Galvanic facial cleansing: what is it, devices, prices and reviews

• The essence of disincrustation
• Mechanism of action
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Efficiency
• Advantages
• Preparatory stage
• Disincrustation technique
• After the procedure
• How often?
• Possible complications
• Compatible with other procedures
• Is it possible to carry out the procedure at home?
• Price
• Reviews

Galvanic facial cleansing, or disincrustation, is one of the new services provided by beauty salons. During the procedure, deep cleansing of the skin occurs. To do this, a low-power electric current is used, under the influence of which the sebum and impurities accumulated in the pores dissolve and come out. On the surface of the skin, fats interact with a special solution previously applied to the face, turning into soap.

In terms of effectiveness, disincrustation is comparable to manual facial cleansing, but it has an important advantage: it is not accompanied by pain and discomfort, even with a fairly low threshold of pain sensitivity. The painlessness of the procedure is due to the insignificant strength of the electric current used.

Disincrustation uses galvanic current

The essence of disincrustation

During cleaning, the patient's face is treated with a device that produces a galvanic current, the strength of which is 0.6-1.5 mA. Facial treatment is performed with a negative electrode. This may be a roller with a sponge surface impregnated with an electrolyte solution. Other types of electrodes are pre-wrapped with a napkin soaked in disinfectant. Another option is to apply a cotton pad, gauze, or sponge containing a solution to the patient's skin. During the procedure, special attention is paid to problem areas, the T-zone. Finally, the polarity of the electrode is changed and short-term treatment is performed to restore the acid-base balance of the skin.

What is galvanization?

The galvanization procedure is an electrical procedure in which a direct current is passed through the tissue between two electrodes: a negatively charged cathode and an anode with a positive electrical charge. It is characteristic of direct current that along its path the flow does not change direction and intensity, and, which is very important considering the reaction of body tissues, does not cause contraction of skeletal muscles.

The galvanic current flowing through the tissue causes a series of chemical, kinetic and thermal reactions that affect the blood supply and innervation of the area being galvanized.

One type of galvanization is iontophoresis. Here, electric current stimulates improvement in well-being and appearance, as it promotes the penetration of nutritional and regulatory elements into the cells.

Mechanism of action

During galvanic cleaning, or, as it is also called, galvanotherapy, devices are used that generate a direct current of special strength with low voltage. It is used in cosmetology for electrophoresis - an electrokinetic process, the essence of which is the movement of dispersed phase particles in a gaseous or liquid medium under the influence of an external electric current. This phenomenon was discovered by Moscow University professors P. Strakhov and F. Reis at the beginning of 1809. Electrophoresis is used in medicine and cosmetology to ensure deep penetration of small particles of a substance applied to the surface into the layers of the skin.

Approaching a negatively charged electrode to the skin is accompanied by the attraction of positive ions. Under the influence of current they turn into active atoms. The result of their activity is a decrease in pH and a change in the skin environment from acidic to alkaline.

Galvanization lowers pH and changes the skin environment

After these processes, the galvanophoresis solution begins to act. In many cases, 5% sodium chloride, 2% sodium salicylate, or 1% sodium bicarbonate are used as a disincrustant. Another option is to use a special solution provided with the device by the manufacturer. To achieve an additional therapeutic or cosmetic effect, it is sometimes enriched with magnesium, potassium ions and aloe vera extract in liquid form.

A change in the skin environment under the influence of alkali leads to saponification of triglycerides, which form the basis of sebum. They come to the surface and are then easily removed by hand. An additional effect is achieved under the influence of acidic electrolysis products. They weaken and gradually destroy the connections between the cells of the stratum corneum (keratocytes), due to which its re-epithelialization occurs.

In addition to the main effect, galvanic current provides micromassage of the face, stimulating metabolic processes in cells, activating local bleeding and lymphatic drainage.

