Darsonval in cosmetology: features of application, advantages and effectiveness

In Soviet times, the darsonval device was in almost all physiotherapy rooms, and the darsonvalization procedure was prescribed to patients with a variety of diagnoses. Nowadays, this device is more often used in beauty salons; many people buy it for home use. Meanwhile, not everyone understands the operating principle of darsonval, why it is needed, in what cases it is useless, and when it is indispensable.

What is darsonval

Darsonval is a physiotherapeutic device for influencing the skin and mucous membranes with high-frequency pulsed current. That is, this is one of the methods of electrotherapy.

The device received its name from the name of its creator, the French physiologist Arsene d'Arsonval, who was one of the first to study the therapeutic effect of high-frequency current on the human body.

Content:

• What is darsonval
• How to carry out darsonvalization
• Efficiency and safety
• Contraindications
• When is it useful?
• Use in medicine
• Rules for darsonvalization at home

Nowadays, there are variations of the Darsonval apparatus for physiotherapy and cosmetology.

This device is often used as an additional method of treating dermatological, gynecological, urological, cardiac, dental and surgical diseases.

In beauty salons, this device is used in the treatment of cellulite, varicose veins, problem skin and hair growth disorders.

A modern darsonval is a compact device consisting of a generator, a transformer and electrode attachments of various shapes (elongated, T-shaped, scalloped, mushroom-shaped).

The most popular models on the market:

• Gezatone BT-101 (a compact device made in France, suitable for home use, has 3 attachments: mushroom-shaped, curved and comb-shaped);
• Gezatone Healthy Skin (designed for skin and hair treatments, suitable for the treatment of neurological diseases, made in France);
• Gezatone Family Doctor (French compact device for local darsonvalization);
• Gezanne (small-sized device, used mainly in beauty salons, intended for the treatment of skin problems (wrinkles, acne), suitable for neurological disorders; France);
• Corona (a device for local darsonvalization made in Ukraine, suitable for the treatment of respiratory, vascular, neurological, skin diseases, also used to restore hair health);
• Elad MedTeCo (a compact device made in Russia, used in dentistry, dermatology, cosmetology; in addition to standard attachments, there are nasal, ear, gingival, vaginal and rectal attachments).

Types of nozzles

Typically, the device comes with 3–5 vacuum or inert gas-filled electrodes made of thin glass. Depending on the purpose of therapy, a nozzle is selected for a targeted effect or for capturing a larger area. Details can be found in the instructions for the massager.

Miniature electrodes

A targeted effect on the skin is carried out using attachments with a small working surface. It makes no sense to buy many more similar attachments, since they are most often interchangeable. These include:

• teardrop-shaped;
• ball;
• ear;
• nasal;
• gingival;
• petal.

To eliminate inflammation and acne, any of the electrodes listed are suitable. The flap electrode is indispensable when treating acne in hard-to-reach places. The latter and other point attachments are often used to prevent wrinkles around the eyes, scratches, and heal cracked nipples. Sometimes targeted treatment of cellulite is practiced. Electrodes are used to process pronounced “tubercles” of fat, creating a spark discharge.

Ear and nose electrodes are designed for the same parts of the body. It is noteworthy that they can be used to disinfect the inside of the nose and ear canal. The nasal attachment also treats facial nerve spasms. When performing procedures in the mouth with the gum tip, be careful not to touch the teeth.

A special feature is the wart electrode, equipped with a 1 cm long metal tip. Warts, pimples, boils and other local inflammations with internal infection are cauterized with this attachment.

Using a petal-shaped attachment, dark circles under the eyes and pimples on the wings of the nose and behind the ears are treated.

Fungus

The most popular attachment for treating large areas is a fungus. There is a small fungus for the face and a large one for the body. The electrode is used for:

• procedures aimed at narrowing pores and improving complexion;
• treatment and prevention of acne and wrinkles;
• disinfection and healing of the skin after cleansing;
• massage to relieve pain caused by muscle spasms or swelling;
• fight cellulite.

Crest

A comb-shaped attachment is used for darsonvalization of the scalp and hair. The procedure significantly improves blood circulation in the scalp and nutrition of the hair follicles.

Slingshot

A T-shaped electrode, similar to a slingshot, is intended for the cervical and thoracic spine for muscle spasms, circulatory disorders, and osteochondrosis. This attachment is also convenient for electrotherapy of the legs and abdomen, since it allows you to act on a large surface at once. Usually not included in the kit of devices from foreign manufacturers.

