Education Forum

Microcurrent in Esthetics

Innovative applications for microcurrent technology encompass the beauty industry marked skin improvement and correction. There are significant benefits when applying these external energy sources. The application of microcurrent also supports skin correction by encouraging the repair process. Damage to underlying skin structures requires a program of restoration that is gradual and progressive for long-term optimum health.   Prior to choosing a course of treatment including product selection, the first step in skin correction is to determine the level of damage caused by sun damage, the ageing process, and other skin conditions.

Microcurrent gently encourages repair of the stratum corneum, the bi-layers and dermal components to foster the skin into a healthier state. Cosmetic microcurrent is beneficial for improvement in the appearance of the skin.

The effects of microcurrent are accumulative and studies have confirmed that there are significant side benefits including muscle re-education.   Be aware that the results are also dependent upon lifestyle, age, health, and condition of the skin tissue.   The concept that ATP can be stored is a valid reason for performing a series of sessions whereby there is a re-education process of muscle tissue.   Furthermore, the low intensity of microcurrent cannot cause visible muscle contractions or marked discomfort.

A CASE STUDY AND MORE

During the past few years, there have been numerous paradigm shifts when it comes to skin correction. No matter what one’s age, consideration must be given to making it a number one priority to correct the acid mantle, and the barrier function within stratum corneum. Treatment choice and product selection is paramount to success. When the acid mantle and functioning skin barrier becomes interrupted, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) becomes a concern. The natural desquamation process (skin sloughing) may be impaired. There may be an increased immune response that appears as inflammation. Vascular dilation (telangiectasia) also manifests. There are also concerns surrounding the ability for the body’s main protective barrier, the skin, to play the role for which it is intended. New research and findings by prominent scientists emphasize that when the skin barrier undergoes correction in a strategic manner, there is a more positive cascade affect within the underlying tissue including the dermal fibroblasts. This is a topic that was initially studied Dr. Kligman and his colleagues. Additional information on this initial work can be found in the book, Skin Barrier, by Elias and Feingold. At a recent world congress sponsored by the IAC (International Association of Applied Corneotherapy) more recent studies were presented by leading scientists from around the world regarding the skin, the stratum corneum and insight into its function and care. Educational information can be found at the global website for the IAC. Check it out at www.corneotherpy.org

CONSIDERATIONS & GOALS

While we want to be clear that there may be a place for various skin correction modalities, there is a growing concern about adding heat shock or excessive exfoliation or controlled wounding to skin that has already been compromised and damaged.   A newer approach may be to treat the skin with a simpler and gentler correction methodology that shows marked improvement and results.
An Initial Program for Aging Skin

The Analysis (A 45 minute service separately priced)

• Perform a thorough skin analysis determining the leading cause of the condition(s). What is the biological age of the cells based on what is viewed and found in the health intake form and other factors? Utilize skin diagnostic devices that can target the deeper issues. What one views on top of the skin does not provide enough information. The issues normally are found within the deeper skin layers.

 The Signature Facial Sculpting

• Perform a deep cleansing, apply enzyme, timing it according to manufacturer instructions and then remove. Next apply two phases of the microcurrent with the BI Conductor (Skin Support). Finish with application of the peptide serum and care cream. Recommend a home care regimen to address the concerns established in the analysis.

Initiation Period

• Begin the client on an effective home care regimen for the first week addressing hydration and inflammation to initiate the correction of the acid mantle and stratum corneum. It’s about balance and correction. Focus on the issues found in your analysis and nourish the skin on a daily basis with appropriate skin care.

 The Series

• Next, begin a series of Facial Sculpting sessions twice weekly for a total of ten sessions. Take before and after photos to confirm your progress. During this initial correction period be mindful that the results of each session are accumulative and requires time for the skin to receive full benefit. Do not try to rush this process.
• Assess the skin every 3-4 sessions adjusting the home skin care when necessary.
• At the end of the series, re-evaluate the skin and discuss with your client the next step for their preventative care program.

 Home Care

• Apply skin care twice daily. Wear sun block.
• Drink water. The amount of fluid may vary depending upon the region in which one lives. The Institute of Medicine states that adequate intake for men is approximately 13 cups a day (3 liters) and for women, 9 cups (2.2 liters) a day.
• Increase dietary fruits and vegetables. Consume quality protein and fats every day.
• Reduce sugars, artificial sweeteners and colorants, refined foods, and eliminate foods containing transfats. Be cautious of fat free diets. Cell membranes require fatty acids, especially essential fatty acids omega-3.