Facial Electrical Treatments

Question 1

Functions of the skull

Answer 1

Protection and structure

Question 2

Contra-indications that prevent treatment

Answer 2

 Contagious skin conditions – i.e. impetigo, herpes simplex, tinea,
conjunctivitis and scabies – to prevent the spread of infection or
making the condition worse.
 Dysfunction of the nervous system – i.e. Parkinson’s disease,
Muscular dystrophy and Multiple sclerosis – the client may not be
able to feel sensations if the machine was too strong etc. or they may
be hypersensitive to the sensations created by the treatment.
 Heart disease or disorder – anti-coagulation drugs prescribed to
treat these conditions would interfere with the skin healing process.
 Undergoing medical treatment – it would be unprofessional to treat
and may interfere with the results of the treatment.
 Pacemaker - the electrical current would interfere with the pace
maker.
 Recent scar tissue – it could cause the scar tissue to open and may
cause secondary infection.
 Undiagnosed lumps and swellings – as you are not sure of the causes
of the swelling it would be unprofessional to treat as it may worsen
the condition.
 Medication causing thinning or inflammation of the skin – i.e.
steroids, retinol. accutane, recent dermabrasion – due to the
effects these medications and treatments have on the skin treatment
should not proceed as the skin would be aggravated further.

Question 3

Contraindications that restrict

Answer 3

Epilepsy – certain electrical currents could affect the client
adversely.
 Diabetes - A diabetic client has reduced healing and therefore
certain electrical treatments such as micro-dermabrasion would not be
recommended.
 High or low blood pressure – could be made worse by the treatment.
 Micro-pigmentation – certain treatments such as micro-dermabrasion
would remove some of the pigmentation from the area.
Clare Hargreaves-Norris Facial Electrical Treatments 2010
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 History of a thrombosis or embolism – treatment may cause
movement of the thrombosis or embolism resulting in it blocking a vital
capillary such as to the lungs or heart, which could be fatal.
 Dermal fillers – may make the results of the treatment unpredictable.
 Metal plates or pins - these would conduct the current making it
uncomfortable for the client.
 Medication i.e. retinoid or oxytetracycline - certain medication
causes drying or irritation of the skin and treatments such as microdermabrasion would aggravate the skin further.
 Pregnancy - if the client is pregnant they can not receive a galvanic
or faradic treatment.
 Piercings – you may catch the piercing or the current could intensify
in this area which would be uncomfortable for the client.
 Anxiety - certain treatments make noises or sensations that would
make the client even more anxious.
 Cuts or abrasions – would make the treatment uncomfortable and may
cause secondary infection to occur.
 Bruises – treatment would be uncomfortable if applied over the
bruise.
 Chemical peels - cause mild thinning of the skin, treatments such as
micro-dermabrasion would aggravate the skin further.
 IPL or laser hair removal – may make the skin more sensitive to
further treatments.
 Epilation – may make the skin more sensitive to further treatments or
cause secondary infection to occur.
Do not name a specific contra-indciaton to the client as it

Question 4

How ageing effects the skin.

Answer 4

Expression lines appear, particularly around the eye area.
 Loss of elasticity.
 Facial contours may become slack.
 Epidermis becomes thinner.
 Broken capillaries often appear around the eye area.
 Irregular patches of pigmentation form liver spots.
 Blood circulation is not as efficient and therefore the skin often
appears sallow.
 Metabolic rate slows down therefore waste products are not removed
as effectively and the skin often looks puffy.
 Fatty deposits are often laid down.
 Pores look more enlarged as the skin is not as tight.

Question 5

What type of currency does high frequency machine use?

Answer 5

The high frequency
machine
The machine uses a
high frequency current that alternates
over 100,000 cycles
per second. The
output of the machine is a high frequency, alternating/
oscillating current
of 250,000 Hz at a
high voltage and low
current flow. A high
frequency machine
will have an on/off
switch and an intensity control.

