Galvanization is one of the therapeutic procedures used in physiotherapy. It uses a constant electric current with a force of no more than 50mA and a voltage ranging from 30V to 80V.
This current enhances the body's biochemical and biophysical reactions, promoting faster healing of the affected area. Under its influence, damaged nerves and tissues begin to actively recover, blood circulation and nutrition of the body as a whole improves. The regulatory activity of the nervous system is gradually enhanced, the immune system is strengthened, and metabolic processes are accelerated.
Types of procedures
Galvanization in cosmetology is divided into two types - iontophoresis and disincrustation, which differ in the nature of the procedure and indications. Iontophoresis is performed using medicinal drugs prescribed by a cosmetologist, taking into account the condition of the patient’s skin and his individual characteristics. The substances usually used are vitamins, natural plant extracts and acids. The drugs are introduced into the skin using current, which allows them not only to penetrate deeper, but also to act more actively.
Disincrustation is carried out without the use of medicinal drugs, mainly to cleanse the skin. To make the effect of the current more pronounced, a special alkali solution is used in the procedure. Under the influence of current and when interacting with the sebaceous glands, the latter turns into soap, which removes inflammation, traffic jams and enhances regenerative processes.
What is phonophoresis
As with iontophoresis, medicinal substances and vitamin complexes are injected under the skin, but in the form of gel, cream or ointment applications. And the molecules are transferred into the deep layers of tissue not by current, but by ultrasound. To do this, you do not need to select “special” charged substances and take care of the electrodes.
When to choose phonophoresis:
- for acne and oily skin;
- for rejuvenation, increasing skin elasticity, saturating it with useful substances;
- for inflammation, swelling, poor circulation;
- for obesity and cellulite: ultrasound breaks down fat cells, their contents are used to build healthy tissue or removed from the body;
- after skin manipulation: peeling, plastic surgery, dermabrasion;
- against stretch marks, scars, eczema and scars, skin diseases.
Many cosmetics are suitable for the phonophoresis procedure: vitamin and herbal complexes, various oils and medications.
Contraindications to the procedure are very similar to the restrictions on iontophoresis: use with caution in pregnant women, people with infectious diseases, with open wounds, and in the presence of a pacemaker. You should also refrain from ultrasound if you have:
- facial paralysis;
- varicose veins;
- thrombophlebitis;
- impaired blood clotting;
- mental disorders;
- oncology;
- diseases of internal organs.
Phonophoresis is contraindicated in the heart area, as well as in children under three years of age. You should refrain from this procedure on fresh scars after operations, injuries, burns. In this case, the iontophoresis procedure is recommended.
Contraindications
Despite the wide range of indications that galvanization is characterized by, treatment with this method has a number of limitations. Cosmetologists do not recommend using it in the following cases:
- Pregnancy,
- Chronic diseases in the acute stage,
- Acute infectious diseases,
- Endocrine diagnoses
- Systemic connective tissue diseases,
- Metal implants, pins, gold threads in the treatment area,
- Pacemaker,
- Oncological diseases or suspicion of their presence,
- Individual intolerance to current,
- Allergic reactions to the drugs used,
- Fever,
- Circulatory disorder II or III degree,
- Atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular diseases,
- Skin diseases, open wounds and any violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of exposure,
- Tuberculosis,
- Epilepsy and other mental disorders.
Indications for galvanization
The procedure helps solve several problems at once that cause discomfort to patients. This:
- Eye diseases.
- Diseases of the digestive system.
- Problems with cerebral or spinal circulation.
- Chronic inflammatory processes.
- Hypotension, angina.
- Arthritis.
- Hypertension up to stage III.
- The initial stage of vascular atherosclerosis.
- Problems in the functioning of the respiratory system.
- Problems in the functioning of the peripheral nervous system.
- Pathologies of the genitourinary system.
- Neurotic conditions.
- Vegetovascular dystonia.
Galvanization helps alleviate the condition of these diseases. When prescribing it, the physiotherapist takes into account the testimony of the urologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist and other doctors who diagnosed the patient.
How are galvanization sessions performed?
