Microcurrent treatment

Micro-current Treatment
NVQ Level 3 Beauty
Therapy
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Introduction
Micro-current has been used within the medical field
to promote skin tissue healing, for many years. It uses
a very low intensity direct current that produces low
frequency pulses of differing waveforms. Recent
research has indicated that small pulses of current
are more effective at improving the condition of the
skin tissues whilst being less uncomfortable for the
client, proving to be an effective combination.

Frequency of treatment
The treatment takes 30-60 minutes, and to achieve results the client
should receive a course of twelve treatments over a six week period.
The client should have two treatments per week, with at least a one
day break in between the treatments to allow the tissues to relax.
Once the desired result has been achieved, the client should receive a
monthly maintenance treatment.
The client will therefore need to be dedicated and committed to
investing in their appearance.

Before and after photographs
In order to fully
emphasise the results
achieved, it may be
beneficial to offer a
before and after
photographic service. This
will illustrate to the client
that their money and time
has been well spent.
Images courtesy of Sorisa

Anatomy
The treatment works
on the principle that
the body is like a
machine with
electrical impulses
running through it.
These electrical
impulses run through
the skin and muscles,
controlling the
occurrence of
chemical reactions,
which determine the
tone and elasticity in
the skin and muscles.
As the body ages the
impulses grow weaker
so that the chemical
reactions no longer
occur at the same
speed.

The current can be applied at any point along the
length of the muscle fibre; however, the current
intensity is insufficient to stimulate the motor
nerve, though depending on the duration and
intensity of the current it can stimulate the fibres
of the muscles directly, causing them to contract.
This contraction will not be visible as it is far
weaker than a contraction produced by stimulating
the motor nerve directly.

The current will
improve the
tone, function
and condition of
the muscle,
although not its
strength.

When applied, the current stimulates the skins
natural regenerative process, cell metabolism
speeds up, allowing substances to pass in and out of
cells more frequently.
Also, the sine wave is an alternating wave used for
stimulating the metabolism and the circulation of
the blood and lymph.

In addition, the galvanic effects of the current can
produce the effects of the anode and cathode
(discussed during galvanic therapy). One electrode is
positive and the other negative, which causes chemical
reactions to take place underneath the electrodes. It
can also be used to repel ionised preparations into the
skin, therefore introducing specific beneficial
ingredients into the skin (iontophoresis).

Machine controls
On/Off
switch
Intensity
control
Frequency
Polarity
switch
Programme
selector
Waveform
selector
Timer

Electrodes

Small adhesive electrodes - are
small round pads that are linked to
the machine by terminal connections.
They have an adhesive surface that
attaches onto the skin and are placed
at specific points. The therapist does
not have to be constantly present
throughout the treatment application.

Probes - are a thin metal rod with a paper
cotton bud inserted into the end. They
may be single or double probes, and are
linked to the machine by wire connecting
leads. The probes are used in pairs with
the current flowing from one probe to the
other via the skin tissues. This is the most
popular method of application.

Gloves - are worn over the therapist’s
hands, and the therapist’s fingers
transmit the current into the skin
tissues. Gloves are particularly effective
at treating larger surface areas.

The main uses of a micro-current
facial treatment
 Softens lines, wrinkles and creases.
 Maintains youthful contours.
 Improves the condition of an ageing skin.
 Reduces areas of puffiness or fluid retention.
 Improves muscle condition and function, depending on the
technique used - loose muscles become toned and tight
muscles are stretched.
 Improves the appearance of the skin by improving colour
and texture.
 Softens scar tissue in the area.
 Improves the appearance of dark circles and puffiness
around the eyes.

Effects produced by the anode and
cathode
In addition to the general
effects, you also have the
effects produced at the
anode and the cathode -
these will depend on the
polarity of the active
electrode.
If you do not require the
effects of the anode or
cathode, the current may
be depolarised. This
causes the chemicals
produced during the
forward wave to be
neutralised by the reverse
wave.

