF GALVANIC FACIAL
Galvanic current has been widely used for treating face paralysis and Bell’s Palsy, so it is considered to be a safe treatment. Nevertheless, one study evaluating the effect of electrical stimulation on human skin mentions that a few of the participants experienced an “unpleasant feeling.” Some of them also felt mild pain. Again, the level of sensitivity to stimuli differs from person to person. Some may have high pain tolerance, while others may be extremely sensitive to even mild stimuli. So, it depends on the condition of your body.

Reference: dermalinstitute.com

Till then peeps!

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