Advantages and implementation of iontophoresis of the skin of the face and body

What is iontophoresis?

In general, iontophoresis refers to the change in the direction of movement of charged ions under the influence of a weak current.
The phenomenon is used not only in cosmetology, but also in scientific research, medical practice and other areas. During beauty procedures, it is combined with the use of drugs with a specific effect. Manipulation works in 2 directions:

1. 1. Skin, hair, nails and other tissues in the human body are characterized by relatively low conductivity. But moist environments - blood, lymph, intercellular fluid - conduct current well. During the procedure, they allow impulses to affect nerve endings and force the body to reflexively respond to an external stimulus. The patient's blood vessels dilate, the flow of lymph and blood accelerates. Nutrient metabolism returns to normal. Their concentration in cells increases, and regeneration processes are more active.
2. 2. Iontophoresis, due to its effect on the movement of ions, allows you to concentrate useful compounds in the required areas. Applied drugs with ionized components, under the influence of a multipolar current, move into the tissue and directly realize their potential there. Thus, the procedure helps to selectively act on damaged areas and launch their restoration processes.

Disincrustation

This word refers to one of the types of iontophoresis, in which an alkaline solution is introduced using a negatively charged electrode. The procedure is carried out with the aim of deep cleansing the skin of the face, the area of ​​​​action is mainly the T-zone, since through it it is possible to influence comedones and remove secretions from the sebaceous glands. In addition, deep penetration of the necessary active substances can be achieved.

Important ! Skin cells are provided with moisture, and blood vessels become more permeable.

Disincrustation is one of the types of iontophoresis

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, impulses affect the dermal layers - upper and middle. Low voltage is supplied through multipolar electrodes attached to the patient's body.

Positively charged ions in this case affect microcirculation, normalize sebum production, relieve muscle tension and work well with acidic compounds.

Alkaline cocktails interact with negative ones. Participation in the procedure of both contributes to deep cleansing of the integument, cell nutrition and rejuvenation.

When the body is exposed to the created field, the permeability of the epidermal membranes increases. Beauty cocktails applied to the skin easily penetrate damaged cells and work more effectively than any conventional cream.

The disadvantages of such manipulation are only temporary results. To maintain the effect, sessions will have to be repeated.

How are drugs delivered?

During iontophoresis, medicine can be delivered to a specific area of ​​the body. Usually, substances are delivered to the right place through the excretory ducts of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Less commonly, through the distance between cells and the cells themselves.

The injected agents enter the epidermal layer and accumulate in the superficial layers of the dermis. The injected medication penetrates the skin by one and a half centimeters. After manipulation, a special “depot” appears that slowly supplies the drug to the cells.

Important ! This process lasts from three hours to twenty days.

The active substances of the injected products enter the skin layers

By applying direct current to the skin, it is possible to introduce both small medicinal particles and larger ones carrying a charge of electricity through the skin and mucous membranes.

What cosmetic products are used?

Any beauty cocktail will not be suitable for the procedure.
In iontophoresis, special polarized preparations are used, and they are intended only for one of the electrodes. The packaging usually indicates the corresponding marking - “-” or “+”. The composition of the products depends on the purpose:

• moisturizers include hyaluronic acid;
• anti-aging contain ascorbic, nicotinic acids, aloe extract, vitamin B12;
• nutritious foods are prepared on the basis of vitamin E and plant extracts;
• For problem skin, products with salicylic acid, zinc, and sulfur are suitable;
• Caffeine and purine get rid of a double chin.

For a comprehensive solution to problems, the compounds are mixed. It is more convenient to choose water-based products for this - they combine more easily and penetrate the skin better.

You only need to remember one thing: the ions in the ingredients must be unipolar.

The variety of products does not mean that if you try to repeat the manipulation at home, you will have to purchase the entire arsenal of a cosmetology salon. You can also use ordinary ingredients, the main thing is to understand their properties. So, a 1-3% soda solution is suitable for cleansing the skin. It dissolves sebum well and gets rid of blackheads.

