Galvanic facial cleansing, pros and cons of the procedure

The essence of the procedure

During disincrustation, the dermis is alternately exposed to a negatively charged electrode—the cathode and a disincrustant substance—and then to a positively charged one—the anode.

The following effects occur under the cathode:

• opening of pores;
• increased activity of sebaceous and sweat glands;
• loosening of the epidermis;
• breaks in connections between keratinocytes;
• alkalization;
• dilation of blood vessels.

Disincrustant alkalizes the environment, contains potassium and sodium ions, and helps maintain moisture. When alkali and NA and K ions combine, soap is formed.

Under the anode:

• the secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands decreases;
• pores are toned;
• compaction and reduction of swelling of the epidermis;
• acidity increases.

Buyanov Sergey Yurievich (Expert Doctor):

The alternating action of the cathode and anode leads to the desired result. After softening and removal of keratinized cells and sebaceous gland secretions, the young layer of the epidermis is compacted.

Efficiency

Under the influence of current, the intercellular connections of keratinocytes are broken and within 12-24 hours they migrate to the more superficial layers of the epidermis;

Course desincrustation of facial skin restores the structure of blood vessels, stimulates the proliferation of granulation tissue and angiogenesis;

Alkalinization occurs, pores open, saponification and loosening of their contents to a depth of 1 mm. Thus, it is possible to achieve complete atraumatic cleansing of the pores.

Note! At the initial stages, the patient should regularly visit the cosmetologist’s office, and after 1-2 courses, to maintain the result, it is enough to carry out de-encrustation once every 3-6 months.

In total, the listed effects make it possible to facilitate mechanical exfoliation (ultrasonic peeling) and cleaning (vacuum/manual).

Without the addition of other types of cleansing, superficial removal of impurities from the pores, normalization of the sebaceous glands and prevention of inflammatory elements in the future are achieved.

Indications:

• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation;
• acne without pronounced inflammatory elements;
• post-acne;
• open comedones;
• increased skin oiliness;
• enlarged pores.

Main stages of the procedure

Disincrustation ensures the achievement of pronounced positive results when completing a systematic course consisting of 8 - 10 sessions. The intervals between them can range from one to two weeks and are determined by the patient’s skin type. The algorithm for performing the procedure involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning and degreasing.
2. Preparation of the drug (at home, a soda solution is used; in professional cosmetology, special alkaline compounds are used). Applying the drug to a fabric mask or material tied around the electrode.
3. Treatment of the face or problem area along massage lines, first with negative and then positive polarity. The total exposure time is no more than 20 minutes.
4. Applying a moisturizer or repair product.

After completing the first course of procedures, take a break, for oily skin for 2 - 4 months, for normal or dry skin for 6 - 10 months.

Advantages and disadvantages

Carrying out the procedure

At the preparatory stage, a disinfectant is applied to the face, sealed with film and left for 15-20 minutes. To work as a cathode, use a 2% soda solution or a special DESINCRUSTANT gel. With the anode, use 0.9% NaCl, zinc or aloe gel. To remove drug residues, use water, saline solution or a special lotion.

Electrodes for disincrustation are most often labile. One of them is passive, the other is active.

Active ones are available in the following forms:

• Video clip;
• Ball;
• Roller;
• Cone.

How is galvanic facial cleansing performed?

This procedure takes 20-25 minutes. First, you need to thoroughly remove all makeup, then a special gel is applied to the skin, which creates an alkaline environment on the face. This gel not only serves as a good conductor for current transmission, but also turns all protruding fat into soap.

The current is supplied using a special device to the nozzle, which must be slowly moved over problematic and excessively oily areas in a circular and smooth motion. The resulting soap is easily and simply removed later by washing.

This procedure is an excellent alternative to mechanical cleansing and various scrubs, which, unlike it, can injure the skin and cause irritation.

How it goes

The patient is placed on the couch. In the right hand, the doctor gives the client a passive (connected to the positive pole) electrode, wrapped in a damp cloth in several layers (at least 0.5 cm thick). Depending on the type of passive electrode, its position is determined.

The doctor works with an active electrode, which is connected to the negative pole of the device. The duration of the stage is 5-8 minutes.

The zones are worked out in stages, starting with the forehead. The optimal current strength is determined by the patient’s sensations (slight tingling, burning sensation) when the circuit is closed and usually ranges from 0.3 to 10 mA.

Please note that a metallic taste in the mouth is a normal phenomenon during facial skin decontamination.

When all areas have been treated with the cathode, the disinfectant is carefully removed with sponges or ultrasonic peeling is carried out directly on the gel.

Working with the anode. The doctor swaps the poles and re-works the same areas, but with a positive charge for 2-3 minutes

Afterwards come the following stages: toning; use of an alginate mask as desired/indicated; applying a soothing cream to complete the procedure.

The duration of the course is determined individually. Usually 6-8 manipulations, 1 per week. 2-3 courses are allowed per year, but the number and frequency of sessions should be gradually reduced.

Aftercare

During cataphoresis, the environment becomes alkaline, while normally the surface of the dermis has a slightly acidic pH. To normalize the pH, you should wash your face 2-3 times a day with a slightly acidic solution, for example, lemon juice.

Mandatory use of tonics.

After disincrustation, there is a tendency to dehydration, so the treated areas must be intensively moisturized with special serums or creams.

Is it possible to do it at home and how?

Miniature devices for carrying out disincrustation at home can be purchased from medical equipment. The principle of their operation is similar to that of professional equipment, but the efficiency is lower, and the duration and frequency of sessions is significantly longer.

