Iontophoresis is a process by which drug introduce through skin by use of a voltage gradient on the skin surface,
transported across the skin layers. Electric field can also increase the permeability of the skin. These phenomena, directly and indirectly, constitute active transport of matter due to an applied electric current. The transport is measured in units of chemical commonly μmol/(cm2*hour). Iontophoresis has experimental, therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The galvanic current is used to creates two significant in aesthetics: Chemical [ Disincrustation] and ionic iontophoresis. DEFINITIONIONTOPHORESIS- [GK = Introduction of ions] is defined as the introduction, through an electric current, of soluble salts into body tissues for therapeutic purposes. Skin typeAll skin types depending on the substance used Dry, dehydrated skin Dull, sallow skin
PROCEDURE—
1.] Ensure the machine is in good working order and on a stable trolley.
2] Remove jewellery from patient and self.
3] Cleanse patients face and neck thoroughly and check for contraindication.
4] Explain routine procedure to the patient and reassure about any sensation, i.e., pricking metallic taste and slight warmth.
5] Place inactive electrode in patient s hand.
6] Remove the substance into a bowl and with the help of a brush, apply on the patient's face and work around it with one active roller electrode.
7] Place an active electrode on the patient's forehead and another at the base of the neck. Check intensity dial at zero.Make sure that the polarity switch is at negative. Switch on the machine and turn up the intensity dial gradually until the patient feels a pricking sensation.
8] For 2 mins, take care not to lose contact with the skin and avoid overstimulation of an area.
9] After 2 mins, switch off the machine, turn the intensity dial to zero and remove the active electrode from the skin.
10] Turn polarity switch to positive Place the active electrode on the forehead and the other at the base of the neck, switch on the machine, and turn up the intensity dial as before. Move the electrode for another 8 mins, slowly over the face and neck.
11] Switch off the machine, turn off the intensity, and remove electrodes.
12] Tone and moisturize face, or blot and continue with other treatments.
13] No makeup is to be worn for at least 2 hours or, if possible, for the rest of the day. If possible, for the rest of the day, If makeup is necessary, then apply medicated foundation and then the rest of the makeup.
14] Positive polarity is for penetration. Negative polarity is for opening up. So, in cases of acne, boils, or pustules, give 8 min negative. For pigmentation, dryness, whitening, and fairness, give 8 mins positive.
DURATION—2-3 mins [negative] and 6-8 mins[positive]INTENSITY—2-3 milliamps.
BENEFITSCHEMICAL EFFECTS –When the active electrode becomes +ve, it attracts the – ve chloride ion. This produces a chemical reaction whereby chloride ion sreact with hydrogen ions to form hydrochloric acid. This hydrochloric acid restores the acid mantle. PHYSICAL EFFECTS—Restores acid mantle. Contracts skin tissue Tightness pores. Reduces vascularity. Overall refining of skin condition due to its astringent effect.
EFFECTS OF IONTOPHORESIS
1 Beneficial substance for correcting different skin problems has penetrated the skin.2 Opens the pores.
3 Stimulates circulations.
4 Generally improves texture and tone of the skin.
IONTOPHORESIS IS SUITABLE FOR1 All skin types depend on the substance used.
2 The contents of substances are specialized and are beneficial, pure, and water-soluble for various skin problems.
EXAMPLES:1 Retinoic acid1]Acne [0.05%]2]Acne - scars3]Pigmentation4]Fine lines5]Dark circles2 Glycolic acid [2%].PigmentationFine linesOily skin
3] Kojic acid [2%] and Vit-C for Periorbital melanosis.
4] Aloe + Vit E for dry & dehydrated skin.Seaweed jellyPositive galvanic gel.Aloe vera gel.
CONTRA- INDICATIONS.
