File:faradic-galvanic-toning-1909.jpg|thumb|right|1909 cosmetic electrotherapy advert reads: The White Cross Electric Vibrator [..] gives you your choice of Vibration, Faradic and Galvanic Electricity [..] tones up your nerves and muscles" There 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. called
iontophoresis (also called ionisation). It is used to improve various skin conditions, including signs of
aging,
hyperpigmentation, and
acne. This is achieved by the application of a small, constant,
direct current. The treatment works on the principle that charged
ions in the skin are either attracted or repelled from the
electrodes, resulting in certain chemical effects. :"Galvanism works by penetrating active substances into the subcutaneous
tissues, where they act on the ineffective circulation to bring about an improvement in the
vascular and
lymphatic 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 membrane, 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 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 calls it electronic muscle stimulation, or the treatment is called after the name of the manufacturer, such as Ultratone or Slim Master. This increased ATP also energizes the facial muscles, similar to how exercise energizes the muscles of our bodies. Unlike anywhere else on the body, the facial muscles are directly connected to the skin, so the result of energizing the muscle is often an improved, lifted appearance. When used on the face, the treatment has become known as a "non-surgical facelift" and "facial lifting". It encourages production of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) which leads to the creation and stimulation of structural proteins like elastin and collagen. Different microcurrent 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, sometimes called a
violet ray. Glass electrodes are often filled with either
neon gas which produces pink, orange, or red light, or
argon or rarefied gas which produces violet light. Because of the color of light that is produced when electricity is passed through the gas, they are inaccurately called
ultraviolet or
infrared, however no UV rays or infrared rays are produced, just visible light. High frequency current does convert some of the
oxygen in the air surrounding the electrodes 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 stimulate
sweat and
sebaceous glands.
Sparking may occur when the electrode is close to the skin and then pulled away repeatedly. Some electrodes may contain a metal coil that produces a mechanical vibration, as well as sparking energy that can be felt indirectly when held in one person's hand while another person uses their hands directly on the skin. Because the effect may be pleasurable, similar devices are used in
erotic electrostimulation. ==Treatment and current==