Electrotherapy (cosmetic)
Encyclopedia
Cosmetic electrotherapy is a range of beauty treatments that uses low electric current
s passed through the skin
to produce several therapeutic effects, such as muscle toning
in the body, and micro-lifting of the face. It is based on electrotherapy
which has been researched and accepted in the field of rehabilitation, though the "scientific and medical communities have tended to sideline or dismiss the use of electrotherapy for healthy muscles".
The use of electricity in cosmetics goes back to the end of the 19th century, almost a hundred years after Luigi Galvani
discovered that electricity can make the muscle in a frog's leg twitch, (see galvanism
). Subsequent research in electrophysiology
has been carried out by people such as Robert O. Becker
, Dr Björn Nordenström, a former chair of the Nobel Selection Committee for Medicine, and Dr Thomas Wing, who invented some of the first micro-current devices.
(also called ionisation). This is achieved by the application of a small, constant, direct current
. The treatment works on the principle that charged ion
s in the skin
, are either attracted or repelled from the electrode
s, resulting in certain chemical affects.
Galvanic treatment are often used on the face (facial galvanic treatment), and on the body to treat cellulite (galvanic cellulite treatments).
The treatment is also called Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and some of the manufactures who produce the equipment, use their own terms, for example, Slendertone
calls it Electronic Muscle Stimulation, or the treatment is called after the name of the manufacturer, such as Ultratone or Slim Master.
currents (ie. millionths of an amp) which are hardly perceptible, but mimic the body's own bio-electric currents
. The treatment is designed to soften wrinkles and rejuvenate skin, including skin damaged by sunburn
, acne
, stretch marks, cellulite
and scar
ring. When used on the face, the treatment has become known as a "non-surgical facelift", and "facial lifting".
Micro-current treatment works by passing a very small direct current through muscle tissue to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.
Different micro-current characteristics, particular the frequency and shape of the changing voltage (waveform) have different effects on the tissue.
in the air into ozone
, the treatment has a germicidal
action, and is also drying and warming. Consequently the treatment is used to aid healing, and also to help desquamation
(the skin's natural exfoliation), and simulate sweat
and sebaceous gland
s.
At up to 250,000 Hz frequency, the hollow glass electrode
behaves like a glow discharge tube
, and is sometime called a "violet ray" or "violent wand", (though the colour depends on the gas in the glass). Two electrodes are not required, and sparking
may occur when the electrode is close to the skin. Because the effect may be pleasurable, similar devices are used in erotic electrostimulation
.
or alternating
), (b) current frequency, (c) size of the current (all very small), and (d) the duration and shape of any pulses.
Notes
The origins of the terms "galvanic" and "Faradism" are described in the medical journal, The Lancet
, in 1851. A note reads:
It is noted that:
Electric current
Electric current is a flow of electric charge through a medium.This charge is typically carried by moving electrons in a conductor such as wire...
s passed through the skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
to produce several therapeutic effects, such as muscle toning
Muscle tone
In physiology, medicine, and anatomy, muscle tone is the continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, or the muscle’s resistance to passive stretch during resting state. It helps maintain posture, and it declines during REM sleep.-Purpose:Unconscious nerve impulses maintain the...
in the body, and micro-lifting of the face. It is based on electrotherapy
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment In medicine, the term electrotherapy can apply to a variety of treatments, including the use of electrical devices such as deep brain stimulators for neurological disease. The term has also been applied specifically to the use of...
which has been researched and accepted in the field of rehabilitation, though the "scientific and medical communities have tended to sideline or dismiss the use of electrotherapy for healthy muscles".
The use of electricity in cosmetics goes back to the end of the 19th century, almost a hundred years after Luigi Galvani
Luigi Galvani
Luigi Aloisio Galvani was an Italian physician and physicist who lived and died in Bologna. In 1791, he discovered that the muscles of dead frogs legs twitched when struck by a spark...
discovered that electricity can make the muscle in a frog's leg twitch, (see galvanism
Galvanism
In biology, galvanism is the contraction of a muscle that is stimulated by an electric current. In physics and chemistry, it is the induction of electrical current from a chemical reaction, typically between two chemicals with differing electronegativities....