Question 6

How does high frequency machine work and the effects

Answer 6

This electrical treatment is applied directly to the skin and can be used to heal, stimulate or sanitise the skin. The current is applied via a glass electrode and when the
electrode is fitted into the holder, it connects with the
metal plate situated inside the holder, which passes the
current through to the glass electrode. Within the glass
electrode is a very small amount of gas that ionises when the current passes through, the current then flows through the tube and passes into the skin tissues. The electrode will glow a certain colour depending on the gas
contained inside. During the direct high frequency treatment the glass electrode is placed directly onto
the skin or over a layer of gauze and is applied using slow circular motions. The current passes through the electrode and is dispersed into the skin. When the
direct high frequency is applied, the client
will feel a slight warmth and tingling sensation.
Effects:
Drying effect on any
oily areas
Destroys bacteria
and helps heal any
pustules
Improves the condition of a blemished
skin
Improves a dry skin
due to the stimulation of the sebaceous glands if
applied for a short
time (5 minutes)

Question 7

Further contraindications for direct high frequency

Answer 7

In addition to the general contra-indications, the following conditions will
restrict application to an area:
 Highly vascular conditions
 Sunburn
 Blocked sinuses
 Tense or nervous client (due to the noise produced by the equipment)
 Migraine
 Acne rosacea

Question 8

Effects of direct high frequency on skin

Answer 8

Stimulates sebaceous gland activity when
applied for a short period of time.
 Germicidal effect is produced which destroys
bacteria, therefore effective at treating
pustular conditions.
 Speeds up cell metabolism, which improves the
appearance of the skin.
 Blood vessels vasodilate resulting in improved
colour to the skin.
 Constricting effect on the pores.
 Due to the oxygen being converted to ozone
the treatment has a drying effect on the skin.

Question 9

Effects of direct high frequency on circulation

Answer 9

 Increased blood circulation results in
vasodilation of the blood vessels causing an
increase in heat to the area.
 Circulation is increased which brings fresh
oxygen and nutrients to the area.
 Improves the efficiency of waste product
removal.

Question 10

Effects of direct high frequency on lymphatic system

Answer 10

Increases lymphatic circulation, assisting with

the removal of waste products.

Question 11

Effects of direct high frequency on nervous systems

Answer 11

Stimulates superficial sensory nerve endings.

Question 12

How does Galvanic treatment work

Answer 12

This treatment uses a direct/galvanic current that can be
applied in two different ways: Desincrustation
This deep cleansing treatment softens
dead skin cells and sebum. Iontophoresis This penetrating treatment introduces water-soluble
preparations into the skin. A continuous and
smooth direct current is used to produce the
chemical effects of galvanic therapy. If a smooth current
was not used it would cause the facial muscles to
contract. Modern galvanic units operate from the
mains electrical supply. Inside the machine,
the mains alternating current at 240 volts is converted into a smooth direct current at up to 100 volts. This is
achieved through a three-stage process by devices
contained within the unit: Transformer Reduces the voltage of the mains current. Rectifier Changes the current from alternating to direct. Capacitor Smoothes out any irregularities in the direct current. The current can now be applied to the skin via the roller or ball electrode in the form of a smooth galvanic current.

Question 13

Science of galvanic treatment

Answer 13

Electrical science of the galvanic treatment
During the treatment, a galvanic current is used to bring about a chemical
reaction. Electrically charged water based solutions known as electrolytes
are applied to the skin to increase its electrical conductivity. When
dissolved in water an electrolyte partly splits and forms ions, which carry
either a positive charge (cation) or a negative charge (anion).
When the galvanic current (continuous direct current) is applied the ions
within the solution start to move – they are attracted towards either the
positive pole (anode) or negative pole (cathode). This is because:
 The current can pass through the body because the body’s tissue
fluids contain ions.
 In order for the treatment to work, both positive and negative
connections are required.
 The electrode that creates the chemical effect is known as the active
electrode and this is applied to the face.
 The other electrode is known as the indifferent electrode, and this is
placed in the client’s hand in order to complete the circuit.
 The galvanic solution will contain active ingredients that have a
positive or negative charge and this will be indicated by a + or – symbol
on the product. The solution is repelled into the skin by the active
electrode, which must be the same polarity as the galvanic solution.

