Ask LNE & Spa

This is a great question, as galvanic and vacuum treatments have been used for decades in the esthetics profession, yet many schools may not have the equipment available to conduct sufficient training on them. In the past, estheticians who trained in Europe had more experience with electrical equipment than those trained in the United States. A galvanic current is a continuous, low-level current that flows in one direction (a "direct current"), and has polarity (a positive or negative charge). It combines a physical and a chemical method. The physical method, called Iontophoresis, overcomes the barrier that exists via the acid mantle, and layers of stratum corneum prevent substances from invading the skin from the outside environment. The chemical changes are created when the professional uses different solutions or ampoules containing acidic or alkaline properties. The main thing to remember is that like poles repel and opposite poles attract. For example, when you are using an ampoule that is acidic in character, you will want to use the positive electrode (anode) as the working electrode. The reason is that hydrogen ions in the acidic ampoule are positively charged, and we want the ampoule to penetrate the skin. The positive electrode will repel the positively charged ampoule toward the client-held negative cathode, thus successfully carrying out the task. You should obtain a pH meter to determine whether the product you are planning to use is acidic or alkaline. An example of the type of treatment used with galvanic currents would be desincrustation. This treatment makes the extraction process easier. You can actually use your new vacuum equipment instead of a metal extractor. Serum penetration can be carried out by the galvanic current, which works well if you have more time in your schedule to utilize the equipment. Depending on the sizes of vacuum cups you received with the vacuum machine, you may be able to perform extractions in areas surrounding the nose, cheeks or chin, as well as a facial lymphatic drainage treatment. With larger cups, you may want to perform a lymphatic body drainage, which—since you are working in a medical office—may be helpful for patients in getting excess fluids moving (always obtain the permission of the attending surgeon before attempting these treatments). Many professionals have found that the skin care products available today are so efficient that they do not need to use equipment to assist with penetration, while those who have taken certification courses in lymphatic drainage techniques prefer to use their hands for such treatments. Either way, knowing these techniques are helpful if you are looking to expand your menu of services.