). Subsequent research in electrophysiology
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves measurements of voltage change or electric current on a wide variety of scales from single ion channel proteins to whole organs like the heart...
has been carried out by people such as Robert O. Becker
Robert O. Becker
Robert O. Becker was a U.S. orthopedic surgeon and researcher in electrophysiology/electromedicine. He worked mainly as professor at Upstate Medical Center in State University of New York, Syracuse, and as Director of Orthopedic Surgery at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Syracuse, New...
, Dr Björn Nordenström, a former chair of the Nobel Selection Committee for Medicine, and Dr Thomas Wing, who invented some of the first micro-current devices.
Treatments
The are four main types of treatment, that differ in the type of current they use (see Comparison table, below), including:- Galvanic treatment
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (also known as Faradic treatment)
- Micro-current Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS)
- High-frequency treatment
Galvanic treatment
Galvanic treatment in the beauty industry has been described since at least the 1970s, and earlier. Sometimes called galvanism, the treatment aims to improve the skin in two ways: (1) cleansing: a process called desincrustation, and (2) nourishing the skin condition, through an electro-chemical process called iontophoresisIontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a technique using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine or other chemical through the skin. It is basically an injection without the needle...
(also called ionisation). This is achieved by the application of a small, constant, direct current
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
. The treatment works on the principle that charged ion
Ion
An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. The name was given by physicist Michael Faraday for the substances that allow a current to pass between electrodes in a...
s in the skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
, are either attracted or repelled from the electrode
Electrode
An electrode is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit...
s, resulting in certain chemical affects.
- "Galvanism works by penetrating active substances into the subcutaneous tissueTissue (biology)Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...
s, where they act on the ineffective circulation to bring about an improvement in the vascular and lymphaticLymphatic systemThe lymphoid system is the part of the immune system comprising a network of conduits called lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph unidirectionally toward the heart. Lymphoid tissue is found in many organs, particularly the lymph nodes, and in the lymphoid follicles associated...
interchange in the area. This is completed in a natural and harmless way, and is aided by the actual effect of the galvanic current on the tissues. This improves the function of the cellular membraneCell membraneThe cell membrane or plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. It basically protects the cell...
, and allows the trapped fluid and fat to be dispersed and eliminated."
Galvanic treatment are often used on the face (facial galvanic treatment), and on the body to treat cellulite (galvanic cellulite treatments).
Faradic treatment
Faradic treatment has also been described in the beauty industry since the 1970s, and earlier. The treatment tones the muscles by repeatedly contracting them with the electric current, resulting in their firming and toning, and an increase in muscular metabolism aims to remove waste products more readily. Faradic treatments are generally used on the face and body, and work by contracting muscles with a short pulse of interrupted direct current.The treatment is also called Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and some of the manufactures who produce the equipment, use their own terms, for example, Slendertone
AIBI International
AIBI International Pte Ltd is an international company operating in health industry. It produces and distributes beauty, health, and fitness products such as Treadmills, Elliptical Trainers, and Inversion Machines. It was originally established in 1985 in Singapore...
calls it Electronic Muscle Stimulation, or the treatment is called after the name of the manufacturer, such as Ultratone or Slim Master.
Micro-current treatment
Micro-current treatments (MENS) have been around since the 1970s in medical applications, and are distinguished by their use of micro-ampereAmpere
The ampere , often shortened to amp, is the SI unit of electric current and is one of the seven SI base units. It is named after André-Marie Ampère , French mathematician and physicist, considered the father of electrodynamics...
currents (ie. millionths of an amp) which are hardly perceptible, but mimic the body's own bio-electric currents
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves measurements of voltage change or electric current on a wide variety of scales from single ion channel proteins to whole organs like the heart...