Darsonval DE-212Karat is one of the most popular Russian-made darsonvals, equipped with 4 attachments, including a T-shaped one

Limb

Due to the crescent shape, the limb (shank) attachment fits well to the leg. Indicated in the treatment of varicose veins, arthritis, swelling of the legs. Pulse therapy using a crescent electrode improves venous tone and enhances venous outflow.

Cavitary

To get rid of acne, ulcers on the fingers, and effects on the sinuses, the cavity nozzle (stick) is popular. This hollow glass tube, about 15 cm long, was originally designed for cavity effects.

Other attachments

The eye attachment affects the skin of the eyelids, improves blood circulation, and relieves fatigue. However, manipulation of this electrode requires caution: the procedure is performed only at low power and with eyes closed. If you feel a burning sensation, stop the session immediately.

For gynecological, urological and proctological procedures, rectal attachments are chosen. They are usually made in the form of a slightly curved tube with a diameter of 17 mm.

The vaginal attachment is distinguished by the presence of a thickening at the end of the working part. Used in gynecology.

Special attachments for Darsonval are purchased additionally

If the attachment breaks, don't worry, they are sold separately. The average cost of one electrode is 300 rubles.

How to carry out darsonvalization

Darsonvalization is of two types: local (diathermy) and general (inductotherapy).

In the first case, individual areas of the patient’s body are exposed (contact or non-contact) with a glass electrode. If necessary, it is moved over the skin, hair, oral mucosa or injected into the rectum. During a darsonvalization session, a complex effect occurs of high-frequency current, electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet radiation (weak influence), ozone, and nitrogen oxides. During the procedure, heat is generated in the tissues. Local exposure to darsonval is used in medicine, beauty salons, and at home.

General darsonvalization is not widely used and is practically not used in medicine. Not least due to the lack of specific equipment. The essence of the procedure is that the patient (sitting or lying down) is placed in the so-called d'Arsonval cage (oscillatory circuit coil). In this case, the impulses affect the entire body simultaneously. The mechanism of action of general darsonvalization has been poorly studied. Nowadays, researchers say that this method of physiotherapy calms the patient, lowers blood pressure, improves metabolism and blood microcirculation, tones the vascular network, and therefore can be useful for grade 1 or 2 hypertension, sleep disorders, neurasthenia, and disruptions in metabolic processes. General darsonvalization is useful for headaches and increases performance.

Preparation for the procedure

Both at home and in the salon, before using Darsonval, the skin surface to be treated is thoroughly cleaned and dried. It should be borne in mind that lotions containing acids or alcohol are not suitable for cleansing due to possible burns. The electrode does not move well on washed skin. Therefore, to make sliding easier, it is recommended to sprinkle the skin with talcum powder. But there is an opinion that it clogs pores, so experienced professionals replace it with antiseptic powder, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or specialty store.

Darsonvalization can be conveniently carried out using anti-inflammatory powder, for example, powder for oily skin from Jet Cosmetics (Russia)

Efficiency and safety

It is interesting that the therapeutic effectiveness of darsonval has not been proven, and at one time in the United States, advertising and sales of this kind of equipment were even punished with fines and destruction of goods. Today it is increasingly said that the effectiveness of darsonval depends on the individual characteristics of the body. The nature of the effect on the body can only be determined after a course of physiotherapy. But you should understand that you won’t be able to overcome chronic diseases or instantly improve the condition of your skin and hair with just one course. Physiotherapists and cosmetologists talk about the need for systemic treatment. But, if a person decides to undergo darsonvalization for the first time, he must be warned about possible adverse reactions.

The d'Arsonval device is designed to apply electric current to the human body. It is logical that many people have a question: how safe is such treatment? During darsonvalization, impulses affect the body according to a sinusoidal principle (waves) with a frequency from 110 to 400 kHz. For darsonvalization, a current of fairly high voltage (about 20 kV), but low strength (no more than 100-200 mA) is used. This type of electrotherapy does not cause significant changes in the body. The result of darsonvalization is based on improving the outflow of lymph and venous blood, which in turn “triggers” all the positive effects of the procedure. But, at the same time, many experts admit that any type of current cannot be completely harmless, since it always causes stress in the body and affects the physical and chemical reactions occurring in the human body. Pulsed current is especially dangerous in the presence of neoplasms: darsonval accelerates the growth of malignant tumors and leads to the degeneration of benign ones. If the device is used incorrectly, it can cause burns and aggravate existing diseases.

For the skin around the eyes

Everyone knows that the skin around the eyes is delicate and very sensitive, so not all cosmetic products and hardware techniques are suitable for caring for it.

