Yet, throughout my years as an educator I find many skin therapists shy away from this modality due to a lack of knowledge and confidence on how to use it. So get out that machine, dust it off and ready on to discover its many marvels! They are a standard feature in European medical spas for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, joint pain, rheumatism and overactive sweat glands.
Galvanic has also become both more sophisticated and specific today with the advent of microcurrent technology. In simplest terms, galvanic current is a low-level, continuous current that flows in one direction known as direct current DC , just like the electricity from a battery. Galvanic treatments employ this low-level, medium amperage direct current to achieve a multiple skin benefits like stimulating cells, moving tissue fluid, softening up blackheads and driving ingredients deep into the epidermis.
What exactly occurs? Depending upon the polarity used either negative or positive, through a switch on the machine , a water-soluble, ionized and either positively acid pH or negatively alkaline pH charged solution is pulled or repelled into the skin. This working electrode may be a roller, a ball, prong or tweezer and, in some cases, an ionto-masque. This electrode is normally covered by a damp sponge or gauze to increase conductivity and ensure client comfort.
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. This simple electrorepulsion is ideal for treating aging skin and hyperpigmentation, as it carries active age-fighting and pigment-controlling ingredients deep into the stratum germinativum where they can impact cells.
A multitude of products from serums to masques and even moisturizers can be used with iontophoresis if they have an acid pH and are water-soluble. Novel treatment protocols even feature iontophoresis with hydroxy acid-based liquid exfoliants for more intense exfoliation results on photo-damaged and highly-pigmented skins.
