About Microcurrent Facials
Microcurrent facials, also known as microcurrent facelifts or Bio-ultimate facelifts, give people a safe, effective and painless way restore a youthful appearance to their skin, according to Microcurrent Systems. This cosmetic technique, performed by estheticians throughout Europe and by an increasing number in America, involves stimulating the tissues with tiny micro-amps of electric current to support the cells' own natural biological processes, firming and toning the face.
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Principles
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According to Dr. Peter H. Lathrop, microcurrent therapy applies low-current electricity in a way that mimics the cells' own bioelectric processes to help tissues heal and regenerate themselves. Increased biolelectric activity within the cells makes them more permeable, allowing them to move nutrients and waste products more efficiently. It also replenishes the cells' production of protein and adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, giving them more fuel to perform these vital tasks. These beneficial actions all contribute to the rejuvenation of facial tissues.
Procedure
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A cosmetic microcurrent procedure begins with a facial cleansing and the application of a collagen-based solution. The practitioner positions a set of contact wands over various acupressure points around the face. As the contact wands deliver the microcurrent, the practitioner massages the face in patterns that aid the stimulation of muscles and skin cells. Microcurrent facials work particularly well with thinner tissue layers, but most adequately-hydrated skin will respond to the technique.
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Power Used
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People troubled by the idea of receiving electric current should understand that doctors apply microcurrent at a power level of only one millionth of an amp, no stronger than the body's own naturally-occurring electrical generation, according to Microcurrent Systems. Unlike other electricity-based therapies such as as nerve stimulation treatment, patients do not feel any kind of discomfort or muscular reaction to the microcurrent, experiencing nothing more than a relaxing and gentle massage instead.
Practitioners
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The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors and Associations states that only trained trained estheticians, skin care specialists who work in spa or medical environments, should perform microcurrent facials. The Coalition's official position on this treatment also calls on estheticians to employ a level of electric current low enough to avoid any obvious contraction of the facial muscles. Estheticians may study microcurrent techniques as part of their core training or pick up these techniques in their continuing studies.
Considerations
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People who undergo microcurrent facials should drink plenty of water before going in for the treatment, because proper hydration makes a major difference in the effectiveness of the therapy. Otherwise, microcurrent facials require little in the way of preparation and nothing at all in the way of recovery time, making it a convenient alternative to a more invasive surgical procedure such as a traditional eyelift or full facelift.
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References
- Photo Credit facial muscular system image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
