The Galvanic Facial – A Complete Guide
The galvanic facial is gaining traction as one of the top facial treatments with some amazing benefits. Keep on reading to learn all about galvanic iontophoresis and desincrustation.
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The galvanic current facial uses direct electrical current to induce substances into the skin’s surface. Depending on the reactions your skin cells have to the current there are two different treatments within this one.
The first is desincrustation. This is essentially a deep cleanse that unclogs pores and can be achieved with the use of an alkaline or negative-pH product and the galvanic wand.
The second is iontophoresis, which uses positively charged ions to deliver water-based products deep into the skin and promote repair and lymphatic activity.
We’ll get into the details of how these seemingly complicated terms can be extremely beneficial for you, so keep on reading!
What Is the Galvanic Facial Good For?
It all depends on what kind of galvanic you’re getting – that is one of the first things your aesthetician will ask you.
Does the Galvanic Facial Work?
Yes! The galvanic facial has proven to be an effective method for helping both oily and dry skin and reducing the signs of aging in many cases.
To get the best results, you should get the treatment once a month. It’s also okay to go every other week if you want to speed up the results, but anything more frequent than that can lead to some negative side effects.
It’s best to consult your aesthetician on how often you need the treatment, since not everyone’s skin behaves the same.
FUN FACT:
The galvanic facial treatment dates all the way back to the 1700s when scientists first realized small amounts of electricity are beneficial for our muscles and skin!
Can I Do a Galvanic Current Facial at Home?
So far, we’ve only been talking about the galvanic facial in terms of salon treatment. However, you can also do a galvanic facial at home with a galvanic facial gadget.
Best Galvanic Facial Machine for Home Use
If you’re ready to try out this treatment for yourself, check out our top recommendations for the best devices for galvanic facial:
4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit
PROS
- 4-in-1 device
- Proven to be effective
- Discount code available
CONS
- Pricier
- The warmth setting isn’t as great as users expected
PROS
- Affordable
- 7-in-1 features
CONS
- Reviews not as good
- Some issues with the battery life have been reported
Although the results won’t be as impressive as those you’d get from a professional since professional and commercial-grade machines can’t have the same power, you’ll still be left feeling refreshed and looking better than before.
How to Do a Galvanic Facial at Home
To get the most out of an at-home device, here are the steps you should take:
- Clean the face. After that, don’t apply any skincare products other than a spray-on toner (but that’s not necessary either).
- Apply the gel on one half of your face and neck. If it goes dry during the process, dampen your hand and pat the gel back into its original state.
- Use the device to go over your skin. Your wand should come with instructions, so make sure to follow them closely.
- Stop when the timer goes off. If your galvanic facial device doesn’t have a built-in timer, set one on your phone based on the instructions on the device.
- Repeat the same process on the other half of the face. The process is done in segments to prevent the gel from drying. If you prefer to go slower, you can divide the area any other way you like.
- Remove the excess gel with a damp cloth or your hands.
- Apply moisturizer as per usual. It’s recommended to use something with Hyaluronic acid, but it’s not a must.
If there’s anything about the process you’re unsure of, book a consultation or a full session with a professional first, and then DIY it the next month.
What Are the Benefits of a Galvanic Current?
The galvanic facial benefits different skin types because it can be used in 2 different ways, as we’ve already explained earlier.
Desincrustation is great for anyone suffering from acne and breakouts, as it not only removes congestion but also prevents it as well. It can also be used to treat oily skin and improve its overall condition.
Galvanic iontophoresis benefits those with dry skin and decreases fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. It’s also good for increasing collagen production, which makes your skin firmer and more flexible.
Galvanic facials also contribute to barrier repair, which makes your skin’s natural moisture retention much better, reducing flakiness, breakouts, and blackheads.
Finally, it’s also important to note that consistent treatments can make your skin naturally more glowy and revitalized. There’s even been some evidence to suggest that it can help in reducing dark spots.
Is Galvanic Facial Safe?
Yes. The treatment is generally safe, although there are some contraindications to keep in mind. The galvanic facial isn’t for you if:
- You’re pregnant
- You suffer from epilepsy, diabetes, a heart condition, high blood pressure, or spider veins
- You wear braces or have undergone dental surgery recently
- You did a chemical peel recently
- You take skin-thinning medications
- You currently have wounds or abrasions on your skin
- You have metal implants, body piercings, or a pacemaker
- You have inflamed acne, couperose skin, or active pustules
If none of these apply to you, rest assured that all skin types are not only safe with the galvanic facial but are certain to benefit from it.
Are There Side Effects to a Galvanic Facial?
The galvanic facial side effects, thankfully, aren’t many and aren’t dramatic.
It’s important to let your aesthetician know of any allergies you have prior to the treatment. Or, if you’re doing this at home, check the boxes for ingredients that may irritate your skin.
If the electrical current is too strong or if the face wasn’t cleansed properly, you may experience some redness and irritation. If you notice this happening during the treatment, let your therapist know so they can turn the device down a notch and proceed.
The worst-case scenario is getting an electrical shock. This is very unlikely to happen since the machinery needs to be in very bad condition.
To be safe, we recommend going to a trusted salon. Even if something like this does happen, know that the device uses a very low current, and you won’t be in serious danger.
Galvanic Facial Aftercare Advice
In this section, we’ll cover aftercare advice for galvanic facials, which should apply to both at-home and professional treatments. However, if your therapist gives you instructions and product recommendations, take their advice over anything you’ve read online.
Here’s what you should do:
- Don’t touch or pick at your face
- Avoid makeup for the first 24h
- Stick to light cleansers
- Don’t go to a sunbed or sauna
- Avoid self-tanning products
- Use products with Hyaluronic acid
- Use an SPF
Galvanic Facial Price
The average galvanic facial treatment price is around $150-$200 per session. This, of course, varies from salon to salon, but it’s safer to go to a renowned venue you can trust than to risk it by going to a less expensive one.
Still, it’s cheaper to invest in an at-home device since they’re typically priced around the same amount but you get many uses out of it.
Galvanic VS. Microcurrent Facials
As you’ve probably realized by now, there are some similarities between the galvanic and the microcurrent facial. The main similarity is that they both use electrical currents.
Where they differ is in their usage – microcurrent devices target the facial muscles to tone them, and skin rejuvenation is just an afterthought. On the other hand, galvanic facials are aimed solely at the skin.
Galvanic Facial – Main Takeaways
The galvanic facial has 2 uses – desincrustation, which is great for oily skin; and iontophoresis, aimed at dealing with dry, dehydrated, and aging skin. Both have numerous benefits such as boosting collagen production, increasing absorption and moisture retention, and skin barrier repair.
You can also do it at home, but the results will be less visible than those from a salon. Either way, this facial can be a great way to keep your skin happy, healthy, and young!
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