1. Apply knowledge of electricity to Beauty Therapy/Created by Cynthia Li/Sessions 3 &4/Version 2/Aug 2011 1 Electrical Equipment – Direct High Frequency 1.WHAT? Direct High Frequency (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xilXrGo2lfk) 2.WHY?  Beneficial for oily, blemished, seborrhea or acne skin conditions (healing, drying, antiseptic & germicidal effects).  Also beneficial for sallow skin (improves skin colour) & sluggish skin (stimulates & encourages cell renewal). 3. HOW?  The High Frequency current is passed directly into the Client’s skin, when using small circular movements.  The glass electrodes are partial vacuums (i.e. hollow tubes) with a low density of air & inert gas. In most machines, they will produce a blue/violet light (if the gas is Argon – for Direct High Frequency) or orange/pink light (if the gas is Neon – for Indirect High Frequency).  The glass electrodes provide a passage along which the High Frequency current flows.

2. Apply knowledge of electricity to Beauty Therapy/Created by Cynthia Li/Sessions 3 &4/Version 2/Aug 2011 2 Electrical Equipment – Direct High Frequency 3. HOW? (continued)  When the High Frequency current flows along the gas, it produces light energy & ignites into a blue/violet light or orange/pink light.  The High Frequency current also produces electricity around the electrode.  When the electricity reacts with Oxygen (naturally present in the air around the electrode), it produces Ozone (which has a germicidal, drying & antiseptic effect). This occurs in the gap, between the electrode & the skin. HF + OXYGEN = OZONE  Always apply a dry gauze on the skin to create a tiny ‘spark gap’ between the skin & the electrode, thereby providing the skin with oxygen.  When the High Frequency current passes over the gauze, it reacts with Oxygen to produce Ozone.

3. Apply knowledge of electricity to Beauty Therapy/Created by Cynthia Li/Sessions 3 &4/Version 2/Aug 2011 3 Electrical Equipment – Direct High Frequency 3. HOW? (continued)  The more Oxygen surrounds the electrode, the more Ozone is formed & therefore, the greater the germicidal effect.  The gauze may be layered to create more ‘spark gap’, for more oxygen to react with the High Frequency, to produce more Ozone.  Never apply alcohol solutions (e.g. astringent toner or witch hazel) to skin prior to using High Frequency – they are flammable substances & may ignite.  Warn the Client about the buzzing sound that the Direct High Frequency makes when in operation.  Skin should be dry prior to using Direct High Frequency.  Start on the neck area first.  The lighter the contact, the more stimulating the treatment.

4. Apply knowledge of electricity to Beauty Therapy/Created by Cynthia Li/Sessions 3 &4/Version 2/Aug 2011 4 Electrical Equipment – Direct High Frequency 3. HOW? (continued)  Place electrode in working hand & make contact with finger before placing on skin surface.  Increase intensity & move lightly across the gauze in circular movements.  The lighter the contact, the more stimulating is the treatment.  Work for up to 5 mins.  Turn current intensity down & switch machine off. Remove electrode from the Client’s skin.  Once the machine has been turned off, the electrode should be removed from the ebonite handle, then wiped over with a solution of alcohol or methylated spirits.  Clean & store electrodes carefully as they are very easily broken.  Please note that electrodes cannot be autoclaved, immersed in water or other cleaning agents.

5. Apply knowledge of electricity to Beauty Therapy/Created by Cynthia Li/Sessions 3 &4/Version 2/Aug 2011 5 Electrical Equipment – Direct High Frequency 4. WHEN?  After exfoliation in a facial treatment.  After extractions in a facial treatment (germicidal & antiseptic). 5. WHERE?  Over gauze & on skin.