Galvanic Treatments in the Medical and Cosmetic Field.

by Valsa Abraham Beauty Therapist

Galvanic Treatments in the Medical and Cosmetic Field.

In contrast to many other types of electricity, which are often used to treat pain and to build muscle, galvanization is a form of direct current.

This article discuss the method of operation, the fields of application, but also the risks associated with galvanization. Galvanic current is very popular in cosmetics as well as in medicine. For house use, however, a few safety precautions must be taken in order to prevent possible damage to the skin.

Galvanic Current and its Mode of Operation

A galvanic current is a constant direct current. As the name suggests, electricity always flows in the same direction. The principle of galvanization is based to a large extent on the ion migration in the human body. Galvanic current is usually applied by two electrodes. One electrode is the positive pole (anode), the other is the negative pole (cathode). With the electrical voltage the ion migration (ions are electrically charged particles) starts to run in the human body. As a result hydrochloric acid (HCl) will form under the positive pole and a sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) under the negative pole. This process is also referred to as electrolysis in chemistry.

Application in Medicine

In the medical field, galvanic current is mainly used in physiotherapy and electrotherapy. Stimulating the metabolic activity of the human body, it is often used to achieve a more thorough bleeding in the injured tissue, such as muscle breakdowns and ligament injuries. The uppermost layer of the skin must, however, be in perfect condition during the application of electroplating.

Galvanic Current in Cosmetics

In the field of beauty treatments, galvanic electricity is becoming increasingly popular. For example, it is used as a treatment option against premature hair loss. With small handy devices, the scalp is treated with current, which leads to an optimal nutrient supply of the hair root. The metabolism is also stimulated, whereby degradation products and slagging are removed on the hair roots. This leads to perfect conditions for healthy hair growth. Galvanic current can thus have a supporting effect to prevent hair loss. You should be well advised by the expert staff whether it would also be a good treatment option in your case.

DC is also used in cosmetics in the form of a mini-iron for wrinkles. The blood circulation and metabolic activity are stimulated by the application of galvanic current in the face, and also cosmetic products are tranferred into the tissue. After only 5 weeks of treatment, the vendors and manufacturers of such devices promise a clear rejuvenation of the skin. It is also preferable to injecting nerve pains such as Botox against wrinkles.

Galvanic Current and its Risks

In addition to the many positive aspects, Galvanic current has also some risks in the wrong handling. Since an acid is formed at constant current through the ion migration, it can also lead to burns if the treatment time is too long and the current density is too high. In a particularly bad case, even necrosis can arise, whicht causes the skin tissue to die. Special care must be taken when sensory disturbances are present. The current is often not felt as unpleasant and could lead to an unnoticed damage to the skin's surface. In the case of a constant DC current, moistened sponges are placed between the skin and electrodes in order to prevent any injuries. Before using constant DC, the skin area should be carefully examined for minor injuries or pimples and the electrodes should not come into direct contact with the skin.

Electrotherapy has a broad field of application, both in cosmetics and in medicine. Galvanization not only stimulates metabolism in the human body, but the mode of action can also be used to relieve pain, support healing processes, and also to achieve a tighter facial skin. Galvanic current is therefore a real little "all-connoisseur".

The author, Valsa Abraham is an independent beautician, a makeup and hair artist. Since 24 years she has been working in the field of cosmetics and has successfully managed her own institute "Feather Touch Beauty Clinic" in Pathanamthitta, Kerala (India).