The effect of galvanic current on the skin

Galvanic current causes loosening of the skin, saponification of the secretions of the sebaceous glands, increasing vascular permeability and the intensity of cellular metabolism. However, negative and positive electrodes have completely different effects on tissue. Knowing the features of their action, we can choose the pole of the working (active) electrode when solving cosmetic problems.

By cleansing the pores of the face, we use the ability of the cathode to alkalize the skin and open the mouths of the follicles. The action of the anode leads to the opposite effects, so it is used at the end of the procedure.

Indications

According to experts, galvanic facial cleansing is especially effective for oily and problematic skin, when the use of lotions and washing gels is not enough to remove impurities. The procedure promotes intensive removal of dirt, sebum and deep cleansing of pores.

Indications for skin disincrustation are:

Disincrustation is carried out for skin imperfections

• comedones, acne;
• the appearance of the first age-related changes;
• early photoaging;
• melasma;
• seborrhea;
• formation of areas of pigmentation after inflammatory diseases.

Contraindications

The most serious contraindication is the presence of a pacemaker. In such cases, exposure to electric current can lead to unpredictable consequences.

The procedure is also not performed for the following diseases and conditions:

• dry and sensitive skin;
• the presence of abrasions and cuts on the skin at the sites where the electrode is applied;
• acute purulent inflammatory processes;
• dermatitis;
• herpes;
• eczema;
• molluscum contagiosum;
• vitiligo;
• rosacea;
• fever;
• bronchial asthma;
• blood clotting disorder;
• hypertension;
• heart failure;
• neurotic conditions;
• oncological diseases;
• epilepsy;
• individual sensitivity to electric current or components of electrolyte solution;
• pregnancy.

Galvanization is contraindicated for pregnant women

The undesirability of cleaning during pregnancy is associated with changes in hormonal levels and the possible negative impact of galvanic current on the development of the fetus. It is not recommended to perform the procedure during menstruation or the week before it.

Features of electroplating for the face in cosmetology

The face is lubricated with gel, an electric current of 30-80 V, the power of which is 50 mA, is supplied through a special device, penetrating deep. Active and passive electrodes are used. Charged ions appear between them. They move, speeding up your metabolism. The body activates protective functions and begins to restore tissue. Ions, moving in the human body, provoke chemical reactions. In muscles, glands, and fluids there are: proteins with glycogens, colloids with salts, etc. Under the influence of current, molecules disintegrate and charged ions are formed. Skin receptors are irritated, a powerful impulse from the effects of ions activates the central nervous system, harmonizing the body.

Advantages and disadvantages

This method of treatment is considered gentle and least traumatic. The method has its pros and cons. Let's look at the positive aspects:

1. The sessions are painless, patients do not experience discomfort.
2. The skin is not injured, it is impossible to cause any infection.
3. No surgery is required, and the effect of the current is fast and strong.
4. There are no side effects or complications.

Let's consider the disadvantages of exposure to galvanic current:

• to consolidate the result, you need not 1, but at least 2 procedures;
• the treatment will end and the treated area may turn red.

Indications for galvanization

Galvanization heals the body and rejuvenates it. Indications for use are extensive:

• the skin looks aging, with weak tone;
• there are acne scars on the face, various pimples with comedones;
• dark spots;
• seborrhea, with acne or rosacea;
• muscle hypotonia;
• finer, deeper wrinkles;

There are contraindications. They cannot be neglected.

Are there any contraindications

Not all people tolerate procedures with current. This is a feature of their body. Then, even if the cosmetologist suggests it, you need to refuse galvanization. When the cosmetologist detects a negative reaction, he will stop the treatment. There are various other contraindications:

• abscesses;
• when breastfeeding;
• fever;
• there are cysts or boils have appeared;
• tumor or several;
• eczema;
• wounds or scratches;
• blood diseases.

Galvanic current action and efficiency

If galvanization is performed correctly, the effect will be positive:

• chronic swelling will disappear;
• blood circulation is activated;
• tissues that are injured will heal faster;
• tissue cells will receive more oxygen;
• there will be an analgesic effect;
• tissue regeneration will accelerate, lymphatic drainage will improve;
• muscle tissue will not atrophy.

