1. Chapter 9 Facial electrical treatments
Outcome 2
Consult, plan and prepare for treatments with clients

2. Learning objectives Describe a skin sensitivity test and patch test
Identify your client’s skin type and skin conditions
Conduct a visual assessment
Identify the contra-indications that prevent and restrict facial electrical treatments
State the contra-actions to facial electrical treatment
Identify all equipment that will be required for performing facial electrical treatment
State how a therapist should prepare ahead of a facial electrical treatment
Identify the correct treatment room environment
Describe how to prepare the client for treatment
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3. Skin sensitivity and patch testing
Skin sensitivity: It is essential that you conduct both thermal and tactile skin sensitivity tests with each client before performing facial electrical treatment. You need to know your individual client’s response to hot and cold temperatures and whether there are any areas of the face and neck that have a loss of tactile sensation.
Patch testing: If you are in any doubt as to how your client’s skin may react to treatment, perform a patch test at least 24 hours prior to treatment. This can be done for both products and electrical machinery. You should always test the piece of electrical equipment on yourself first, using either the back of your hand or arm, before placing it on your client. Start with a low intensity and build up so you do not alarm your client.
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4. Visual assessment
The visual assessment can begin as soon as you greet your client.
It is best to view your client’s facial muscle tone from the upright position. As soon as the client lies back on the couch the muscle tone will be slightly distorted.
Skin type and condition is assessed through the skin analysis section of the treatment, as when performing a manual facial.
It is essential you perform a correct skin analysis as this, along with your client’s objectives, will indicate what electrical machinery you will use in your treatment.
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5. Skin types Oily Dry Combination Shiny appearance Fine lines
Oily T zone
Comedones and open pores
Tight and taut in appearance
Combination of the appearances identified in oily and dry
Coarse texture
Broken capillaries
Pustules and papules present
Coarse surface but
overall fine texture
Flaky
Lacking in sebaceous
gland activity
Milia can be common
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6. Skin conditions Mature Sensitive Dehydrated Hyper- pigmentation Milia
Lines and wrinkles
Thin skin
Lacking in water moisture
Darker patches of skin colour
White pearly nodules of trapped sebum;
micro-lancing
required if nodule is hardened
Loss of tone
Blotchy
Dull looking
Uneven texture
Thinning skin
Warm to touch
Fine lines
Lacking in oil
High colour
Possible signs of pigmentation
Broken capillaries
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7. Contra-indications preventing facial electrical treatments
Fungal, bacterial and viral infections
Infestations
Severe eczema and psoriasis
Severe skin conditions
Eye infections
During chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment
Dysfunction of the nervous system
Undergoing medical treatment
Pacemaker
Undiagnosed lumps and swellings
Medication causing thinning or inflamed skin (for example, steroids, Accutane, retinols)
Recent dermabrasion
Recent scar tissue
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8. Contra-indications restricting facial electrical treatments
Broken bones
Recent fractures and sprains
Cuts and abrasions
Hyperkeratosis
Skin disorders
Skin allergies
Product allergies
Epilepsy
Diabetes
High and low blood pressure
Metal pins/plates
Micro-pigmentation
Past thrombosis or embolism
Botox
Dermal filler
Medication
Pregnancy
Piercings
Anxiety
Chemical peels
IPL or laser
Epilation
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9. Contra-actions to facial electrical treatments
A contra-action can be identified as a condition which may arise during the treatment which would indicate that the treatment must stop. It may also be something that arises on completion of the treatment.
Always discuss possible contra-actions with your client after treatment. Contra-actions from facial electrical treatment include:
galvanic burn
bruising
irritation
allergic reaction
excessive erythema
muscle fatigue/cramping
hyper-/hypo-pigmentation.
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10. Equipment checklist – 1
Headband to secure the client’s hair away from the face
Facial products that are suitable for the client’s skin type
Cotton pads, hot and cold water, and sharp and soft implements to perform sensitivity tests
Bolsters for additional comfort and support
A lined bowl for client’s jewellery
Spatulas to remove products hygienically from containers
Facial sponges to remove products
Electrical machinery and supporting products
Consultation form, client record card and pen
Protective eye shields and soft brush (for micro-dermabrasion only)
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11. Equipment checklist – 2
In addition to your professional massage couch you will need:
towels to cover the client and the couch
couch roll to cover the couch, which should be disposed of on completion of treatment
covered waste bin
stool to sit on for the duration of the treatment
magnifying lamp for skin analysis and extractions
sharps box to dispose of micro-lances.
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12. Therapist preparation
It is important to instil confidence in your client and you must ensure your appearance is appropriate.
A client will expect you to be professional both in appearance and manner, with a washed and ironed uniform, hair neatly and securely tied off your face, and short clean nails free from polish.
Remember to wash your hands before the treatment commences.
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13. The treatment environment
You must ensure that your treatment environment is suitable. The client should be warm, comfortable and have the necessary privacy when changing.
Your treatment room should always be well ventilated with suitable lighting and music.
The couch should be prepared with clean towels and new couch roll.
Your trolley should be set up with all necessary tools and equipment.
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14. Preparation of client for treatment
Once your consultation is complete, you need to give the client directions on how to be prepared for the treatment.
Enough privacy, space and time should be allocated so the client does not feel rushed.
Remind the client to remove all jewellery and put it in a safe place. For facial electrical treatment this is a health and safety requirement; metal conducts electricity and burning could occur to an area where jewellery has been left on.
Ask the client to lie under the towels in a supine position and wait for your return to the treatment room.
Place any pillow or bolster support for comfort as required.
Verbally check that the client is warm and comfortable and inform the client that you are about to begin.
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