To achieve deep cleaning, the easiest way is to use a 5-10% solution of baking soda as a layer. The charge is negative.

Finally, mechanical cleaning, toning and closing of pores is carried out. Geltek Anti-acne tonic is ideal for toning oily skin. The charge of the active electrode at this stage is positive.

Note! At home, it is almost impossible to comply with sanitary standards. And the very act of forcibly releasing a pore from its contents can lead to negative consequences in the form of an inflammatory reaction.

Algorithm

Galvanic facial cleansing includes several stages, which are, in principle, standard for any hardware method:

1. Skin cleansing. This stage should not be neglected, as this will not only minimize the result, but can also lead to inflammation if dirt gets into the open pores.
2. Application of an alkaline gel or solution as a current conductor and subsequent sebum separator.
3. Cleaning using a galvanic apparatus with two electrodes and a nozzle. Initially, the device is set to negative polarity, which helps to open the pores and bring the contents of sebaceous plugs and pores to the surface. The nozzle of the device moves in a circular motion along the massage lines of the face for 10-15 minutes. To enhance the effect at the time of disincrustation, iontophoresis can be used, i.e. use additional nourishing cosmetics, depending on your skin type and peeling goals. According to reviews, this type of cleansing gives the maximum result, since the effect of all drugs, such as fruit acids, is greatly enhanced under the influence of electrical discharges.
4. Removing impurities from the skin and narrowing pores by switching the device to a positive charge. At the same time, it is important to go through all the massage lines again in order to close the pores as much as possible and saturate the tissues with oxygen.
5. The usual stage of moisturizing, nourishing and protecting with cosmetic creams and masks depending on skin type.

The standard course of this cleaning is about 10 sessions. However, you should not chase the number of procedures. If a significant and visible effect appears after just a few sessions, it makes sense to stop so as not to dry out the skin and develop new problems.

In the future, it will be enough to carry out one-time maintenance cleansing once every 6 months for normal and dry skin, and once a month for oily skin.

Precautionary measures

Basic knowledge of physics, appropriate qualifications and understanding of the operating principle of the device are required to carry out the electropeeling procedure.
Therefore, patients should be extremely responsible when choosing a specialist, familiarize themselves with all contraindications and do not forget to inform the doctor about them, if any. Before disincrustation, the client must remove all jewelry containing metal.

Side effects:

• Unstable hyperemia of the treated area;
• Inflammatory reaction;
• An allergic reaction to any component of the drug used during cleaning.

List of contraindications:

Buyanov Sergey Yurievich (Expert Doctor):

The presence of a pacemaker, ultrasonic hearing aids, as well as metal plates implanted in the bones serves as a direct and absolute contraindication for the use of electric current devices.

Contraindications

Like any cosmetic procedure, this one also has precautions and contraindications.

This cleaning is not recommended for people:

- who have cancer or abnormalities in the nervous system;

- during pregnancy, since during this period hormonal levels change and various disruptions and metabolic disorders are possible;

- in the presence of inflammation or dermatological diseases;

- if you have dry or sensitive skin, etc.

After such cleaning, you should not apply cosmetics for at least half a day. However, it doesn’t hurt to apply a moisturizer to normalize the water balance and nourish the skin.

This type of cleansing should not be used too often, otherwise it can lead to the opposite effect when the sebaceous glands begin to produce even more oil to compensate for its constant lack. Once a month is enough to maintain a healthy and well-groomed appearance and not harm your facial skin.

This cosmetic method is very effective for oily and problematic skin, when there are blackheads, comedones or spots left after acne. Then the result will be truly noticeable and justified.

You should not carry out this, like any other cleansing, when there are inflamed acne or wounds.

The most important advantage of this procedure is the absence of pain and redness. After it, it’s not scary to go outside, since there are no inflamed or swollen areas.

The current also stimulates the production of your own collagen, which improves the structure and condition of the skin.

This procedure, if you purchase the necessary equipment, can be easily and simply done at home. But there is a risk that you can buy poor quality. As a result, at best there will simply be no result, and at worst, you can cause harm and get a burn or a strong electric shock.

Still, this action involves the use of electric current, so you need to use all precautions.

Cost of service in the salon

The average price of the service in Moscow and St. Petersburg is 500 rubles.

The best budget gels for the procedure:

Gleansing Geltek;

• Deep cleansing lotion “Disincrustant” Beauty Style (USA);
• DESINCRUSTANT MACHINE GEL MESOMATRIX Professional AYUNA (Russia);

Higher price segment:

• Lotion Desincrustante M120 Les Complexes Biotechniques (France);
• Aroma Magic Papaya Enzyme Lotion (USA).

Opinion of cosmetologists

Without additional cleaning (ultrasound or manual), it is not possible to achieve complete and high-quality removal of contaminants from the pores. However, this manipulation makes cleansing easier and less traumatic.

Who needs disincrustation?

This cosmetic procedure, like any other, has its indications and contraindications. It is carried out when:

• oily skin type;
• a large number of comedones on the face;
• acne (adolescent acne);
• seborrhea – increased secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands.

There are diseases for which galvanic cleaning is contraindicated. These include:

• vitiligo is a disease characterized by the disappearance of pigmentation in certain areas of the epidermis;
• Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease caused by a virus and occurs mainly in children;
• malignant neoplasms.

If the patient has a pacemaker, he is strictly prohibited from performing this procedure, since the electric current affects the operation of the stimulator and can seriously harm the patient’s health.

If a person has gold or platinum prostheses, he also cannot undergo this procedure because the current knocks out ions from metals, and these ions can harm health.