. The treatment is designed to soften wrinkles and rejuvenate skin, including skin damaged by sunburn
Sunburn
A sunburn is a burn to living tissue, such as skin, which is produced by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, commonly from the sun's rays. Usual mild symptoms in humans and other animals include red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch, general fatigue, and mild dizziness. An excess of UV...
, acne
Acne
Acne is a general term used for acneiform eruptions. It is usually used as a synonym for acne vulgaris, but may also refer to:*Acne aestivalis*Acne conglobata*Acne cosmetica*Acne fulminans*Acne keloidalis nuchae*Acne mechanica...
, stretch marks, cellulite
Cellulite
Cellulite is a topographic skin change that occurs in most postpubertal females. It presents as a modification of skin topography evident by skin dimpling and nodularity that occurs mainly in women on the pelvic region, lower limbs, and abdomen, and is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat...
and scar
Scar
Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after injury. A scar results from the biological process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound results in...
ring. When used on the face, the treatment has become known as a "non-surgical facelift", and "facial lifting".
Micro-current treatment works by passing a very small direct current through muscle tissue to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.
Different micro-current characteristics, particular the frequency and shape of the changing voltage (waveform) have different effects on the tissue.
|
|
High-frequency treatment
High-frequency treatment uses low-current high-frequency alternating currents, delivered via a glass electrode. Because the high frequency current converts some of the oxygenOxygen
Oxygen is the element with atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O. Its name derives from the Greek roots ὀξύς and -γενής , because at the time of naming, it was mistakenly thought that all acids required oxygen in their composition...
in the air into ozone
Ozone
Ozone , or trioxygen, is a triatomic molecule, consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is an allotrope of oxygen that is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope...
, the treatment has a germicidal
Antiseptic
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction...
action, and is also drying and warming. Consequently the treatment is used to aid healing, and also to help desquamation
Desquamation
Desquamation , also called skin peeling, is the shedding of the outermost membrane or layer of a tissue, such as the skin.-Skin:Normal, nonpathologic desquamation of the skin occurs when keratinocytes, after moving apically over about 14 days, are individually shed unnoticeably...
(the skin's natural exfoliation), and simulate sweat
Sweat gland
Sweat glands, or sudoriferous glands, are small tubular structures of the skin that produce sweat. There are two kinds of sweat glands:...
and sebaceous gland
Sebaceous gland
The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals...
s.
At up to 250,000 Hz frequency, the hollow glass electrode
Electrode
An electrode is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit...
behaves like a glow discharge tube
Electric glow discharge
An electric glow discharge is a plasma formed by the passage of current at 100 V to several kV through a gas, often argon or another noble gas. It is found in products such as neon lamps and plasma-screen televisions, and is used in plasma physics and analytical chemistry.-Basic operating...
, and is sometime called a "violet ray" or "violent wand", (though the colour depends on the gas in the glass). Two electrodes are not required, and sparking
Electric spark
An electric spark is a type of electrostatic discharge that occurs when an electric field creates an ionized electrically conductive channel in air producing a brief emission of light and sound. A spark is formed when the electric field strength exceeds the dielectric field strength of air...
may occur when the electrode is close to the skin. Because the effect may be pleasurable, similar devices are used in erotic electrostimulation
Erotic electrostimulation
Erotic electrostimulation is a human sexual practice involving the application of electrical stimulation to the nerves of the body, with particular emphasis on the genitals, using a power source for purposes of sexual stimulation...
.
Treatment and current
The characteristics of the treatment current include: (a) whether it is (directDirect current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
or alternating
Alternating current
In alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....
), (b) current frequency, (c) size of the current (all very small), and (d) the duration and shape of any pulses.
Comparison
| Treatment | Current type | Current range | Frequency | Therapies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanic (galvanism) | Direct and constant | milliAmps (mA) | None (constant) | Desincrustation. Iontophoresis Iontophoresis Iontophoresis is a technique using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine or other chemical through the skin. It is basically an injection without the needle... |
| Faradic |
Direct, pulsed (0.1 - 1 ms) surged (~25 per min.) |
up to 80 mA | 50-100Hz | Muscle toning |
| Micro-current Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS) |
Direct (pulsed) |
300-500μA (microAmps) |
0.1 - 680Hz | Skin-toning Softens fine lines Facial micro-lifting. |
| High-frequency | Alternating | low | 100,000 - 250,000Hz (100kHz-250kHz) |
Conditions the skin. Promotes healing. Antibacterial. |
Notes
- Desincrustation - A skin cleansing process that softens and emulsifies hardened follicle sebum.