Advantages of this impact

The procedure we are considering allows us to ensure the introduction of the required concentration of the drug directly into the problem area, preventing it from penetrating other parts of the body.

Important ! With the help of iontophoresis, it is possible to administer medicine to the area where painful changes have already occurred: problems with blood supply, capillary stasis, inflammatory processes of various natures.

When a drug is introduced into the body using electricity, the risk of suffering from side effects is extremely low. This is due to the fact that they enter the body in their purest form and do not affect the digestive system. Also, the concentration of the drug in the blood is not too high, the current reduces sensitivity and at the same time has a positive effect on the immune system.

Administering medication using electric current does not have negative consequences

Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to ensure a long-term effect of the drug, since a special “storage” is created in the skin.

Important ! The procedure does not cause pain or injury to the skin, and clients do not complain of discomfort.

The therapeutic effect of injected drugs can be enhanced, since they enter the body in an ionized state, and the effect occurs against the background of galvanization.

The effectiveness of the drug is enhanced by exposure to current

Indications and contraindications

The main indication for performing iontophoresis in a beauty salon is the patient’s desire.

But manipulation is effective when trying:

• get rid of age spots, even out complexion;
• reduce swelling, bags under the eyes;
• moisturize or nourish the integument;
• smooth out small wrinkles, tighten the oval and add tone;
• cleanse the skin, reduce sebum production and reduce pores;
• make scars and rosacea less visible;
• lose weight in certain areas.

In a general sense, the procedure can be considered an analogue of mesotherapy, only without the unpleasant sensations. Depending on the chosen cocktail and the skill of the cosmetologist, manipulations eliminate almost the entire range of appearance defects.

And the contraindications for iontophoresis are the same:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• the presence of malignant neoplasms;
• acute diseases of the integument and chronic during the period of exacerbation, violation of the integrity of the skin;
• problems with the endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
• mental disorders;
• the body's tendency to excessive tissue scarring;
• any other diseases in the acute phase, fever.

The procedure is also contraindicated for people with electrical intolerance and patients with metal implants in the treated area.

What is skin conductivity related to?

Different tissues of our body respond to electric shock to varying degrees. This property is associated with the concentration of ions and the intensity of the fluid exchange process. The stratum corneum of the skin is the main difficulty. Of course, resistance cannot be compared with electrical insulation, but it is still noticeable. Thus, the ability of the skin to respond to applied effects is associated with the stratum corneum.

Skin can make it difficult for current to pass through

Current conductivity.

Factors affecting current conductivity.

Important ! Before the iontophoresis procedure, you need to additionally degrease the skin.

Damaged parts of the skin perceive electric current more strongly.

When hairs get under the electrode or areas where nerves exit are touched, discomfort is possible.

Each part of the human body is characterized by its susceptibility to current.

There are many factors that influence current conductivity

When the procedure begins, electricity meets the resistance of the stratum corneum of the skin. The main part of the current energy is spent precisely on overcoming this section, which is why reactions that are significant for galvanization occur here.

From the above, we can conclude that the effect of electric current will be less as the depth of the tissue increases.

Carrying out the procedure in the salon

Before the manipulation, the specialist conducts a survey and examination.
At this stage, you need to honestly talk about the existing contraindications, so as not to further harm the body. If the doctor gives the go-ahead, the patient is placed on a couch or offered to sit in a chair. The skin is thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, lubricated with conductive gel. The entire face or just the treated area is covered with a fabric compress soaked in a beauty cocktail. Afterwards, the area is exposed to an active electrode for 5-15 minutes - simply moved over the surface. No pain should be expected; to the patient, the manipulation seems like a light massage.

After the compress is removed, the remaining gel is removed. To consolidate the result, the procedure is usually completed with a mask according to indications, and then sent home. The person does not require any recovery.

Electrophoresis

In cosmetology, electrophoresis of drugs is more often called iontophoresis. The term is not entirely accurate, but is already familiar. Thus, technically, iontophoresis differs from galvanization only in the presence of a medicinal substance under the electrode.

