Galvanic facials use low-voltage electric currents to cleanse and treat the skin. The process involves desincrustation to deeply cleanse the skin by breaking down the acid mantle, followed by iontophoresis to drive beneficial creams into the skin. It is important that the polarity of the machine matches the cream to ensure the ions are properly absorbed. Galvanic facials benefit oily, congested, combination, and dry skin types by cleansing pores and improving texture, tone, and hydration.

1. Galvanic Facials

2. What Is Galvanic?
Galvanic is a direct, Constant current with
low voltage and It is measured in
milliamps.
Desincrustation = This is a deep
cleansing of the skin and can be used on
its own or to prepare for Iontophoresis.
Iontopheresis = This penetrates the
beneficial creams into the skin for specific
treatment depending on the clients skin.

3. Polarity
A circuit is formed by the client holding the
covered electrode attached to the machine. The
rollers are also attached to the machine and
when in contact with the face, a circuit is formed
for the current to flow through.
The polarity of the rollers needs to be the same
as the face as they will not attract to each other
and the ions in the cream will be attracted to the
electrode in the hand, therefore going through
the skin to get there.

4. Polarity
If the polarity is set wrongly and the cream
is attracted to the rollers, the skin will
receive no benefit at all!!
Opposites attract, Alike repel!!

5. Correct Use!
 The polarity of the
product used on the
skin to be correct
 The polarity setting of
the machine to
correspond with the
product

6. What are the benefits of Desincrustation?
Breaks down the Acid Mantle
Deep cleanses the skin
Saponification occurs
Stimulates sweat & Sebaceous glands
Exfoliates and removes dead cells
Has a softening and drying effect
Increases circulation bringing nutrients &
oxygen.
Relaxes the pores making extraction easier

7. What are the benefits of Iontophoresis?
Creates warmth
Frees oxygen
Improves skin texture
Rebuilds the Acid Mantle
Firms the tissues
Calms & reduces redness
Has an astringent action on the pores to
help tighten them

8. What skin type would benefit from
Galvanic?
Desincrustation = Oily ( removes excess
sebum) Congested ( Unblocks pores)
Combination ( Deep cleansing) Dry ( Deep
cleanse & removes dead skin cells)
Iontophoresis = Dry ( Moisturising &
Nourishing) Combination ( Re- balancing
& Re- hydrating) Oily ( Refines pores)

9. What is the aftercare for a Galvanic
facial?
Avoid touching the face
Avoid application of base make-up for 24 hours
Use suitable skin care products for home use
Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to encourage healthy
skin
Advise on lifestyle changes
Recommend a course of treatments

10. What treatments can be combined to
increase effectiveness of the treatment
Direct High Frequency = Dry out
sebaceous secretions & aids germicidal
and healing on the skin.
Steam = Opens pores, increases
circulation, creates erythema, softens skin
Massage = Warms skin, increases
circulation, brings oxygen & nutrients to
the skin, relaxes tissues
Mask = Improves skin condition

11. How often can a Galvanic treatment be
given?
Oily = Once a week for 4 weeks until skin
is improved 7 then rest for 3 weeks
Dry = Once every 2 weeks & rest for 2
weeks
Combination = Once a week for 3 weeks,
rest for 3 weeks.

12. Treatment times and settings
Dry/sensitive skin = 0.15 milliamps = 5 mins
Normal/combination – 0.20 milliamps = 7 min
Oily/problem = 0.25 milliamps = 10 mins

13. Contra-actions
 A metallic taste & tingly sensation may be
experienced in the mouth due to the current be
drawn towards metal fillings
 Some clients may feel the current more than
others, this is normal. Do not be tempted to turn
the current up as to what is recommended for the
skin type as a galvanic burn could occur.
 Heat rash and irritation could occur, however this is
rare.

14. Health & safety during Galvanic
Make sure client is wearing no jewellery on the
hand holding the bar
Check product polarity required for
desincrustation (usually negative) – rollers and
creams must be the same polarity (likes repel)
Only turn on and increase the current when the
rollers are in contact with the skin
Remove one roller, turn the current down and
off, then remove the other roller
Check polarity required for iontophoresis

15. Now list as many things as you
can remember about Galvanic
facials!!