Effects at the anode
Positively charged active electrode (anode) will produce an
acid reaction therefore the following effects occur:
 Skin tissue hardens and firms
 Blood vessels vasoconstrict, reducing erythema
 Decreases the conductivity and excitability of facial nerve
endings
 Water in the tissues moves away from the anode
 Tightens the pores
 Cell metabolism improves due to oxygen being released
 Products containing positively charged ions are repelled into
the skin

Effects at the cathode
Negatively charged active electrode (cathode) will
produce an alkali reaction therefore the following occurs:
 Skin tissue softens
 Blood vessels vasodilate, increasing erythema
 Increases the conductivity and excitability of facial nerve
endings
 Water is drawn towards the cathode therefore producing a
temporary hydrating effect
 Aids desquamation
 Relaxes the pores
 Hydrogen is released improving the vitality of the facial
tissues
 Products containing negatively charged ions are repelled
into the skin

Restrictions to a microcurrent
treatment
Malignant tumours or any undiagnosed
lumps
Excessive dental work or bridgework
Migraine sufferers should not be treated
around the eye area or over the forehead

General treatment techniques
Even though each manufacturer will produce there own, individual
treatment sequence, there are some techniques which occur
frequently within any routine. You must always refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions first to check the recommended
techniques. On the next slide is a list of general working techniques

Special techniques
can be used to
tighten the
stretched muscles
which have
lengthened such as
the levator labii,
zygomaticus,
risorius, temporalis,
and platysma.
Special techniques
can be used to
strengthen weaker
muscles such as
orbicularis oris,
orbicularis oculi and
buccinator.
Special techniques
can be implemented
to relax the
tightened muscles
such as the
corrugator,
frontalis, mentalis,
depressor anguli
oris and depressor
labii inferioris.

Special techniques
can be used to tone
the tissues of the
skin, helping to
stimulate collagen
and elastin
production,
therefore assisting
in the plumping of
fine lines.
Techniques can be
implemented to
improve the
appearance of the
skin’s texture and
colour.
Some manufacturers
recommend that the
neck is only treated
from the 7th
treatment because
the neck muscles are
stronger causing
resistance, resulting
in the corners of the
mouth turning
downwards.

Applying and adjusting to suit
the individual client’s needs
You must decide what the client’s needs are
before selecting the treatment sequence.
Analyse what areas require lifting,
stretching, relaxing, skin texture improving
and skin tone improving.
Next, a decision is made regarding the
electrode choice.
Finally decide on the required machine
settings.

Importance of conducting the
treatment in a certain direction
The micro-current treatment is applied in a
certain direction or routine to ensure that both
halves of the face are treated equally. If you did
not perform the treatment correctly, an uneven
result may occur. The direction of the muscle
fibres are also considered during the application
sequence to ensure a beneficial result.

Effects of the micro-current
treatment on the muscular system
 Improves synthesis of proteins,
therefore improving the condition of
the muscle tissues.
 Stimulates the myofibrils inside the
muscles, which improves muscle
condition and functioning.
 Slack muscles can be toned and
shortened.
 Tight muscles can be stretched.
 Stimulates ATP (adenosine
triphosphate) therefore re-energising
the muscles.

treatment on the skin structures
 Helps the healing process, aiding with cell repair.
 Speeds up cell metabolism, improving the skin’s
appearance.
 Improves the colour of the skin due to
vasodilation of the blood vessels.
 Scar tissue may be softened.
 Ion exchange between cells is improved assisting
with the repair of damaged cells.
 Improves the permeability of the cell membrane
which allows easier movement of substances in
and out of the cells.
 Stimulates the fibroblasts to produce collagen
and elastin fibres.
 Superficial stages constrict the muscles
surrounding the pores, helping to reduce the
pore size.

treatment on the circulatory system
 Circulation is increased
which brings fresh
oxygen and nutrients
to the area.
 Improves the
efficiency of waste
product removal from
the area.

treatment on the lymphatic system
 Micro-current assists with
the removal of tissue fluids
from the area, thus reducing
water retention and
puffiness.

Consider the precautions you should
take when applying a micro-current
treatment.

Precautions
 Check all dials are at zero before starting treatment.
 Ensure the client has removed jewellery, hearing aids
etc.
 Remove all grease from the skin to enable the
treatment to work.
 Wet the electrodes and ensure that they remain
moist throughout.
 Use the timer to ensure equal time is given to both
halves of the face.
 Only use cotton buds which are recommended, these
should be made of paper to conduct the current.
 If the cotton buds become soiled, replace with new
buds.

 Always apply the gel or lotion liberally.
 Always use a firm and even pressure.
 When working around the eye area, apply a
lighter pressure and do not pass the current
over the eyeball.
 Move the probes in a slow gliding action taking
4-6 seconds per stroke.
 Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as
they are specific to each machine.
 Always check client comfort throughout the
treatment.

Microcurrent treatment

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