Efficiency

• The effect of galvanophoresis is primarily manifested in the deep cleansing of pores and the release of sebaceous plugs, due to which the skin begins to breathe and become saturated with oxygen. The result is an acceleration of metabolic processes and a general improvement in skin condition.
• Disincrustation helps get rid of acne, blackheads and pimples, improve complexion, and regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands.
• The procedure helps soften and moisturize the skin, relax tissues, and facilitate the removal of decay products.
• For aging skin, cleansing helps restore elasticity, increase skin tone, smooth out small wrinkles, and improve facial contours. This effect is achieved due to the ability of galvanic current to stimulate collagen production, improve skin structure and accelerate lymphatic drainage.
• Cleaning is a safe and effective way to speed up skin regeneration. It has been proven that after the procedure, epidermal cells acquire a denser structure, resulting in healthier skin.
• Galvanophoresis helps clear sinuses and reduces nasal congestion.

Comedones removal

A comedon is an accumulation of sebum, dead cells and microorganisms. Upon contact with air, this conglomerate undergoes oxidation and therefore acquires a dark color. This is how a black dot appears. It can reach approximately 1 mm. in diameter.

Comedones (blackheads) should be removed in a timely manner: in addition to the unaesthetic nature of blackheads, the very presence of a sebaceous plug leads to many unpleasant consequences.

1. Due to constant stretching, the follicle walls (pores) lose their elasticity. The micromuscles responsible for the tone of the follicle mouth and timely evacuation of sebum atrophy. And we see fatty cysts and rather deep “craters” in the place of former comedones.
2. The sebaceous plug is a wonderful breeding ground for microorganisms - inflammation that develops into pimples can easily join acne. Inflammations can vary in size and depth. Severe forms of acne are especially common in young men and can result in deep scar defects.
3. The altered composition of sebum and abnormal acidity (pH) irritate the skin and especially the walls of the follicle. The walls thicken. Sometimes a capsule of dense connective tissue appears around the irritating plug.

Advantages

The main advantages of the procedure:

Disincrustation cleanses the face for a long time

• Promotes thorough cleansing of the skin.
• It is completely painless and does not create discomfort.
• Does not require special skin preparation.
• If the recommendations are followed, it does not lead to undesirable consequences.
• An additional lifting effect is achieved.
• Affordable in terms of price.
• Combines perfectly with other cosmetic procedures.
• Galvanic facial cleansing can be done at home.

Features and differences from other types

Many gentle peels have a mild effect, which, in my experience, lasts for a short time. Galvanic cleaning differs favorably from them in that it gives a noticeable result and tidies up the skin, without injuring it, causing pain or discomfort. It also does not require any special training or a long recovery period. And at the same time, it rarely provokes complications, unlike some other types of cleansing. If, of course, you follow your doctor's recommendations.

In addition to cleansing, galvanotherapy of the face and neck also tightens the skin and gives a slight lifting effect. And, unlike many other procedures offered by modern cosmetology, it can be done at home! I'll tell you about this a little later.

Disincrustation technique

Apparatus for disincrustation

1. The skin is cleansed using conventional products: gels, milk.
2. The entire face is covered with an even layer of a special alkaline composition and proceed directly to the procedure itself.
3. Check the device: current intensity regulator (it should be set to zero) and polarity. A negative charge is required for cleaning. Having configured the device, proceed to the procedure.
4. They turn on the galvanic current and begin to move the electrode along the chin. The patient is informed about the possibility of a feeling of warmth, slight tingling and a metallic taste in the mouth.
5. Gradually increase the intensity of the current, continuing to influence the chin area. If discomfort occurs, the current strength is slightly reduced.
6. They continue to treat the skin, moving along the massage lines. The T-zone is especially carefully treated: chin, upper lip, nasolabial folds. When cleaning the neck, it is necessary to avoid exposure to the thyroid gland area. Movements should be smooth.
7. After 10-15 minutes, soap forms on the face: it is easily washed off with plain water.
8. Change the polarity of the electrode to positive and re-treat the entire face, which allows you to restore the normal level of skin acidity. This is a very important point in the disincrustation process.
9. The intensity of the galvanic current is gradually reduced to zero.
10. Completely removes any remaining cleansing liquid from the face.
11. A restorative mask is applied.
12. After removing the mask, moisturizer is applied to the face.

