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Skin Inc. Nov. 02 Coming of Age
MICROCURRENT
hroughout the ages people have
experimented with treatments to enhance their appearance and slow the aging process. From the early Egyptian's use of kohl
and mineral pigments to tightly drawn corsets of the Victorian era, women have endured much in the name of youth and beauty.
In our modern world, we are fortunate to be able to turn to technology for our fountain of youth, and one of the most important
innovations to have sprung from this well of technological advances is the use of microcurrent.
Microcurrent is truly the "diamond
in the rough" when it comes to wellness and anti-aging. Its use in esthetics has existed since the late 70’s, and like
many good things, has come full circle and is now in full bloom in the eyes of today's estheticians. Microcurrent is a low level of electrical current that mirrors the body's own natural current, sub sensory
in most cases. It's proven and accepted properties, and potential range of applications from wound healing, muscle re-habilitation,
macular degeneration, to lymphodema continue to assist medical practitioners with amazing results. Although microcurrent is
credited by hundreds of medical studies, we must stay focused on how these studies and this technology can benefit and support us as estheticians
in pursuit of our mission of beautifying the skin. The intended use for microcurrent in esthetics is to allow the esthetician
a powerful and effective tool to aid in the battle of anti-aging by diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,
improve the texture and appearance of the skin, and reducing the overall visual appearance of aging. Most microcurrent applications
and results, whether they are medical or esthetic, rely on the same mechanisms of action. Even without defining each hi detail,
the list is very impressive, and the underlying principles logical.
• Increased circulatory benefits: blood and lymph1
•
Iontophoresis: product penetration3
•
Increased natural production of collagen and elastin4
•
Increase hi protein synthesis, gluco neo-genesis and membranes transport5
•
Increase hi mitochondria activity, ATP (adenosine tri phosphate)6
• Dispersion
of hardened collagen7
How does microcurrent
in esthetics work?
The noted principal microcurrent mechanisms of
action occur simultaneously and harmoniously during a typical 45-minute microcurrent facial treatment. One attribute is not
more important than another, as they work as a team with the common purpose of creating a healthier more youthful appearance.
Muscle re-education is most related to the term "facial toning". There are 32 different muscles of the face that are manipulated
during the average microcurrent facial treatment. True microcurrent uses less man 500 micro amperes and because of its low
intensity, is typically sub-sensory, and cannot cause a physical or visual manipulation of the muscle via the electrical current.
Bearing this in mind, an accessory such as probes or electric gloves are used
to physically move the muscle into the desired position to perform what is known as muscle re-education; the process of lengthening
or shortening muscles. Muscle re-education conceptually can be done without electrical current much like a massage therapist
does. Working a muscle from the belly outward will have a lengthening effect mat is necessary on muscles that have become
increasingly contracted over years of facial expressions. Working a muscle from the origin and insertion point inward will
have a shortening effect that is necessary for the majority of the muscles which have become elongated over many years of
age and gravity. This concept was coined as GTO (golgi tendon origin) by Dr. Goodheart in the late 60's and is widely accepted
and used today.8 ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) molecules are the storage and distribution vehicles for energy in the body. Energy is made through
an electrochemical process within the mitochondria when the nucleotide adenosine diphosphate (ADP) passes a strong phosphate
high-energy bond to another nucleotide adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy conversion (electron transport) is made within
the mitochondria. The mitochondria then send this energy electron to where ever it is needed within the cell. ATP is known
as the "energy of life" and drives a number of biological processes such as photosynthesis, muscle contractions/re-education,
protein synthesis, and membrane transport9
The 1982 Cheng study proves that ATP (adenosine tri
phosphate) levels were increased by 500% on tissue that was treated utilizing less than 500 Ua (micro amperes). The study
also indicated that ATP levels plummeted and depleted when treated with over 500 Ua. The idea that ATP can be stock piled
or stored is the reason why microcurrent treatment results are cumulative and results become better as a series of treatments
progresses. The dramatic increase of ATP levels allows the muscles to stay in the new re-educated.
Although the level of current used in microcurrent devices is very minute, there are some contra-indications to consider.
This includes pace makers, epilepsy, pregnancy, phlebitis, thrombosis, and of course any client who is currently "under the
care of a physician".
Although a remarkable difference
is seen after the first treatment, the benefits of microcurrent are cumulative, and as such, microcurrent treatments are typically
performed in a series to gain maximum anti-aging results. The average treatment series consists of twelve to fifteen
treatments, generally administered two times per week. The average treatment can be performed in 45 minutes. It is important
that preparation for a microcurrent treatment consists of cleansing and exfoliating using only water-based products, as oil
will inhibit current.
