Beauty - Infusion Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
as dryness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, using oxygen within your facial protocols can help give skin an additional boost to the amount of oxygen received.
Thanks to continuous advancements in the field of product formulation, the ingredients contained within today’s crop of serums, creams, oils and lotions have all been meticulously researched in order to provide the end user with the very latest in skin care science.
Yet advancements in this field have also served to influence the wider aesthetics industry, with leading equipment manufacturers uncovering ways in which to further heighten the efficacy of these new high-tech product offerings.
Although efficient when applied manually, their success can be further enhanced via the use of infusion technology. Devices which include modalities such as oxygen infusion, iontophoresis or sonophoresis help to drive the applied product’s active substances deep into the skin to ensure maximum absorption and results.
Oxygen infusion Oxygen has many benefits, yet as we age the amount of this vital element reaching our skin cells declines. In addition to the natural ageing process, environmental factors such as pollution, smoking, stress, food and lifestyle can all take their toll on our complexions leading to such issues
Alongside its known therapeutic and anti- ageing properties, oxygen can also help ingredients to penetrate deeper into the subcutaneous layers. Oxygen infusion equipment features a specially designed hand-piece which emits a continuous pressurised flow of oxygen to the skin. Traditionally used in combination with the application of a serum or formulation to treat a specific concern, this action helps to increase the absorption of ingredients into the skin’s deeper layers.
One of the many benefits of oxygen infusion is that it offers a non-invasive alternative to anti-ageing treatments for those who prefer not to go under the knife or the needle. In addition, the gentle nature of this procedure makes it ideal for clients with particularly sensitive skin or suffering from Acne or breakouts, leaving very little redness and requiring no downtime.
Iontophoresis Iontophoresis sees the use of an electrical current (galvanic) to help with the penetration of the chosen product, driving nutrients deeply and quickly into the skin.
“This treatment is used to pass products through an unbroken skin by the use of the galvanic current for particular skin types or specific skin conditions, e.g. oily or dry skin or Acne or couperose skins,” says Angela Barbagelata-Fabes, Chairman of Carlton Beauty & Spa Ltd. “Gels or ampoules are used that have been ionised and according to the manufacturer’s instructions the active electrode uses a negative or a positive polarity i.e. if the product is ionised
negative (-) to positive (+) the active electrode should be negative and if the product is ionised positive (+) to negative (-) the active electrode should be positive.
“Iontophoresis is performed for five to seven minutes always reversing the polarity of the active electrode for the last one to two minutes of the treatment to restore the pH balance of the skin which is disturbed by the galvanic current.”
The versatility of this modality means that it can be used to boost the effectiveness of both facial and body treatments. Alongside improving overall skin texture, iontophoresis is also effective to use in the fight against cellulite, in which the infused active substances help to break down fatty deposits and stimulate lymphatic drainage, as Jane Foulston et al note in The Art and Science of Spa & Body Therapy: “The general benefits that a client is likely to notice after iontophoresis are:
• Acidic reaction on the skin
• Moisturises and hydrates deeper into the skin than is normally possible without the use of galvanic current
• Firms and tightens the skin, breaks down fatty deposits and cellulite
• Increases circulation – taking waste products from the area refines the texture of the skin on the body.”
Sonophoresis Sonophoresis uses low frequency sound waves to aid the transportation of the applied product’s formulation to exactly where it’s needed.
“Sound waves influence the skin structure temporarily to allow penetration of larger molecules that cannot be ionised by an electrical current, such as vitamin A. A process known as cavitation occurs, creating temporary micro channels in the skin,” explain Environ, who offer their Ionzyme machine which features both iontophoresis and sonophoresis.
“This breakthrough technique has been used in the medical world to transmit high levels of drugs through the skin,” they continue. “The treatments are designed to stimulate maximum thickening of the skin, improve collagen and elastin levels, reduce hyper-pigmentation and increase hydration.”
Technology such as sonophoresis can help to infuse active substances and ingredients deeper into the skin. Image courtesy of iiaa / Environ.
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Turn the page to see a showcase of the latest systems which utilise infusion technology…
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