Esthetics Crash Course: Advanced Facial Devices Part Two

Due to the application of electrical current and metal prongs, appropriate cautionary measures such as "no current should be felt by the client" and "do not let current from one prong build on the other" should be taken. A maintenance of good professional skincare and being gentle with the skin days following the facial treatment is always advised. The results of microcurrent facial treatment are accumulative, and improved facial contour and muscle tone is usually reported after twenty days of therapy as it allows lymphatic and blood circulation to carry away toxins and waste, and promote the production of collagen and elastin. It is often recommended to do microcurrent facial procedures as a series, followed by monthly maintenance. This treatment is especially suitable for mature clients who wish to ease the visible signs of aging, but it is beneficial to nearly all clients. However, it is not advised for clients with epilepsy, a heart condition, pacemakers, metal implants in the face or neck, open wounds or sores, or facial paralysis. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy. The client will be asked to remove any jewelry and lie down on the esthetic bed. After the skin is properly cleansed and exfoliated, a conducting gel or glide is applied to the skin in preparation for the current being delivered. The esthetician will then work the prongs methodically across the face. Most commonly, the lower half of the face will be worked on first before moving to the forehead and eye region. Particular attention may be given to areas of focus, like around the eyes or mouth. During the treatment, the esthetician will use two prongs to conduct the electrical current. The prongs are typically spaced closely together, and various types of frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), and intensity can be selected depending on the client's needs. Some machines may have easy parameter setting measures for different facial areas; for example, larger surface areas will require higher frequency while lower frequency is suitable for smaller surface areas. Microcurrent facial techniques involve the use of low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and tissues of the face. By promoting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the substance that stores and transports chemical energy within the cells, this type of facial treatment can help to revitalize muscle tone and improve the overall contour of the face. Microcurrent facial techniques are often referred to as non-surgical face lifts, and are used to improve the appearance of sagging eyebrows, drooping eyelids, and deep-set expression lines. It is also used to enhance the health and appearance of the skin. Oxygen infusion facial treatments involve using a machine to generate pure, pressurized oxygen for the purpose of facilitating the absorption of a serum applied to the skin. The machine used in oxygen infusion procedures often applies the oxygen directly to the surface of the skin. As the skin absorbs the oxygen, it is better able to absorb the applied serum as well. This treatment is popular in the professional beauty industry, and it is often marketed as both a stand-alone treatment and one that can enhance the effects of other skin care treatments. Oftentimes, oxygen infusion procedures come at the end of a long facial treatment. In many esthetics practices, the machine used in oxygen infusion procedures is known as an oxygen concentrator. This machine is designed to take in the surrounding air and remove the nitrogen, leaving as much as 95% pure oxygen at a high, pressurized flow rate. The oxygen flows to the machine to which a small, pen-like applicator is attached. This applicator can then be held just above the surface of the skin, especially to treat delicate areas such as under the eyes. Most oxygen infusion machines also come with different levels of oxygen output and airflow, allowing the esthetician to choose settings that suit the client's unique skin type and needs. The main serum used in oxygen infusion procedures is a form of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, especially in soft connective tissues and in the fluid surrounding the eyes. It is often used in skin care products as a moisture-binding and lubricating agent. When applied to the skin through an oxygen infusion procedure, hyaluronic acid can help to hydrate the skin significantly. Clients who have this procedure done can look forward to skin that not only feels softer and more supple, but is more hydrated and plumper as well. This treatment can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can also help to calm skin that has been exposed to environmental stressors. The results of oxygen infusion procedures may not be permanent, but they are immediately visible. This makes the treatment not only effective, but also engaging for a client who wants to see the results of their skin care efforts.