Darsonval is allowed to be used around the eyes, but massage must be carried out with a special “petal” attachment and only at minimum power.

Each eye is given 3 minutes of massage.

It must be performed in a circular motion - from the inner corner of the eye to the outer for the upper eyelid, and from the outer corner to the inner for the lower eyelid.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that debate about the effectiveness of the device continues, most researchers agree with the opinion that darsonval is categorically contraindicated for some people.

Darsonvalization should not be performed by people with epilepsy, benign or malignant neoplasms, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, cardiac arrhythmia, blood diseases and bleeding. The procedure is prohibited in case of acute mental disorders, fever, purulent processes in the body, hypersensitivity of the skin, poor blood clotting, as well as excessive growth of facial hair. This type of therapy is prohibited for children under 6 years of age, pregnant women, people with a pacemaker, as well as those with individual intolerance to darsonval.

Dermatological indications

The device is used in the treatment of many diseases. Its use in dermatology is relevant for:

• acne;
• boils;
• acne spots;
• scars and scars;
• rosacea;
• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• seborrhea.

Darsonval for acne is effective for various types of acne. It is used for purulent, internal, subcutaneous, painful and red acne.

Darsonvalization is used to treat acne not only on the face, but also on the back, chest, neck and other parts of the body.

When is it useful?

Pulsed exposure to high-frequency current helps improve blood circulation, tissue oxygenation, reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors, and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Local darsonvalization activates some biochemical reactions in the body, improves tissue trophism and increases the phagocytic activity of leukocytes (the protective function of white blood cells against viruses, pathogenic bacteria and toxins). The darsonvalization procedure is considered useful for relieving pain, muscle spasms, swelling and inflammation. Hardware treatment is used to increase immunity, improve skin elasticity and hair condition. In cosmetology, darsonval is used to increase muscle tone and accelerate the penetration of cosmetics into the deep layers of the skin and fiber.

Video

Useful video with advice from a cosmetologist on the use of Darsoval

With age, the skin does not become younger; first, signs of skin aging appear, then shallow wrinkles, and then deep and quite noticeable wrinkles, which cause women a lot of grief.

The aging process cannot be reversed, but it is very possible to slow it down.

For this, there are various cosmetic procedures, masks, creams, as well as special devices, for example, Darsonval, which has long established itself as a very effective remedy in the fight against age-related skin changes.

Use in medicine

In traditional medicine, physiotherapy using the Darsonval device can be used in different cases.

The most common indications for the procedure:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (varicose veins, coronary heart disease, obliterating endarteritis, early stage of Raynaud's disease);
• disorders of the respiratory system (bronchitis, bronchial asthma, tracheitis);
• ENT diseases (laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, frontal sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, otitis, hearing impairment, inflammation of the auditory nerve);
• disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system (insomnia, depression, neuroses, headaches, migraines, osteochondrosis, neuromyositis, neuralgia, radiculitis, inflammation of the nerve plexuses, consequences of spinal cord or brain injury);
• diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, inflammation of the walls of the rectum, intestinal or gastric dyskinesia);
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system (myositis, arthritis, polyarthritis, myalgia, periostitis, spondyloarthrosis);
• gynecological diseases (colpitis, erosion, vulvitis, postpartum ruptures, vaginismus, amenorrhea, endocervicitis, cracked nipples);
• urological disorders (cystalgia, cystitis, urinary incontinence, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction);
• dental problems (stomatitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis, pulpitis, glossalgia);
• problematic skin and hair (ulcers, non-healing wounds, frostbite, burns, scaly lichen, hematomas, eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, furunculosis, pustules, acne, scleroderma, stretch marks, scars, cellulite, wrinkles, porous and oily skin, infiltration, dandruff, seborrhea, baldness).

special instructions

When using Darsonval for the first time against acne, the exposure time should not exceed 5 minutes. Subsequently, the duration of the session is gradually increased and brought to 10-15 minutes.

Before starting the procedure, it is imperative to remove all metal jewelry (earrings, bracelets, chains, etc.).

During the period of darsonvalization, it is necessary to refrain from using products that have a drying and irritating effect on the skin. These include acid-based drugs used in acne therapy: Baziron AS, Skinoren, Azelik, salicylic acid, etc.

Rules for darsonvalization at home

At home, using Darsonval, you can carry out both contact and non-contact procedures. The recommended course is 10-12 procedures.