The procedure takes place in four stages:
- Preparatory. The skin is cleansed of decorative cosmetics and impurities and degreased.
- Application of the composition. The doctor places a gauze mask on the face or problem area, which is soaked in a medicinal drug or an alkaline solution.
- Electrode treatment. Almost all devices have two electrodes - active and passive. The problem area is treated first, and the second patient should hold it in his hands.
- The final stage. A nourishing mask, lotion and moisturizer are applied, selected according to your skin type.
Rehabilitation
In order for the skin to recover as quickly as possible after galvanic cleansing, it is necessary to follow certain recommendations of specialists.
Myostimulation of facial muscles
Modern cosmetology does not stand still; women are offered more and more new methods of rejuvenation.
During the first 24 hours after the cosmetic procedure, you should not use decorative cosmetics.
For 7 days, the epidermis should not be exposed to thermal, mechanical and chemical effects.
In addition, for two weeks you must avoid going to the sauna, bathhouse, swimming pools and open reservoirs. For washing, it is prohibited to use products that contain aggressive particles.
Every day during the recovery period, moisturizer should be applied to the skin and regenerating clay-based masks should be applied.
Advantages and disadvantages of galvanotherapy
The advantages include the following:
- This is a non-surgical method that does not violate the integrity of the skin,
- This is a painless method
- The likelihood of complications and side effects is negligible.
The disadvantages of the procedure are:
- The result does not appear immediately, you need to undergo a course of treatment,
- During the procedure, a metallic taste appears in the mouth,
- Wide range of contraindications.
To understand whether galvanic therapy is right for you, consult with a doctor at our clinic.
Is electroplating safe?
Yes, because the esthetician who will perform the galvanization is properly trained in safety. In addition, during the procedure, it protects the skin to avoid tissue burns. In practice, this means that the electrode should not touch the skin directly, but should only be separated from it, for example, by a layer of damp soil or a piece of gauze or cotton wool should be applied to the electrode head.
Electroplating is also a microbiologically safe treatment, since the cosmetologist’s responsibility is to clean the equipment, wash it and disinfect it after each client.
Figure correction products:
- anti-cellulite gel. This special product for ultrasound therapy of cellulite has a lipolytic effect and stimulates microcirculation. Active ingredients: blackcap and cockscomb polyphenols, horse chestnut and arnica extracts, caffeine. 280 ml – 1240 rub.
- lipolytic gel to combat fat deposits, including in the double chin area. Activates lipolysis, stimulates lymphatic drainage, increases skin elasticity. The gel is intended for iontophoresis and myostimulation. It contains flavonoids from bolto leaves, caffeine, lemon and pineapple extracts. 280 ml – 1484 rub.
And again a Russian company. AYUNA
was created as a community of practicing cosmetologists, product development engineers and industry enthusiasts. Since 1999, the brand has been participating in professional exhibitions.
The range of hardware cosmetics is quite wide. Gels are suitable for all types of electrical procedures; they provide good contact of electrodes during myostimulation, galvanization, classical lifting, ultrasound therapy, microcurrent therapy and iontophoresis. Mild formulations prevent skin dehydration. The drugs are packaged in 500 ml bottles costing from 390 to 930 rubles.
Complications
After galvanization, side effects may occur such as increased dryness of the skin, a metallic taste in the mouth that persists for a long time, swelling, the development of an allergic reaction, redness, increased sebum secretion, and the appearance of dermatitis.
As a rule, such complications occur if the device was configured incorrectly, the sequence of all actions was not followed, and existing contraindications were ignored.
At what age is it best to do Microcurrent Therapy?
Microcurrent therapy is an ageless procedure. Simply, depending on age, the optimal course is prescribed to achieve a pronounced and lasting effect.
At 25-30 years old
microcurrents are used for preventive purposes to delay the appearance of the first expression wrinkles and prevent a decrease in skin tone and tissue swelling.
At 30-35 years old
microcurrents are already used in whole rejuvenation. The course consists of 5-6 sessions, which are held once a week.
At 35-40 years old
Microcurrent therapy is also a complete rejuvenating procedure. Course – 6 sessions once a week.
