Galvanic treatments use low voltage direct current to cleanse and treat the skin. The current is produced through a rectifier and capacitor to create a smooth current. Treatments include desincrustation, which deeply cleanses skin, and iontophoresis, which drives creams or solutions into the skin. Precautions must be taken regarding product and machine polarity as well as health conditions that contraindicate treatment. Side effects are rare but can include a metallic taste or temporary irritation.

1. Galvanic

2.  The galvanic current
is a direct, constant
current with low
voltage.
 Can be used in 2 ways
on the face & body
 Measured in milliamps
KEYWORDS:
• Direct current (DC) –
travels in 1 direction
& has no break in
flow of electrons.
• Voltage – The pressure
required to drive
current around a
circuit.
• Milliamps – 1000th of
an amp – amps are
flow of electrons
passing through fixed
point

3.  A rectifier – changes the alternating current
form the mains supply to a direct current
 A capacitator – smoothes any irregularities
within the constant stream of electrons
 A transformer – reduces the voltage from
that mains supply

4.  DESINCRUSTATION
 Deep cleansing of
the skin
 Prepares the skins
for iontophoresis
but can be used on
its own
 IONTOPHORESIS
 Used to penetrate
beneficial creams,
ampoules or
solutions into the
skin to suit the
clients needs.

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

6.  Lack of sensation in treatment area
 Very sensitive skin
 Recent sunburn
 Bacterial, viral and fungal infections
 Broken skin
 Pregnancy
 Epilepsy
 Metal plates on the head area
 Excessive fillings in the mouth
 Heart conditions
 Headache or migraine sufferers
 High/low blood pressure
 Highly nervous clients
 Contact lenses should be removed

7.  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.

8.  Relaxes the pores making extraction easier
 Increases circulation bringing warmth,
nutrients & oxygen to the area
 Has a softening and drying effect
 Stimulates nerve endings
 Exfoliates surface debris and dead skin cells
 Stimulates secretions of the skin
 Saponifiction occurs, emulsifying the sebum
so aiding removal
 Deep cleanses the skin
 Breaks down the acid mantle

9.  Saponification is a reaction that turns oil into
soap.
 In order to turn that oil into a soap we need to
add a strong alkali to it. This alkali comes in the
form of Sodium Hydroxide.
 Sodium hydroxide is created when the galvanic
current mixes with the salts and water in the
skin – the chemical components change from salt
& water into sodium hydroxide
 The sodium hydroxide created mixes with the oil
in the pores turning it to soap (saponification)
therefore deep cleansing the skin

10.  Dry/sensitive skin = 0.15 milliamps = 5 mins
 Normal/combination – 0.20 milliamps = 7 min
 Oily/problem = 0.25 milliamps = 10 mins

11.  Improves skin texture
 Firms the tissues
 Calms redness reduces circulation
 Has an astringent action on the pores so helps to
tighten them
 Rebuilds acid mantle
 Soothes nerve endings
 Creates warmth
 Uses the + pole rollers as the active electrode
 Drives the active creams/gels used into the skin by
ionisation
 Different creams/gels for different skin types
 Creams/gels contain special ingredients to detoxyfy
and decongest the skin

12.  Make sure client is wearing no jewellery on
the hand holding the bar
 Check porduct 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

13.  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