Electrophoresis (iontophoresis) of saponifying substances in combination with the action of the negative pole of galvanic current is used in cosmetology for saponification of comedones. The procedure is called disincrustation, or galvanic cleaning.

The ability of galvanic current to deliver medicinal substances deep into the skin is used in the procedure of ionic mesotherapy, or ionotherapy. In essence, this is electrophoresis of medicinal substances using stationary electrodes. The procedure is carried out without injections. Indications, treatment tactics and cocktail recipes correspond to the schemes accepted in mesotherapy, adjusted for the phoretic nature of the drugs.

Devices for galvanization and iontophoresis in cosmetology…

Thus:

1. Galvanization = therapeutic effect of direct current
2. Iontophoresis = galvanization + medicinal substance
3. Ionic mesotherapy = iontophoresis with stationary electrodes
4. Disincrustation = iontophoresis of saponifiers

Mechanism of action of the galvanization method

The action of direct current is based on the process of electrolysis. Substances located near the electrodes disintegrate into ions. Ions move under the influence of current. Water molecules break down into H+ and OH- ions. Near the electrodes, ions interact with water, forming electrolysis products - acid and alkali.

Electrolysis products can cause chemical burns at the site where the electrodes are applied - alkaline burns under the cathode and acid burns under the anode. This is especially true for stationary electrode placement. To avoid this, the electrode is separated from the skin with a hydrophilic pad. After the procedure, the gasket must be washed or replaced.

A change in ion concentration leads to irritation of skin receptors, resulting in a slight burning and tingling sensation. The passage of current through tissue causes polarization - the accumulation of ions on biological membranes. At a certain concentration of ions, cells enter an excited (electrically active) state. Cellular and tissue metabolism and cell excitability change.

At the same time, the passive transport of large protein molecules and other substances that do not carry a charge (electrodiffusion) and hydrated ions (electro-osmosis) increases. This means acceleration of cellular and intracellular renewal: rapid supply of building materials, nutrients and regulatory substances, as well as timely removal of metabolic products from the cell.

Carrying out the procedure at home

It’s easier and cheaper to conduct sessions at home, but you should take your actions seriously.

Do not ignore contraindications and follow each of the 6 steps.

1. Remove all jewelry containing metal from your head. These can be precious things and jewelry. Be sure to remove hairpins, bobby pins, and elastic bands with metal elements from your hair.
2. Cleanse your skin. First, remove your makeup and wash your face with your usual product, then disinfect the treatment area. Regular chlorhexidine or alcohol-containing solutions are suitable for this.
3. If present, apply a product that increases current permeability. Such products add looseness to the epidermis. Cell membranes become more receptive and the applied serum penetrates better.
4. Take a piece of gauze. Fold several times and soak in soda solution. Apply a compress to your face. Give a 20-minute massage with an electrode with a negative charge, and then spend 2 minutes on a positive one. This will help further cleanse the skin of deep impurities.
5. Remove the compress and repeat the steps with gauze, moistening it in the active cocktail. For initial treatment, choose the electrode that matches the polarity of the solution. During the massage, hold the second one in your other hand through the protective pad.
6. Remove the compress. Wipe your skin with a moisturizing toner. Disinfect the electrodes.

Start with 5 minutes spent on active processing and monitor your condition. If there are discomfort and pain, refuse the artisanal procedure and trust a professional.

Selecting a device

The choice of devices for iontophoresis is extensive, but there should not be any particular difficulties in finding the right one.
If you are not ready to spend hours comparing parameters, when buying a device for home use, it makes sense to pay attention only to the clear controls and small size. SWI-STO II (III), Nevoton AK201 and several Gezatone models meet the requirements:

• M910 with basic functions;
• M775 with a bonus in the form of exposure to infrared rays - great for those with dry and aging skin;
• M708 with attachments for specific areas.

If you understand a little about the operating principles of the devices, look at the power, performance and shape of the electrodes.

