Are you struggling with problematic skin? Acne, Rosacea, or even skin aging? What can beauty services offer without the  invasion of surgery, the price tag of a new car or the pain and discomfort that comes with some of the more provocative services out in the marketplace today? Like selecting the right shoe for right foot, there are services out there than can positively impact on your skin condition and work on the most important element in beauty – promoting skin health. 

High Frequency Machine

The first high frequency machine was developed in the 1800’s but they’ve come a long way baby! Though the principle is still the same. 

A high Frequency Machine is a unit that that produces an AC current that is used to treat stubborn acne, treats enlarged pores, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The machine comes with a glass electrode that is filled with either an argon or neon gas. When the unit is turned on it produces a high frequency current which vibrates the skin’s surface between 100 000 and 250 000 cycles per second (hertz). When the current reaches the electrode and is in contact with the skin it produces ozone which has a germicidal effect, killing bacteria on the face. 

The benefits of this treatment include 

• Warming skin tissues
• Increasing circulation
• Increasing lymphatic circulation which assists in removing toxins
• Increased metabolism
• Soothes superficial nerve endings
• Treats Acne, oily, and seborrheic skin related issues
• In a medical environment a high frequency machine can be used to treat tumours, Haemangiomas infections caused viral, bacterial, or fungal infections (this service is only performed by a duly qualified medical practitioner.)

Indirect High Frequency or Viennese Massage

This technique is using same high frequency machine however this is where the client holds the electrode and the beautician conducts a massage which links the circuit producing an electrical charge through the fingers of the beautician.  The beautician must remain in contact with the client as if they break contact there will no longer be a circuit.

The benefits include:

• The technique is deeply relaxing 
• Soothes nerve endings
• Creates warmth
• Increases circulation
• Increases cellular metabolism
• Improves the texture of the skin and promotes desquamation
• Encourages product penetration

Galvanic (Iontophoresis) 

Galvanic therapy is electrical therapy that chemically changes the skin on a cellular level. It works the same way as two ends of a magnet repel however in this case a serum is added to the skin’s surface that is acidic, the client holds the negative electrode and then a roller is applied to the skin. The galvanic machine uses a positive low- level current which will repel the active ingredients deep into the surface of the skin, far deeper than massage treatments alone.  This is a very popular treatment.

The benefits include:

• It helps to restore the natural Ph of the skin by the production of hydrochloric acid
• Vasoconstriction – a reduction in the size of blood vessels in the skin which will reduce redness
• Liberates oxygen
• Hardens Tissues
• Soothes Nerves
• Closes Pores

Galvanic (Disincrustation)

This treatment is the same as Iontophoresis however the polarity is reversed just like changing ends of the magnet so that they attract each other and usually conducted prior to the removal of blackheads. The unit produces an alkali effect on the skin which enables saponification.  This is where fat or oil is converted into soap and alcohol due to the presence of heat. Soap is effectively the salt of fatty acids.

The benefits of this include:

• Production of Hydrogen
• Opening of the pores in the skin
• Vasodilation which enables increased circulation to the skin
• Stimulates Nerves
• Softens tissues
• Relaxes pores

Microcurrent

For those of us that are worried about the wrinkles formed from years of expressions on our face even the effects of gravity then this service is for you. This treatment uses a galvanic current and two electrodes which when placed on the source point of a muscle and the end point will effectively reprogram the muscle. Depending on the direction applied from the beautician this will either lengthen or shorten the muscle underneath the skin. This means the facial muscles will become shorter which reduces wrinkles on the face. This service can be conducted prior to a special event but for best results should be regarded as a preventative measure and used in a course of 1-2 treatments per week over 6 weeks.

Microdermabrasion

This technique is a cycle whereby crystals or diamonds depending on the medium used are fired onto the surface of the skin which acts as an abrasive removing the top layers of the skin to reveal younger more permeable skin underneath. The crystals are then vacuumed up back into the machine and the cycle continues. This is a very popular service in salons as it does produce positive results. In theory this treatment damages the stratum Corneum to encourage mitosis which is usually conducted on a protocol of between 6-12 treatments. Mitosis is the duplication of cells which in the instance of this treatment protocol, will assist in promoting younger more youthful appearance.

There are some factors that would contra indicate this service such as

• Open wounds or sores
• Sun burn
• Any peeling treatment containing AHA’s, BHA’s, retinol
• Skin Thinning medications

Usually these services are not considered stand alone service but used in conjunction of other facial services to customise the facial for your skin. The options available for clients are almost endless from the products you use to the facial itself. Any facial treatment should begin with a client consultation to understand what the main priorities for the client.  This usually begins with a woods lamp which is a UV lamp to determine level of pigmentation, and fat cells in the skin. The beautician armed with this information will then be able recommend the best service for your skin.

All of these services lead to promoting skin health. It goes without saying that if we have a healthy lifestyle, drink enough water, exercise regularly, wear sunscreen then the demand for these services would be far less!

Jason

 

Cherrys at Tinonee