This article will help you to name and perform the Galvanic treatment, Iontopherisis

It will also help you to identify what happens to the skin’s surface, when you use this treatment.

The Galvanic Current

This is a direct, constant current (DC).

One that has no interruption, that flows in one direction from negative to positive.

Let’s get technical

We know that Ion-to-pho-re-sis, means the introducing of water-soluble ingredients into the stratum corneum, via an electrical current, to enhance absorption.

These ingredients are infused into the skin as a two-stage process:

Stage One

This is known as ANAPHORESIS, where a NEGATIVELY charged pole is used over the skin,

This is known as the CATHODE.

The Cathode or negative polarity, produces an ALKALINE reaction on the skin,

This alkaline reaction produces SODIUM HYDROXIDE, which alters the pH of the skin, effectively destroying the acid mantle.

Stage Two

This is known as CATAPHORESIS, where  a POSITIVELY charged pole is used on the skin,

This is known as the ANODE.

The anode or positive polarity, produces an ACID reaction on the skin,

This acid reaction produces HYDROCHLORIC ACID, which restores the acid mantle.

Let’s look at how these 2 stages affect our skin:

Both Anatophresis and Cataphoresis have very different effects on the skin:

Anaphoresis, works on the negative charge (-)                                                                        

• Opens pores
• Softens the skin
• Increases circulation
• Stimulates nerve endings
• Allows water-soluble ingredients into the skin                                                             
• Produces an alkaline reaction, to break down the acid mantle 

Cataphorisis, working on the positive charge (+)

• Open pores
• Decreases circulation
• Calms nerve endings
• Calms and soothes the nerve endings
• Reduces erythema in the skins tissues
• Produces acid reaction, restoring the acid mantle

Putting the Iontopherisis treatment together

Treatment 1

• The first treatment we do is anatopherisis, on the negative pole which produces desincrustation
• The gel is also negatively charged, which is applied to the skin
• These charges repel each other, introducing a water soluble negative, ionic solution into the skin. This solution penetrates deep into the stratum corneum, changing the follicle environment into an alkaline one
• By making the environment alkaline with the negative charge, the sebaceous matter is liquified and made soapy
• Tissues are softened, nerves stimulated, blood supply increased and nourishment brought to the tissues
• This technique is done for around 7 to 8 minutes

Treatment 2

• We don’t want to leave the pores on the skin open, and the skin’s barrier undermined
• Therefore we do cataphoresis on the skin, which is the use of the positive charge
• This creates an acid environment on the skin
• This completes the treatment and restores the acid mantle