Unit B14 Provide facial electrical treatments Overview of treatments

Overview of treatments For each piece of equipment used in this unit, you will need to know: specific contra-indications specific health and safety guidelines specific effects and benefits of treatments. Can you think of some generic points for each one?

Facial galvanic (1) Contra-indications Excessive metal dental work – clients may feel current more strongly or have metallic taste in the mouth. Heart conditions, e.g. pace maker – due to electrical current flowing through the client. Sunburn – skin will be too sensitive to tolerate current.

Facial galvanic (2) Health and safety Ensure there is enough gel on client’s skin. Do not exceed recommended treatment times or settings. Place roller on client’s forehead and rock from side to side when turning up current. Keep rollers moving at all times during treatment.

Facial galvanic (3) Effects and benefits Each stage of galvanic has a different effect. Desincrustation – opens pores and draws out impurities; breaks down the acid mantle. What type of skin is this most suited for? Iontophoresis – pushes the beneficial products deep within the skin and rebuilds the acid mantle.

Facial faradic (1) Contra-indications Conditions of nervous system – due to stimulation of motor nerves. Muscular disorders. History of strokes – which can lead to muscle paralysis. Migraine sufferers – treatment can bring on a migraine/headache if muscles are over-stimulated.

Facial faradic (2) Health and safety Each muscle should be contracted 10–15 times. Look out for muscle fatigue – the muscle begins to wobble, showing it has been overworked. Pre-heat treatments help muscles respond better. Ensure placement of electrode is accurate as other muscles can be easily picked up when working on the face.

Facial faradic (3) Effects and benefits Stimulates nerves to cause contraction of muscle. Do you know what type of nerve causes this contraction? As muscles contract, lymph flow in the area is increased, which will reduce puffiness. Helps define the contours of the face by toning the muscles.

Vacuum suction (1) Contra-indications Conditions of the lymphatic system – as the lymph flow is increased. Glandular conditions – such as glandular fever. Undiagnosed swelling – the fact it is undiagnosed should cause concern. Very loose, papery skin – vacuum suction could cause damage.

Vacuum suction (2) Health and safety Never exceed a suction which fills more than 20% of the ventouse. Ventouses can become slippery due to use of oil and can easily be dropped and broken. Ensure suction is broken before removing ventouse from client’s skin. Always work towards the nearest lymph nodes to aid lymphatic flow. Adapt treatment for mature/sensitive skin.

Vacuum suction (3) Effects and benefits Increases lymphatic flow. Will improve areas of water retention (oedema). Aids removal of waste, so helps detoxify the body. Improves skin’s appearance by removing toxins and decreasing puffiness.

Microcurrent (1) Contra-indications Anti-depressants – can act as a barrier so results may take longer to become visible. Botox/dermal fillers – these can be potentially moved out of place as the skin and tissue is manipulated during treatment. Acne medication – can cause thinning of the skin, making it too delicate for treatment.

Microcurrent (2) Health and safety Ensure there is enough gel on the area to enable probes to slide smoothly and ensure current is conducted evenly. Replace cotton bud tips when they deteriorate during treatment to ensure the current flows through. Use firm pressure, but check it is comfortable for the client.

Microcurrent (3) Effects and benefits Little sensation is felt so treatment is very comfortable. Re-educates muscles into original positions by mimicking the body’s natural impulses. Will improve scar tissue – more effective on new scars. Most treatments incorporate iontophoresis, which also improves skin’s condition.

Microdermabrasion (1) Contra-indications With the information you have been given so far, can you think of any contra- indications to microdermabrasion? Remember, it deeply exfoliates the skin…

Microdermabrasion (2) Contra-indications (continued) Laser treatments – due to the skin being very sensitive. Delicate or broken skin – more damage could occur due to the abrasive crystals and suction. Medication/products that cause thinning of the skin – skin will be delicate and may not be able to tolerate treatment.

Microdermabrasion (3) Health and safety Never exceed manufacturer’s guidelines on intensity for the area being treated – skin can be damaged easily. Ensure client is covered suitably – crystals can collect in ears and nose. Client should keep mouth closed to prevent crystals falling in. Filters and pumps need regular maintenance to keep them working effectively.

Microdermabrasion (4) Effects and benefits Plumps out fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin’s texture – by deep exfoliation of the skin. Improves pigmentation – by evening out the skin’s surface.

Micro-lance (1) Contra-indications Diabetes – skin can be delicate and slow to heal. Infectious disorders – due to blood spotting there is a higher risk of cross-infection.

Micro-lance (2) Health and safety Can you identify the health and safety guidelines that should be followed when using a micro-lance needle?

Micro-lance (3) Health and safety (continued) To reduce risk of cross-infection: Therapist should wear gloves. Each client requires a new needle. Needles to be disposed of in a sharps box. Any consumables contaminated with blood to be disposed of in the yellow contaminated waste bin.

Micro-lance (4) Effects and benefits Removes milia from under the skin’s surface. Smoothes out skin’s texture. If carried out correctly, skin will heal quickly without leaving a scar.