Not all equipment is created the same
I am often asked the difference between a modality that can be purchased on television
for $99 and a $5000 device that is sold exclusively to the professional. The old adage "you get what you pay for" definitely
applies here. The way that electrical current affects the tissue, and the results that are achieved are completely dependent
on the sophistication of the engineering that takes place between the power source and the output accessory. Progressive manufactures
of microcurrent devices offer completely computerized, automated devices. Most systems virtually walk the operator through
each phase of the treatment step by step, and even visually indicate on the led screen what accessory and product to use during
each phase of the treatment.
During the average five step 45 minute facial, a pre-programmed device may automatically
change its power output combination:(output combination=microamperage+hertz+waveshape) over 500 times. This patented technology
is called microcurrent sequencing. The output combination controls the depth, purpose, and effect that the electrical
current will have on the tissue being treated. Low levels of output combinations are usually associated with deep tissue muscle
re-education work, whereas high levels of output combinations are usually associated with circulatory benefits and iontophoresis.
Leading microcurrent manufacturers equip their devices with diagnostic monitoring
and metering systems that confirm via LCD screen the exact percentage of conductivity that is flowing from probe to probe
through the tissue, as well as the level of resistance that may be present (rather than simple bleeping lights). This information
is processed through an internal computer and the output combination has the potential to adjust itself 1024 times per second
if necessary to accommodate the lack of conductivity or over abundance of resistance. This information also allows the esthetician
to make appropriate adjustments to the treatment protocol.
Synergetic Cross Marketing
Microdermabrasion may be performed as an outstanding exfoliation
service prior to a microcurrent treatment and serves as the most synergetic ally to microcurrent in its battle against aging
skin. Many spas and salons that have been successful with microdermabrasion are turning to microcurrent to extend yet another
non-invasive anti-aging treatment to their established customer base. Larisa Miron of Spa 5 in Fort Lee, New Jersey notes
"90% of my clientele who try microdermabrasion opt to try microcurrent, and visa versa. The treatments are natural partners
for each other as microdermabrasion works from the outside in, and microcurrent from the inside out, both working to achieve
the same anti-aging goal!"
Qualifying the manufacturer
Aside
from the marketability of a device you must also consider the safety and liability of a device. Bio-Therapeutic, a leading
microcurrent manufacturer located in Seattle, Washington, recently proposed to the Washington State Board of Cosmetology to
require every manufacture to supply the following information to aestheticians and business owners that are purchasing their
equipment.
·
PDA Medical Device Manufacturer Registry number: Every
manufacture of any device used in esthetics or medicine is required to be registered with the FDA and follow the good manufacturing practices
of the FDA.
·
FDA 510K# if applicable: Most devices in esthetics
will be classified as Class 1 and therefore exempt from 51 OK submissions. Class 2 and 3 devices in almost all cases are required
to submit for 51 OK. You should obtain their 51 OK summaries that confirm then1 clearance as well as the "intended
use". You should insure that the intended use coincides with the states definition of esthetics.
· IEC 60:601 Safety Certification: A minimum safety standard that all medical devices
(regardless of classification) are required to be tested to.
·
ISO 9000:2000 Certification: Certifies that a business
and manufacturing is operating in a safe and effective manner, as set forth by ISO.
·
Certificate of product liability insurance: Insures
that the manufacturer is properly insured for the product or device they are selling. This insurance is completely different
than business liability or property liability insurance.
If your equipment provider can
not supply you with the requested documentation, I would look for another supplier. It is estimated that less than 15% of
manufacturers that supply equipment to the esthetic market can meet the criterion listed above.
History
has shown that beauty and anti-aging techniques fade with the changing times, however, technologies such as micro-current
evolve with these changes. This constant evolution and efficacy of treatments is what will maintain micro current's status
at the forefront of anti-aging skin care, never to become considered a trend. This efficacious technology has only revealed
the tip of its iceberg, and promises longevity beyond our expectations.
1 Tuen Muen Hospital 1988, Kaada 1982-83, Debrecini 1995, Cheng 1982, Chi 1999
3 Chi/University of Washington 1999
4 Chi /University of Washington 2003
5 Cheng 1982 ATP, Chi/University of Washington 1999
6 Chi/University of Washington 1999
7 Chi/University of Washington 1999
8 You'll be better/The Story
of Applied Kinesiology/Dr. George Goodheart
9 Micro Current Stimulation Produces ATP one mechanism, Dr. Steven Bailey
10 American Academy of And Aging Medicine, March 27, 2001
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Skin care myth: "I only need sunscreen when
I am out in the sun for extended periods of time".
Skin care truth:
You need to apply an SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine.
Butterfly Landing Medi-spa * 1631 4th Street * Peru, IL 61354 *
815-220-0979
"Where you Emerge Transformed"
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