The duration of the session depends on the condition of the skin, the presence of certain problems and on average is 20-30 minutes.

After the procedure

• It is not recommended to use cosmetics within 12 hours after cleaning.
• For about 3 days, the facial skin remains highly sensitive. For this reason, it should be protected from ultraviolet rays, mechanical, chemical influences, do not use aggressive cleansers, and do not visit the beach, solarium, bathhouse, sauna, or swimming pool.
• To speed up skin restoration, it is recommended to regularly apply restorative masks based on cosmetic clay and other natural ingredients.
• A necessary condition for facial skin care after galvanic cleansing is the use of an intensely moisturizing cream.

Who is not suitable for galvanic facial treatment?

Do not have this treatment if you:

• Are you using a pacemaker?
• You have been diagnosed with heart disease
• Have epilepsy or high blood pressure
• You have cuts, wounds or abrasions on your skin
• You are pregnant
• Do you have diabetes?
• You have metal implants in your body
• Do you have spider veins?
• Are on weight loss medications
• Recently had a chemical peel

I realize that the thought of passing electricity through the skin sounds scary. But are there any side effects from this treatment? Is galvanic facial treatment safe?

Possible complications

Facial cleansing using galvanic current is rarely accompanied by undesirable effects, however, their occurrence is not excluded. If the rules of the procedure are violated, the device is configured incorrectly, or contraindications are ignored, the following complications sometimes occur:

• prolonged redness of the skin;
• swelling of facial tissues;
• increased dryness, peeling, itching;
• excess secretion of sebum (results from too frequent cleansing);
• retention of a metallic taste in the mouth;
• allergic reactions;
• dermatological diseases.

Chemical peeling during disincrustation is prohibited

Results

1. Treatment with weak current is completely painless, but mechanical cleansing of pores can be painful.
2. The skin is not injured, the risk of infection is minimal.
3. During galvanization, charged particles up to 1.5 cm penetrate the skin and accumulate there. The body uses them as it sees fit. For example, with their participation, new cells are formed, sebum secretion is regulated, metabolism is accelerated, which trains blood vessels.
4. The procedure heals the entire body. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with electrolysis of hair in this material.

Compatible with other procedures

To obtain better results and increase efficiency, galvanic cleansing is recommended to be combined with other facial skin care techniques.

• According to experts, it is optimal to combine disincrustation with manual cleaning, in which closed comedones are removed manually or using a special tool in the form of a spatula or spoon.
• A good result is also obtained when combined with vacuum cleaning, during which a device is used to draw out contaminants from the pores.
• Deep cleansing and accelerated skin regeneration are ensured by combining galvanic current cleaning with mechanical or laser peeling. During the latter, the laser beam automatically scans and polishes skin defects.
• The effect of electric current can also be combined with ultrasonic cleaning, the effect of which is to push contaminants out through ultrasound, which creates a special vibration in the cells.

Combining galvanophoresis with chemical peeling is strictly prohibited. Acids increase the load on the skin, resulting in an increased risk of injury and complications.