- 1 Amp = 1,000 milliAmps (mA) = 1,000,000 microAmps (μA)
- 1 Hz (one cycle per second) = 1,000 kHz
Terminology
The Lancet
The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is one of the world's best known, oldest, and most respected general medical journals...
, in 1851. A note reads:
- "We should not omit to state that Dr Duchenne closes a paper (Archives, May 1851) on the subject with these words: As it will be useful to create a word which should exactly point out electricity by induction, as well as by application, may it not be allowable to use the name of the philosopher who has discovered this kind of electricity? Thus, in the same way as 'GalvaniLuigi GalvaniLuigi Aloisio Galvani was an Italian physician and physicist who lived and died in Bologna. In 1791, he discovered that the muscles of dead frogs legs twitched when struck by a spark...
' has given his name to the electricity by contactStatic electricityStatic electricity refers to the build-up of electric charge on the surface of objects. The static charges remain on an object until they either bleed off to ground or are quickly neutralized by a discharge. Static electricity can be contrasted with current electricity, which can be delivered...
, so can we like-wise give to the electricity by inductionElectromagnetic inductionElectromagnetic induction is the production of an electric current across a conductor moving through a magnetic field. It underlies the operation of generators, transformers, induction motors, electric motors, synchronous motors, and solenoids....
the name of 'FaradayMichael FaradayMichael Faraday, FRS was an English chemist and physicist who contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry....
.' This electricity would then be called 'Faradism,' and its application 'Faradization' Such names would establish a clear distinction between the electricity by contact and that by induction, whilst they, at the same time, render due honour to a philosopher to whom medical science owes a discovery far more valuable in a therepeutical point of view than that of Galvani."
It is noted that:
- "Some terms such as galvanic current and faradic stimulation are unique to physiotherapy. Their definitions given in the literature are far from universal. [..] The Clinical Electrophysiology Section of the American Physical Therapy AssociationAmerican Physical Therapy AssociationA Historical PerspectivePhysical therapists formed their first professional association in 1921, called the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association. Led by President Mary McMillan, an executive committee of elected officers governed the Association, which included 274 charter members...
established a unified terminology for clinical electrical currents — that is, (a) direct current (b) alternating current (c) pulsed current (Kloth and Cummings, 1991) [..] However, this terminology does not appear to have been widely adopted and inconsistencies remain in the literature".
See also
- Bio-electric stimulation therapyBio-Electric Stimulation TherapyBio-Electric Stimulation Therapy , also known as micro current electro therapy , is a specific form of electrotherapy that delivers small amounts of current to the body. Current delivered is less than one milliAmpere, 100 times less than a typical TENS machine. BEST mimics what happens within...
(BEST) - ElectrotherapyElectrotherapyElectrotherapy is the use of electrical energy as a medical treatment In medicine, the term electrotherapy can apply to a variety of treatments, including the use of electrical devices such as deep brain stimulators for neurological disease. The term has also been applied specifically to the use of...
- the use of electricity as a medical treatment - Electrical muscle stimulationElectrical muscle stimulationElectrical muscle stimulation , also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation or electromyostimulation, is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses...
(neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)) - Erotic electrostimulationErotic electrostimulationErotic electrostimulation is a human sexual practice involving the application of electrical stimulation to the nerves of the body, with particular emphasis on the genitals, using a power source for purposes of sexual stimulation...
- Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulator (MENS)
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulationTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulationTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes...
(TENS) - the use of electric current to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes
External links
- BABTAC, British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology website: Galvanic Treatments | "Galvanic Cellulite Treatments"
- Electrotherapy Museum website