At 40-50 years old
the active stage of rejuvenation begins. The number of sessions in the course varies from 8 to 12, the procedure is carried out at least 2 times a week.
At 50-60 years old
and older, microcurrent skin treatment consists of at least 10 sessions, 3 times a week.
The results obtained last from six months to a year.
RUSSIAN MANUFACTURERS
Speaking about domestic manufacturers of hardware cosmetics , let's start with
. It was founded in 1994 on the basis of the laboratory of the Research Institute of Medical Polymers. The development of products for hardware cosmetology is one of the main lines of the company’s work.
The company offers 4 series of cosmetics:
- anti-aging,
- for oily skin,
- for dry and normal
- for body correction.
All products are presented in different packaging - from 100 g (as an exception, gel concentrate with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in 5 and 30 g) to 1 kg and are used for microcurrent and ultrasound therapy, myostimulation, iontophoresis, lymphatic drainage, laser therapy and for home care .
Facial products:
- active gel with caviar extract L-ascorbic extract white essence. This is a drug for all skin types with signs of aging. In addition to caviar, the composition contains hyaluronic acid. Thanks to the active elements, the gel tones and moisturizes the skin, improves complexion. 120 ml – 396 rub.
- Ultralift gel to combat premature aging of any skin type with a high elastin content will help strengthen the shape of the face. 600 ml – 1147 rub.
- Ultraclean Control gel for effective cleansing of oily, combination and normal skin. Used for ultrasound peeling. The AHA complex, obtained from apple, grapefruit and peach, has a keratolytic effect, which allows you to cleanse the pores without damaging the epidermis. 600 ml – 1209 rub.
Body products:
- Ultracell gel with a high content of caffeine and theophylline normalizes the metabolism of adipose tissue, stimulates lymphatic drainage and is effective for any stage of cellulite. 600ml, 1147 rub.
- Ultrafirm gel for atonic skin prevents stretch marks. Centella extract stimulates the process of epithelization and regeneration of skin cells, hyaluronic acid promotes lifting and hydration. 600ml, 1147 rub.
Another Western company is called Bellitas
, she is originally from England. It is the largest and oldest manufacturer of professional cosmetics in the UK. The company has existed for more than 20 years, and has been represented in Russia since 1994. Bellitas sources essential oils and plant extracts, selecting countries where specific plant species have the best growing conditions.
What results does Microcurrent Therapy produce?
The use of microcurrents allows:
- Remove excess fluid and toxic accumulations from the body;
- Improve skin quality and color;
- Increase elasticity and skin tone by stimulating fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin;
- Activate metabolic processes in cells, improve blood supply to tissues;
- Level small wrinkles, smooth out deep ones;
- Eliminate puffiness, bags and dark circles under the eyes.
Series for oily skin:
- gel for oily and problem skin fights increased skin greasiness, acne, and skin dehydration. It is indicated for use even on very sensitive skin, does not cause irritation, allergies, and does not dry out the skin. The gel was tested at the Institute of Tropical Medicine and was found to be an effective treatment for demodicosis. 200 g – 422 rub.
- gel and lotion for disincrustation with aloe vera, K+ and Mg+ ions created for hardware facial cleansing. It has an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect, reduces the work of the sebaceous glands, cleanses the skin without drying it out. 200 g –234 rub.
Devices used
There are several devices for galvanization. All of them are divided into stationary and portable. Devices of the first type can only be used in cosmetology clinics. Mobile devices are suitable for use at home.
The most popular devices include Potok-1, Potok-2, Potok-Br, AGN-23. All of them have a fixed electrode and a labile one. They come with special hydrophilic gaskets. The device must also have a monitoring and recording device and a current rectifier that converts alternating to direct.
A special gel or isotonic solution acts as a conductor. Various vitamins and active substances are used as preparations. In each case, an individual remedy is prescribed, suitable for the problems of a particular client.
Galvanization can help relieve a variety of dermatological problems. But do not forget about contraindications and restrictions for use. If you decide to carry out the procedures yourself at home, it is better to consult with a specialist about the required current strength and medications. Otherwise, complications may arise, and the harm from exposure will significantly exceed the benefits.