1. Hyper-sensitive skin, Loss of skin sensation
2. Excessive filling, metal pins, plates, coils
3. Epileptics
4. Diabetics
5. Patient with pacemaker
6. Pregnancy
7. Skin diseases, infection, sepsis
8. Cuts, abrasions, inflammations
9. Highly strung and nervous client
10. Highly vascular skin
11. Defective circulationHow does iontophoresis work in hyperhidrosis?
The mechanism of action of iontophoresis in reducing sweating is not completely understood. Sweat forms in response to an electrical gradient produced by sympathetic nerve activity on the cells of the sweat gland. There are several theories as to how a change in the electrical gradient reduces sweat production.
• Ions produced by iontophoresis may physically block the sweat ducts in the stratum corneum.
• The external electrical current may disrupt normal sympathetic nerve transmission.
• The pH drops in the sweat gland due to an accumulation of hydrogen ions. Iontophoresis is usually carried out with ordinary tap water, however, sodium chloride electrolyte solution or an anticholinergic agent such as glycolpyrronium bromide) can be added if the water alone is not effective.
PRECAUTIONS FOR IONTOPHORESIS
1.Check for contraindications
2. Ensure machine is in good working order
3. Remove jewellery from client and self
4. Explain to client about sensations which she will be feeling
5. Place correct electrode on client’s face
6. Select correct polarity.
7. Time treatment correctly
8. Do not remove electrode from skin when machine is still on
9. Avoid over stimulation of any one part of the skin
10. try not to touch patient during treatment as the current may be earthed by you
11. Ensure machine is placed safely on a stable trolley.
DisincrustationIt is used to facilitate deep pore cleansing, to emulsify sebum, remove surface oiliness, blockage and help to regulate secretion. During this process, galvanic current is used to create a chemical reaction that emulsifies or liquefies sebum and debris. When conducting Disincrustation, the client holds the positive electrode, the positive polarity, the therapist uses the negative electrode (negative polarity) on the client’s skin surface. This creates a chemical reaction that transforms the sebum present in the skin into soap. When the electrical current interacts with the salts in the skin, it creates the chemical sodium hydroxide, i.e., this soapy substance helps dissolve excess oil, clogged pores, comedones, and other debris on the skin, while softening it at the same time.
Skin Type: 1.Oily Skin
2. Acne prone skin
3. Combination skin
4. post-acne scars
Products:
1. Saline solution
2. Disincrustation lotion
3. Negative galvanic gel
Duration:6-8 minutes (negative) and 2-3 minutes (positive)
Intensity:2-3 miliamps
Procedure:1. Ensure that machine is in good working order and placed on a stable trolley.
2. Remove all jewellery from client and self
3. Cleanse client’s face and neck thoroughly and check for any Contraindications.
4. Explain and reassure client of routine procedure, sensation (prickling and warmth) she may feel.
5. carry out the thermal and skin sensitivity test on the face.
6. Apply some petroleum jelly around the eyes.
7. Apply the product with the help of mark brush.
8. Give the client the bar electrode (with a damp cotton tissue wrapped around it) to hold. This is anode.
9. Make contact with the negative roller/cathode (covered with damp cotton) on the skin and turn up the current gradually until the client feels a tingling sensation.
10. The movement should start from the chin and move towards the sides in overlapping strokes. Use slow, even, rhythmic movements all over the face.
11. Continue for 6-8 minutes.
12. Lower the intensity and switch off the machine.
13. Remove the product and then proceed with extractions.
14. Reverse polarity for 2 minutes and then switch off the machine.
Benefits: Chemical effects:
1. When sodium chloride is dissolved in water, it produces sodium ions and chloride ions.2. The active electrode which is -vely charged, attracts+vely charged sodium ions.
3. This produces a chemical reaction forming NaoH, which is an alkaline that destroys the acid mantle on the face and emulsifies the sebum on the skin surface. It also neutralizes the sebum.
Physical Effects: 1. Destroy acid mantle.
2. Soften skin tissue.
3. Open pores.
4. Emulsifies sebum and therefore aiding flow and drawing out impurities.
5. Increases Vascularity, i.e., produces erythema by the stimulation action of current. Therefore, increases blood circulation, which nourishes the tissues and improves lymph drainage, which aids removal of waste products
.6. Overall improvement of skin condition due to its deep cleansing action.