Question 14

Effects of positively charged electrode (anode)

Answer 14

Acid reaction occurs producing the
following effects:
1. Skin tissue hardens and firms
2. Blood vessels vasoconstrict,
reducing erythema
3. Soothes nerve endings
4. Astringent and germicidal action
5. Tightens pores
These effects are called anaphoresis

Question 15

Effects of negatively charged electrode (cathode)

Answer 15

Alkali reaction occurs producing the
following effects:
1. Skin tissue softens
2. Blood vessels vasodilate, increasing
erythema
3. Stimulates nerve endings
4. Emulsification & removal of grease
5. Relaxes pores
These effects are called cataphoresis

Question 16

Uses of galvanic treatment

Answer 16

 To introduce the specific benefits of the products used during the
iontophoresis treatment.
 To deep cleanse the skin.
 Due to the increase in circulation the cell renewal process is speeded
up which helps reduce the effects of the ageing process. Regeneration
of the skin cells is beneficial for a mature or damaged skin.
 Hydrating and moisturising effect, as many products have specific
ingredients such as collagen, elastin and plant extracts that are
particularly beneficial for a dry or mature skin.
 Balancing and deep cleansing effects are beneficial for an oily or
combination skin. Specific plant extracts and ingredients may be
introduced to benefit the conditions of these skin types.
 Stimulating effect on a sluggish or sallow skin as many products
contain seaweed or marine extracts which are beneficial for these
skin types.
 A sensitive skin will improve with the use of specific products that
desensitise the skin.

Question 17

Restrictions to Galvanic

Answer 17

Hypersensitive skin or loss of skin sensation
Metals plates or pins in the area
Highly nervous clients
Skin conditions such as acne rosacea or dermatitis
Pacemaker
Excessive fillings or metal bridge work

Question 18

Body system effects of galvanic

Answer 18

Circulatory system  Circulation is increased which brings fresh
oxygen and nutrients to the area.
 Improved efficiency in the removal of waste
products from the area.
 Blood vessels will either vasodilate or
vasoconstrict.
Skin structures  Cell metabolism is speeded up which improves
the appearance of the skin.
 Improvement in skin colour due to the
vasodilation of the blood vessels – if a negative
polarity is used.
 Dilating or constricting effect on the pores.
 Softening or hardening of the skin tissues.
Lymphatic system  Lymphatic circulation is increased which
assists with the removal of waste products
from the area.
Muscular system  Increased circulation brings fresh oxygen and
nutrients to the muscles and removes waste
products.
Nervous system  Has a stimulating or soothing effect on the
nerve endings depending on the polarity used.

Question 19

What current does EMS use?

Answer 19

A EMS unit produces an interrupted direct current, which is used to
stimulate muscle contraction. The unit produces a low frequency, direct
current of between 10 and 120 Hz.

Question 20

Main uses of EMS

Answer 20

To firm the muscles by increasing muscle tone, this will re-educate
sagging contours.
 A preventative measure, to reduce the onset of dropped facial
contours.
 To prevent the skin wrinkling through loss of contour.

Question 21

Restrictions to EMS

Answer 21

Migraine
 Excessive dental fillings or bridgework
 Hypersensitive skin
 A very nervous client

Question 22

Effects of body systems of EMS

Answer 22

Circulatory system  Blood supply increases therefore bringing fresh
oxygen and nutrients to the area.
 Waste products are more efficiently removed
from the area.
Skin structures  Vasodilation of the blood vessels improves the
colour of the skin under the pads.
Lymphatic system  Muscle contractions improve the lymphatic
circulation in the area, which assists with the
removal of waste products.