Small ones – cone-shaped or oval – are comfortable for the face. Before purchasing, it is also useful to check quality certificates and study reviews of the seller on the Internet.

Still, you have to work with your face, and few people probably want to harm themselves in addition to their existing shortcomings.

Hardware

Electrodes for the procedure can be different - there are balls, rollers, disks, masks for the entire area of ​​the face. One electrode is enriched with direct current, and the second completes the electrical circuit. It is the second one that interacts with the human body. Now the equipment is so developed that a specialist can easily change the polarity, although many scientists call such actions questionable. Such conclusions are associated with the possible risk of losing any iontophoretic results, since a sudden change in polarity neutralizes the effect of electrodes with the opposite charge.

Important ! If previously there was a “pushing” of the necessary substances, then the opposite ions will “pull them out”.

There are a variety of iontophoresis devices.

Frequently used devices.

1. Gezatone I-8003 Harvester with Michelle ultrasonic module is supplied complete with a roller electrode, a ball, and a cylinder. It is possible to change the polarity during the procedure.
2. Gezatone M-3392 “4 in 1” combine. The device is small in size and is sold complete with a cylinder electrode, a roller and a ball.
3. Gezatone I-9006 has ten functions, which include iontophoresis and disincrustation. There are three metal electrodes. An excellent option for a cosmetology clinic of any level.

   
   Gezatone devices are extremely popular today

4. Decomedical DEC Galvanic device allows performing iontophoresis, electrophoresis, disincrustation and galvanic stimulation. There is a cylinder electrode, a dome electrode, a sharp electrode, and a roller electrode.
5. Decomedical JML04. Involves iontophoresis, galvanic therapy, disincrustation and electrophoresis. There is a handpiece, several types of electrodes, and the polarity can be changed during the procedure.

Devices from Decomedical are considered no less popular.

Efficiency of the procedure

One session will bring results that are not very significant, but noticeable. After treatment, the skin seems to be nourished, toned and smoothed. Pores are noticeable less, it’s more pleasant to touch your face. The skin tone is evened out, the skin looks fresh and healthy.

Without systematic repetition of sessions, the effect will quickly disappear. To consolidate what has been achieved, you will have to attend an average of 10-15 procedures and repeat the course 2 times a month. But by the end, not a trace will remain of many imperfections.

Iontophoresis works great for:

• gray, dull complexion;
• dry and lifeless skin;
• floating oval, loss of firmness and elasticity;
• wrinkles, including on the eyelids and neck;
• scars, age spots, blackheads, enlarged pores and rashes;
• swelling.

Moreover, there should be no negative consequences if the technique is followed and there are no contraindications. Immediately after the session, only slight redness will remain, which will subside within an hour.

Price

It is difficult to name specific prices for iontophoresis. To solve each problem, drugs of different cost are used. The area of ​​influence differs from patient to patient, as does the number of sessions. On average, a one-time facial treatment in a salon will cost from 300 to 2000 rubles.

Carrying out the procedure at home is much more profitable. A compact device designed for independent use costs 1500-3000. For a couple of active drugs you will have to pay about the same. But you can use the set for up to six months, until the beauty cocktails run out. And all this for the price of 6 sessions with a cosmetologist.

Photos before and after

Photos before and after the course of iontophoresis procedures No. 1

Photos before and after the course of iontophoresis procedures No. 2

Photos before and after the course of iontophoresis procedures No. 3

How does iontophoresis differ from phonophoresis?

The principle of operation of both techniques is the same for the uninitiated person. They apply something to the skin, then act on it with something, and the result exceeds all expectations. But in the case of phonophoresis, the permeability and activity of drugs is increased not by current, but by ultrasound. The manipulation is similar to an ultrasound, but instead of a cool gel, the skin is lubricated with beauty cocktails.

Iontophoresis also affects the skin immediately. Patients see the effect, albeit incomplete, after the session. The effect of phonophoresis is cumulative and manifests itself gradually.