Contact procedures at home are most often used to treat cellulite, varicose veins, prevent skin aging, against hair loss, and for a bactericidal effect. The procedure is performed using a glass electrode from which air has been pumped out. The session is accompanied by a so-called silent electrical discharge. If the electrical voltage is increased during the procedure, a spark discharge occurs, which is used for cauterization.

Non-contact treatment with high-frequency pulses is accompanied by a spark discharge and slight tingling of the skin. During the session, the electrode is moved above the skin (distance from 1 to 10 mm). This type of procedure is considered useful for neuralgia, hematomas, poorly healing wounds, and pain syndrome of various etiologies.

Before starting the session, a suitable electrode attachment should be treated with alcohol, dried, and only then turn on the device. Darsonvalization at home is carried out on clean and dry skin or hair. To avoid burns during the procedure, it is prohibited to use cosmetics containing alcohol or acids. Also, substances incompatible with ultraviolet radiation should not be used. Before darsonvalization, it is important to remove all metal-containing jewelry from the body, and during the procedure the patient should not touch other people.

For facial skin

Darsonval against pimples and acne is considered a very useful procedure, but it is not recommended to do it yourself at home. Electrodes are applied to skin that has been previously cleaned of cosmetics and dirt and then dried. If there are inflammations on the face, they are cauterized using a pointed nozzle using a strong current mode. The second stage is treatment of the entire surface of the face (except for inflammation and pustules) using the contact method using a flat nozzle. The duration of one session is from 2 to 10 minutes. The treatment course consists of 10-15 procedures.

If there are a large number of pustules and inflamed areas on the skin, then the procedure is carried out exclusively using a sharp nozzle. Each problem area is treated for no more than 10-15 seconds. After several sessions, when inflammation and suppuration begin to heal, a mushroom-shaped attachment is used to avoid scarring and relapses. With its help, the face is treated using the contact method. To disinfect the skin, massage it with a mushroom-shaped nozzle for 7-10 minutes. The procedure is carried out every other day. The full course consists of 10-15 massages. In beauty salons, before darsonvalization, the face is often treated with special products that do not contain acid or alcohol.

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A mushroom-shaped electrode is also used to combat wrinkles. Sometimes the procedure is carried out by applying cream to the skin. It is important to follow the correct trajectory of the nozzle: from the collarbone to the chin, from the nose to the ears, across the forehead to the hairline. The current strength during the session increases gradually (until a feeling of pleasant warmth). Darsonvalization of the eyelid skin is strictly prohibited. The anti-wrinkle treatment course consists of 20 daily procedures, 5-20 minutes each. During the year you can take 2-4 courses of darsonval.

To lift the skin of the face, you will need the same mushroom-shaped electrode, but in this case they resort to a non-contact method of therapy. The device is held at a distance of about 0.5 cm from the surface of the face. It is interesting that after the first few procedures, skin problems may worsen, but usually after 5-7 sessions, cell regeneration begins, the color and condition of the skin improves.

For cellulite

Darsonvalization helps in the fight against cellulite of various types and stages. But the most noticeable results are obtained by treating the initial stages of the disease. To achieve the effect of hardware treatment, experts advise additionally following a special diet.

High-frequency current pulses irritate nerve receptors and improve blood circulation, which in turn activates metabolism and the breakdown of fat cells in the subcutaneous layers. In addition, darsonvalization tones problem skin and tightens it. It is useful to combine hardware treatment with anti-cellulite agents: under the influence of impulses, the active substances penetrate faster and deeper into the tissue, as a result of which their effect is enhanced.

Types of darsonval

There are compact and stationary pulse massagers on sale. The latter are more expensive and are most often purchased for clinics and beauty salons. Their advantage is that after a session they quickly recharge and are ready for work again. This is convenient when there is a large flow of clients. Compact models take up little space and can be taken on a trip, but after 20 minutes of work they require “rest” and time to recharge. If there is only one user of Darsonval, this is a tolerable drawback. And the most important difference: the power of a stationary massager is higher, which means the therapeutic effect is more pronounced.

One of the most inexpensive stationary darsonvals for salons and clinics is the Corona-S device from

When purchasing, you should find out a number of essential details:

• model power;
• number of attachments and the ability to replace broken ones;
• weight, size, ease of use.

How effective the procedures will be depends on the power of the device. The pulse current voltage that the device generates varies from 2 to 15 kV depending on the model. The current frequency in different versions of the massager ranges from 22 to 500 KHz.

The supplied attachments must be suitable for the purpose of purchasing the device. For example, check if a comb is included if you want to speed up hair growth.

Comparative characteristics of various Darsonval models - table