Galvanotherapy and other methods

To make the cosmetic effect more dramatic and lasting, it is worth carrying out not only galvanic cleaning, but also connecting many other methods to it:

• Experts recommend combining galvanic cleaning and manual cleaning. The latter involves cleansing the skin pores of comedones manually, as well as using a special spoon and spatula.
• If you combine this method with vacuum cleaning, you can get good results. The pores will be cleared of all impurities for a long time.
• If you do laser peeling or mechanical cleansing along with galvanotherapy, you can cleanse the deeper layers of the skin from impurities and start a faster skin restoration process. So, with laser peeling, the beam scans the skin, identifies its problems and immediately eliminates them.
• Electric current is ideally combined with the therapeutic effects of ultrasound. Let us remind you that ultrasound works by pushing out all impurities and toxins from the tissues by creating strong vibrations in the surface cells.

But you need to remember that galvanophoresis and chemical peeling are completely incompatible with each other. Due to acids, the skin receives a large load, and the current can only cause the formation of wounds, injuries, and deterioration.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure at home?

To carry out the procedure yourself, you must have a special device, knowledge of the basic rules of cleaning, and the direction of massage lines.

You can carry out disincrustation yourself

In general, galvanic cleaning at home is almost no different from a salon procedure.

• The skin of the face is cleansed with milk or simply washed, then treated with tonic.
• Apply an alkaline solution to the face. You can use ordinary soda solution as a conductor. It is prepared at the rate of 2 teaspoons of soda per glass of water. Another option is to purchase a ready-made gel.
• Set the device to negative polarity mode.
• The entire face is treated, strictly following the direction of the massage lines.
• Switch the device to positive polarity and re-process the face.
• Remove the remaining solution.
• Apply a mask. At home, you can prepare a mask from clay, aloe juice and mineral water, which has restorative and antiseptic properties. It is kept for about 15-20 minutes, then washed off with warm water.
• Apply nourishing cream to the face.

The number of procedures is determined depending on the result obtained.

What is it and how does it work

When performing a facial procedure, the use of electrophoresis significantly enhances the effect of the active substances of various masks, juices from fresh vegetables and fruits, collagen, etc. Substances such as aminocaproic acid, lidase, vitamins C and B, medicinal mud, and placenta extract are also widely used.

Each of the drugs used in cosmetic electrophoresis is aimed at a specific procedure: tightening or moisturizing the skin, reducing the anti-inflammatory process, as can be seen in the photo.

Reviews

“With my oily skin, this cleanser was just perfect for me. I have never received such an effect from any cosmetic product. In just 3 procedures, the face was almost completely cleared of excess fat, the pores were completely invisible, and the unpleasant shine disappeared. The procedure takes only 20 minutes, and the effect is simply amazing. However, if you have dry skin, this method can only do harm.”

Natalya, 26 years old.

“I have combination skin with enlarged pores. The cosmetologist said that galvanic cleaning would be perfect for me. The procedure is very simple. Some kind of solvent is applied to the face, then a roller roller is passed over it. Under the influence of microcurrents, impurities are melted and saponified, at the same time the pores open, and everything unnecessary comes out. All that remains is to remove the dirt with a napkin. As a bonus, I was promised skin lifting, but it doesn’t seem to be hanging on me yet. This procedure is very good to do before mechanical cleaning. This is an excellent option for people with fragile blood vessels who are not suitable for more aggressive procedures. The effect lasts a little longer than a week."

Elena, 28 years old.

“I believe that for problem skin, such a procedure is simply necessary. My face, to put it mildly, was not in ideal condition: everything was covered with rashes and spots from acne. But what bothered me the most was acne. They appeared in groups of about 2 over the course of a week on the forehead, temples, and cheeks. The clinic said that the reason was male hormones. Several medications, gels and ointments were prescribed. I took the medicine for 3 months and the effect was good. But external remedies didn’t help at all. The doctor recommended disincrustation. Course – 10 sessions (1 per week). The point is that the nozzle of the device is dipped into the solution and moved over the face. The feeling is great, the result is satisfactory. After 2 months, the acne became significantly smaller, and post-acne also disappeared. In addition, the skin was toned and the complexion improved. For 10 procedures (including a mask) I paid 5,000 rubles. Normal price. Buying medicines was much more expensive.”

Inna, 30 years old.